Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to packaging for screens, and particularly to protective packaging for display screens, such as television screens.

Background of the Invention

[0002] Television screens are both high value and easy to damage. Once a television screen is setup 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 unlikely to be damaged. However, to get to this stage a television screen will first need to be transported and handled, and it is during these stages that damage is most likely to occur.

[0003] To attempt to avoid damage, television screens are typically sold to a customer in protective packaging, such as a box. This packaging may include various elements such as an outer box, an inner plastic sleeve, spacers and supports etc. These elements may be made of various materials, such as hard plastics, cardboard, polystyrene, tissue paper, and/or shock absorbent materials etc. This packaging surrounds and fully encloses the television screen so that it is protected from all sides and all angles. As such, as long as the television screen is within it, the packaging provides protection.

[0004] The product journey for a television screen starts at the production line factory and typically ends in the location of installation. This product journey will usually include transit, storage in a warehouse or shop, and further transit to a customer premises etc. Typically, the television screen is within the protective packaging all the way from production line factory to the customer's premises. Once at a customer's premises the television screen is usually moved to the vicinity of a desired installation location, where it is then necessary to remove the packaging so that the television screen can be accessed for installation. Installation may for instance involve attaching or mounting the television screen to a stand or a wall.

[0005] However, once the television screen is out of the packaging it becomes vulnerable to damage. This is especially true during the installation stage, in which the television screen is unprotected and may be dropped, scratched or knocked. The likelihood of damage at this stage is further exacerbated by a number of factors. A first factor is that television screens are not designed to be carried and hence lack functional features, such as handles, designed to assist user manipulation. This causes great difficulty at the installation stage, for instance forcing users to attempt to carefully grip the television screen around the edges. This problem not only increases the likelihood of the television screen being dropped, but also risks the user inadvertently applying pressure to the display and damaging it. Further, even when the user manages to avoid causing damage, this installation process is regardless physically demanding for users and requires both strength and dexterity.

[0006] A second factor is that existing television screen wall mounts and stands typically include a time consuming and involved attachment process for securing to the television screen, such as having multiple screws that need to be aligned with corresponding holes and tightened, requiring the user to constantly manually support the television until the final attachment is secured. As such installation typically requires three people, two to hold the television screen and one to perform the attachment, hence further exacerbating the failings of the state of art in which the user struggles to support, manoeuvre and align the television at this stage.

[0007] A third factor is that with existing wall mounts the available space between the television screen and the wall for performing attachment to the wall mount is typically small and cramped. This makes attachment to the wall mount difficult and error prone, and further increases the time the user(s) have to manually support the television, thus increasing likelihood of damage. Hence again, further exacerbating the difficulties the user has with handling the television at this stage.

[0008] KR20070002416 A concerns packaging for home appliances including an outer box and an inner box. The outer and the inner box are connected together by a handle, which can be opened to release the inner box from the outer box. The inner box has handles so that once it has been released from the outer box a user can lift the inner box containing the home appliance out of the outer box. However, this configuration is disadvantageous. In particular, whilst the user can remove the inner box containing the home appliance from the outer box, no further functionality is provided. In the first instance, the inner box provides no protection to the home appliance, it is merely for lifting. In the second instance, does not provide a safe or stable manner of lifting the home appliance. In particular, the inner tray provides no support beyond the bottom of the home appliance and the home appliance is therefore likely to fall out of the inner box by toppling over, for instance by pivoting around the wall of the inner box. Indeed, if the user even slightly angles the inner box whilst lifting it out of the outer box the home appliance is likely to fall out. In the third instance, the inner box provides no useful functionality in assisting the user during the installation phase of the home appliance. Indeed, the inner box is designed simply to provide a user with an alternative way of removing the home appliance from the outer box, instead of other conventional solutions such as allowing the box to be opened along its seams.

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 both protection for display screens and simplicity and ease of installation thereof.

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention may comprise removable packaging for display screens, including a protective frame advantageously having lifting means and also allowing the back of the display screen to be accessible, for instance for mounting the display screen whilst still within the protective frame.

