U.S. patent application number 11/040456 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-29 for display hold-down systems and methods.
Invention is credited to Ronald E. Deluga.
Application Number | 20060138296 11/040456 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36610291 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060138296 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Deluga; Ronald E. |
June 29, 2006 |
Display hold-down systems and methods
Abstract
Disclosed are systems and methods comprising a display apparatus
having at least one integral mounting point, a display enclosure
base coupled to the display apparatus via the at least one integral
mounting point, and at least one hold-down bracket assembly
providing a hold-down point between the display apparatus and the
display enclosure base.
Inventors: |
Deluga; Ronald E.; (Spring,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HEWLETT PACKARD COMPANY
P O BOX 272400, 3404 E. HARMONY ROAD
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ADMINISTRATION
FORT COLLINS
CO
80527-2400
US
|
Family ID: |
36610291 |
Appl. No.: |
11/040456 |
Filed: |
January 21, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60639111 |
Dec 23, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
248/346.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/1601 20130101;
G06F 1/1637 20130101; G06F 1/1613 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/346.01 |
International
Class: |
A63B 55/00 20060101
A63B055/00 |
Claims
1. A system comprising: a display apparatus having at least one
integral mounting point; a display enclosure base coupled to said
display apparatus via said at least one integral mounting point;
and at least one hold-down bracket assembly providing a hold-down
point between said display apparatus and said display enclosure
base.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein said display apparatus comprises
a flat panel display selected from the group consisting of a liquid
crystal display (LCD) and a gas plasma display.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one integral
mounting point comprises a plurality of integral mounting points
disposed only upon 2 sides of said display apparatus.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one hold-down
bracket assembly is disposed at a position other than a position of
said at least one integral mounting point.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein said position that said at least
one hold-down bracket assembly is disposed is selected to reduce an
amount of planar deflection experienced by said display
apparatus.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one hold-down
bracket assembly comprises: a fastener; and a hold-down bracket
having a first portion and a second portion, wherein said first
portion is adapted to engage said display apparatus and said second
portion is adapted to engage said fastener.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein said first portion is adapted to
engage said display apparatus without causing distortion of an
image displayed by said display apparatus.
8. The system of claim 6, wherein said hold-down bracket comprises
a transition area disposed between said first portion and said
second portion, said first portion and said transition are
cooperating to prevent movement of said display apparatus in at
least 2 directions.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one hold-down
bracket assembly comprises: a fastener receiver.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein said fastener receiver is molded
integral with said display enclosure base.
11. The system of claim 9, wherein said display enclosure base
comprises a portion of a portable computer clamshell case.
12. A method comprising: attaching a display apparatus to a display
enclosure base using at least one mounting point integral to said
display apparatus; and attaching said display apparatus to said
display enclosure base using at least one hold-down bracket
assembly, said at least one hold-down bracket assembly providing a
hold-down point for said display apparatus.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein said at least one mounting
point integral to said display apparatus comprises a plurality of
mounting points integral to said display apparatus disposed only
upon 2 sides of said display apparatus.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein said attaching said display
apparatus to said display enclosure base using said at least one
hold-down bracket assembly comprises: engaging a first portion of a
hold-down bracket of said hold-down bracket assembly with said
display assembly; and engaging a second portion of said hold-down
bracket with a fastener.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein said engaging said first portion
of said hold-down bracket with said display assembly comprises:
providing an interface pressure between said hold-down bracket and
said display assembly sufficiently small to avoid distorting an
image displayed by said display assembly.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein said attaching said display
apparatus to said display enclosure base using said at least one
hold-down bracket assembly further comprises: engaging a transition
area of said hold-down bracket with an edge of said display
assembly, wherein said transition area provides a "S" bend in said
hold-down bracket between said first portion and said second
portion.
17. The method of claim 12, wherein said attaching said display
apparatus to said display enclosure base using said at least one
hold-down bracket assembly comprises: disposing said at least one
hold-down bracket at a position different than each mounting point
of said at least one mounting point integral to said display
apparatus.
18. A method comprising: reducing planar deflection of said display
surface by implementing at least one hold-down bracket assembly
with a display apparatus, wherein said at least one hold-down
bracket assembly restricts movement of said display apparatus in at
least 2 directions.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: attaching said
display apparatus to an enclosure using mounting points integral to
said display apparatus, wherein said at least one hold-down bracket
assembly is disposed at a positions other than a position of said
mounting points integral to said display apparatus.
