U.S. patent application number 09/859566 was filed with the patent office on 2002-04-18 for laptop computer display mounting.
Invention is credited to Iredale, Richard J..
Application Number | 20020044411 09/859566 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26904356 |
Filed Date | 2002-04-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020044411 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Iredale, Richard J. |
April 18, 2002 |
LAPTOP COMPUTER DISPLAY MOUNTING
Abstract
A laptop computer display module for use in a clamshell type
laptop computer includes a telescoping rail assembly that enables
the display module to be extended upwardly from a keyboard module
of the laptop computer when the display module is rotated to an
open position. A computer display panel is rotatably mounted to a
display support member of the display module adjacent a top margin
of the display panel so that the display panel can be manually
swung away from the display support member and toward a user of the
laptop computer. The invention enables the display panel to be
positioned at a comfortable viewing angle without blocking access
to the keyboard module for typing and is particularly useful in
depth-constrained workspaces such as airline passenger seats, where
the display support member must be positioned at an acute angle
relative to the keyboard module.
Inventors: |
Iredale, Richard J.; (Lake
Oswego, OR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STOEL RIVES LLP
900 SW FIFTH AVENUE
SUITE 2600
PORTLAND
OR
97204
US
|
Family ID: |
26904356 |
Appl. No.: |
09/859566 |
Filed: |
May 16, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60209657 |
Jun 5, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
361/679.05 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/1616 20130101;
Y10T 292/1025 20150401 |
Class at
Publication: |
361/683 ;
361/681 |
International
Class: |
G06F 001/16 |
Claims
1. A laptop computer, comprising: a keyboard module having a
generally tabular shape bounded by front and rear margins, the
keyboard module adapted for placement on a horizontal support
surface; and a display module connected to the keyboard module
adjacent the rear margin of the keyboard module for rotation of the
display module between a closed position and an open position, the
display module including: (a) a rail assembly rotatably mounted to
the keyboard module adjacent the rear margin of the keyboard
module, (b) a display support member mounted to the rail assembly
and slidable along the rail assembly when the display module is in
the open position, and (c) a display panel having a generally
tabular shape bordered by a top margin and a bottom margin, the
display panel rotatably mounted to the display support member for
rotation of the display panel so that the bottom margin of display
panel can be manually swung away from the display support member
toward a user of the laptop computer when the display module is in
the open position.
2. The laptop computer of claim 1 in which the display support
member is movable along the rail assembly to a height above the
keyboard module that is sufficient to allow the display panel to
rotate to a comfortable viewing angle without blocking a keypad of
the keyboard module and to thereby facilitate simultaneous typing
on the keypad and viewing of the display panel when the laptop
computer is used in a depth-constrained workspace.
3. The laptop computer of claim 2 in which the display panel is
manually rotatable to the comfortable viewing angle without
blocking the keypad when the display support member is rotated to a
depth-reduction angle of greater than 30 degrees and less than 120
degrees relative to the keyboard module.
4. The laptop computer of claim 3 in which the comfortable viewing
angle is greater than 90 degrees and less than 150 degrees relative
to the keyboard module.
5. The laptop computer of claim 1, further comprising an
articulating joint connecting the display panel to the display
support member, and in which the articulating joint includes a
torque joint that adjustably maintains an angular position of the
display panel relative to the display support member.
6. The laptop computer of claim 1 in which: the rail assembly
includes first and second parallel rails spaced apart along the
rear margin of the keyboard module; and the display support member
includes a first slot and a second slot spaced apart from the first
slot, the first and second slots sized and positioned to slidably
receive the first and second rails, respectively.
7. The laptop computer of claim 6, further comprising an anti-skew
mechanism that mechanically couples movement of the display support
member along the first rail to movement of the display support
member along the second rail, thereby preventing binding of the
display support member when it is moved along the rail
assembly.
8. The laptop computer of claim 7 in which the anti-skew mechanism
includes a push rod extending through an elongate push rod sleeve,
and one of the push rod and the push rod sleeve is attached to the
display support member and the other of the push rod and the push
rod sleeve is attached to the respective first and second
rails.
9. The laptop computer of claim 7 in which the anti-skew mechanism
includes a rack-and-pinion mechanism.
10. The laptop computer of claim 7 in which the anti-skew mechanism
includes a set of pulleys mounted to the display support member and
a cable having first and second ends, the first and second ends of
the cable being attached to the respective first and second rails,
and the cable being tensioned over the pulleys.
11. The laptop computer of claim 1 in which the display support
member and the display panel are movable up to 6 inches along the
rail assembly to an ergonomic viewing height above the keyboard
module.
