U.S. patent application number 13/306676 was filed with the patent office on 2012-05-24 for computer display screen system and adjustable screen mount, and swinging screens therefor.
Invention is credited to Jerry Moscovitch.
Application Number | 20120127646 13/306676 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23763862 |
Filed Date | 2012-05-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120127646 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Moscovitch; Jerry |
May 24, 2012 |
Computer Display Screen System and Adjustable Screen Mount, and
Swinging Screens Therefor
Abstract
A computer system is described herein. In addition to a base
structure for resting on a support surface, the system includes a
first display panel coupled to the base structure. A second display
panel is slidingly engageable to both sides of the first display
panel, and can slide between a storage position in which the second
display panel is behind and substantially parallel to the first
viewing face, and an operational position in which the second
display panel is substantially above the first display panel.
Inventors: |
Moscovitch; Jerry; (Toronto,
CA) |
Family ID: |
23763862 |
Appl. No.: |
13/306676 |
Filed: |
November 29, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12206423 |
Sep 8, 2008 |
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13306676 |
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11055494 |
Feb 11, 2005 |
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12206423 |
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10130416 |
May 17, 2002 |
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PCT/IB00/01705 |
Nov 17, 2000 |
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11055494 |
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09444188 |
Nov 19, 1999 |
6343006 |
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10130416 |
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60109668 |
Nov 20, 1998 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
361/679.09 ;
361/679.21; 361/679.26 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/1616 20130101;
G06F 1/1624 20130101; F16M 11/10 20130101; G06F 1/1622 20130101;
B60R 11/0235 20130101; G06F 1/1654 20130101; F16M 11/242 20130101;
F16M 11/08 20130101; G06F 1/1601 20130101; F16M 11/041 20130101;
F16M 11/14 20130101; G06F 1/1649 20130101; B60R 2011/0015 20130101;
G06F 1/1647 20130101; B60R 11/02 20130101; G06F 2200/1612 20130101;
F16M 2200/022 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
361/679.09 ;
361/679.21; 361/679.26 |
International
Class: |
G06F 1/16 20060101
G06F001/16 |
Claims
1. A computer system comprising: a base structure for resting on a
support surface; a first display panel having a first viewing face,
said display panel being coupled to the base structure; and a
second display panel slidingly engageable to both sides of the
first display panel, wherein the second display panel can slide
between a storage position in which the second display panel is
behind and substantially parallel to the first viewing face, and an
operational position in which the second display panel is
substantially above the first display panel.
2. The computer system of claim 1, further comprising grooves on
both side of the first display panel, the second display panel
slidingly engageable along the grooves.
3. The computer system of claim 1, further comprising a hinge
mechanism rotationally coupling the second display panel to the
first display panel to allow the second display panel, when
extended above the first display panel, to rotate about an axis
substantially parallel to a top edge of the first display
panel.
4. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the base structure
includes a keyboard in electric communication with the first and
second display panels.
5. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the viewing face
includes an LCD screen.
6. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the computer system is a
laptop.
7. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the computer system is a
laptop and the base structure includes a keyboard having a keyboard
edge to which a bottom edge of the first display panel is hingedly
connected.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The invention relates generally to electronic displays
having dual display screens used with computers and CAD design
equipment, and more particularly to a display system permitting
positioning of dual display screens in an infolded "booking" mode,
and a novel dismountable joint for mounting articles, such as
display screens. Also disclosed is an interchangeable display
screen and mounting.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Computers are readily adapted to operate multiple displays.
Paired monitors and screens are useful when large amounts of
related information, such as data or graphics, must be compared.
Paired monitors can be inconvenient, however, where limited desk
space is available. Monitors may be horizontally aligned, or
vertically aligned. It is especially desirable to permit swinging
of the monitor orientations together into a "booking" mode.
[0003] The invention also relates to a novel swingable mounting,
which is suitable for mounting a variety of different pieces of
equipment and instruments particularly for example video cameras,
telescopes, mirrors, and any number of different articles, which it
may be desired to swing into a position from which the article is
not easily displaced.
[0004] The invention also relates to an interchangeable computer
display screen, in which one or more of a variety of screen
configurations can be connected or disconnected in various
configurations with a computer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In one aspect, the invention provides a display system
having two screens and comprising a base, a pair of electronic
displays mounted on the base and means for swingably mounting the
display screens, for swinging towards one another for convenient
viewing. The swinging means includes an arm assembly which supports
the display screens on the base. The support for the arm assembly
from the base may have an orientation relative to the base in which
the display screens are positioned in vertically stacked screen
relationship and may also have a different orientation in which the
display screens are positioned in a horizontal, side by side
relationship. Each display screen has a swingable joint connecting
it to the arm assembly to permit adjustment of its angular
orientation relative to the other screen. The angular orientation
of each of the display screens relative to the arm assembly can
thus be set by the user so as to orient each display screen in the
desired angular orientation for that operator.
[0006] In one implementation of the invention, the arm assembly can
be set in one position about a generally horizontal axis relative
to the base, and the display screens can be swung together relative
to the arm assembly. The arm assembly may be locked in either
orientations, typically vertical or horizontal. Each display screen
may be permitted to swing only between a pair of angular positions
relative to the arm assembly by controls in the swingable
joints.