20. The method of claim 18, further comprising: attaching said at
least one hold-down bracket assembly to an enclosure assembly; and
engaging at least a portion of a hold-down bracket of said at least
one hold-down bracket assembly with said display apparatus.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein said engaging said at least a
portion of said hold-down bracket with said display apparatus
comprises: providing an area of interface between said hold-down
bracket and said display assembly sized to avoid distorting an
image displayed by said display assembly.
22. The method of claim 20, wherein said engaging said at least a
portion of said hold-down bracket with said display apparatus
comprises: providing an interface pressure between said hold-down
bracket and said display assembly sufficiently small to avoid
distorting an image displayed by said display assembly.
23. The method of claim 20, wherein said at least one hold-down
bracket assembly comprises a plurality of hold-down bracket
assemblies.
24. A system comprising: at least one hold-down bracket assembly
implemented with respect to a display apparatus of said portable
computer display assembly, wherein said at least one hold-down
bracket assembly interfaces with said display apparatus in at least
2 planes.
25. The system of claim 24, wherein said at least one hold-down
bracket assembly comprises: a hold-down bracket having a first
portion for interfacing with said display assembly, a second
portion or interfacing with a fastener, and a transition area
between said first and second portions and providing an "S"
bend.
26. The system of claim 24, further comprising: a plurality of
mounting points integral to said display apparatus.
27. The system of claim 24, wherein said at least one hold-down
bracket assembly is disposed at a position different than positions
of said plurality of mounting points.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims benefit of priority to
co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/639,111,
entitled "Display Hold-Down Systems and Methods, filed Dec. 23,
2004, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART
[0002] Computers and other electronic equipment utilize electronic
displays, such as liquid crystal display (LCD) panels, gas plasma
panels, and the like. For example, notebook computers, tablet
computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and cellular
telephones often utilize a LCD panel display apparatus or a gas
plasma display apparatus disposed in a display enclosure.
Similarly, entertainment systems, such as portable digital
versatile disk (DVD) systems and flat panel televisions often use a
LCD panel display apparatus or gas plasma display apparatus
disposed in a display enclosure.
[0003] Typical display apparatus, such as a LCD display apparatus,
which may be acquired by an electronic device original equipment
manufacturer for integration into an electronic device, such as a
notebook computer, comprise a metal frame surrounding the actual
display to provide support structure and attachment points. For
example, a frame of a typical LCD display apparatus may include
integral mounting points, e.g., holes machined therein to accept
mounting screws, along sides thereof. Although certain display
apparatus, e.g., some 16:9 aspect ratio or "wide screen" displays,
provide integral mounting points along 4 sides of a mounting frame,
many commercially available display apparatuses provide integral
mounting points only along 2 sides of a mounting frame.
Accordingly, a display apparatus may be attached to a display
enclosure making up a notebook computer display along only 2 sides
(e.g., the 2 sides parallel to an X-axis of the display
apparatus).
[0004] The display apparatus of such displays are often subject to
appreciable motion, shock, and deflection pressure. For example, a
notebook computer may be subject to substantial g-forces when
transported by a user. Additionally, items, such as cell phones,
power adaptors, etcetera, may be transported with a notebook
computer which, when disposed in juxtaposition with a portion of
the panel display, may cause substantial deflection pressure to be
applied thereto.
[0005] Although the display apparatus of the aforementioned
displays may be relatively rigid, such display apparatus is prone
to planar deflection (e.g., the display surface bowing along the 2
sides parallel a Y-axis of the display apparatus) when exposed to
motion, shock, deflection pressure, etcetera. Planar deflection of
a display apparatus may result in the display surface contacting
other structure, such as the keycaps, pointing stylus, or wrist
rests of a notebook computer when the notebook computer is in a
closed clamshell configuration. Such contact may result in marks
being left on the display surface from dust, organic oil residues,
etcetera. Additionally, such contact may result in the notebook
computer being unintentionally awakened from a power conserving
sleep due to the display apparatus engaging a pointing stylus or
other input mechanism during transport. Even more problematic, such
contact may result in the display apparatus being permanently
damaged. For example, contact between the display surface and a
hard surface, such as keycaps, may result in a hole or surface
irregularity being worn into one or more layers of the display
mechanism. A LCD display may comprise one or more thin membranes,
such as polarizing layers, disposed upon a glass or other substrate
which, when repeatedly contacted by a hard surface may develop the
aforementioned holes or surface irregularity.
