U.S. patent application number 11/351421 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-24 for integrated flat panel workstation system.
Invention is credited to Peter J. Stengel, Thomas White.
Application Number | 20060185564 11/351421 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32659446 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060185564 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stengel; Peter J. ; et
al. |
August 24, 2006 |
Integrated flat panel workstation system
Abstract
A computer workstation having a desktop/work surface defined by
a central aperture and a pivoting liquid crystal display (LCD)
support panel mounted on pivot shafts in the aperture. In addition,
a sliding input device platform is mounted on telescoping roller
brackets underneath the front edge of the work surface. Lever arms
are rotatably engaged with the pivot shafts and are linked to the
roller brackets. The lever arms automatically pivot the LCD support
panel to an upright position upon extension of the input device
platform, and vice versa, and a hydraulic damper brings the LCD
support panel to a safe, gentle stop. Aa mercury switch turns the
LCD on and off automatically upon opening or closing. Two or more
such LCD support panels and associated hardware can be included in
a single desktop/work surface for a computer training and/or
conferences.
Inventors: |
Stengel; Peter J.;
(Columbia, MD) ; White; Thomas; (Sykesville,
MD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CONWELL LLC
2138 PRIEST BRIDGE COURT
SUITE 4
CROFTON
MD
21114
US
|
Family ID: |
32659446 |
Appl. No.: |
11/351421 |
Filed: |
February 10, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10616461 |
Jul 9, 2003 |
7047890 |
|
|
11351421 |
Feb 10, 2006 |
|
|
|
60436515 |
Dec 27, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
108/50.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 2021/0076 20130101;
A47B 21/0073 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/050.01 |
International
Class: |
A47B 37/00 20060101
A47B037/00 |
Claims
1. A workstation adapted to support a flat panel display,
comprising: a foundation; a work surface fixedly attached to said
foundation and defined by an aperture; a display support panel
movably mounted in said aperture; an input device platform movably
attached to a side of said work surface; a lever mechanism coupled
between said input device platform and said support panel for
automatically moving said support panel open and to an upright
position upon extension of said input device platform, and for
automatically moving said LCD support panel to a closed position
upon retraction of said input device platform.
2. The workstation according to claim 1, further comprising a
motion damping cylinder pivotally attached between said lever
assembly and to the underside of said work surface for bringing
said display support panel to a gentle stop at a closed
position.
3. The workstation according to claim 1, further comprising a stop
bracket fixedly mounted in said aperture for limiting movement of
said support panel.
4. The workstation according to claim 1, further comprising a LCD
fixedly attached to said support panel.
5. The workstation according to claim 1, wherein said display
support panel is mounted in said aperture on opposing pivot
shafts.
6. The workstation according to claim 5, wherein said pivot shafts
rotatably engage two respective bearing blocks fixedly attached to
said underside of said work surface.
7. The workstation according to claim 4, wherein said LCD further
comprises a mercury switch for automatically applying power to said
LCD upon said support panel attaining an open, upright
position.
8. The workstation according to claim 1, wherein said input device
platform is slidably mounted to an underside of said work surface
by opposing roller brackets.
9. The workstation according to claim 8, wherein said opposing
roller brackets further comprise two telescoping roller
brackets.
10. The workstation according to claim 9, wherein said lever
mechanism comprises two opposing lever assemblies each connected
between one of said roller brackets and a side of said support
panel.
11. The workstation according to claim 10, wherein each of said
lever assemblies further comprises a lever arm and a link pivotally
attached together.
12. The workstation according to claim 1, further comprising a lock
for locking said keyboard shelf in a closed position.
13. The workstation according to claim 12, wherein said lock is an
electronic lock.
14. A workstation/conference table adapted for supporting one or
more integrated flat panel displays, comprising: a foundation; a
work surface fixedly attached to said foundation and defined by a
plurality of apertures; a plurality of display support panels, each
of said support panels being movably mounted in a corresponding one
of said apertures; a plurality of input device platforms each being
movably mounted on roller brackets to a side of said work surface
and in front of said apertures; a plurality of lever assemblies
each coupled between an input device platform and a display support
panel for selectively and automatically pivoting said support panel
open upon extension of the corresponding input device platform; and
closed upon retraction of the corresponding input device
platform.