[0007] The displays will often be horizontally arranged side by
side in their operative angular orientation. It will generally be
desirable to minimize the spacing between edges of the display
screens whether vertically registered or horizontally registered.
To that end, the center-to-center spacing between the display
screens is preferably reduced when the screens are swung
together.
[0008] The swingable mounting joints connecting the display screens
to the arm assembly are preferably formed in such a way that they
can be preconfigured either for a side by side orientation or fora
vertically stacked orientation of the screens, with means being
provided on the swingable joints to guide the assembly in one
fashion or the other, and the arm assembly is preferably provided
with connecting means connecting to the swingable joints, which
cooperate with the means guiding the assembly.
[0009] The swingable joints are preferably provided with control
abutments by means of which the swinging of the displays can be
guided and controlled both when in their horizontal side-by-side
arrangement and when in their vertically stacked arrangement, and
the position and angular displacement of the two screens can be
preset by adjustment of such positional controls during
assembly.
[0010] A further feature of the invention is the provision of a
unique form of spring-loaded pivot mount for mounting equipment,
such as the display screen. The pivot mount is capable of adjusting
the spring pressure on the pivot so that the article mounted on the
pivot mount, in this case a screen can be adjusted, when grasped
with both hands and moved, but which is otherwise highly resistant
to movement due to frictional locking of the pivot mount.
[0011] The pivot mount has numerous other uses, other than mounting
display screens as will be apparent from the following
description.
[0012] Further aspects of the invention provide for the
interchangeability of screens one with the other, so that larger or
smaller screens may be used with the same computer, and so that
screens may be used in various different positions.
[0013] In some cases the screens may simply be stood on a table. In
other cases the screens may be wall-mounted or mounted on some form
of base separate from the computer. In other cases the screens may
be interchangeably and releasably mountable for example in a
vehicle, and they may be configured in pairs so that they may be
portable and set up for a multi screen display, for example, for
viewing by a number of persons simultaneously.
[0014] The various features of novelty which characterize the
invention are pointed out with more particularity in the claims
annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better
understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and
specific objects attained by its use, reference shoUld be made to
the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are
illustrated and described preferred embodiments of the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The various advantages of the present invention will become
apparent to one skilled in the art by reading the following
specification and subjoined claims and by referencing the following
drawings in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of a dual display
screen system, showing swinging movement of the two screens towards
one another;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a side-elevation of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a front-elevation of the dual display screens of
FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the dual display screens of
FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective illustration of dual display screen
shown with the screens in vertical arrangement one above the
other;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a side-elevation of FIG. 5 showing the screens
tilted towards one another;
[0022] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the pivot mount and ball joint
used in this embodiment of the invention;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a section along the line 8-8 of FIG. 7;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a section along the line 9-9 of FIG. 7;
[0025] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective illustration of an arm
assembly, and showing cut away portions of the swingable
joints;
[0026] FIG. 11 is a section along the line 11-11 of FIG. 10,
showing the two components assembled;
[0027] FIG. 12 is a section along the line 12-12 of FIG. 10 showing
the two parts assembled;
[0028] FIG. 13 is a perspective partly exploded illustration
showing an alternative interchangeable mounting system formounting
the screens;
[0029] FIG. 14 is an exploded rear perspective illustration of a
complementary portion of the mounting system, which is fitted to
the back of each screen;
[0030] FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective illustration showing the
interchangeable mounting system of the invention coupled with a
ball joint similar to that shown in FIG. 12, to enable a screen to
be mounted on a stand separately from the computer;
[0031] FIG. 16 is a rear elevation of the complementary portion of
the interchangeable mounting system mounted on the back of a
screen;
[0032] FIG. 17 is a section along the line 17-17 of FIG. 16;
[0033] FIG. 18 is a perspective illustration partly in phantom of a
modified form of stand for a computer screen;
[0034] FIG. 19 is a perspective illustration of a stand somewhat
similar to FIG. 18, with a collapsible stand arm nesting in a
base;
[0035] FIG. 19a is a perspective of the unit of FIG. 19 folded and
nested for storage or carrying;
[0036] FIG. 20 is a rear perspective illustration partly exploded
showing a modified form of computer together with a display
releasible mounted on an arm extending from the computer;
[0037] FIG. 21 is a front perspective illustration of a
wall-mounted form of interchangeable display screen together with a
control panel;
[0038] FIG. 22 is a schematic illustration showing an
interchangeable mounting of a display screen in a vehicle;
[0039] FIG. 23 is an illustration of another vehicle mounting of
the interchangeable displays screen, in the rear compartment of the
vehicle;
[0040] FIG. 24 is an illustration of a computer with a rear mounted
support arm, and a greatly enlarged display screen fitted to the
arm;
[0041] FIG. 25 is a perspective illustration of a table-mounted
screen;
[0042] FIG. 26 shows a computer having two screens mounted one
above the other, with a rotatable mount between the two
screens;
[0043] FIG. 27 is a view of the same computer as shown in FIG. 26
showing the two screens folded outwardly, se that the display can
be viewed by two persons sitting opposite one another;
[0044] FIG. 28 is an illustration of a portable dual display screen
with a hinging mount, the two screens being shown folded together
in a stored or carrying position;
[0045] FIG. 29 is a perspective illustration showing a plurality of
the display screens of FIG. 28 opened up so that they may stand on
the table and face in opposite directions, and coupled to a
computer;
[0046] FIG. 30 is a perspective illustration of an alternate form
of tripod display stand for holding three displays for example, on
a conference room table or the like;
[0047] FIG. 31 is a perspective illustration of the tripod support
of FIG. 30;
[0048] FIG. 32 is a rear perspective partially exploded view of
another form of dismountable display leg for a display screen;
[0049] FIG. 33 is a rear perspective illustration of a typical lap
top computer, having two display screens, the one being slidable
relative to the other for nesting, or extendable for use;
[0050] FIG. 34 is a perspective illustration of the lap top
computer with dual display screens of FIG. 33 showing the display
screens in another configuration;
[0051] FIG. 35 is a perspective illustration of another form of lap
top computer having two display screens, and showing a slidable
cover panel for one of the two display screens;
[0052] FIG. 36 is a rear perspective view of another form of
display screen. showing attachment recesses for various
components;
[0053] FIG. 37 is a perspective illustration of, for example, a lap
top computer showing two display screens such as that illustrated
in FIG. 36, being attachable to a hinge mounting on the
computer;
[0054] FIG. 38 is a front elevational view of a pair of display
screens as illustrated in FIG. 36 shown side by side;
[0055] FIG. 39 is a front elevational view corresponding to FIG.