[0006] Various techniques have been used in the past to prevent
display surfaces of such displays from contacting other structures
or to prevent damage resulting therefrom. For example, spacers,
such as may be made of rubber or other materials, have been used
along the periphery of the display to maintain a spacing between a
display surface and other structure sufficient to accommodate
planar deflection without contact between the display surface and
other structure. As one example, it may be determined that the
expected maximum planar deflection associated with a display
apparatus of an electronic device will be 2.5 mm. Accordingly,
spacers may be implemented, particularly along the sides having no
attachment points coupling the display apparatus to a display
enclosure, which are sized (e.g., 3 mm) to provide a space
accommodating the expected planar deflection without contact
between the display surface and other structure. However, size is
often an issue with respect to electronic devices, such as notebook
computers. For example, the aforementioned spacing may consume
10-15% of the overall size in a corresponding dimension. Therefore,
the use of such spacers is not without drawback.
[0007] Resilient pads, such as may be made of rubber or other
materials, have been used (often in combination with spacers along
the periphery of the display) to interface with one or more
portions of a display surface and thereby prevent the display
surface from contacting other structure, such as keycaps, pointing
stylus, or wrist rests of a notebook computer, which presents a
hard surface that may damage the display apparatus. For example,
rubber pads have been disposed upon notebook computer wrist rest
surfaces to interface with portions of a display surface
appreciably toward the middle of the display surface and thus
provide sufficient support of the display surface to prevent
contact with other structure when a smaller gap is used than with
the use of spacers along the edge of the display alone. However,
such resilient pads have met with disapproval from some users due
to their interfacing with the display surface leaving marks from
dirt or oils thereon. Moreover, some users have expressed
dissatisfaction with the feel of such pads against their hands
during use of the notebook computer. Accordingly, the use of such
pads is not without drawback.
[0008] Another technique used to prevent the display surface from
contacting other structure has been through the use of more rigid
materials or material configurations in the display enclosure
(often in combination with spacers along the periphery of the
display). For example, added plastic material, e.g., in the form of
thicker surfaces and/or rib structures, may be used to make more
rigid a display enclosure comprised of plastic. Alternatively,
special materials, such as magnesium or engineered composites, may
be used to provide a more rigid enclosure. The use of such more
rigid materials or material configurations reduces the amount of
planar deflection experienced, thus allowing smaller spacers (or
perhaps no spacers) to be used. However, the foregoing typically
results in added cost, weight, and/or size. Accordingly, the use of
such more rigid materials or material configurations is not without
drawback.
[0009] Although it is possible to manufacture display apparatus in
aspect ratios other than the aforementioned 16:9 aspect ratio
having integral mounting points along 4 sides of a mounting frame,
such display apparatus configurations have heretofore not been
widely available. Electronic equipment manufacturers often prefer
to integrate widely available components, such as the
aforementioned display apparatus, into their products in order to
decrease costs and/or to ensure parts availability. Accordingly,
display apparatus having integral mounting points only along 2
sides of a mounting frame continue to be used, despite the
above-described planar deflection associated with the display
surface bowing along the 2 sides having apparatus) and despite the
drawbacks associated with the various techniques used to prevent
display surfaces from contacting other structure or to prevent
damage resulting therefrom.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a partially assembled
display assembly adapted according to an embodiment of the
invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 shows detail with respect to a hold-down bracket of
the embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 shows detail with respect to a hold-down bracket of
the embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 4 shows a more fully assembled display assembly of the
embodiment of FIG. 1; and
[0014] FIG. 5 shows a still more fully assembled display assembly
of the embodiment of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] Directing attention to FIG. 1, a partially assembled display
assembly adapted according to an embodiment of the invention is
shown as display 100. Display 100 comprises a flat panel display,
e.g., LCD display, as may be used in an electronic device such as a
notebook computer, a tablet computer, a personal digital assistant
(PDA), a cellular telephone, a digital versatile disk (DVD) system,
and/or the like.
[0016] Display 100 of the illustrated embodiment comprises display
apparatus 120, such as may comprise a LCD display panel, disposed
in display enclosure base 130. Display enclosure base 130 may
comprise, for example, a portion of a portable computer clamshell
case. Display apparatus 120 comprises frame 121 surrounding the
viewing or display surface thereof. Frame 121 has a plurality of
integral mounting points along the 2 sides which are parallel to an
X-axis of display apparatus 120. Specifically, integral mounting
points 122 are disposed along side 123 of frame 121 and
corresponding integral mounting points 122 are disposed along
opposite side 124 of frame 121.
