U.S. patent application number 11/557560 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-23 for flat panel display device with a hidden cavity.
This patent application is currently assigned to BENQ CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Kuan-Hsu Lin.
Application Number | 20070194669 11/557560 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38427471 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070194669 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lin; Kuan-Hsu |
August 23, 2007 |
FLAT PANEL DISPLAY DEVICE WITH A HIDDEN CAVITY
Abstract
A flat panel display device including a housing and a cover is
provided. The housing has a surface with a cavity. The cover is
disposed on the housing for selectively covering the cavity, and is
moveable along a direction substantially parallel to the
surface.
Inventors: |
Lin; Kuan-Hsu; (Taipei
County, TW) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THOMAS, KAYDEN, HORSTEMEYER & RISLEY, LLP
100 GALLERIA PARKWAY, NW, STE 1750
ATLANTA
GA
30339-5948
US
|
Assignee: |
BENQ CORPORATION
Taoyuan Shien
TW
|
Family ID: |
38427471 |
Appl. No.: |
11/557560 |
Filed: |
November 8, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/7.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/1601
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/7.2 |
International
Class: |
A47B 81/06 20060101
A47B081/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 20, 2006 |
TW |
95105664 |
Claims
1. A flat panel display device, comprising: a housing having a
surface with a cavity; and a cover disposed on the housing for
selectively covering the cavity, wherein the cover is moveable
along a direction substantially parallel to the surface.
2. The flat panel display device according to claim 1, wherein when
a force is exerted on the cover, the cover is moved towards a top
of the housing to expose the cavity to allow a user's finger to be
inserted into the exposed cavity and to uplift the flat panel
display device.
3. The flat panel display device according to claim 2, wherein when
the cavity is exposed, part of the cover protrudes downwards within
the cavity, so as to facilitate the user's finger to uplift the
flat panel display device.
4. The flat panel display device according to claim 1, further
comprising an ejection mechanism, wherein when no force is exerted
on the cover, the ejection mechanism enables the cover to move
toward an initial position to cover the cavity.
5. The flat panel display device according to claim 4, wherein the
ejection mechanism comprises a spring for providing an elastic
force to push the cover toward the initial position.
6. The flat panel display device according to claim 1, further
comprising a first gear and a second gear disposed on the housing,
and the cover further comprising a first gear rack and a second
gear rack which respectively engage with the first gear and the
second gear, and when the cover is moved, the first gear rack and
the second gear rack have substantially the same course of
movement.
7. The flat panel display device according to claim 1, wherein the
housing further comprises a first track and a second track, and the
cover further comprises a first rail and a second rail which
respectively slide within the first track and the second track, and
when the cover is moved, the first rail and the second rail are
respectively sliding along the first track and the second
track.
8. The flat panel display device according to claim 1, wherein the
cover comprises a cover plate and a force-applying portion disposed
on the cover plate, and the force-applying portion adjoins a lower
flange of the cover plate.
9. The flat panel display device according to claim 8, wherein the
force-applying portion is a bump.
10. A flat panel display device, comprising: a housing having a
cavity, a protrusion and a lower flange, wherein the protrusion and
the lower flange are formed on the opposite sides of the cavity;
and a cover moveably connected with the housing, wherein when the
cover is moving toward the lower flange and then located at a first
position, the cover adjoins the lower flange and substantially
covers the cavity; when the cover is moving toward the protrusion
and then located at a second position, the cavity is exposed to
allow a user's finger to be inserted into the exposed cavity to
uplift the flat panel display device, and the cover is restricted
at the second position by the inserted user's finger.
11. The flat panel display device according to claim 10, wherein a
height of the protrusion is larger than a thickness of the cover,
such that when the cover is located at the second position, the
protrusion protrudes downwards over the cover, so as to facilitate
the user's finger to uplift the flat panel display device.
12. The flat panel display device according to claim 10, further
comprising an ejection mechanism enabling the cover to rotate
toward the lower flange to be located at the first position for
covering the cavity.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Taiwan application
Serial No. 95105664, filed Feb. 20, 2006, the subject matter of
which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates in general to a flat panel display
device, and more particularly to a flat panel display device with a
hidden cavity.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Liquid crystal display possessing the features of
lightweight, low power consumption and low radiation has replaced
the cathode ray tube (CRT) display and became a standard equipment
of computer monitor.