[0012] The removable packaging, and in particular the protective frame structure, may be designed to cover the edges of the display screen on the two sides and along the top, and may cover at least some of the edges of the display screen along the bottom. Covering of the edges allows an advantageous saving in material costs as compared to covering the entire display screen, but also advantageously allows at least some of the back of the display screen to remain accessible to a user by virtue of being uncovered. This may allow the display screen to be protected without detrimentally affecting access to at least some of the back of the display screen. This is particularly useful in mounting scenarios, but may also prove useful for simply inspecting or wiring and cabling the display screen.

[0013] Embodiments of the present invention may simultaneously allow the display screen to be easily handled, controlled and mounted whilst still providing protection to the display screen during these potentially damaging manoeuvres. [0014] Embodiments of the present invention may comprise methods of using the removable packaging as described to manoeuvre a display screen contained within it. Embodiments of the invention may in particular provide methods of mounting the display screen to various mounting configurations whilst still within the removable packaging.

[0015] Embodiments of the present invention may allow for the packaging to be quickly and simply removed, in particular in a manner compatible with the display screen being mounted in various different configurations of display screen mountings.

[0016] Embodiments of the invention may include methods of removing or attaching the removable packaging from a display screen.

[0017] According to an aspect of the invention there is provided removable packaging for a display screen. The packaging comprising a protective frame configured to enclose the top, the first side and the second side of the display screen, and at least partially enclose the bottom of the display screen. The protective frame includes lifting means for lifting the protective frame with the display screen therein, and the protective frame is configured such that the back of the display screen is accessible to allow for attachment of the display screen to mounting apparatus whilst the display screen is within the protective frame.

[0018] Preferably, the protective frame comprises a first section configured to enclose the first side of the display screen and partially enclose the bottom of the display screen, a second section configured to enclose the second side of the display screen and partially enclose the bottom of the display screen, and a third section configured to enclose the top of the display screen. The first, second and third sections may be discrete, separable sections. Further, the third section may be configured to partially enclose the top of the first and second sections, and thereby hold the first and second sections in position, such that the third section is removable before the first and second sections are removable. The lifting means may be provided on the first and second sections.

[0019] Preferably, the lifting means may be located such that, when the display screen is within the protective frame, the lifting means are near or underneath the bottom of the display screen. The lifting means may be located such that, when the display screen is within the protective frame, they are on both the front and the back of the display screen.

[0020] Preferably, the lifting means comprises handles, such as finger holds or slots. Preferably, the mounting apparatus may be for mounting the display screen on a wall or on a stand. [0021] According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method comprising lifting the protective frame, with the display screen within, using the lifting means.

[0022] Preferably, the method may further comprise attaching the back of the display screen to a mounting apparatus whilst the display screen is within the protective frame. The mounting apparatus may be for mounting the display screen on a wall or on a stand.

[0023] Preferably, the method may comprise removing the protective frame after attaching the back of the display screen to a mounting apparatus. For instance, removing the protective frame may comprise removing the third section from the top of the display screen and subsequently removing the first and second sections from their respective first and second sides of the display screen. Removing the first section may comprise moving the first section in a direction laterally away from the first side of the display screen, and removing the second section may comprise moving the second section in a direction laterally away from the second side of the display screen and opposite to the moving of the first section.

[0024] According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method comprising removably attaching or removing the removable packaging to a display screen. Preferred optional features are defined in the dependent claims.

[0025] Various embodiments and aspects of the invention are described without limitation below, with reference to the figures.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] 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 1 shows a front perspective view of packaging containing a television screen according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 shows a back perspective view of the packaging;

Figure 3 shows a back perspective view of the packaging containing a television screen during mounting of the television screen to a stand;

Figures 4A and 4B show perspective views of the packaging containing a television screen during mounting of the television screen to a wall using a wall mount; Figure 5 shows an exploded perspective view of packaging containing a television screen according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figures 6A and 6B show perspective views of packaging containing a television screen according to different embodiments of the present invention.

Detailed Description

[0027] In the following description, functionally similar parts carry the same reference numerals between figures.