[0017] In a typical display configuration, without any embodiments
of the present invention, integral mounting points 122 would
provide the only points for fastening display apparatus 120 to
display enclosure base 130. In such a configuration, display
apparatus 120 may experience an appreciable amount of planar
deflection due to a lack of support along the 2 sides which are
parallel to a Y-axis of display apparatus 120, shown here as sides
125 and 126 (e.g., the display surface may be deformed in a slight
"U" shape). For example, a typical display apparatus providing
integral mounting points along only 2 opposite sides may deform or
sag on the order of 2 mm, which in a notebook configuration
presenting an overall thickness of 25-38 mm may be sufficient for a
display surface of display apparatus 120 to contact keycaps of the
notebook computer base.
[0018] However, the illustrated embodiment of display 100 comprises
hold-down bracket assemblies 110, disposed along sides 125 and 126
of display apparatus 120 (e.g., disposed along the edge of frame
121 at sides 125 and 126), of an embodiment of the present
invention. Accordingly, display apparatus 120 of the illustrated
embodiment is provided hold-down points with respect to display
enclosure base 130 in addition to integral mounting points 122.
[0019] Although hold-down bracket assemblies 110 of the illustrated
embodiment are shown as being disposed equidistantly spaced along 2
sides of display apparatus 120, embodiments of the invention may
utilize various hold-down bracket spacing and positions. For
example, a single hold-down bracket may be utilized at the center
of a side of display apparatus 120, such as where display apparatus
120 is the size of a traditional notebook computer display.
Hold-down brackets of embodiments of the present invention may be
utilized at any position (e.g., any position not otherwise provided
an integral mounting point, at an integral mounting point position,
etcetera). However, the presence of other structure, such as latch
mechanisms, hinges, signal cables, etcetera, may suggest particular
placements and/or prevent particular placements of hold-down
brackets of embodiments of the invention. In general, however, the
longer the distance between integral mounting points, the larger
the number of hold-down points desired.
[0020] Hold-down bracket assemblies 110 of the illustrated
embodiment are shown in a symmetrical implementation, e.g.,
hold-down brackets of a first side are disposed in juxtaposition
with hold-down brackets of a second side. However, an asymmetrical
arrangement may instead be implemented according to some
embodiments of the present invention. For example, a single
hold-down bracket may be implemented in the center of a first side
while 2 equidistantly spaced hold-down brackets are implemented
with respect to a second side of the display apparatus.
[0021] The use of hold-down points, such as those provided by
hold-down bracket assemblies 110, disposed at positions not
otherwise corresponding to integral mounting points 122, provides a
more rigid display configuration. For example, a degree of freedom
of movement or flexibility is eliminated or minimized through the
use of hold-down bracket assemblies 110 of the illustrated
embodiment to provide hold-down points with respect to display
apparatus 120. Through the use of such hold-down points appreciably
less planar deflection is experienced with respect to display
apparatus 120. Accordingly, smaller spacers, or no spacers, may be
utilized in a display configuration implementing hold-down brackets
according to embodiments of the invention, thereby facilitating a
thinner form factor for electronic devices. Additionally or
alternatively, some embodiments use no resilient pads to support a
surface of display apparatus 120, thereby avoiding marks left upon
display apparatus 120 from interfacing with such pads. Moreover,
providing more fastening points (e.g., integral mounting points
and/or hold-down points) with respect to display apparatus 120, and
frame 121 thereof, results in a display structure which is overall
more rigid, enabling the use of less expensive, lighter, and/or
thinner materials (e.g., plastic) in the enclosure material. In
addition to facilitating embodiments of electronic devices which
are thin (compact) without experiencing permanent damage to or
undesired marks on the surface of their respective displays,
embodiments of the invention provide increased user satisfaction in
providing a low weight solution having a rigid display
assembly.
[0022] FIGS. 2 and 3 provide additional detail with respect to
hold-down bracket assemblies 110 of an embodiment of the invention.
Specifically, FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of hold-down bracket
assemblies 110 disposed along the lower side of display apparatus
120 of FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of hold-down bracket
assemblies 110 disposed along the upper side of display apparatus
120 of FIG. 1. The specific configurations illustrated in FIGS. 2
and 3 are illustrative of hold-down bracket configurations which
may be implemented according to embodiments of the present
invention. However, various configurations of hold-down brackets,
including implementations in which the same configuration of
hold-down brackets are used along multiple sides of a display
apparatus and/or different configurations of hold-down brackets are
used on a same side of a display apparatus, may be implemented
according to embodiments of the invention.