12. The laptop computer of claim 1 in which the display module
includes a friction mechanism for adjustably holding the display
support member at a selected position along the rail assembly.
13. The laptop computer of claim 1 in which the display module
includes a detent mechanism for adjustably holding the display
support member at a selected position along the rail assembly.
14. The laptop computer of claim 1, further comprising a motorized
height adjustment mechanism for driving the display support member
along the rail assembly.
15. The laptop computer of claim 1, further comprising a latching
device for releasably latching the display module to the keyboard
module and preventing movement of the display support member along
the rail assembly when the display module is in the closed
position.
16. In a laptop computer of the type including a keyboard module
having a generally tabular shape that is adapted for placement on a
horizontal support surface and a display module hinged to the
keyboard module at a rear margin of the keyboard module for
rotation of the display module between an open position and a
closed position, the display module including a computer display
panel operably connected to the keyboard module, and the computer
display panel having a top margin, a top portion, and a bottom
portion, an improved computer display mounting comprising: a rail
assembly rotatably mounted to the keyboard module so that the rail
assembly extends outwardly from the rear margin of the keyboard
module; a display support member attached to the rail assembly so
that the display support member is slidable outwardly from the
keyboard module along the rail assembly when the display module is
rotated to an open position; and an articulating joint positioned
adjacent the top margin of the computer display panel and rotatably
interconnecting the top portion of the computer display panel to
the display support member so that the bottom portion of the
computer display panel can be manually swung away from the display
support member and toward a user of the laptop computer when the
display module is in the open position, the articulating joint
being slidable along the rail assembly along with the display
support member.
17. The improved computer display mounting of claim 16 in which the
display support member is movable along the rail assembly to a
height above the keyboard module that is sufficient to allow the
computer display panel to rotate about the articulating joint to a
comfortable viewing angle without blocking a keypad of the keyboard
module and to thereby facilitate simultaneous typing on the keypad
and viewing of the computer display panel when the laptop computer
is used in a depth-constrained workspace.
18. The improved computer display mounting of claim 17 in which the
computer display panel is manually rotatable to the comfortable
viewing angle without blocking the keypad when the display support
member is rotated to a depth-reduction angle of greater than 30
degrees and less than 120 degrees relative to the keyboard
module.
19. The improved computer display mounting of claim 18 in which the
comfortable viewing angle is greater than 90 degrees and less than
150 degrees relative to the keyboard module.
20. The improved computer display mounting of claim 16 in which:
the keyboard module is bordered by a rear margin that terminates in
left and right ends; the rail assembly includes first and second
elongate rails spaced apart along the rear margin and positioned
proximal of the respective left and right ends of the rear margin;
and the display support member includes a first slot and a second
slot spaced apart from the first slot, the first and second slots
sized to slidably receive the first and second rails,
respectively.
21. The improved computer display mounting of claim 20, further
comprising an anti-skew mechanism that mechanically couples
movement of the display support member along the first rail to
movement of the display support member along the second rail,
thereby preventing binding of the display support member when it is
moved along the rail assembly.
22. The improved computer display mounting of claim 21 in which the
anti-skew mechanism includes a push rod extending through an
elongate push rod sleeve, and one of the push rod and the push rod
sleeve is attached to the display support member and the other of
the push rod and the push rod sleeve is attached to the respective
first and second rails.
23. The improved computer display mounting of claim 21 in which the
anti-skew mechanism includes a rack-and-pinion mechanism.
24. The improved computer display mounting of claim 21 in which the
anti-skew mechanism includes a set of pulleys mounted to the
display support member and a cable having first and second ends,
the first and second ends of the cable being attached to the
respective first and second rails, and the cable being tensioned
over the pulleys.
25. The improved computer display mounting of claim 16 in which the
display support member and the computer display panel are movable
up to 6 inches along the rail assembly to an ergonomic viewing
height above the keyboard module.
26. The improved computer display mounting of claim 16 in which the
display module includes a friction mechanism for adjustably holding
the display support member at a selected position along the rail
assembly.
27. The improved computer display mounting of claim 16, further
comprising a latching device for releasably latching the display
module to the keyboard module and preventing movement of the
display support member along the rail assembly when the display
module is in the closed position.
28. A laptop computer display module, comprising: a rail assembly
including a hinge end and a distal end opposite the hinge end, the
hinge end adapted to be rotatably mounted to a keyboard module of a
laptop computer so that the distal end of the rail assembly extends
outwardly from a rear margin of the keyboard module and so that the
display module can be rotated about the hinge end between a closed
position in which the display module is folded against a keypad of
the keyboard module and an open position in which the display
module extends from the keyboard module; a display support member
slidably attached to the rail assembly so that the display support
member is movable along the rail assembly away from the hinge end
of the rail assembly when the display module is rotated to an open
position; a computer display panel having top and bottom margins;
and an articulating joint connecting the computer display panel to
the display support member adjacent the top margin of the computer
display panel so that the bottom margin of the computer display
panel can be manually swung away from the display support member
and toward a user of the laptop computer when the display module is
mounted to a keyboard module and rotated to the open position.