38, but showing the two display screens one above the other;
[0056] FIG. 40 shows an illustration of a further embodiment of
invention with a computer having two display screens joined along
the side by a hinge;
[0057] FIG. 41 shows the computer of FIG. 40 with the two display
screens swung out side by side;
[0058] FIG. 42 shows the same computer with the two screens swung
back to back, so as to display in opposite directions;
[0059] FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a laptop computer system
incorporating a center LCD panel and a pair of half-width LCD
panels on each side thereof, wherein the half-width panels may be
folded over the center LCD panel and the entire display portion
then folded down onto the keyboard portion of the laptop to form a
compact assembly;
[0060] FIG. 44 is a side elevational view of a display system of
the present invention incorporating a telescoping and pivoting
upper support arm for positioning an upper LCD panel adjustably at
a desired height above a lower LCD panel or in an orientation
facing away from the lower LCD panel;
[0061] FIG. 45 is a side elevational view of the display system of
FIG. 44 showing the upper support arm in an extended position;
[0062] FIG. 46 is a side elevational view of the display system
with the upper LCD panel adjusted at an angle relative to the lower
LCD panel;
[0063] FIG. 47 is a side elevational view of the display system
with the upper LCD panel folded over backward relative to the lower
LCD panel;
[0064] FIG. 48 is a perspective view of the display system in use
at an airline ticket counter;
[0065] FIG. 49 is a perspective view of the display system in a
folded orientation for easy handling;
[0066] FIG. 50 is a perspective view of an alternative preferred
embodiment of a display system of the present invention
incorporating a rotating support member to enable a LCD panel to be
rotated about a vertical axis;
[0067] FIG. 51 is a perspective view illustrating an upper LCD
panel mounted for swiveling movement relative to a lower LCD panel
using the system shown in FIG. 50;
[0068] FIG. 52 is a perspective view of the display system shown in
FIG. 51 showing the two LCD panels facing in opposite
directions;
[0069] FIG. 53 is an exploded perspective view of a modular,
multi-panel LCD display system in accordance with another
alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0070] FIG. 54 is a perspective view of the display system shown in
FIG. 53 in assembled form ready to accept four LCD panels;
[0071] FIG. 55 is a front view of the display system of FIG. 54
with four LCD panels attached thereto;
[0072] FIG. 56 is a rear view of the display system of FIG. 55;
[0073] FIG. 57 is a perspective view of the display system of FIG.
55;
[0074] FIG. 58 is an exploded perspective view of the system shown
in FIG. 53 but without one of the support arms such that a three
LCD panel display system is formed;
[0075] FIG. 59 is an exploded perspective view of the display
system shown in FIG. 58 illustrating how a single LCD panel is
attached at an uppermost end of one of the support arms;
[0076] FIG. 60 is a front elevational view of three LCD panels
supported on the display system shown in FIG. 59;
[0077] FIG. 61 is a front elevational view of three LCD panels
being supported such that the single LCD panel is below an upper
pair of LCD panels;
[0078] FIG. 62 is a perspective view of a base assembly for
supporting three LCD panels in the configuration shown in FIG.
62;
[0079] FIG. 63 is a front elevational view of a four LCD panel
system with two of the panels disposed in portrait orientation and
two disposed in landscape orientation; and
[0080] FIG. 64 is a front elevational view of a three LCD panel
system with two LCD panels disposed in a landscape orientation and
one in a portrait orientation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0081] As already explained, the invention in this particular
embodiment illustrated, has its application to the use of dual
display screens, which can be used to display two different
computer images simultaneously. This may have application for
example in CAD computer design application. For these and other
purposes it is particulady useful if the two screens or displays
can be tilted towards one another so that they appear in the form
more or less of two pages of an open book. The screens are
preferably arranged side by side, in horizontal alignment, but may
also be arranged vertically one above the other.