[0023] Hold-down bracket assembly 110 of FIG. 2 is shown to include
hold-down bracket 211 attached to a portion of display enclosure
base 130 by fastener 212. Fastener 212 illustrated in FIG. 2
comprises a screw. However, any number of fasteners, such as
rivets, bolts, adhesive, etcetera, which provide sufficient
fastening strength to provide a hold-down point with respect to
display apparatus 120 may be utilized in attaching hold-down
bracket 211 to display enclosure base 130 according to embodiments
of the invention.
[0024] The portion of display enclosure base 130 to which fastener
212 is attached illustrated in FIG. 2 comprises boss 231 integrated
into the material of display enclosure base 130. Such a
configuration provides a convenient and inexpensive technique for
accepting fastener 212 because such a boss may be created during
molding display enclosure base 130. However, other configurations
of fastener receivers may be formed into display enclosure base 130
for use in a hold-down bracket assembly according to embodiments of
the present invention, such as the configuration described below
with respect to FIG. 3. Moreover, configurations of fastener
receivers, such as nuts, washers, etcetera, may be utilized
according to embodiments of the present invention which are not
formed integral to display enclosure base 130. However, the use of
these latter fastener receivers may require added handling during
manufacturing and additional material costs.
[0025] Although various configurations of hold-down bracket 211 may
be implemented according to embodiments of the invention, hold-down
bracket 211 preferably provides a portion to interface with
fastener 212 and a portion to interface with display apparatus 120.
For example, hold-down bracket 211 may comprise a first portion to
interface with display apparatus 120 sufficiently to resist
substantial movement of display apparatus 120 when exposed to
expected forces but which does not result in undesired interference
with display apparatus 120. For example, the portion of hold-down
bracket 211 which interfaces with display apparatus 120 of
embodiments does not extend into a viewing area of the display
apparatus. Moreover, the portion of hold-down bracket 211 of
embodiments is sized not only to avoid obscuring a portion of the
viewing area of display apparatus 120, but is further sized and
disposed so as to avoid interference phenomena. For example, where
display apparatus 120 comprises a LCD display, pressure on or near
the viewing surface could cause distortion (referred to as
"puddling"). Accordingly, hold-down bracket 211 of embodiments of
the invention interfaces with a portion of frame 121 sufficiently
removed from the viewing area of display apparatus 120 to avoid
image distortion during normal use. Correspondingly, hold-down
bracket assembly 110 is configured to provide sufficient pressure
with respect to the interface between hold-down bracket 211 and
display apparatus 120 to substantially eliminate a degree of
freedom of movement without causing image distortion during normal
use. Hold-down bracket 211 of embodiments comprises a second
portion to interface with fastener 212 which is in the range of 5-6
mm wide in order to accommodate a fastener extended therethrough
having a shaft diameter in the range of 2.5-3 mm.
[0026] Directing attention to FIG. 3, another embodiment of
hold-down bracket assembly 110 is shown. The embodiment of FIG. 3
illustrates a fastener receiver configuration which is different
than boss 231 of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2.
Specifically, hold-down bracket assembly 110 of FIG. 3 utilizes
receiver 331, comprised of a block of material of display enclosure
base 130 having an interface therein for receiving a portion of
fastener 212. As with boss 231 discussed above, such a
configuration provides a convenient and inexpensive technique for
accepting fastener 212 because such a receiver may be created
during molding display enclosure base 130. However, such a receiver
configuration may be desired over a boss configuration where other
structure is disposed in the vicinity, where added strength is
desired, etcetera.
[0027] The embodiment of hold-down bracket 311 illustrated in FIG.
3 presents a slightly larger area with respect to the portion
interfacing with display apparatus 120. Such a configuration is
desirable, for example, where display apparatus 120 is expected to
be used in a vertical orientation where hold-down bracket 311 is
disposed along a top side of display apparatus 120 and hold-down
bracket 211 is disposed along a bottom side of display apparatus
120. For example, it might be expected that display 120 may shift
downward slightly when repeatedly used in the above-described
vertical orientation. Providing a slightly larger area with respect
to the portion interfacing with display apparatus 120 along the top
side may be relied upon to accommodate a slight downward shift in
the position of display apparatus 120 without disengaging the
hold-down apparatus disposed along the top side. Similarly,
providing a slightly smaller area with respect to the portion
interfacing with display apparatus 120 along the bottom side may be
relied upon to accommodate a slight downward shift in the position
of display apparatus 120 without causing puddling due to the
hold-down bracket assembly interfering with display apparatus
120.
