U.S. patent application number 17/527470 was filed with the patent office on 2022-03-10 for attachable display screen for electronic devices.
This patent application is currently assigned to Stand Steady Company, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Stand Steady Company, LLC. Invention is credited to Edward Tyler Hudgins, Antoine Planche.
Application Number | 20220075421 17/527470 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-03-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220075421 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hudgins; Edward Tyler ; et
al. |
March 10, 2022 |
ATTACHABLE DISPLAY SCREEN FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Abstract
The present disclosure provides an attachable external display
screen for use on electronic devices. The display screen may be
removably mounted onto a surface of an electronic device to provide
the user with an additional display screen. The attachable display
screen utilizes a dual sliding mechanism that allows for the
display screen to slide out to different lengths relative to the
screen of the electronic device. The attachable display screen is
also rotatable about a vertical axis, which allows a user to adjust
the angle of the display screen.
Inventors: |
Hudgins; Edward Tyler;
(Arlington, VA) ; Planche; Antoine; (Arlington,
VA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Stand Steady Company, LLC |
Birmingham |
AL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Stand Steady Company, LLC
Birmingham
AL
|
Appl. No.: |
17/527470 |
Filed: |
November 16, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16289315 |
Feb 28, 2019 |
11209869 |
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17527470 |
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International
Class: |
G06F 1/16 20060101
G06F001/16; H05K 5/00 20060101 H05K005/00; H05K 5/02 20060101
H05K005/02 |
Claims
1. An attachable display device, comprising: a mounting frame
comprising: an upper track and a lower track, the upper track and
the lower track each having an elongated guide slot, a puck
slidably attached to the upper track and the lower track at each
elongated guide slot, a receiving space disposed between the upper
track and the lower track, and at least one magnet attached to the
mounting frame opposite the receiving space, a display screen
slidably attached to an upper slide rail and a lower slide rail,
wherein the upper slide rail and the lower slide rail are
operatively connected to the mounting frame by the pucks, the
display screen comprising: a pivot joint that couples the display
screen to each of the upper slide rail and the lower slide rail and
is slidably attached to the upper slide rail and the lower slide
rail, a torque hinge operatively connected to the pivot joint, and
an electrical connector, wherein the display screen is operable to
selectively transition between a closed position in which the
display screen is positioned within the receiving space and an open
position in which the display screen extends outwardly of the
mounting frame to be exposed from one side of the mounting frame,
and wherein the torque hinge and the pivot joint are configured so
that the display screen rotates relative to the mounting frame to
allow the display screen to be placed in an angled
configuration.
2. The attachable display device of claim 1, wherein, in the open
position, the upper slide rail and the lower slide rail are
configured for slidable deployment to a first horizontal distance
and the display screen is configured for slidable deployment along
the upper slide rail and the lower slide rail to a second
horizontal distance that is greater than the first horizontal
distance.
3. The attachable display device of claim 1, wherein the display
screen is operatively connected to a control board configured to
provide power and a display signal to the display screen.
4. The attachable display device of claim 1, wherein, in the open
position, the display screen is rotatable about the mounting frame
to an angle of 180 degrees allowing the display screen to be
deployed in a presentation position.
5. The attachable display device of claim 1, wherein the display
screen is a touch screen display.
6. An attachable display device, comprising: a mounting frame
comprising: an upper track and a lower track, the upper track and
the lower track each having an elongated guide slot, a puck
slidably attached to the upper track and the lower track at each
elongated guide slot, and a receiving space disposed between the
upper track and the lower track, a display screen slidably attached
to an upper slide rail and a lower slide rail, wherein the upper
slide rail and the lower slide rail are operatively connected to
the upper track and the lower track by the pucks, the display
screen comprising: a pivot joint that couples the display screen to
each of the upper slide rail and the lower slide rail and is
slidably attached to the upper slide rail and the lower slide rail,
and a torque hinge operatively connected to the pivot joint,
wherein the display screen is rotatable about a vertical axis via
the pivot joint and the torque hinge, wherein the display screen is
operable to selectively transition between a closed position in
which the display screen is positioned within the receiving space
and an open position in which the display screen extends outwardly
of the mounting frame to be exposed from one side of the mounting
frame, and wherein, in the open position, the display screen is
configured to be slidably deployed to varying horizontal
distances.