[0082] Referring now to. FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the invention is there
illustrated as in the form of a pair of video display screens 10
and 12, each of which may be of known construction, but which may
typically be liquid crystal displays (LCDs) for example. They are
each provided with video terminal connectors 14 (FIG. 2) by means
of which they may be connected to a computer.
[0083] Each of the screens 10 and 12 comprises a central
rectangular display portion 16, and a rectangular marginal frame
18.
[0084] The two display screens 10 and 12 are mounted at opposite
ends of a mounting arm 20. The mounting arm 20 is itself supported
on an upright stand 22 and a base 24. The arm 20 may be connected
to the base 22 by a coupling means 26 (FIG. 4) by means of which
the arm may be attached during assembly, either horizontally, or
vertically (FIG. 6) prior to delivery to the customer.
[0085] In some cases the manufacturer may simply make the arm
permanently attached in one position, i.e. horizontal or the other
i.e. vertical, to reduce expense.
[0086] As will be noted in FIGS. 2 and 4, each of the displays 10
and 12 is mounted on respective free ends of arm 20, by means of a
swingable mounting means 28 and 30 respectively.
[0087] The swingable mounting means 28 and 30 are so constructed as
to permit the two screens 10 and 12 to be swung together towards
one another, into the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, in
which they both remain in the same upright planes, and in which
they are both swung towards one another by equal angles. In this
way, as the two screens 10 and 12 are swung towards one another
into this configuration, the angular displacement of one screen is
equal to the angular displacement of the other screen, so that the
two frames 18 of the screens 10 and 12 substantially meet at a
central point indicated generally as P, thus bringing the two
screens 16-16 as close as possible together and at the same time,
as far as possible, simulating the appearance of two pages of a
book opened up.
[0088] It will be observed that when the arm 20 is fastened in its
vertical position as shown in FIG. 5, the lower one of the two
screens 10 and 12 is moved up the arm, because in the vertically
stacked orientation, the rectangular screens have a shorter
vertical dimension, and it is desirable that they should be as
close to one another as possible when they are swung together, so
that the longer sides meet at point P.
[0089] From the foregoing description it will be understood that it
is desirable that the two screens can be swung together into their
inwardly angled relation as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, or FIG. 6, but
that the screens should be capable of being tilted only to a
limited degree in any other direction relative to one another,
since this might reduce the clarity of the dual display. However,
the two screens may be tilted slightly upwardly, or downwardly by
similar angular displacements. In this way the simulation of an
open book arrangement is maintained.
[0090] For these reasons, the two display screens 10 and 12 are
mounted on the arm 20 by means of the swingable mountings 28 and
30. These mountings will now be described in.greater detail with
regard to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9.
[0091] FIG. 7 illustrates the mounting 28 or 30 in an exploded
perspective view. The swingable joint consists essentially of a
ball 32, and a socket 34, with the ball 32 being preferably cast
out of a suitable material preferably a metallic material and the
socket 34 being cast preferably of a somewhat resilient material
such as a thermoplastic. The ball 32 is mounted on a neck 36, which
extends from a generally rectangular junction block 38. The block
38 is formed with a plurality, in this case four, rectangular guide
members 40, spaced apart at 90 degrees from one another around the
block 38.
[0092] One of the guide members 40A, is wider than the other three
guide members 40, to provide guidance when the guide members are
assembled in a manner to be described below.
[0093] The block 38 and guide members 40 are designed to fit into
suitable recesses in the arm 20 (described below).
[0094] A collar member 42 of generally semi-arcuate shape, is
designed to fit over the block 38 and around the socket 34, for
reasons to be described below. Collar 42 is formed with fastening
flanges 44 by means of which it may be secured in position as
described below.
[0095] In this particular embodiment, the arm 20 is provided at
each end with three mounting recesses 46A, 46B and 46C. Each
mounting recess 46 has four channel shaped grooves 48 formed
therein spaced at ninety degrees therearound. The channel shaped
grooves 48 are intended to receive the rectangular guide members 40
of the swingable joints.
[0096] One of the guide channel grooves 48A is wider than the
others, to receive the wider one 40A of the rectangular guide
members. In this way the guide members provide a keying function,
which controls the positioning of the swingable joints and the
display screen.
[0097] Bolts 50 align with the blocks 38, and are received in
suitable threaded bores 51 (FIG. 7) and secure the assemblies in
position.
[0098] The ball 32 is provided with a plurality, in this case four
screw receiving bores 52, adapted to receive screws 54 therein. The
sockets are spaced around the widest part of the ball 32, and are
radially spaced apart by 90 degrees from one another. It will be
appreciated that while there are four such bores 52, in certain
circumstances only two or three screws 54 will be inserted, for
reasons to be described below.
[0099] The heads of the screws 54 are cylindrical and protrude
outwardly from the ball 32, and are received in respective slots 56
formed in socket 34. The ball 32 is a snug frictional fit within
the interior of socket 34, so that a significant twisting moment is
required to rotate the ball within the socket.