[0028] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, packaging 1 for a television screen 3 of an embodiment of the invention is shown. The television screen 3 has a front face 5 as shown in Figure 1 and a back face 7 as shown in Figure 2, and four sides: top, bottom, left and right. The faces and the sides of the television screen 3 are defined conventionally with reference to the orientation of the television screen 3 in use. Hence, the front face 5 comprises the display for viewing, the top and bottom sides are approximately parallel with the floor of a room in which the television screen 3 may be located for viewing, and the left and right sides are approximately perpendicular to the floor of a room in which the television screen 3 may be located for viewing. In other words, from the perspective of a viewer of the television screen 3 and the conventional orientation of the imagery output by the television screen 3 in use, the top and bottom sides extend substantially horizontally and the left and right sides extend substantially vertically.

[0029] The packaging 1 includes a frame 9 which at least partially encloses the sides of the television screen 3. In particular, the frame 9 may fully enclose at least three sides of the television screen 3, to a sufficient extent as to prevent the television screen 3 from falling out of the frame 9. For instance, as depicted in Figures 1 and 2, the frame 9 may interface with all four sides of the television screen 3 but may only fully enclose the top, left and right sides, and leave the bottom side only partially enclosed. Alternatively, the frame 9 may interface with and fully enclose all four sides of the television screen 3. The term enclosed is used herein to mean, for instance, that the relevant part of the frame 9 covers the external facing surface of the television screen 3 with which it interfaces, such as the top or sides, and further that the relevant part of the frame 9 covers at least a small amount of the front face 5 and back face 7 of the television screen 3 in the immediate vicinity thereof. For instance, the frame 9 may cover between 10 mm to 50 mm of the front face 5 and/or back face 7 in the vicinity of the part of the television screen 3 with which it interfaces.

[0030] The frame 9 is configured to be protective of the television screen 3, in particular to the parts of the television screen 3 with which it interfaces, and in the immediate vicinity thereof. For instance, the frame 9 may provide protection against impact, dropping, pressure, contact and/or scratching of the television screen 3. In an advantageous embodiment the entire frame 9 is made of cardboard, which is environmentally friendly because it can be both constructed from recycled material and recycled after use, and also is sufficiently lightweight to provide efficiencies in transportation. Alternatively, the frame 9 may be made of any material suitable to provide protection.

[0031] The frames 9 according to embodiments of the present invention are not limited by any particular dimensions, and are for instance intended to be used across a range of different sized television screens 3. However, by way of example, the thickness of the frame 9 as it extends in any direction outward away from any area of the television screen 3 with which it interfaces may be in the order of 30 to 50 mm.

[0032] As will be described in further detail below, for instance with reference to Figure 5, the frame 9 may be formed as a single integral section. Alternatively, the frame 9 may comprise a number of sections connected together, for instance in a modular arrangement. For instance, the frame 9 may comprise a top section 91, a first side second 93 and a second sides section 95. Each of these sections may themselves be integral single pieces, and the first and second side sections 93, 95 may be substantially identical. For instance, as depicted in the Figures, the top section 91 may be configured to interface with and enclose the top of the television, the first side section 93 may be configured to interface with and enclose a first side of the television screen 3 and at least partially enclose the bottom of the television screen 3, the second side section 95 may be configured to interface with and enclose a second side of the television screen 3 and at least partially enclose the bottom of the television screen 3. Additionally, the first and second side sections 93, 95 may further partially enclose the top of the television screen 3, as depicted in Figure 5, and hence take the form of a bracket.

[0033] The frame 9 includes lifting means 11. The lifting means 11 are configured to be of a suitable strength and configuration such that the hands of a user can interact with the lifting means 11 to lift the frame 9 with the television screen 3 therein. Accordingly, the lifting means 11 comprise any configuration which allows a user's hand to be able to securely interact therewith to handle and grip the frame 9 and provide sufficient structural integrity to allow the user to lift the frame 9 with the television screen 3 therein. The lifting means 11 may take any suitable form. In a specific embodiment, as shown in the Figures, the lifting means 11 may comprise handles, such as slots or finger holds, in the frame 9. The lifting means 11, such as handles, may be orientated horizontally or vertically, or in any orientation in between. Alternatively, the lifting means may take the form of indentations or attachments. Alternatively, the configuration and dimensionality of the frame 9, for instance in a particular localised area or areas, may be shaped and dimensioned to facilitate ease of manual interaction and thereby form the lifting means 11. Alternatively, the lifting means 11 may be formed of projections. In the following description the lifting means 11 will be referred to as handles, such as finger holds or slots, as depicted in the Figures, however it is noted that this is a specific embodiment and that the invention is not limited thereto and the invention is equally applicable to at least the alternatives listed above, as well as other suitable lifting means.