15. The workstation/conference table according to claim 14, further
comprising a plurality of motion damping cylinders each pivotally
attached between a corresponding lever assembly and the underside
of said work surface for bringing a display support panel to a
gentle stop at a closed position.
16. The workstation/conference table according to claim 14, wherein
said input device platforms are each slidably mounted to an
underside of said work surface by a set of roller brackets.
17. The workstation/conference table according to claim 16, wherein
each set of roller brackets further comprise two telescoping,
roller brackets.
18. The workstation/conference table according to claim 14, further
comprising a lock for locking said input device platform in a
closed position.
19. The workstation/conference table according to claim 18, wherein
said lock is an electronic lock.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO. RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application derives priority from U.S.
provisional application No. 60/436,515 for INTEGRATED FLAT PANEL
DESK SYSTEM; filed: 27 Dec. 2002.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to computer workstations and,
more particularly, to a computer workstation having a pivoting
working surface that exposes an integrated flat panel liquid
crystal display (LCD).
[0004] 2. Description of the Background
[0005] Of the many varieties of commercially-available computer
workstations, some are designed to enclose the computer to offer a
multi-use work surface, conserve space, provide data privacy,
protect the equipment and wiring, and maintain aesthetics. Examples
of typical applications include educational and medical
institutions, commercial offices, and retail, hospitality,
government, and military entities. In these and other situations,
it is desirable to incorporate the computers into the desks.
[0006] The are many exemplary patents for computer desks, most of
which stow the CPU and monitor under the desk surface. For example,
U.S. Pat. No. 4,766,422 to Wolters shows a desk with a standard
computer system case and monitor. U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,608 to
Clausen shows a desk with a standard computer system CPU and
monitor. The desk is designed with an "L" shaped work area with two
levels. The "L" shaped configuration limits the work area, as well
as contributing to a setup problem for the student and teacher.
[0007] There are also a number of computer desks in which the
monitor is placed below the desk top, employing a glass window or
removable cover placed above the monitor so that the monitor
remains or can be made visible to the user. For instance, U.S. Pat.
No. RE034266 to Schairbaum shows a work station with an underdesk
display. U.S. Pat. No. 5,957,059 to Burhman depicts a desk with a
work surface that retracts to expose a computer system case and
monitor. A hinged panel is manipulated to enable the user to see
the viewable surface of the monitor. The foregoing systems are
acceptable for cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors because they
generate a positive light image which can easily he viewed from any
angle.
[0008] However, with the advent of flat panel LCDs, the situation
has changed. LCD flat panel displays transmit images in a different
manner, requiring the user to view them straight on. The highly
directional images and lower light emission levels make it
difficult to view an LCD screen through a glass surface or to
position the display so that the user can view it straight on in an
ergonomic manner.
[0009] LCDs offer many advantages over CRT monitors such as
requiring less room and using less energy. There is, therefore, a
need for a more functional, ergonomically correct, and convenient
multi-use computer workstation accommodating LCDs in which the
display may be pivoted from a closed secure position into an
ergonomically appropriate open position in front of a user.
[0010] Additionally, due to the increased energy management
capabilities of LCDs, when combined with the advantages of a
pivoting display mechanism, the workstation is able to provide
convenient data security without shutting clown the computer
workstation or requiring a lengthy warm-up period before
re-accessing the screen. The addition of automatic activation and
brightness adjustment upon opening the LCD will increase the
display's useful life and make LCD units more appropriate for use
in a broad variety of situations such as darkened classroom
presentations and work locations where screen brightness may be
used to eliminate problems with glare.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to
provide a compact, functional, ergonomically correct and convenient
multi-use computer workstation in which a pivoting flat panel
integral to the work surface rotates a LCD into a vertical position
in front of a user.