[0006] However, the liquid crystal display is more expensive than
the CRT display, and the monitor surface of the liquid crystal
display is more vulnerable and can be scratched easily. Thus, how
to design a display easy to be lifted, shifted or moved has became
an imminent issue to be resolved.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a flat
panel display device with a hidden cavity disposed on a surface of
the housing for facilitating the user to uplift the flat panel
display device. Besides, the flat panel display device further has
a moveable cover for covering the cavity, not only preventing the
dust but also prettifying the appearance.
[0008] The invention achieves the above-identified object by
providing a flat panel display device. The display device includes
a housing and a cover. The housing has a surface with a cavity. The
cover is disposed on the housing for selectively covering the
cavity, and is moveable along a direction substabtially parallel to
the surface.
[0009] The invention achieves another object by providing a flat
panel display device. The display device includes a housing and a
cover. The housing has a cavity, a protrusion and a lower flange,
and the protrusion and the lower flange are formed on the opposite
sides of the cavity. The cover is moveably connected with the
housing. When the cover is moving toward the lower flange and then
located at a first position, the cover adjoins the lower flange and
substantially covers the cavity. When the cover is moving toward
the protrusion and then located at a second position, the cavity is
exposed to allow a user's finger to be inserted into the exposed
cavity to uplift the flat panel display device, and the cover is
restricted at the second position by the inserted user's
finger.
[0010] Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention
will become apparent from the following detailed description of the
preferred but non-limiting embodiments. The following description
is made with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1A is a diagram of a flat panel display device whose
cavity is covered by a cover according to a first embodiment of the
invention;
[0012] FIG. 1B is a diagram of the flat panel display device of
FIG. 1A whose cavity is exposed when the cover is removed;
[0013] FIG. 2A is a partial structural diagram of a flat panel
display device whose cavity is partly covered by the cover of FIG.
1A and 1B;
[0014] FIG. 2B is a partial structural side view of a flat panel
display device whose cavity is covered by a cover according to a
first embodiment of the invention;
[0015] FIG. 2C is a side view of a flat panel display device whose
cavity is exposed when the cover of FIG. 2B is moved towards a top
of the housing;
[0016] FIG. 3A is a partial structural diagram of a flat panel
display device whose cavity is partly covered by a cover according
to a second embodiment of the invention;
[0017] FIG. 3B is a partial structural side view of a flat panel
display device whose cavity is partly covered by a cover according
to a second embodiment of the invention;
[0018] FIG. 3C is a side view of a flat panel display device whose
cavity is exposed when the cover of FIG. 3B is moved towards a top
of the housing;
[0019] FIG. 4A is a diagram of a flat panel display device whose
cavity is covered by a cover according to a third embodiment of the
invention;
[0020] FIG. 4B is a diagram of a flat panel display device whose
cavity is exposed when the cover of FIG. 4A is removed;
[0021] FIG. 5A is a partial structural side view of a flat panel
display device whose cover is located at a first position according
to a third embodiment of the invention;
[0022] FIG. 5B is a side view of a flat panel display device
showing the cover of FIG. 5A is moved towards a protrusion to be
located at a second position; and
[0023] FIG. 5C is a diagram of a flat panel display device showing
user's fingers are inserted into a cavity to uplift the flat panel
display device according to a third embodiment of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
First Embodiment
[0024] Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 1A is a diagram of a flat
panel display device whose cavity is covered by a cover according
to a first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 1B is a diagram of the
flat panel display device of FIG. 1A whose cavity is exposed when
the cover is removed. The flat panel display device 100 includes a
housing 110 and a cover 120. The housing 110 has a surface 111 with
a cavity 111a. The cover 120 is disposed on the housing 110 for
selectively covering the cavity 111a when the cover 120 is located
at an initial position as indicated in FIG. 1A. Besides, the cover
120 is moveable along a direction (as shown by an arrow 160)
substantially parallel to the surface 111. Thus, when a force is
exerted on the cover 120 located at the initial position, the cover
120 is moved towards a top of the housing 110 to expose the cavity
111a. Then, the user's finger can be inserted into the exposed
cavity 111a to uplift the flat panel display device 100.