29. The laptop computer display module of claim 28 in which the
display support member is movable along the rail assembly to a
height above the keyboard module that is sufficient to allow the
computer display panel to rotate about the articulating joint to a
comfortable viewing angle without blocking a keypad of the keyboard
module and to thereby facilitate simultaneous typing on the keypad
and viewing of the computer display panel when the laptop computer
is used in a depth-constrained workspace.
30. The laptop computer display module of claim 29 in which the
computer display panel is manually rotatable to the comfortable
viewing angle without blocking the keypad when the display support
member is rotated to a depth-reduction angle of greater than 30
degrees and less than 120 degrees relative to the keyboard
module.
31. The laptop computer display module of claim 28 in which the
comfortable viewing angle is greater than 90 degrees and less than
150 degrees relative to the keyboard module.
32. The laptop computer display module of claim 28 in which: the
keyboard module is bordered by a rear margin that terminates in
left and right ends; the rail assembly includes first and second
elongate rails spaced apart and rotatably mounted to the keyboard
module proximal of the respective left and right ends of the rear
margin; and the display support member includes a first slot and a
second slot spaced apart from the first slot, the first and second
slots sized to slidably receive the first and second rails,
respectively.
33. The laptop computer display module of claim 32, further
comprising an anti-skew mechanism that mechanically couples
movement of the display support member along the first rail to
movement of the display support member along the second rail, to
thereby prevent binding of the display support member when it is
moved along the rail assembly.
34. The laptop computer display module of claim 33 in which the
anti-skew mechanism includes a push rod extending through an
elongate push rod sleeve, and one of the push rod and the push rod
sleeve is attached to the display support member and the other of
the push rod and the push rod sleeve is attached to the respective
first and second rails.
35. The laptop computer display module of claim 33 in which the
anti-skew mechanism includes a rack-and-pinion mechanism.
36. The laptop computer display module of claim 33 in which the
anti-skew mechanism includes a set of pulleys mounted to the
display support member and a cable having first and second ends,
the first and second ends of the cable being attached to the
respective first and second rails, and the cable being tensioned
over the pulleys.
37. The laptop computer display module of claim 28 in which the
display support member and the computer display panel are movable
up to 6 inches along the rail assembly.
38. The laptop computer display module of claim 28 in which the
display module includes a friction mechanism for adjustably holding
the display support member at a selected position along the rail
assembly.
39. The laptop computer display module of claim 28 in which the
display module includes a detent mechanism for adjustably holding
the display support member at a selected position along the rail
assembly.
40. The laptop computer display module of claim 28, further
comprising a motorized height adjustment mechanism for driving the
display support member along the rail assembly.
41. The laptop computer display module of claim 28, further
comprising a latching device for releasably latching the display
module to the keyboard module and preventing movement of the
display support member along the rail assembly when the display
module is in the closed position.
42. In a laptop computer of the type including a keyboard module
having a keypad extending along a rear margin of the keyboard
module and a display module hinged to the keyboard module at the
rear margin of the keyboard module for rotation of the display
module between an open position and a closed position, the display
module including a computer display panel operably connected to the
keyboard module, and the computer display panel including a top
edge and a bottom edge, an improved computer display mounting
comprising: a rail assembly rotatably mounted to the keyboard
module, the rail assembly including first and second parallel rails
spaced apart along the rear margin and positioned proximal of the
respective left and right ends of the rear margin; a display
support member including a first slot and a second slot spaced
apart from the first slot, the first and second slots sized and
positioned to slidably receive the first and second rails,
respectively so that the display support member is slidable
outwardly from the keyboard module along the rail assembly when the
display module is rotated to an open position; a friction mechanism
for adjustably holding the display support member at a selected
position along the rail assembly; and an articulating joint
positioned along the top margin of the computer display panel and
rotatably interconnecting the top edge of the computer display
panel to the display support member so that the bottom edge of the
computer display panel can be manually swung away from the display
support member and toward a user of the laptop computer when the
display module is in the open position, the articulating joint and
the display support member together being slidable along the rail
assembly to a height above the keyboard module that is sufficient
to allow the computer display panel to rotate about the
articulating joint to a comfortable viewing angle without blocking
the keypad and to thereby facilitate simultaneous typing on the
keypad and viewing of the computer display panel when the laptop
computer is used in a depth-constrained workspace.