[0028] Hold-down brackets 211 and 311 may be formed of any material
sufficiently strong to interface with display apparatus 120 and
resist substantial movement of display apparatus 120 when exposed
to expected forces. For example, hold-down brackets 211 and 311 may
be comprised of steel, stainless steel, aluminum, composite resins,
etcetera.
[0029] Hold-down brackets 211 and 311 of the embodiments
illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 comprise an "S"-shaped tab, wherein a
first end of the "S" provides an interface for engaging display
apparatus 120 and a second end of the "S" provides an interface for
fastener 212. Although an "S"-shaped tab configuration may not be
utilized according to embodiments of the invention, in some
embodiments the transition area between the first and second ends
of the "S" provides a surface against which an edge of frame 121 is
engaged (e.g., the illustrated "S"-shaped tab interfaces with
display apparatus 120, including frame 121, in at least 2 planes).
The transition area of the illustrated "S"-shaped tab provides a
configuration in which display apparatus 120 is prevented from
moving laterally with respect to display enclosure base 130. This
restriction in movement of display apparatus 120 is in addition to
the elimination of a degree of freedom of movement by an end of the
"S"-shaped tab of FIGS. 2 and 3 engaging a front surface of frame
121. Accordingly, embodiments of the invention provide a hold-down
bracket assembly that restricts movement of display apparatus 120
in at least 2 directions or in at least 2 planes.
[0030] Irrespective of the particular configuration of hold-down
bracket assembly 110 implemented according to embodiments of the
invention, hold-down bracket assemblies 110 provide hold-down
points at positions other than the integral mounting points
otherwise available with display apparatus 120. Accordingly, the
use of hold-down bracket assemblies according to embodiments of the
present invention avoids damage to a display surface of display
apparatus 120 even when utilized in a thin or compact profile
electronic device, such as a notebook computer. Moreover, use of
hold-down bracket assemblies according to embodiments of the
present invention provides a more rigid configuration of display
assembly 100.
[0031] Directing attention to FIG. 4, a more fully assembled
display assembly of the embodiment of FIG. 1 is shown as comprising
bezel 430. Bezel 430 of the illustrated embodiment provides a cover
to frame 121 and provides spaces 431. Spacers 431 may be positioned
to maintain a minimum desired spacing between one or more surfaces
of display assembly 100, e.g., a display surface of display
apparatus 120, from other surfaces of an electronic device
incorporating display assembly 100. Spacers 431 may be integral to
bezel 430 or may be attached thereto. For example, spacers 431 may
comprise a raised portion of a surface of bezel 430 molded from the
material forming bezel 430. Alternatively, spacers 431 may comprise
a separate part, such as may be formed of rubber or another
material, attached to a surface of bezel 430, such as by an
adhesive or friction fit. Such an embodiment of spacers 431
provides a cover to fasteners attaching bezel 430 to display
enclosure base 130. Although spacers 431 are present in the
illustrated embodiment, the use of hold-down bracket assemblies 110
minimizes planar deflection of display apparatus 120 such that
spacers 431 are relatively small (thin), thereby facilitating a
thinner or more compact electronic device utilizing display
assembly 100.
[0032] Bezel 430 of the illustrated embodiment provides areas
corresponding to hold-down bracket assemblies 110 for accepting a
cover and/or spacer. Directing attention to FIG. 5, a still more
fully assembled display assembly of the embodiment of FIG. 1 is
shown wherein covers 531 are shown disposed over hold-down bracket
assemblies 110. Covers 531 may provide an aesthetically pleasing
means by which hold-down bracket assemblies may be accessed, such
as for removal and/or adjusting a pressure applied by hold-down
bracket 211. Additionally or alternatively, covers 531 may provide
spacing as described above with respect to spacers 431. Although
covers 531 may be utilized as spacers, the use of hold-down bracket
assemblies 110 minimizes planar deflection of display apparatus 120
such that covers 531 are relatively small (thin), thereby
facilitating a thinner or more compact electronic device utilizing
display assembly 100.
* * * * *