[0012] It is another object to provide a computer workstation with
an integral flat panel as described above in which the pivoting of
the flat panel from a closed to an open position is triggered
automatically by the user extending a sliding (i.e. pull-out) input
device platform.
[0013] It is another object to provide a computer workstation with
an integral flat panel as described above with locking sliding
(i.e. pull-out) input device platform, and in which the flat panel
display (and optionally, integral personal computer) are securely
stowed and locked in a closed position until the input device
platform is unlocked and extended, thereby providing ample security
of the hardware and data therein.
[0014] It is another object to provide a computer workstation with
an integral flat panel as described above in which the action of
pivoting the flat panel, even when done abusively, from a closed to
an open position is controlled so as to protect the delicate
circuitry of the equipment and prevent personal injury and/or
damage to the workstation, as well as positioning the LCD and flat
panel at the ideal angle when open and perfectly level to a work
surface when closed.
[0015] It is still another object to provide a computer workstation
with a flat panel LCD as described above in which the LCD is
automatically pivoted into a viewable position by extending the
input device platform, is automatically turned on when it attains
the viewing position, and is automatically adjusted for display
brightness in accordance with the ambient light conditions in the
room.
[0016] According to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the above-described and other objects are accomplished
by providing a computer workstation having a desktop/work surface
defined by a central aperture, and a pivoting, integral LCD support
panel positioned in the aperture. A flat panel LCD is mounted on
the support panel which is, in turn, affixed to two rotatable
shafts. In addition, a sliding input device platform (e.g. keyboard
shelf) is mounted on telescoping roller brackets underneath the
front end of the work surface. Pivoting lever assemblies include
lever arms coupled to the rotatable shafts and links coupled to the
roller brackets. A hydraulic damper is coupled at one end to one of
the lever arms and slidably attached at the other end in a slotted
bracket affixed to the underside of the desktop/work surface. The
lever assemblies serve to automatically pivot the LCD support panel
to an upright position upon extension of the input device platform.
The damper freely extends as the LCD support panel is opened to its
upright position, but is engaged as the support panel is closed to
bring the support panel and attached LCD to a safe and gentle stop.
In this preferred embodiment, the LCD additionally includes a
mercury switch for turning the LCD on once it has attained an
upright position (i.e. the support panel is in the fully open
position), and for turning it off when the support panel is in the
closed position.
[0017] As a preferred option, the sliding input device platform
includes a locking device which prevents unauthorized access to the
input device and to the LCD display to protect the hardware. In
addition, it is contemplated that the computer workstation may be
integrally incorporated with the display, in which case the locking
device prevents unauthorized data access as well. While the locking
device may be a simple keylock, the presently preferred embodiment
includes a Dialock.RTM. system by which multiple computer desks all
with pivoting LCD support panels may be centrally unlocked using a
single transponder stick inserted in a wall receptacle. This
intelligent key system is completely tamper-proof.
[0018] An alternative multi-display embodiment of the present
invention incorporates a large tabletop/work surface defined by
multiple (i.e. two or more) apertures, with a pivoting, integral
LCD support panel positioned in each of the apertures. A flat panel
LCD is mounted on each of the support panels and a sliding input
device platform is mounted on telescoping roller brackets
underneath the edge of the work surface directly in front of each
support panel and LCD. The pivoting mechanism for each LCD is as
described above, and each LCD may be pivoted to an uptight
position; independently of the others, by extending the
corresponding input device platform.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present
invention will become more apparent from the following detailed
description of the preferred embodiment and certain modifications
thereof when taken together with the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a computer workstation
10, shown with a LCD support panel 14 in the closed position and a
sliding input device platform 30 in a fully retracted position,
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the computer
workstation 10 of FIG. 1, shown with the support panel 14 in a
closed position.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the computer
workstation 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2, shown with the support panel 14 in
a partially open position.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the computer
workstation 10 of FIGS. 1-3, shown with the support panel 14 and
integrated flat panel LCD 60 in a fully open position.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the computer
workstation 10 of FIGS. 1-4, shown with the support panel 14 and
integrated flat panel LCD 60 in the fully open position, and the
sliding input device platform 30 in a fully extended position.