[0034] Hence, the frame 9 according to embodiments of the present invention may advantageously provide a packaging which simultaneously protects a television screen 3 therein and further also provides the user with a manner of quickly, easily and securely lifting the television screen 3. As compared to prior art configurations, this provides the ability to lift and manoeuvre the television screen 3 with the protective frame 9 still on and hence in a state in which the television screen 3 is still substantially or significantly protected from damage. Put another way, as compared to the state of the art the protective function provided by the frame 9 according to embodiments of the present invention is able to extend into the additional stage of lifting and manoeuvring the television screen 3 before and during the installation stage.

[0035] The handles 11 may be located in any part of the frame 9, such as in the first or second side sections 93, 95. The handles 11 may be located in a part of the frame 9 which when used with a television screen 3 therein are near the bottom side of the television screen 3. The handles 11 may be located in a part of the frame 9 which when used with a television screen 3 therein are near the corners of the bottom side of the television screen 3. In particular, the handles 11 may be located in the part of the frame 9 which is configured to be near or interface with the bottom of the television screen 3, such as for instance in the lower portions of the first and second side sections 93, 95. Preferably the handles 11 may be located in a part of the frame 9 which is substantially underneath the television screen 3 when it is located therein.

[0036] Embodiments of the present invention in which the handles 11 are located in the part of the frame 9 which is configured to be near or interface with the bottom of the television screen 3 may be particularly advantageous. Specifically, this locating of the handles 11 provides the user(s) with high precision of control and manoeuvrability of the television screen 3 in the frame 9 as compared with alternative handle 11 locations. In particular, this locating of the handles 11 allows the bottom of the television screen 3 once lifted to be near the user(s)'s hands, and hence the majority of the television screen is above the user(s)'s hands. This is doubly advantageous as compared to handle 11 locations near to the top of the television screen 3. Firstly, it allows the back of the television screen 3 once lifted to be at a similar height to the user(s)'s torso, rather than below their torso and near their knees, and hence allows the user to accurately and easily manoeuvre the television screen 3 into a desired installation location such as a wall mount or stand, as will be further described below. Secondly, it allows improved control of the television screen 3 as once lifted the bulk of the television screen 3 is substantially above a user's hands and not below them. In particular, the weight of the television screen 3 is directed into your hands from above, and manipulating the television screen 3 by adjusting the angle from below is significantly more controlled and stable than having to swing the television screen 3 with the weight of the television screen 3 below the user's hands as would be the case with handle 11 locations near the top of the television screen 3.

[0037] Additionally or alternatively, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, in a specific embodiment the handles 11 may be located in the frame 9 such when the television screen 3 is therein there are handles 11 accessible on both the front face 5 and the back face 7 of the television screen 3. For instance, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, each of the first and second side sections 93, 95 may have two handles, with one on the side of the front face 5 and one on the side of the back face 7 of the television screen 3. Advantageously, this provides a configuration such that two users can stand at either side of the television screen 3 facing toward each other across the length of the television screen 3, and can each respectively place one hand on or in the nearest handle 11 on the front face 5 side of the television and one hand on or in the nearest handle 11 on the back face 7 of the television, such that they each grip the handles 11 of only one of the first or second side sections 93, 95. This advantageously provides a manner of lifting the television screen 3 with improved simplicity and improved stability, as for each user the weight of the television screen 3 falls between their respective two hands. Similarly, once lifted off the ground this configuration advantageously provides improved accuracy of manoeuvrability of the television screen 3 as the stability provides the user with increased control. Alternatively, two users can stand at either face of the television screen 3 facing toward each other across the depth of the television screen 3, one on the front face 5 side and one on the back face 7 side, and can each respectively place one hand on or in a handle 11 of each of the side section 93, 95 located on their respective front or back face 5, 7.

[0038] The handles 11 may be located in the frame 9 such that there is sufficient clearance between the inner side of the handles 11 and the respective front face 5 or back face 7 of the television screen 3 such that the user's fingers can enter this gap for a more closed hand grip for lifting. Alternatively, there may be less clearance between the inner side of the handles 11 and the television screen 3, but the handles 11 may be of a sufficient depth such that a user's fingers can extend into the handle 11 cavity a provide a secure but more open hand grip for lifting.