[0100] Clearly depending on the number of screws 54 in position,
the actual movement of the ball in the socket is restricted. Thus
for example if there are three such screws 54 in position, two of
the screws 54 will simply limit the movement of the ball 32, so
that the ball 32 can virtually be moved only around the axis of the
two screws 54. If a third screw 54 is inserted then it will
restrict movement of the ball so that it can be rotated only in
such a fashion that the screw 54 rides along its respective groove
56, but that it will not be able to move significantly in the
reverse angular direction.
[0101] For reasons to be described below, two of the slots 56A and
56B are wider and the other two slots 56 are narrower.
[0102] The socket 34 has a generally annular base 58, and a spring
loaded plate 60 abuts against the annular base 58. The shape of the
socket 34 is such that a small cylindrical boss 59 project through
a registering opening in the spring plate 60, (FIG. 9).
[0103] The spring plate 60 is secured in position by means of
screws 62 passing through suitable registering openings 61 on the
flange 44 of the collar 42, and secured in threaded openings 63 in
plate 60.
[0104] By tightening or loosening the screws 62, it is possible to
apply greater or lesser pressure by flexing the plate 60 against
the rear surface of socket 34, and thus adjust the friction between
the surface of the ball 32 in the socket 34. In this way it is
possible to preset the rotational force or torque that would be
require to rotate the ball in the socket.
[0105] Additional control of the friction on the ball is provided
by means of the frusto-conical collar 42. This mates with
frusto-conical bevels 64 on the exterior of collar 34. Thus by
tightening or loosening the screws 50 in the sockets 48, the collar
42 can be made to squeeze and wedge the four sides of the socket 34
together tightly around the ball 32 and thus still further control
the friction applied by the socket 34 to the ball 32.
[0106] In order to further control and limit the swinging of the
ball 32 and stem 36 relative to the socket 34, limiting screws
70-70 are provided, which can be inserted or removed in suitable
threaded inserts 72-72 in annular base 58 of socket 34.
[0107] One or more such screws 70 can be inserted (FIG. 9) and can
be adjustably positioned, so as to abut against the cylindrical
heads of screws 54, and thus limit swinging of the ball 32.
[0108] Access to screws 70 can be obtained through registering
opening 74 in plate 60.
[0109] As mentioned, all of these settings would be preset in the
factory before shipment, so that in use the actual scope of
movement of the display screen, by means of rotating the ball 32 in
the socket 34 is substantially restricted or limited.
[0110] It will thus be seen that the novel ball and socket joint
described provides a great degree of control on the angular
position of the article attached to it, in this case the screens 10
or 12. In fact, by suitable adjustments in the factory, the
friction on the ball 32 can be made sufficiently tight that it is
substantially impossible to manually move the arm 36 on which the
ball 32 is mounted, simply by grasping the block 38.
[0111] However, the friction can be so adjusted that by grasping
the two edges of the display screen, the position of the display
screen can be manually adjusted to the most suitable position, and
once adjusted it will remain substantially fixed in that
position.
[0112] Thus, once the block 38 is inserted in position in its
socket in the arm, and locked in position, then by grasping the two
side frames of the screen, sufficient torque can be applied, to
adjust the position of the screen and rotate the ball 32 in the
socket 34 until the screen is in the desired position.
[0113] In accordance with various further embodiments of the
invention as illustrated in FIGS. 13 through 29, the invention
provides for a still greater range of interchangeability either as
between one screen and another screen for computer, which may
facilitate either the use of a small portable screen or a much
larger screen, or the use of a plurality of screens, or the ready
interchangeability of simple forms of screen mountings.
[0114] FIGS. 13, 14, 15 and 16 indicate one form of interchangeable
screen attachment, being a further embodiment of the ball and
socket joint as illustrated in FIGS. 7 through 12. In this further
embodiment, a modified form of plate 80 is secured to the ball and
socket joint 28-30. The plate 8 in this case is formed with a
generally V-shaped socket 82, the edges of the V-shaped socket
being formed with flanges. A complementary attachment plug 84 is
mounted on a plate 86 which is secured to the back of the screen
18. In this embodiment the arm 20 is shown mounted on an
independent base stand 88, and the actual computer and keyboard may
be located elsewhere and simply connected by suitable coupling
cables (not shown) so that the entire arrangement of displays and
mounting arm can be positioned wherever it is most convenient.
[0115] In this embodiment, for added security, locking screws 90
may be provided in either side of the V-shaped recess 82. The
flexibility of the interchangeable screen system according to the
invention is further illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19. In this case,
a portable mounting base for a single display screen may be
provided. In this case a base 92 is formed with a groove 94. A
swingable upright arm 96 is swingable into and out of the groove
94. The arm 26 may have a telescopic ability, and may be provided
with a V-shaped retaining slot 98 at its upper end, for retaining a
display screen shown in phantom as 12, having a mounting plug 84
formed to fit the slot 98. If desired the slot 94 may also be
arranged to hold a manual computer "mouse" device of a type well
known in computer art indicated generally as M, giving a limited
degree of control over the display on the screen. FIG. 19a
illustrates the device with the arm 94 swung downwardly into the
groove 92 and nested.