[0025] FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the computer
workstation 10 of FIGS. 1-5, shown with the support panel 14 and
integrated flat panel LCD 60 in the closed position.
[0026] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a multi-station computer
workstation/conference table 110 shown with two LCD support panels
114 in an open position, six support panels 115 in a closed
position, and two sliding input device platforms 130 in a fully
extended position, according to an alternative embodiment of the
present invention.
[0027] FIG. 8 is a system diagram of a Dialock.RTM. system by which
all of the pivoting LCD support panels 14, 114 in multiple computer
workstation 10 or in multi-station computer workstations/conference
tables 110, as described above, may be centrally locked and/or
unlocked using a single transponder stick inserted in a wall
receptacle 90.
[0028] FIG. 9 is an exploded diagram of the Dialock.RTM. locking
device which is installed at each of the sliding input device
platforms 30, 130 to lock/unlock them.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0029] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a computer workstation
10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
The computer workstation 10 generally includes a sliding input
device platform 30 and a pivoting support panel 14 in a work
surface 12, the support panel 14 being adapted to support an
integrated flat panel LCD 60 (see FIG. 5) mounted thereon. In
accordance with the present invention, a mechanism is provided
(described below) by which extension of the input device platform
30 into a working position (see FIG. 5) automatically and gently
rotates the flat panel LCD 60 to a viewable position in front of a
user. Additionally, the rotation may automatically turn the LCD 60
on by means of a gravity switch.
[0030] FIGS. 2-4 are side perspective views of the computer
workstation 10 with the support panel 14 and integrated flat panel
LCD 60 shown, respectively, in closed, partially open, and fully
open positions, according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention. The computer workstation 10 generally includes a
desktop/work surface 12 defined by a central aperture 13 and a
pivoting support panel 14 for supporting a flat panel LCD 60
positioned within the aperture 13. The support panel 14 sits flush
within the aperture 13 of the work surface 12 when it is
closed.
[0031] The desktop/work surface 12 sits atop a foundation 11 (see
FIG. 1) which is a conventional computer workstation frame bounded
on three sides by side walls and having a built-in power strip 19
(see FIG. 1) for powering the computer and other
auxiliary/peripheral equipment. The computer CPU (not shown in the
Figures) may be a separate component from the flat panel LCD 60, in
which case the CPU is stowed in a compartment 18 (see FIG. 1)
inside the foundation 11. Alternatively, the CPU may be integrally
built into the flat panel LCD 60.
[0032] The support panel 14 is side-mounted by two, collinear,
pivot shafts 46 (sec FIG. 6) which extend into bearing blocks 44
(see FIG. 6) mounted to the support panel 14. Lever assemblies 20,
attached to the blocks 44 and thereby engaged with the support
panel 14, rotate the panel 14 from a closed position to a fully
open position. The lever assemblies 20 are manually-actuated by the
input device platform 30, which is slidably suspended beneath the
front edge of the work surface 12 (on roller brackets 26 which are
affixed to the underside of the work surface 12 in a spaced
relationship). Each lever assembly 20 further comprises a lever arm
22 and a link 24. Each link 24 is pivotally attached at one end to
a roller bracket 26 via, for example, a shoulder bolt 50. A
hydraulic, double-ended or uni-directional damper 170, commercially
available from AVM, Inc. of Marion, S.C. (i.e. as part/model no.
sd200acjps006), is pivotally attached via a block/pin assembly 174
and a spring 175 to one of the lever arms 22 and slidably attached
via a second block/pin assembly 176 to a slotted bracket 180
affixed to the underside of the desktop/work surface 12. With the
support panel 14 in the closed position of FIG. 2, the spring 175
is fully compressed and the damper's shaft 172 is fully retracted
with the block/pin assembly 176 positioned at the back end of the
slot 182 formed in the bracket 180.