43. The improved computer display mounting of claim 42, further
comprising an anti-skew mechanism that mechanically couples
movement of the display support member along the first rail to
movement of the display support member along the second rail,
thereby preventing binding of the display support member when it is
moved along the rail assembly.
44. The improved computer display mounting of claim 42 in which:
the display support member includes a crossbar extending along a
distal part of the display support member between the first and
second slots and generally parallel to the keyboard module; and the
articulating joint is connected to the crossbar.
45. The improved computer display mounting of claim 42 in which the
display support member and the computer display panel are movable
up to 6 inches along the rail assembly to an ergonomic viewing
height above the keyboard module.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 60/209,657, filed Jun. 5, 2000,
which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates to laptop computer display screens
and, in particular, to a laptop computer having an improved
clamshell type housing that facilitates adjustment of the display
screen to a comfortable viewing angle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Conventional clamshell type laptop computers have an upper
display unit rotatably connected to a main module that holds a
processor unit, a keyboard, a pointing device, data storage
devices, and other peripherals. A hinge positioned at a bottom
margin of the display unit connects the display unit to the main
module near a rear margin of the main module. Rotation of the
display unit about the hinge determines the viewing angle of the
display. In normal operation, the display unit is typically rotated
to an obtuse angle relative to the keyboard. At a comfortable
viewing angle, in which the display faces slightly upward, the
display unit extends rearward, away from the main module and the
hinge. Adjustment of the display unit to the comfortable viewing
angle in shallow workspaces, such as passenger seats of commercial
airlines, requires the keyboard to be positioned uncomfortably
close to the user. Furthermore, when an airline passenger seat
immediately in front of the user is reclined, it can be very
difficult for the user to view the display. Use in constrained
spaces is especially problematic for laptop computer displays
utilizing active matrix LCD technology, which is optically
directional and has a limited useful viewing angle.
[0004] Several proposed laptop computer designs include secondary
hinges that allow the display to be rotated to a comfortable
viewing angle. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,243 of Karidis
describes a tri-fold laptop computer including a top-hinged display
screen that rotates outwardly from an outer display case portion of
the housing and into a presentation position. In the presentation
position, however, the display screen blocks access to the keyboard
of the laptop computer.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,076,786 of Meyer describes a laptop computer
having a display adjustment mechanism that is enclosed in a
compartment behind a display screen of the laptop computer when the
display screen is in a lowered position. The adjustment mechanism
is hinged at its bottom end to a rear margin of a keyboard module.
Fully extending the display screen above the adjustment mechanism
reveals a secondary hinge that allows the display panel to pivot
rearward from the secondary hinge and into a more comfortable
viewing position. Because the adjustment mechanism is enclosed
within the compartment behind the display screen, when lowered, any
articulation of the secondary hinge requires the display screen to
be fully extended above the adjustment mechanism. This fully
extended position is not always desirable, for example, when using
the laptop computer on a tall table. Fully extending the display
screen also raises the center of gravity of the laptop computer,
thereby making it more prone to tipping.
[0006] U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,005,767 of Ku et al., 5,548,478 of Kumar et
al., and 5,255,214 of Ma all describe laptop computers with
displays that are movable to an inclined position for use. All
include a laptop computer keyboard that extends up to a front
margin of the computer so that no part of the housing is available
for use as a wrist rest. The lower section of each of these
computers extends several inches rearward of the keyboard to
accommodate the display. In an airline passenger seat, this
configuration requires the keyboard to be placed several inches
closer to the user than would be possible with a conventional
laptop computer keyboard. Furthermore, placement of the keyboard at
the front margin of the computer does not accommodate a pointing
device, such as a touch pad or trackball, in front of the keyboard,
as is done in many conventional laptop computers.
[0007] Thus, a need exists for an improved display mounting for a
laptop computer that facilitates orientation of the display screen
at a comfortable viewing angle, even when used in depth-constrained
spaces such as airline passenger seats, and without requiring
modification to the lower portion of the laptop computer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In accordance with the present invention, a computer display
module is pivotally connected to a keyboard module of a laptop
computer adjacent a rear margin of the keyboard module. The display
module includes a rail assembly rotatably connected to the keyboard
module at the rear margin and extending outwardly from the rear
margin. A display support member of the display module is mounted
to the rail assembly for sliding movement along the rail assembly
upwardly from the keyboard module when the display module is
rotated to an open position. An adjustable display panel of the
display module is rotatably mounted to a top portion of the display
support member at an articulating joint. The articulating joint is
positioned adjacent a top margin of the display panel so that the
display panel can be manually swung away from the display support
member and toward a user of the laptop computer. The display
support member is adjustable along the rail assembly to a height
that provides sufficient clearance over the keyboard to allow the
display panel to rotate about the articulating joint to a
comfortable viewing angle without blocking access to the
keyboard.