[0116] FIG. 20 illustrates a modification of this concept, in which
for example a computer of the lap-top type indicated generally as C
may be provided with a swingable support arm 100, having a V-shaped
slot 102 at its upper end similar to the slot 98. A display screen
indicated generally as 12 may have a mating groove or recess 104
adapted to receive the arm 100, and within the groove 104 there is
a V-shaped locking flange 106 shaped to mate with the V-shaped slot
102. The locking flange 106 can be provided with electrical
contacts 107. Contacts 107 can be arranged to contact matching
contacts 108 (FIG. 19), in the V shaped slot 102. This arrangement
can be used in all these embodiments to avoid the use of cables
wherever possible.
[0117] In this way the entire combination of lap-top computer and
display 12 can be fitted together and swung down into a closed
position for carrying or storage and can be swung upwardly for use,
and if desired, the screen 12 as illustrated can be easily removed
and a screen having different characteristics or a larger screen
can simply be snapped in position, if desired.
[0118] FIG. 21 illustrates the adaptability of the system for use
in for example the removable mounting of a display screen on a
wall, or the side of a booth for example. In this case a wall
mounting block 110 can be attached by any suitable fastening means
(not shown) for securing the same to a vertical surface. The
mounting block 110 may have finger operated controls similar to a
computer "Mouse" for limited control of the display on the screen
for demonstration or presentation purposes and may have speakers
for combined audio and visual effects.
[0119] The display screen 12 itself can again simply be mounted on
an upright arm 112 having at its upper end a generally V-shaped
recessed body 114, preferably on a hinged mount 116. The screen 12
will be supplied with a suitable V-shaped locking flange on its
rear surface (not shown) of the type already described.
[0120] FIG. 22 illustrates the same concept for the mounting of a
display screen indicated as 12 in a vehicle. This may have
application particularly for sales persons and for displaying maps
of cities and the like, to assist drivers of delivery vehicles. In
this case the display screen 12 can be mounted on an arm 120
secured at a suitable position on the front of the interior
compartment of the vehicle. Again a releasable mount of the
V-shaped slotted type shown as 122 is provided on the arm 120, and
the screen 12 would be provided on its rear with a suitable
inverted V-shaped locking flange fitting in the recess 122. There
would also be provided matching electrical contacts, described
above, in these components, to avoid the use of cables. In this
way, the screen 12 could be placed and locked in position when it
was required, and when the vehicle was parked the screen 122 could
simply be easily dismounted and placed in the trunk, or taken out
of the vehicle altogether, for greater security.
[0121] The screen 12 would be connected to a suitable small
computer (not shown) again being of the portable type so that it
could, readily be removed from the vehicle.
[0122] A somewhat similar arrangement could be made for the rear
compartment of the vehicle illustrated in FIG. 23. In this case a
swingable arm 126 is shown mounted in the rear surface of each of
the front seats indicated as S in a vehicle.
[0123] A suitable V-shaped slotted mounting recess 128 would be
mounted on the arm 126. The arm 126 could be swung out from the
seat, and a display screen 12 could be mounted on the V-shaped
recess.
[0124] FIG. 24 illustrates a typical laptop computer C, having an
enlarged display screen 12 mounted on a hinged arm 130, which is
hinged to the rear of the computer. This illustrates the
adaptability of the interchangeable screen mounting using the
V-shaped recess and plug, so as to adapt a smaller laptop type
computer C, with use with a much larger screen 12.
[0125] FIG. 25 illustrates the use of a free-standing screen 12
having a rearwardly mounted hinged leg 132, which can be swung
rearwardly to support the screen at an angle somewhat in the manner
of an easel. Again, the hinging leg 132 can be connected to the
back of the screen 12 by interchangeable means such as the V-shaped
recess and plug, if desired.
[0126] FIG. 26 illustrates another configuration, in which a
computer indicated generally as C may be provided with two screens
12A and 128 swingably and hingeably mounted to the rear edge of the
computer C. The lower screen 12A is hinged along the line 134. The
upper screen 12B is hinged to the lower screen 12A by means of the
generally cylindrical tubular hinge bar 136.
[0127] As illustrated in FIG. 27, the uppermost screen 12B can be
swung into an obtuse angle relative to the lower screen 12A so that
the two screens 12A and 12B can be viewed by at least two persons
sitting opposite to one another. By means of suitable software,
when the upper screen 12B is swung into the obtuse angle shown, the
image on the screen 12B will be reversed, so that the images on
screens 12A and 12B are both viewed the right way up.
[0128] FIGS. 28 and 29 illustrate forms of free-standing dual
screens indicated generally as 140 and 142, connected together by a
tubular hinge bar 144.
[0129] The pairs of screens 140 and 142 can be swung open at obtuse
angles to one another and stood on a surface such as a table as
illustrated in FIG. 29. They may be connected to a computer C by
means of daisy chain cables 146, which plug into opposite ends of
the tubular hinge bar 144. As in the embodiment of FIGS. 26 and 27,
the computer will contain suitable software the nature of which is
to invert the image as between one screen and the other so that
both screens show their respective images the right way up.
[0130] Various other modifications and adaptations can also be made
using the principles of the invention.
[0131] Thus, FIG. 30 is a perspective illustration of an alternate
form of tripod display stand 145 for holding three displays 12 for
example, on a conference room table or the like.