[0039] In operation, the frame 9 with the television screen 3 therein may be resting on a surface such as a floor. When the frame 9 and television screen 3 are to be lifted, the user(s) may manually engage the handles 11 in an advantageously simple, convenient and secure manner. The user(s) may then begin to lift the frame 9 with the television screen 3 therein away from the surface in an advantageously stable and controlled manner, with the handles 11 providing a robust and precise manner of manoeuvring the combined frame 9 and television screen 3. Once in the air, the handles 11 further provide the user(s) with a comfortable and natural manner of supporting the combined frame 9 and television screen 3, such that the user(s) are able to support the combined frame 9 and television screen 3 with reduced discomfort and physical exertion, thereby allowing the user(s) to support the combined frame 9 and television screen 3 in the air for increased periods of time. Similarly, once the user(s) desire to put the combined frame 9 and television screen 3 back down, the same advantages continue to apply, for instance in the placement back onto a surface. [0040] As previously noted, a particularly advantageous manner of lifting the combined frame 9 and television screen 3 involves two users each located at one side of the television screen 3 facing toward each other across the length of the television screen 3, and can each respectively place one hand on or in the nearest handle 11 on the front face 5 side of the television and one hand on or in the nearest handle 11 on the back face 7 of the television. Alternatively, two users can stand at either face of the television screen 3 facing toward each other across the depth of the television screen 3, one on the front face 5 side and one on the back face 7 side, and can each respectively place one hand on or in a handle 11 of each of the side section 93, 95 located on their respective front or back face 5, 7. Regardless of the configuration the users take, the method of lifting and the advantages as described above apply equally.

[0041] As shown in Figure 2, whilst the frame 9 encloses and protects the parts of the television screen 3 it interfaces with, it is configured to leave the back face 7 of the television screen 3 substantially accessible. In particular, the back face 7 of the television screen 3 is accessible at least to the extent that any mounting aspects or fittings 27 located on the back of the television screen 3 can still be accessible and attachable to any associated or suitable mounting apparatus. For instance, the back face 7 of the television screen 3 could be substantially uncovered. It is noted that any such mounting aspects or fittings 27 could be located at any position on the back face 7 of the television screen 3. For instance, the frame 9 may be configured such that at least the substantially central area of the back face 7 of the television screen 3 will remain exposed once inside the frame 9. For instance, as shown in Figure 2, the frame 9 may cover substantially only a small peripheral area of the edges of the back face 7 in the vicinity of the top, left and right sides of the television screen 3. Optionally, as shown in Figure 1 the front face 5 may be similarly exposed. Alternatively, the front face 5 may be substantially covered.

[0042] Advantageously, according to embodiments of the present invention including the handles 11 and the substantially accessible back face 7, in addition to protecting the television screen 3 during lifting of the television screen 3, the frame 9 is synergistically able to provide particularly advantageous ease, convenience, simplicity and protection during the installation of the television screen 3 into its final location, for instance mounted on a wall or on a stand. Specifically, the ability of the frame 9 to provide ease of access to the back face 7 of the television screen 3 in combination with a handle 11 configuration allowing for simple and stable lifting and manoeuvrability of the television screen 3 allows the frame 9 to simultaneously provide both improved protection and improved ease of installation. This is particularly advantageous as the installation phase is the point at which damage to the television screen 3 is most likely to be caused. Hence according to embodiments of the present invention the likelihood of damage during installation is dramatically reduced: firstly by the provision of protection of the television screen 3 during this period, and secondly even further still by the reduced difficulty of handling of the television screen 3 which itself will reduce the likelihood of damage as the user is able to accurately and stably manoeuvre the television screen 3 and support the television screen 3 for longer periods of time. Indeed, in the state of the art, damage to the television screen 3 is likely to be caused by failures in gripping and manoeuvring the television screen 3 once lifted, the likelihood of which is exacerbated the longer the user(s) are required to physically support the television screen 3. Even further still, the improved accuracy and control of the manoeuvring of the television screen 3 provided by the handles 11 serves to facilitate the action of installation, for instance by mounting on a wall or stand, as the user(s) ability to aim, locate and direct the television screen 3 is improved. Accordingly, the frame 9 according to embodiments of the invention simultaneously and synergistically provides enhanced protection during lifting and installation, in combination with the ability for the user(s) to support the combined frame 9 and television screen 3 in the air for longer whilst also reducing the amount of time the user(s) will actually be required to support the combined frame 9 and television screen 3 in the air during installation, thereby reducing the likelihood of damage yet further.