[0009] Laptop computers in accordance with the present invention
are particularly useful in depth-constrained spaces such as the
tray tables of airline passenger seats, where the display panel can
be rotated to the comfortable viewing angle even when the rail
assembly and display support member must be positioned at an acute
angle relative to the keyboard module. The present invention is
also useful in any other environment where the display support
member must be positioned at an angle that is more acute than the
comfortable viewing angle or where it is desirable to elevate the
display to a vertical viewing height above the keyboard module.
[0010] In one embodiment, the invention is implemented in a
replacement display module for retrofitting a conventional laptop
computer.
[0011] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be
apparent from the following detailed description of preferred
embodiments thereof, which proceeds with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a laptop computer including
a keyboard module and a display module in accordance with a first
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the laptop computer of FIG.
1 showing a display support member of the display module rotated to
a depth-reduction angle relative to the keyboard module and
elevated along a rail assembly to accommodate rotation of a
computer display panel of the display module to a comfortable
viewing angle;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a left side elevation of the laptop computer of
FIG. 2 showing rotation of the rail assembly and the display
support member about a hinge of the display module and showing the
computer display panel rotated about an articulating joint to
alternate viewing positions;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a laptop computer including
a display module in accordance with a second preferred embodiment
of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a partial front elevation of the laptop computer
of FIG. 1 including a cutaway area showing internal detail of the
rail assembly and the display support member;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the display module of
FIG. 1 taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a partial front elevation of the laptop computer
of FIG. 1 including a cutaway area exposing sectional detail of a
first alternative rail assembly and display support member;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the display module of
FIG. 1 taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a left side of a second
alternative rail assembly as if taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7;
[0021] FIG. 10 is a left side elevation of a laptop computer
including a display module in accordance with a third preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the display module of
FIG. 10 taken along line 11-11;
[0023] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the display module of
FIG. 10 taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 11 showing detail of a
rack-and-pinion type anti-skew mechanism;
[0024] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative
configuration of the display module and rack-and-pinion anti-skew
mechanism of FIG. 12;
[0025] FIG. 14 is a partial frontal sectional view of an upper left
corner of the display module of FIG. 1 showing an alternative
pulley type anti-skew mechanism;
[0026] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the pulley type anti-skew
mechanism of FIG. 14 with the display support member and display
panel omitted for clarity; and
[0027] FIG. 16 is a frontal elevation of the laptop computer of
FIG. 1 including a cutaway area showing detail of an alternative
push rod type anti-skew mechanism.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a laptop computer 20
including a keyboard module 24 pivotably connected to a display
module 28 in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the
present invention. With reference to FIG. 1, keyboard module 24 is
generally tabular in shape and is adapted for placement on a
horizontal support surface, such as a user's lap or a table (not
shown). Keyboard module 24 includes an upper face 34 bounded by
front, rear, left, and right margins 36, 38, 40, and 42,
respectively. A keypad 46 is positioned on upper face 34 of
keyboard module 24 and adjacent rear margin 38. Keypad 46 may be a
QWERTY keyboard of the type used in conventional laptop and
notebook computers, or any other kind of keypad, pen tablet, or
other manual computer input device. A pointing device 50, such as a
touchpad mouse or trackball, for example, is also provided on upper
face 34 of keyboard module 24, adjacent keypad 46 and proximal of
front margin 36. Pointing device 50 is located medially of left and
right margins 40, 42, leaving open a pair of wrist rest areas 54
and 56 on upper face 34 of keyboard module 24.
[0029] Display module 28 has a generally tabular shape and is
pivotally attached to keyboard module 24 via one or more hinges 60
positioned along rear margin 38 of keyboard module 24 for rotation
in the directions indicated by arrows 62. Display module 28 is
rotatable between a closed position (not shown) and an open
position, as shown in FIG. 1. In the closed position, display
module 28 is folded in parallel proximity to keyboard module 24 so
that an interior face 64 of display module 28 is positioned over
upper face 34 of keyboard module 24 to protect keypad 46 and
pointing device 50. In the open position, display module 28 is
rotated to an upright or inclined orientation such that interior
face 64 is visible to a user of laptop computer 20. In FIG. 1,
display module 28 is shown opened to an angle of approximately
120.degree. relative to keyboard module 24 so that a display panel
70 of display module 28 is at a comfortable viewing angle. The
comfortable viewing angle will vary among users depending on the
height of the user, the vertical position of laptop computer 20 and
display module 28, the user's workspace, the user's preferences,
and other individual and environmental factors, but will generally
fall in the range of approximately 90.degree. to approximately
150.degree. relative to keyboard module 24.