[0132] FIG. 31 is a perspective illustration of the tripod support
145 of FIG. 30.
[0133] FIG. 32 is a rear perspective partially exploded view of
another form of dismountable display leg 130 for a display screen
12.
[0134] FIG. 33 is a rear perspective illustration of a typical lap
top computer C, having two display screens 12A and 12B, the one
being slidable relative to the other for nesting, or extendable for
use on arms 150.
[0135] FIG. 34 is a perspective illustration of the lap top
computer C with dual display screens 12A and 12B of FIG. 33 showing
the display screens in another configuration.
[0136] FIG. 35 is a perspective illustration of another form of lap
top computer C having two display screens 12A and 12B, and showing
a slidable cover panel 152 for one of the two display screens.
[0137] FIG. 36 is a rear perspective view of another form of
display screen 154, showing attachment recesses 156 for various
components. Electrical connections 157 are incorporated in the
recesses 156 for interconnection with matching contacts (not shown)
in suitable accessories. Accessories may include audio speakers,
and video cameras for direct feed back, to give only two
examples.
[0138] FIG. 37 is a perspective illustration of, for example, a lap
top computer C showing two display screens 154-154 such as that
illustrated in FIG. 36, being attachable to a hinge mounting 158 on
the computer.
[0139] FIG. 38 is a front elevational view of a pair of display
screens 154-154 as illustrated in FIG. 36 shown side by side with
audio speakers 158 and video cameras 159 attached.
[0140] FIG. 39 is a front elevational view corresponding to FIG.
38, but showing the two display screens 154-154 one above the
other.
[0141] As best shown in FIGS. 40, 41 and 42, a further embodiment
of the invention may provide for a typical computer C having two
display screens 160 and 162. The screen 160 is hinged to the
computer by means of a hinge 164. The second screen 162 is hinged
to the first screen by means of a vertical hinge along one side
indicated as 166.
[0142] As best shown in FIGS. 41 and 42, the two screens 160 and
162 may either be swung out so that they are side by side with one
another facing the operator of the computer C, or, as shown in FIG.
42, the two screens may be swung so that screen 162 is back to back
with screen 160, thereby displaying the display both to the
operator of the computer and to somebody sitting facing him. In
this form of the invention special software and the like will not
be required for the reversing of the images, since both images will
be shown the right way up.
[0143] Referring now to FIG. 43, a computer 168 in accordance with
another alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention
is shown. The computer incorporates a center LCD panel 170
pivotably mounted by a hinge 172 to a base portion 174 of the
computer. Pivotably supported on opposite sides of the center LCD
panel 170 are a pair of LCD panels 176 which are each about
one-half the width of the center LCD panel 170. The outer LCD
panels 176 are supported by hinges 178, which may be identical in
construction to hinge 172. The outer LCD panels 176 may be folded
over the center LCD panel 170 and the entire display portion
comprising panels 170 and 176 then folded down against the base 174
to form a compact unit that may be easily carried.
[0144] Referring now to FIGS. 44-49, a display system 180 in
accordance with another alternative preferred embodiment of the
present invention is shown. The display system 180 includes a base
182 and a support column 184. Secured to the support column 184 is
a lower support arm 186 and a telescoping upper support arm 188.
Attached to each support arm is a mounting assembly 190, which
preferably comprises a ball joint such as that described herein.
Secured to each mounting assembly 190 is a LCD panel 192.
[0145] With specific reference to FIGS. 45-47, the lower support
arm 186 comprises a tubular construction and the upper support arm
188 comprises a neck portion 194 which enables the upper support
arm 188 to be extended (i.e., telescoped) relative to the lower
support arm 186. The upper support arm 188 further includes a hinge
196 which enables the upper LCD panel 192 to be angled relative to
the neck portion 194 so as to place it at a convenient viewing
angle. As is apparent in FIG. 47, the upper LCD panel 192 can even
be rotated into position to face away from the lower LCD panel 192.
This orientation is particularly well suited for retail
applications where a sales person needs to view information while
inputting product or other information, and where it is desirable
to display to the customer various items of information as the
transaction is conducted. Advantageously, the telescoping upper
support arm 188 and the hinge 196 enable the two LCD panels 192 to
be placed at separate heights to accommodate airline ticket
counters, hotel registration counters and other like. structures
where an employee's counter is frequently at a different height
from a surface or counter useable by a customer.
[0146] FIGS. 47 and 48 illustrate the display system 180 in use at
an ailine ticket counter 198 having a first counter 200 at a lower
height than a second counter 202. In this application, it will be
appreciated that suitable software will be required to "flip" the
image displayed on the upper LCD panel 192. The telescoping upper
support arm 188 inherently provides a degree of adjustability to
accommodate a range of counter heights without modification to the
either of the support arms 186, 188 or the support column 184.
[0147] FIG. 49 illustrates the two LCD panels 192 folded together
such that the display system 180 forms a compact assembly which may
be easily transported if needed. In this regard it will be
appreciated that any form of conventional clasp may be included to
secure the folded LCD panels 192 to one another or to the base.
Also, a handle could easily be attached to a portion of the display
system 180, such as the support column 184, to enable the system
180 to be easily transported.