[0025] As for the design of enabling the cover 120 to move along
the direction parallel to the surface 111 is exemplified and
elaborated below.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 2A, a partial structural diagram of a flat
panel display device whose cavity is partly covered by the cover of
FIG. 1A and 1B is shown. The flat panel display device 100 includes
a first gear 130 and a second gear 140 disposed on the housing. The
cover 120 has a first gear rack 120a and a second gear rack 120b,
which respectively engage with the first gear 130 and the second
gear 140. The first gear 120a and the second gear 120b have the
same specifications, that is, the radius, the tooth space and the
tooth number are all the same. When the cover 120 is moved, the
first gear rack 120a and the second gear rack 120b have
substantially the same course of movement. When the user moves the
cover 120 upwards but the applied force is uneven, the design of
the present embodiment of the invention prevents the cover 120 from
tilting or seizing, such that the cover 120 can be moved stably and
smoothly.
[0027] Moreover, the cover 120 further includes a cover plate 121
and a force-applying portion such as a bump 122 disposed on the
cover plate 121 for example. The disposition of the bump 122
depends on the direction of the movement of the cover 120. In the
present embodiment of the invention, the bump 122 adjoins a lower
flange of the cover plate 121, such that when the user exerts an
upward force on the bump 122 to move the cover plate 121, the cover
120 is moved toward the top of the housing 110 from the initial
position. On the contrary, when the user exerts a downward force to
the bump 122, the cover 120 is moved back to the initial position
to cover the cavity 111a.
[0028] In the first embodiment, the flat panel display device 100
includes an ejection mechanism 150 for pushing the cover 120 toward
the initial position to cover the cavity 111a when no force is
exerted on the cover 120. As indicated in FIG. 2A, the ejection
mechanism 150 includes a spring 151. One end of the spring 151 is
fixed on an inner wall 170 of the housing 110, while the other end
of the spring 151 is fixed on an upper flange 121a of the cover
plate 121. Referring to FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C. FIG. 2B is a partial
structural side view of a flat panel display device whose cavity is
covered by a cover according to a first embodiment of the
invention. FIG. 2C is a side view of a flat panel display device
whose cavity 111a is exposed when the cover of FIG. 2B is moved
toward the top of the housing. As indicated in FIG. 2B, when the
cover 120 is located at the initial position, the spring 151 is
compressed slightly for enabling the cover 120 to be located at the
initial position. As indicated in FIG. 2C, when the cover 120 is
moved toward the top of the housing 110, the cover plate 121
compresses the spring 151 at the same time. Meanwhile, when the
cavity 111a is exposed in FIG. 2C, part of the cover 120 protrudes
downwards within the cavity 111a, so as to facilitate the user's
finger to uplift the flat panel display device.
[0029] Thus, once the force applied on the bump 122 disappears, the
spring 151 provides an elastic force to push the cover 120 back to
the initial position.
Second Embodiment
[0030] Referring to FIG. 3A, a partial structural diagram of a flat
panel display device whose cavity is partly covered by a cover
according to a second embodiment of the invention is shown. The
second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the
housing 310 of the flat panel display device 300 includes a first
track 330 and a second track 340, and that the cover 320 has a
first rail 320a and a second rail 320b, which respectively slide
within the first track 330 and the second track 340. When the cover
320 is moved, the first rail 320a and the second rail 320b are
respectively sliding along the first track 330 and the second track
340. The first track 330 and the second track 340 have the function
of restricting the direction of movement of the first rail 320a and
the second rail 320b. When the user moves the cover 320 upward but
the applied force is uneven, the design of the present embodiment
of the invention prevents the cover 320 from tilting or seizing,
such that the cover 320 can be moved stably and smoothly.