[0030] A latching mechanism 74 of laptop computer 20 includes a
display-side latching device such as left and right latch hooks 78
and 80, which may be formed as part of a unitary structure with one
of the components of display module 28. Corresponding left and
right latch slots 82 and 84 are provided in upper face 34 of
keyboard module 24 for receiving latch hooks 78 and 80. A
spring-biased release mechanism 86 is provided adjacent left and
right latch slots 82, 84 for manually releasing latching mechanism
74 to allow display module 28 to be rotated to the open position.
Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that latching mechanism
74 is not limited to the hook-and-slot mechanism described herein,
and that many other latching devices could be used to releasably
secure display module 28 against keyboard module 24 in the closed
position.
[0031] FIG. 2 is perspective view of laptop computer 20 showing
detail of display module 28 arranged for use in a depth-constrained
workspace (not shown). With reference to FIG. 2, display module 28
includes a rail assembly 100 pivotably connected to keyboard module
24 at rear margin 38 via hinges 60. In keeping with the present
invention, a multi-axis pivot mechanism (not shown) could be used
in place of hinges 60 to allow display module 28 and rail assembly
100 to be pivoted left and right relative to keyboard module 24, in
addition to rotation between the open and closed positions.
[0032] Rail assembly 100 includes first and second elongate rails
104 and 106 (FIGS. 15 and 16), which are spaced apart along rear
margin 38 and positioned proximal of respective left and right ends
108 and 109 (FIG. 1) of rear margin 38, adjacent left and right
margins 40, 42 of keyboard module 24. A web 110 extends between a
left side 112 and a right side 114 (FIG. 1) of rail assembly 100 to
stiffen and provide structural support to rail assembly 100.
[0033] Display module 28 also includes a display support member 120
mounted to rail assembly 100 for sliding movement along rail
assembly 100 upwardly from keyboard module 24 in the direction
shown by arrows 124 when display module 28 is pivoted to the open
position. Display support member 120 preferably includes a display
support cover panel 128 spanning the width of display support
member 120 to provide rigidity and structural stability to display
support member 120 and to protect delicate electronic components of
display panel 70. Display support member 120 also preferably
comprises first and second columns 132 and 134, which are spaced
apart and include respective first and second slots 138 and 140
(FIGS. 5 and 16). First and second slots 138, 140 are shaped and
sized to slidably receive first and second rails 104, 106. Rails
104, 106 and columns 132, 134 may be of any of a variety of shapes
or configurations adapted for telescoping movement, some of which
are described below. In alternative embodiments, e.g., FIGS. 7-8
and 10-12, the first and second slots are formed in the rail
assembly rather than the display support member.
[0034] A crossbar 144 extends between distal ends 146 of first and
second columns 132, 134 to provide additional rigidity and
structural support to display support member 120. Crossbar 144
supports an articulating joint 160, which is positioned adjacent a
top margin 164 of display panel 70 to pivotably interconnect a top
portion 168 of display panel 70 to crossbar 144. Articulating joint
160 includes left and right friction hinges 178 and 180 that enable
a bottom portion 170 of display panel 70 to be manually swung away
from display support member 120 in the direction shown by arrows
182, to thereby adjust display panel 70 to a comfortable viewing
angle. In alternative embodiments (not shown) articulating joint
160 includes a laterally adjustable joint such as a ball-and-socket
joint or vertical hinge that allows display panel 70 to be tilted
to the left or right in addition to rotation about a generally
horizontal axis 184 defined by friction hinges 178, 180.
[0035] With reference to FIG. 3, a comfortable viewing angle is
achieved by rotation of display module 28 about hinge 60 and
rotation of display panel 70 about articulating joint 160 relative
to keyboard module 24 so that display panel 70 is inclined greater
than 90.degree. and less than 150.degree. relative to keyboard
module 24, as indicated by .theta.. The present invention
accommodates use of laptop computer 20 in a shallow workspace (not
shown) by facilitating use of display module 28 when rail assembly
100 and display support member 120 are rotated to a depth-reduction
angle .alpha. of less than 120.degree. relative to keyboard module
24. Display support member 120 is extended generally vertically
along rail assembly 100 to a vertical position sufficient to allow
display panel 70 to rotate about articulating joint 160 without
striking or blocking keypad 46. Extension of display support member
120 along rail assembly 100 in this manner leaves a gap 186 between
bottom portion 170 of display panel 70 and keyboard module 24 that
is sufficient to allow a user to type on keypad 46 by reaching
under display panel 70. Generally, depth reduction angle .alpha.
must be greater than 30.degree. to form gap 186 and to accommodate
typing on keypad 46. In a preferred embodiment, display support
member 120 is movable up to six inches along rail assembly 100, to
a more ergonomic viewing height.