[0043] For instance, according to embodiments of the invention Figure 3 shows a mounting of the combined frame 9 and television screen 3 onto a stand 13. By way of example, the television screen 3 may be mounted on the stand 13 by attachment means such as screws and bolts as shown in Figure 3, however any suitable manner of attachment is envisaged. As can be seen, at this stage of the installation the television screen 3 is supported in the air in line with the stand 13, and needs to be supported there in a stable and controlled manner for a significant period of time whilst a user secures the attachment between the television screen 3 and the stand 13. As described above, the frame 9 according to embodiments of the present invention advantageously provides the user with the ability to easily and stably support the television screen 3 during this attachment, for long periods of time, and furthermore to do so in a controlled manner allowing for accuracy in manoeuvring as required whilst attaching the television screen 3 to the stand 13. It is noted that whilst it may be possible to lay the television screen 3 flat on the floor whilst attaching the stand 13, users are disinclined to do this as it places undue pressure on the display on the front face 5 of the television screen 3 and may therefore cause damage.

[0044] Figures 4A and 4B show a mounting of the combined frame 9 and television screen 3 onto a wall mount 15. For clarity, Figure 4A doesn't show wall 17 and Figure 4B doesn't show the combined frame 9 and television screen 3. Unlike the attachment to a stand 13, when attaching the television screen 3 to a wall mount 15 there is no possibility of avoiding a stage of attachment which is conducted whilst the television screen 3 needs to be supported in the air. Accordingly the likelihood of damage is particularly high. Hence the advantageous of the frame 9 according to embodiments of the present invention and as previously described are particularly advantageous when applied to wall mount 15 installations, in which the ease, simplicity and improved control of lifting and manoeuvrability are distinctly advantageous to the user(s). For instance, as wall mounts 15 are often located high above the floor, both the difficulty of lifting is increased and the likelihood of damage if dropped is increased.

[0045] In operation, when the user(s) desire to mount the television screen 3, for instance to a stand 13 as shown in Figure 3 or to a wall mount 15 as shown in Figures 4a and 4B, once the combined frame 9 and television screen 3 is being supported in the air as previously described the user(s) are advantageously able to comfortably and stably support the combined frame 9 and television screen 3 in the air by virtue of holding the handles 11 in any previously described manner. In particular, the handles 11 provide advantageous levels of accurate control of movement to the combined frame 9 and television screen 3 such that the user(s) are able to quickly, easily and successfully install the television screen 3 regardless of the type and manner of positioning required during mounting. For instance, the frame 9 according to embodiments of the present invention provides for advantageously controlled angling, rotation, pushing and locating of the television screen 3, for instance to engage with any type of attachment or mounting apparatus. Further, despite these advantageous features, should the user(s) still lose control of the television screen 3 during installation, it is protected from damage by the presence of the frame 9. [0046] Hence, regardless of the specific mounting or installation, as for instance depicted in the embodiments of Figures 3 and 4, the frame 9 according to embodiments of the present invention allows for protection, control, and ease of lifting during the installation and mounting phase of the television screen 3. For instance, especially in cases in which the manner of mounting the television screen 3 involves angling, aligning and manoeuvring of the television screen 3 to secure the attachment to the mounting device, the additional ease and stability provided by the handle 11 configuration of the frame 9 is particularly advantageous in facilitating ease, simplicity and speed of attachment.

[0047] Once the television screen 3 is mounted to a mounting apparatus, the television screen 3 is then securely installed in position and at significantly reduced risk of damage. At this final stage the frame 9 may then be removed. According to embodiments of the present invention, the frame 9 may be formed of a single integral piece of material. In this instance the user must carefully remove the frame 9 through for instance manipulation, flexing, or cutting.