[0033] The support panel 14 is pivoted to the partially open
position of FIG. 3 by pulling the input device platform 30 out from
under the front edge of the work surface 12. This action extends
(i.e. telescopes outward) the two roller brackets 26
simultaneously. Movement of the roller brackets 26 then begins to
draw the links 24 outward. The other ends of links 24 are pivotally
attached to one end of the lever arms 22. Therefore, as links 24
move in response to the movement of the input device platform 30,
lever arms 22 are pulled forward and slightly downward. Lever arms
22 in turn, via fixed attachments to bearing blocks 44 (see FIG.
6), rotate the support panel 14 from the closed position of FIG. 2
to the partially open position of FIG. 3. As the lever arms 22
respond to the extension of the input device platform 30, the
spring 175 first begins to extend before eventually setting the
damper 170 into motion. Movement of the damper 170 then causes the
block/pin assembly 176 to traverse the slot 182 in the bracket
180.
[0034] FIG. 4 shows the computer workstation 10 with the support
panel 14 in a fully open position due to the complete extension of
the input device platform 30. The lever assemblies 20 are fully
engaged with the support panel 14 to rotate it to an approximately
80 degree vertical upright position (the angular position is a
matter of design choice). It can now be seen that a flat panel LCD
60 is fixedly mounted to the underside of support panel 14.
[0035] As the support panel 14 opens (i.e. rotates between the
partially open position of FIG. 3 and the fully open position of
FIG. 4), the block/pin assembly 176 traverses (left to right) the
slot 182 in the bracket 180. However, the block/pin assembly 176
reaches the forward end of the slot 182 before the support panel 14
reaches its fully open position. When the motion of the block/pin
assembly 176 is halted at the forward end of the slot 182, the
shaft 172 of the damper 170 is freely extended as the support panel
14 opening process is completed. The extension of the shaft 172 in
this manner readies the damper 170 for operation during the closing
of the support panel 14. The damped movement of the support panel
14 during the closing process occurs in the following manner.
[0036] As the support panel 14 is returned to the closed position
of FIG. 2, the block/pin assembly 176 traverses (right to left) the
slot 182 in the bracket 180 and reaches the back end of the slot
182 before the panel 14 reaches the closed position. When the
motion of the block/pin assembly 176 is halted at the back end of
the slot 182, the shaft 172 of the damper 170 is pushed into the
damper's body, thereby engaging the its internal, unidirectional
motion damping system to bring the support panel 14 and attached
LCD 60 to a safe and gentle stop in the closed position.
[0037] The spring 175 creates a minimal amount of shaft 172
extension just as the opening process commences (see FIG. 3). This
minimal amount of shaft 172 extension, generating a small amount of
motion damping capability in the damper 170, is a safety feature
designed to prevent the support panel 14 from slamming shut should
the opening process be accidentally aborted prior to completion
(e.g. a user inadvertently letting go of the input device platform
30 when the support panel is in the position shown in FIG. 3,
whereupon gravity would act to return the panel to the closed
position of FIG. 2).
[0038] A stop bracket 42 is secured by, for example, a plurality of
screws to the underside of the work surface 12 along the front edge
of the aperture 13. The stop bracket 42 extends into the aperture
13 a short distance to limit the rotation of the support panel 14
and attached LCD 60, thereby ensuring that support panel 14 comes
to rest flush with the work surface 12 when the desk 10 is closed
(as in FIG. 2).
[0039] The LCD 60 is preferably a 15''-20'' flat panel LCD with a
power cord that plugs into the power strip resident in the computer
workstation 10. The LCD 60 is conventional in most respects, but
also includes an OEM-supplied and retrofitted mercury switch 62
(see FIG. 5) for selectively applying power to the unit dependent
on its orientation. The mercury switch 62 is mounted such that
power is supplied to the LCD 60 when it is positioned at
approximately an 80 degree upright angular orientation.
[0040] FIGS. 1 and 5 are front perspective views of the computer
workstation 10 shown with the support panel 14 in the closed and
fully open positions, respectively, and the input device platform
30 in the fully retracted and extended positions, respectively.