[0036] Once adjusted upwardly along rail assembly 100, display
support member 120 can be held in place by a friction mechanism
(not shown) such as a friction fit between rail assembly 100 and
display support member 120. A detent mechanism (not shown) could
also be used to hold display support member 120 at a user-selected
height along rail assembly 100. Friction mechanisms and detent
mechanisms are of conventional design and are not illustrated
herein because they are easily implemented by one skilled in the
art.
[0037] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of laptop computer 20 including
a second preferred embodiment display module 28' in accordance with
the present invention. With reference to FIG. 4, articulating joint
160 includes left and right pivot points 196 and 198 joining
display panel 70 to the first and second columns 132, 134 of
display support member 120a for rotation of display panel 70 about
axis 184 in the direction shown by arrows 182. Unlike display
support member 120 of FIG. 2, display support member 120a of the
second preferred embodiment does not include a display support
cover panel 128 (FIG. 4), but is open between first and second
columns 132, 134. A notch 202 formed along an outer surface 204 of
bottom portion 170 of display panel 70 seats against structural
support web 110 to thereby form a flush cover surface when display
module 28' is in the closed position.
[0038] FIG. 5 is a partial front elevation of laptop computer 20 of
FIG. 1 including a cutaway area 210 showing internal detail of rail
assembly 100 and display support member 120. FIG. 6 is a
cross-sectional view of display module 28 taken along line 6-6 of
FIG. 5. With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, first elongate rail 104 of
rail assembly 100 is slidably received in first slot 138 of first
column 132.
[0039] FIG. 7 is a partial front elevation of laptop computer 20 of
FIG. 1 including cutaway area 212 exposing sectional detail of a
first alternative rail assembly 100' and display support member
120'. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of display module 28 taken
along line 8-8 of FIG. 7. With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, first
elongate rail 104' of rail assembly 100' includes a C-channel
section 220 sized and shaped to slidably receive a T-shaped tab 224
of display support member 120'.
[0040] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a second alternative
rail assembly 100" corresponding to a sectional view taken along
line 8-8 of FIG. 7. With reference to FIG. 9, rail assembly 100"
includes a T-shaped first elongate rail 104" slidably seated within
a C-channel slot 226 of display support member 120". FIGS. 5-9 are
presented for the purpose of illustrating several simple
alternatives for rail assembly 100 and display support member 120,
and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.
One skilled in the art will appreciate that rail assembly 100 and
display support member 120 could easily be made in different
telescoping forms such as, for example, a single rail and support
column spanning the entire width of display module 28.
[0041] FIG. 10 is a left side elevation of laptop computer 20
including a display module 228 in accordance with a third preferred
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional
view of display module 228 taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 10. FIG.
12 is a cross-sectional view of display module 228 taken along line
12-12 of FIG. 11. With reference to FIGS. 10-12, display module 228
includes an anti-skew mechanism 240 that mechanically couples
movement of display support member 120 along first rail 104 to
movement of display support member 120 along second rail 106.
Anti-skew mechanism 240 is a rack-and-pinion type mechanism
including left and right racks 246 and 248, spaced apart along
display support member 120 and extending from display support
member 120 in a generally parallel relationship. Left and right
racks 246, 248 are received in respective left and right guide
slots 254 and 256 of rail assembly 100 and engage with respective
left and right pinion gears 262 and 264. An axle 268 rigidly
connects left pinion gear 262 to right pinion gear 264 so that
pinion gears 262, 264 rotate in unison. Display panel 70 is
rotatably mounted to display support member 120 via articulating
joint 160 in the manner described above with reference to FIG.
2.
[0042] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative
configuration of display module 228 and rack-and-pinion anti-skew
mechanism 240 of FIGS. 10-12 (indicated in FIG. 13 as 228' and
240', respectively). With reference to FIG. 13, a left rack 246' is
rigidly attached to a base portion 272 of rail assembly 100 and
extends upwardly from base portion 272. Left rack 246' is received
in a left guide slot 254' formed in display support member 120. A
pinion gear 262' of anti-skew mechanism 240' is rotatably mounted
within display support member 120 on an axle 268' for operative
engagement with left rack 246'. A right pinion gear engages a right
rack (not shown) and is rigidly connected to axle 268' for rotation
in unison with left pinion gear 262', to thereby prevent skew of
display module 228'.