[0048] Alternatively, according to embodiments of the present invention, the frame 9 may comprise a number of sections connected together. For instance, as depicted in the exploded view of Figure 5 and as previously described, the frame 9 may comprise at least three sections including a top section 91, a first side section 93 and a second side section 95. Each of these sections may themselves be integral single pieces. The first and second side sections 93, 95 may be substantially identical. It is noted that whilst Figures 1 to 6 depict embodiments of the frame 9 in which the bottom side of the television screen 3 is only partially enclosed, as previously described, frames 9 according to embodiments of the invention may instead interface with and fully enclose the bottom side. For instance, each of the first and second side sections 93, 95 may be dimensioned to extend along half of the length of the bottom of the television screen 3 so that they meet in the middle and fully enclose the bottom of the television screen 3.

[0049] The frame sections 91, 93, 95 may fit together, for instance in an interlocking fashion. For instance, the first side section 93 and the second side section 95 may be applied to the television screen 3 first, with the top section 91 being sufficiently dimensioned to then be placed and fit over the top of the upper faces of the first and second side sections 93, 95. Hence the top section 91 may partially enclose the first and second side sections 93, 95. For instance, the construction of the frame 9 in this configuration once applied to the television screen 3 may then appear as depicted in Figures 1 to 4, where the upper faces of the first and second side sections 93, 95 are hidden from view by the top section 91 placed on top of them.

[0050] When the frame sections 91, 93, 95 fit together, the connection between the top section 91 and the first and second side sections 93, 95 may be any suitable connection which can be easily removed by a user by hand. For instance, the connection may be achieved by mutual dimensions which fit together in an interlocking fashion under gravity. Alternatively or in combination, the sections may be dimensioned to provide a slight interference fit, for instance with the top section 91 fitting snugly over the top of the first and side sections 93, 95 so that there is a small amount of friction resistance to movement between the sections. Alternatively or additionally there may be a small amount of adhesive between the surfaces which can be overcome by hand force. As depicted, the top section 91 may have indents 19 to assist with user manipulation.

[0051] This modular configuration has significant advantages. Firstly, because the application of the frame 9 to the television screen at the point of first packaging is simplified, with the simple modular arrangement of the first and second sides sections 93, 95 being applied to the television screen 3 first and the top section 91 then being quickly and easily fitted over the top. Secondly, because this arrangement may securely hold itself together under gravity. In particular, the top section 91 may rest under gravity on top of the first and second side sections 93, 95, and because it covers the upper faces and top corners of the first and second side sections 93, 95 it provides a constraint against any lateral movement of the first and second side sections 93, 95 away from the television screen 3. Hence whilst the user is lifting and manoeuvring the television screen 3, the frame 9 continues to securely attach to the television screen 3 from all directions, and allows the user to be reassured in their controlled manipulation of the television screen 3 using the handles 11. Thirdly, this modular arrangement provides the user with a highly convenient, fast and simple method for removing the frame 9 once the television screen 3 is mounted in its installation location. In particular, once the user has installed the television screen 3, instead of having to carefully remove the frame 9 by bending, breaking or cutting they need only to lift the top section 91 upward and away from the televisions screen 3, which thereby releases the first and second side sections 93, 95 to move laterally, and then slide each of the first and second side sections 93, 95 away from the television screen 3. Further, the modularity provides the additionally advantageous ability for the user to remove the sections 91, 93, 95 by only using a small amount of force, e.g. lifting by hand, which is particularly important once the television screen 3 is carefully mounted on the mounting apparatus as the more force the user has to apply at this stage the greater the likelihood of breaking or damaging the mounting apparatus or separating the television screen 3 from the mounting apparatus entirely. Fourthly, this modular arrangement provides the user with a highly space efficient manner of removing the frame 9 from the television screen 3. In particular, in installation locations in which there is little clearance below the television screen 3, as for instance shown in the stand mount 13 of Figure 3, there is no bottom piece which needs to be carefully and dexterously maneuvered out from underneath the television screen 3 in the small space available between the bottom of the television screen 3 and the stand 13 or the surface the stand 13 is on. Instead, the user need only to remove the top section 91 in an upward direction and then remove the first and second side sections 93, 95 in respective sideward directions.