[0148] Referring now to FIGS. 50 and 51, still another display
system 200 is shown. With specific reference to FIG. 50, the
display system 200 includes a support column 202 and an upper
support member 204 having a neck portion 206. The support column
202 includes a bore 208 adapted to receive the neck portion and
enable the neck portion 206 to rotate or swivel therein such that
the upper support member 204 can be swiveled. The support member
204 is secured to a rear surface 212 of a LCD panel 210 through
either a fixed arrangement or a pivotable mounting arrangement such
as disclosed herein. The neck 206 may be captured by any suitable
arrangement in the bore 208 such that the LCD panel 210 is not
removable from the support column 202. Alternatively, it may be
releasably disposed in the bore 208 such that the entire upper
support member 204 and LCD panel 210 may be lifted out of the
column 202 before repositioning the LCD panel 210 as desired. In
this manner the clearance between the LCD panel 210 and the support
column 202, which would otherwise be important for allowing the
support member 204 to freely rotate with the LCD panel 210 thereon,
will not be a concern.
[0149] With specific reference to FIG. 51, the display system 200
is shown with the upper LCD panel 210 rotated to a position
perpendicular to a lower LCD panel 212. The support column 202 is
supported on a base 214. In FIG. 52 the upper LCD panel 210 is
rotated 180 degrees from the lower LCD panel 212 to permit two
individuals facing each other to each view one of the LCD Panels
210,212.
[0150] Referring now to FIG. 53, a modular display system 300 is
shown in accordance with another alternative preferred embodiment
of the present invention. The display system 300 is intended to
support anywhere from one to four independent LCD display panels,
but it will be appreciated that the system 300 could easily be
expanded to support mere than four LCD panels if needed, as will be
explained momentarily.
[0151] Referring to FIG. 53, the system 300 includes a base 302, a
support column 304, a first support arm 306, a second support arm
308 and a third support arm 310. Each support arm 306, 308 and 310
includes at least two coupling assemblies 312, and preferably three
such assemblies 312. The support column 304 also includes once such
assembly 312, although this member could also include several
assemblies 312 if needed. Support arms 306, 308 and 310 each also
include a mounting member 314 (with the mounting member of support
arm 306 being hidden in FIG. 53) which is disposed preferably at an
approximate mid-point along a length of its support arm. Each
mounting member 314 is adapted to engage in either one of two
positions 90 degrees offset from one another in one of the coupling
assemblies 312 in a key-like fashion to hold its associated LCD
panel in either a portrait orientation or a landscape
orientation.
[0152] The pair of coupling assemblies closely adjacent each other
on each support arms 308 and 310 are provided to space two
adjacently positioned LCD panels mounted on each arm slightly
farther apart from each other to provide additional clearance
needed when the two LCD panels are placed in a landscape
orientation. Thus, in a landscape orientation, the two LCD panels
supported on either of the arms 308 and/or 310 will be supported at
the two outermost coupling assemblies 312 near the very ends of
each arm. In a portrait orientation the LCD panels will need to be
spaced closer to each other, thus requiring one of the LCD panels
to be coupled to the more inwardly positioned assembly 312a (FIG.
53) of each support arm 308 and 310. The closely positioned pair of
coupling assemblies 312 on support arm 306 enables the third
support arm 310 to be mounted in one of two positions on arm 306
depending upon whether the LCD panels are disposed in a landscape
or a portrait orientation. FIGS. 55-57 illustrate four LCD panels
316 supported on the display system 300. It will be appreciated
that each of the LCD panels 316 includes a mounting member
identical or similar to members 314 on a rear housing surface
thereof such that each can be quickly and easily coupled to one of
the coupling assemblies 312.
[0153] It will be appreciated that the display system 300 could
easily be used to support less than four LCD panels 316 if desired.
For example, in the drawing of FIG. 54 the second support arm 308
could be eliminated and the one LCD panel 316 coupled directly to
the vertically uppermost coupling assembly 312. This arrangement is
illustrated in FIGS. 58-60. Alternatively, the lower support arm
310 could be eliminated and a LCD panel 316 coupled directly
thereto as illustrated in FIGS. 61 and 62.
[0154] It will be appreciated that the display system 300 could be
easily modified through the use of additional support arms to
support more than four LCD panels 316 if needed. For example, the
support arm 306 could be lengthened sufficiently to extend above
the second arm 308, and a fourth support arm identical to arms 308
and 310 could be coupled perpendicularly thereto such that two
extra LCD panels could be supported. An even longer support member
and still another extra support arm could be incorporated to
support eight LCD panels 316. As can be appreciated, a very large
plurality of independent LCD panels can be supported from a single
base 302 and support column 304 if needed. Particularly desirable
is the feature of being able to orientate the LCD panels 316 in
either portrait or landscape mode, or a combination of each, as
needed. FIGS. 63 and 64 illustrate variations of the above
described display systems incorporating both landscape and portrait
orientated LCD panels 316.
[0155] Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the
foregoing description that the broad teachings of the present
invention can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore,
while this invention has been described in connection with
particular examples thereof, the true scope of the invention should
not be so limited since other modifications will become apparent to
the skilled practitioner upon a study of the drawings,
specification and following claims.
* * * * *