[0043] Many other anti-skew mechanisms can be employed in place of
rack-and-pinion anti-skew mechanisms 240 and 240'. Examples of two
additional anti-skew mechanisms are shown in FIGS. 14-16. FIG. 14
is a partial frontal sectional view of an upper left corner of
display module 28 of FIG. 1, showing detail of a pulley type
anti-skew mechanism 280. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of pulley
type anti-skew mechanism 280 of FIG. 14, with display support
member 120 and display panel 70 omitted for clarity. With reference
to FIGS. 14 and 15, anti-skew mechanism 280 includes left and right
major idler pulleys 284 and 286 positioned within a cavity 292 of
display support member 120. Major idler pulleys 284, 286 are
rotatably mounted to display support member 120 for rotation about
respective left and right major shafts 294 and 296. Left and right
major idler pulleys 284 and 286 remain distal of first and second
elongate rails 104, 106 throughout the range of movement of display
support member 120 along rail assembly 100. A pair of left and
right minor idler pulleys 298 and 302 are mounted within respective
left and right guide slots 306 (only left guide slot is shown) of
display support member 120 for rotation about respective left and
right minor shafts 308 and 310, which are mounted parallel to major
shafts 294, 296 of major idler pulleys 284, 286. Left and right
minor idler pulleys 298 and 302 are attached to display support
member 120 at a location medial of the keyboard module 24 (FIG. 1)
and the distal ends 322, 324 of first and second elongate rails
104, 106 for cooperative pulley action with left and right major
idler pulleys 284, 286. A pair of cables 312 and 314 extend between
distal ends 322 and 324 of respective first and second rails 104,
106 and are wound about pulleys 284, 286, 298, and 302 in the
manner shown in FIG. 15 to prevent skew of display support member
120 as it is moved along rail assembly 100.
[0044] FIG. 16 is a frontal elevation of laptop computer 20 of FIG.
1 including a cutaway area showing detail of a push-rod type
anti-skew mechanism 340 in accordance with yet another alternative
embodiment of the present invention. With reference to FIG. 16,
anti-skew mechanism 340 includes a flexible push rod cable 344
having a first end 346 that is securely attached to first column
132 of display support member 120 within first slot 138. Push rod
cable 344 terminates in a second end 348, which is securely
attached to second column 134 of display support member 120 near a
proximal end of second slot 140 located medially of right side 114
of rail assembly 100. Push rod cable 344 extends through a push rod
sleeve 356, which is rigidly attached at its first and second ends
362 and 364 to respective first and second rails 104 and 106. Push
rod type anti-skew mechanism 340 is arranged and mounted so that
push rod cable 344 extends from first end 362 of push rod sleeve
356 by the same amount that it slides into second end 364 of push
rod sleeve 356 when display module 28 is moved along rail assembly
100, to thereby prevent skew of display module 28.
[0045] In still another embodiment of the invention, a motorized
height adjustment mechanism (not shown) is provided for driving
display support member 120 along rail assembly 100. For example,
with reference to FIGS. 10-13, the motorized height adjustment
mechanism could include a small electric motor directly or
indirectly mechanically coupled to left and right pinion gears 262,
264 (or axle 268 of rack-and-pinion anti-skew mechanism 240. The
electric motor would rotate pinion gears 262, 264 when activated by
the user, thereby driving display support member 120 along rail
assembly 100 to a selected height. A similar motorized height
adjustment mechanism could also be easily implemented with the
pulley type anti-skew mechanism of FIGS. 14 and 15. In this
configuration, geared pulleys and toothed belts could be used in
place of major idler pulleys 284, 286 and cables 312, 314 to
transmit drive force from the electric motor to the display support
member 120.
[0046] Although not shown in the figures, a display cable is
typically employed to operably connect display panel 70 to keyboard
module 24 for communication of display data or signals to display
panel 70. Various pathways and devices are known for routing the
display cable and could easily be used with the present invention.
Other methods of transmitting display information between keyboard
module 24 and display panel 70 that do not involve a display cable
could also be utilized. For example, wireless transmitters and
receivers such as infrared or radio frequency transceivers could be
used in conjunction with the present invention.
[0047] In accordance with the present invention, the display module
of FIGS. 1-16 is designed for use with a laptop computer or
notebook computer. However, the present invention can also be used
with any other kind of computing device or visual display device
and is especially useful with such devices including a lower input
module and a hinged upper display module having a flat display
panel. While the invention is described above in the context of a
laptop computer, it could also be embodied in a replacement display
module manufactured separately from the keyboard module for
after-market retrofitting of a conventional laptop or notebook
computer.
[0048] It will be obvious to those having skill in the art that
many changes may be made to the details of the above-described
embodiments of this invention without departing from the underlying
principles thereof. The scope of the present invention should,
therefore, be determined only by the following claims.
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