[0052] As can be seen in Figure 5, the frame 9 according to embodiments of the invention may include internal dimensions which form grooves 25 for securing and supporting the edges of the television screen 3 with which it interfaces, for instance in at least the first and second side sections 93, 95, but also in the top section 91. Advantageously, these grooves 25 prevent the television screen 3 from moving when inside the frame 9 and hence provide additional protection for the television screen 3 as well as additional control and stability for the user when lifting the frame 9 with the television screen 3 inside. Similar features may be present in the top section 91 to interface with the top of the television screen 3 accordingly.

[0053] In operation, once the combined frame 9 and television screen 3 are installed in a desired location, whether by mounting or otherwise, the user(s) may then proceed to remove the frame 9. In particular, according to embodiments of the frame 9 which comprise the top section 91 and the first and second side sections 93, 95, the user(s) will first remove the top section 91 by lifting it away from the television screen 3 in a generally upward direction, for instance using the grooves 25. Without the top section 91 the first and second sections 93, 95 are then free as the constraint provided by the top section 91 has been removed. Accordingly the user(s) is then able to quickly and conveniently remove the first and second side sections 93, 95 by pulling these away from the television screen 3 in a substantially lateral direction. In this way, having installed the television screen 3, the user can easily and quickly remove the frame 9 by hand and without having to use any additional tools.

[0054] For the user to remove the packaging 1 as described in any embodiment herein, it has to have previously been attached to the television screen 3. Typically this will have been achieved in a factory production line, for instance by robots, machinery or humans. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention also include methods of applying the packaging 1 of any previously described embodiment such that it is removably attached to the television screen 3. For instance, when the frame 9 is a single integral piece as previously described, it may be formed around the television screen 3 by using machinery which is able to form polystyrene, or for materials which can be folded such as cardboard it may be folded in situ around the television screen 3. Alternatively, it may also be formed around the television screen 3 in any conventional manner. In embodiments in which the frame 9 comprises sections such as a top section 91, first side section 93 and second side section 95, the sections 91, 93, 95 may be applied at the same time or at different times. For instance, in embodiments in which the sections 91, 93, and 95 are interlocking, the first and second side sections 93, 95 may need to be removably attached to the television screen 3 before the top section 91 is removably attached to the television screen 3, for instance to allow the top section 93 to partially enclose the top of the upper faces of the first and second side sections 93, 95 or in any manner as previously described.

[0055] Referring to Figures 6A and 6B, the frame 9 according to any previous embodiment may comprise part of packaging 1 which further comprises outer packaging 21. In particular, the frame 9 may be internal to the outer packaging 21, which may surround the frame 9 and provide additional protection during transit. For instance, the outer packaging 21 may be a closed box, and for instance may be made of any suitable material such as cardboard. The packaging 1 may further comprise a bottom cover 97 within which the lower ends of the side sections 93, 95 are located, from which the frame 9 containing the television screen 3 may be removed by lifting upwards.

[0056] The outer packaging 21 may be sealed in any conventional manner, such as using adhesive or staples, and may opened by for instance either disconnecting and unfolding each of the flaps as shown in Figure 6A or by disconnecting and opening only a single flap as shown in Figure 6B. In Figure 6A the frame 9 containing the television screen 3 may simply be lifted out of the outer packaging 21 using the handles 11. In Figure 6B the frame 9 containing the television screen 3 may be pulled or dragged out of the open side of the outer packaging 21, and in such embodiments the first and/or second side frame 93, 95 may include a tab or handle 23 which the user can grip to assist in this process with the directional arrow indicating the direction of removal from the outer packaging 21.

Alternative Embodiments

[0057] Whilst the embodiments are described with reference to a television screen, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited thereto and the invention is equally applicable and advantageous when applied to other display and screen technologies. It is noted that television screens are typically heavier and larger than other display technologies such as monitors, and that embodiments of the present invention whilst distinctly advantageous when applied to all display and screen technologies may be particularly advantageous when applied to televisions screens.

[0058] 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

I - packaging

3 - television screen

5 - front face

7 - back face

9 - frame

II - lifting means

13 - stand

15 - wall mount

17 - wall

19 - indents in top section

91 - frame top section

93 - frame first side section

95 - frame second side section

97 - bottom cover

21 - outer packaging

23 - tab

25 - grooves

27 - mounting fittings