[0041] FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the computer
workstation 10, shown with the support panel 14 and integrated flat
panel LCD 60 in the closed position, which further illustrates the
lever assemblies 20. The lever assemblies 20 on either side are
identical, and only one need be explained in detail. As explained
previously, the support panel 14 is side-mounted by a shaft 46.
Each shaft 46 extends into a bearing block 44 at one end and a
mounting block 48 at the other end. The bearing block 44 is
rotatably engaged with the shaft 46 and is anchored to the support
panel 14 by, for example, a plurality of screws. The mounting block
48 is fixedly attached to the shaft 46 and is mounted to the
underside of the work surface 12 by, for example, a plurality of
screws. At a point between the two blocks 44, 48, one end of lever
arm 22 is fixedly attached to the bearing block 44 and extends
rearwardly and slightly downwardly therefrom. The other end of
lever arm 22 is pivotally attached at hinge 40 to one end of link
24 as shown. The other end of link 24 is, in turn, pivotally
attached to a roller bracket 26 via a hinge 50 (i.e. shoulder bolt)
such that inward or outward movement of the input device platform
30 telescopes the roller bracket 26 and operates the lever arm 22
and link 24, thereby pivoting the support panel 14. The
commercially-available hydraulic damper 170 is, via its shaft 172,
pivotally attached by a block/pin assembly 174 and a spring 175 to
one of the lever arms 22 and slidably attached via a second
block/pin assembly 176 to a slotted bracket 180 affixed to the
underside of the desktop/work surface 12.
[0042] The foregoing computer workstation 10 serves to
automatically pivot the support panel 14, positioned in the work
surface 12, and the attached flat panel LCD 60 into a vertical
position in front of a user. The flat panel LCD 60 moves from a
closed to an exposed position and is powered automatically when the
user extends the sliding keyboard shelf 30. The mercury switch 62
in the LCD 60 closes upon attaining a substantially upright
position, thereby ensuring that the LCD 60 is on only when
desired.
[0043] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the present invention. A multi-station computer
workstation 110, or conference table, incorporates a tabletop/work
surface 112 defined by two or more apertures 113, with a pivoting,
integral LCD support panel 114, 115 positioned in each of the
apertures 113. The eight-station embodiment of FIG. 7 shows two LCD
support panels 114 in an open position and six support panels 115
in a closed position. Each support panel 115 sits flush within the
aperture 113 of the work surface 112 when it is closed. The work
surface 112 sits atop a conventional conference table foundation
111. A plurality of built-in power strips (not shown in FIG. 7) for
powering multiple computers and other auxiliary/peripheral
equipment are affixed to the foundation 111. The computer CPUs (not
shown in FIG. 7) may be separate components from the flat panel
LCDs 160, in which case the CPUs are stowed in compartments (not
shown in FIG. 7) inside the foundation 111. Alternatively, the CPU
may be integrally built into the flat panel LCD 160.
[0044] Each of the support panels 114, 115 is mounted and cycled
between its open and closed positions in the manner described above
with respect to FIGS. 1-6 (i.e. utilizing the combination of two
lever assemblies 20 and a hydraulic damper 170). Flat panel LCDs
160 are fixedly mounted to the underside of support panels 114, 115
and a sliding input device platform 130 is mounted on telescoping
roller brackets 126 underneath the edge of the work surface 112
directly in front of each support panel 114, 115 and LCD 160. FIG.
7 shows the computer workstation 110 with the two support panels
114 in a fully open position (i.e. an 80 degree vertical upright
position) due to the complete extension of the corresponding input
device platforms 130 (supporting computer keyboards 132). Stop
brackets (not shown in FIG. 7) secured by, for example, a plurality
of screws to the underside of the work surface 112 along the front
edge of the aperture 113. Each stop bracket extends into the
corresponding aperture 113 a short distance to limit the rotation
of the support panel 114, 115 and attached LCD 160, thereby
ensuring that support panel 114, 115 comes to rest flush with the
work surface 112 when the desk 110 is closed (see specifically,
support panels 115).