Similarily, the present embodiment of the invention can further
employ a bump 322 and an ejection mechanism 350 to achieve better
performance as described in the first embodiment.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 3B and 3C. FIG. 3B is a partial structural
side view of a flat panel display device whose cavity is partly
covered by a cover according to a second embodiment of the
invention. FIG. 3C is a side view of a flat panel display device
whose cavity is exposed when the cover of FIG. 3B is moved towards
a top of the housing. As indicated in FIG. 3B, when the cover 320
is located at an initial position, the spring 351 is compressed
slightly for enabling the cover 320 to be located at the initial
position. As indicated in FIG. 3C, when the cover 320 is moved
towards a top of the housing 310, the cover plate 321 compresses
the spring 351 at the same time. Thus, once the force applied on
the bump 322 disappears, the spring 351 provides an elastic force
pushing the cover 320 back to the initial position. Similarly, when
the cavity 311a is exposed in FIG. 3C, part of the cover 120
protrudes downwards within the cavity 311a, so as to facilitate the
user's finger to uplift the flat panel display device
Third Embodiment
[0032] Referring to FIG. 4A and 4B. FIG. 4A is a diagram of a flat
panel display device whose cavity is covered by a cover according
to a third embodiment of the invention. FIG. 4B is a diagram of a
flat panel display device whose cavity is exposed when the cover of
FIG. 4A is removed. The flat panel display device 400 includes a
housing 410 and a cover 420. The housing 410 has a cavity 411, a
protrusion 411a and a lower flange 411b, and the protrusion 411a
and the lower flange 411b are formed on the opposite sides of the
cavity 411. Preferably, the protrusion 411a is a plate disposed on
an upper flange 411c of the cavity 411 and is extended towards the
lower flange 411b. The upper flange 411c is opposite to the lower
flange 411b. The cover 420 is moveably connected with the housing
410. When the cover 420 is moving toward the lower flange 411b and
then located at a first position, the cover 420, which is
substantially parallel to the protrusion 411a, adjoins the lower
flange 411b and substantially covers the cavity 411, as indicated
in FIG. 4A. When the cover 420 is moving toward the protrusion 411a
and then located at a second position as indicated by the arrow 430
in FIG. 4B, the cover 420 is substantially perpendicular to the
protrusion 411a. Meanwhile, the cavity 411 is exposed to allow a
user's finger to be inserted into the exposed cavity 411 to uplift
the flat panle display device 400.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 5A and 5B. FIG. 5A is a partial structural
side view of a flat panel display device whose cover is located at
a first position according to a third embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 5B is a side view of a flat panel display device showing the
cover of FIG. 5A is moved towards a protrusion to be located at a
second position. After the cover 420 is moved to the second
position from the first position, user's fingers can be inserted
into the exposed cavity 411 to uplift the flat panel display device
400, meanwhile the cover 420 is pressed by user's finger and
thereby restricted at the second position by the inserted user's
finger. Preferably, the height T of the protrusion 411a is larger
than the thickness D of the cover 420, such that when the cover 420
is located at the second position, the protrusion 411a protrudes
downward over the cover 420, as indicated in FIG. 5B.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 5C, a diagram of a flat panel display
device showing user's fingers are inserted into a cavity to uplift
the flat panel display device according to a third embodiment of
the invention is shown. When the user exerts an upward force to the
flat panel display device 400, the protrusion 411a prevents the
user's fingers from slipping off the cavity 411, not only assuring
the safety of removal but also making the application of force
easier to the user.
[0035] Any one who is skilled in the technology of the invention
will understand that the technology of the invention is not limited
thereto. For example, both the positions and the number of tracks
and rails can be adjusted to fit actual needs, and so are the
positions and the number of gears and gear racks. The number of
springs of the ejection mechanism is also adjustable, depending on
manufacturing considerations or practical application. In the first
and the second embodiments, the cover can be designed to move
towards either side of the housing along another direction parallel
to the surface. For example, the cover is moved towards the two
lateral sides of the housing along a direction perpendicular to the
arrow 160. Besides, the third embodiment can incorporate an
ejection mechanism such as a torsional spring 440, such that when
the force applied by the user disappears, the cover 420 is enabled
to rotate towards the lower flange 411b to be located at the first
position for covering the cavity 411. Any design of flat panel
display device with a hidden cavity selectively covered by a
moveable cover for facilitating the user to move the flat panel
display device is within the scope of technology of the
invention.
[0036] According to the flat panel display device disclosed in the
above three embodiments of the invention, a cavity is disposed to
facilitate the removal of the flat panel display device and is
selectivey covered by a moveable cover. The user can move or push
the cover to expose the cavity, and uplift the flat panel display
device by the cavity. On the other hand, when the cavity is not
used, the cover can covers the cavity to prevent the dust and
prettify the appearance.
[0037] While the invention has been described by way of example and
in terms of a preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited thereto. On the contrary, it is intended
to cover various modifications and similar arrangements and
procedures, and the scope of the appended claims therefore should
be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such
modifications and similar arrangements and procedures.
* * * * *