[0045] As above, each LCD 160 is preferably a 15''-20'' flat panel
LCD with a power cord that plugs into one of the power strips
resident in the computer desk 110. The LCD 160 is conventional in
most respects, but also includes an OEM-supplied, or retrofitted,
mercury switch (not shown in FIG. 7) for selectively applying power
to the unit dependant on its orientation. The mercury switch is
mounted such that power is supplied to the LCD 160 when it is
positioned at approximately an 80 degree upright angular
orientation.
[0046] The foregoing alternative computer workstation/conference
table 110 allows one or more users to automatically pivot a support
panel 114, 115 and the attached flat panel LCD 160 into a vertical,
viewable position. Each LCD 160 may be pivoted from a closed to an
exposed position and be powered automatically, independently of the
others, by extending the corresponding input device platform 130.
The mercury switch in each LCD 160 closes upon attaining a
substantially upright position, thereby ensuring that an LCD 160 is
on only when desired.
[0047] As a preferred option, the sliding input device platforms
30, 130, in the embodiments described above with respect to FIGS.
1-7, are each equipped with a locking device, which prevents
unauthorized access to the keyboard and the LCD 60, 160, when
protection of either the hardware and/or data is desired (as set
forth previously, it is contemplated that the computer CPU may be
integral to the display 60, 160, in which case the locking device
prevents unauthorized data access as well). While the locking
device may be a simple keylock, the presently preferred embodiment
includes a Dialock.RTM. system by which multiple computer
workstations 10 all with pivoting LCD support panels 14 may be
centrally unlocked using a single transponder stick inserted in a
wall receptacle. This particular intelligent key system is
commercially-available and completely tamper-proof. The
Dialock.RTM. system is incorporated as follows.
[0048] FIG. 8 is a system diagram of a Dialock.RTM. system by which
all of the pivoting LCD support panels 14, 114 in multiple computer
workstations 10 or in multi-station computer
workstations/conference tables 110, as described above, may be
centrally locked and/or unlocked using a single transponder stick
inserted in a wall receptacle 90. The system generally includes a
programmable central controller 70, a wall-mount receptacle 90
connected to the central controller 70 for insertion of a
key-transponder, and multiple remote lock assemblies 80a-d
connected to the central controller 70. The lock assemblies 80a-d
are installed proximate each of the sliding input device platforms
30, 130 to lock them and the corresponding LCDs 60, 160 in the
closed position, subject to authorized key access via receptacle
90. All of the foregoing components are commercially available from
The Hafele Group.
[0049] FIG. 9 is an exploded diagram of one of the Dialock.RTM.
remote lock assemblies 80a-d (see FIG. 8) installed at each of the
sliding input device platforms 30, 130 to lock/unlock them. Each
remote lock assembly 80a-d further comprises a locking shaft 92
which is secured to the inside edge of the sliding input device
platform 30, 130 (by screws), a reinforcing receptacle plate 93
which is secured inside a computer workstation 10, or a
multi-station computer workstation/conference table 110, in a
position corresponding to the closed position of the sliding input
device platforms 30, 130 and an electronic lock 94 which is secured
to and behind receptacle plate 93. When the locking shaft 92 is
inserted into the electronic lock 94 by closure of the sliding
input device platforms 30, 130 (and commensurate closure of the
corresponding LCDs 60, 160), the electronic lock 94 locks it in the
closed position subject to keyed access at receptacle 90 (see FIG.
8). This option allows multiple computer workstations 10 all with
pivoting LCD support panels 14 to be centrally unlocked using a
single transponder stick inserted in wall receptacle 90, and
renders the enclosed keyboard and LCD completely tamper-proof.
[0050] Having now fully set forth the preferred embodiments and
certain modifications of the concept underlying the present
invention, various other embodiments as well as certain variations
and modifications of the embodiments herein shown and described
will obviously occur to those skilled in the art upon becoming
familiar with said underlying concept. It is to be understood,
therefore, that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as
specifically set forth herein.
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