7. The attachable display device of claim 6, wherein, in the open
position, the upper slide rail arid the lower slide rail are
configured for slidable deployment to a first horizontal distance
and the display screen is configured for slidable deployment along
the upper slide rail and the lower slide rail to a second
horizontal distance that is greater than the first horizontal
distance.
8. The attachable display device of claim 6, wherein the display
screen is rotatable about the vertical axis to an angle of 180
degrees allowing the display screen to be deployed in a
presentation position.
9. The attachable display device of claim 6, wherein the display
screen is operatively connected to a control board configured to
provide power and a display signal to the display screen.
10. The attachable display device of claim 6, wherein the display
screen further comprises an electrical connector mounted therein
and accessible from outside the display screen.
11. The attachable display device of claim 10, wherein the
electrical connector is a USB-C connector.
12. The attachable display device of claim 6, wherein the mounting
frame comprises at least one recess having a magnet embedded
therein.
13. The attachable display device of claim 6, wherein the upper
slide rail and the lower slide rail comprise a stopping member at
each end.
14. An attachable display device, comprising: a frame comprising an
upper track, a lower track, and a receiving space disposed
therebetween, a display screen slidably attached to an upper slide
rail and a lower slide rail, wherein the upper slide rail and the
lower slide rail are operatively coupled to the upper track and the
lower track, wherein the display screen comprises a pivot joint
that slidably couples the display screen to each of the upper slide
rail and the lower slide rail, the display screen rotatable about a
vertical axis via the pivot joint, and wherein the display screen
is operable to selectively transition between a closed position in
which the display screen is positioned within the receiving space
and an open position in which the upper slide rail and the lower
slide rail are configured for slidable deployment along the upper
track and the lower track to a first horizontal distance and the
display screen is configured for slidable deployment along the
upper slide rail and the lower slide rail to a second horizontal
distance.
15. The attachable display device of claim 14, further comprising a
torque hinge operatively connected to the pivot joint.
16. The attachable display device of claim 14, wherein the pivot
joint is operatively connected to the display screen by a post that
is embedded within the display screen.
17. The attachable display device of claim 14, wherein the display
screen further comprises an electrical connector mounted therein
and accessible from outside the display screen.
18. The attachable display device of claim 14, wherein the second
horizontal distance is greater than the first horizontal
distance.
19. The attachable display device of claim 14, wherein the upper
track and the lower track each comprise an elongated guide
slot.
20. The attachable display device of claim 19, wherein the upper
track and the lower track further comprise a puck slidably attached
thereto at each elongated guide slot.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to attachable
display accessories for portable electronic devices. More
particularly, the disclosure relates to a slidable and rotatable
display screen that attaches to an electronic device.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Conventional portable electronic devices, such as laptop
computers, are generally provided with a single display screen.
Users need to switch among windows on the screen when viewing
different graphics or processing different files of data at the
same time. This causes inconvenience to the user and does not
satisfy user requirements. While attachable display accessories,
such as attachable display screens, have been developed, these
accessories are bulky and are not easily transportable. In
addition, the attachable display screens currently on the market
are designed to fit a specific electronic device. If a user
purchases a new electronic device of a different size, the
attachable display screen must be replaced with one that fits the
new device or the positioning of the attachable display screen must
be adjusted.
[0003] Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for an
attachable display screen that is compact, easily transportable,
and can be used on different sized electronic devices without
having to adjust the positioning of the attachable display
screen.
SUMMARY
[0004] The present disclosure is directed to an attachable display
device including a frame including an upper track, a lower track,
and a receiving space disposed therebetween, a display screen
slidably attached to an upper slide rail and a lower slide rail,
wherein the upper slide rail and the lower slide rail are
operatively coupled to the upper track and the lower track, wherein
the display screen comprises a pivot joint that slidably couples
the display screen to each of the upper slide rail and the lower
slide rail, the display screen rotatable about a vertical axis via
the pivot joint, and wherein the display screen is operable to
selectively transition between a closed position in which the
display screen is positioned within the receiving space and an open
position in which the upper slide rail and the lower slide rail are
configured for slidable deployment along the upper track and the
lower track to a first horizontal distance and the display screen
is configured for slidable deployment along the upper slide rail
and the lower slide rail to a second horizontal distance. In this
aspect, the second horizontal distance is greater than the first
horizontal distance.
[0005] In one embodiment, the attachable display device further
includes a torque hinge operatively connected to the pivot joint.
In another embodiment, the pivot joint is operatively connected to
the display screen by a post that is embedded within the display
screen. The display screen may further include an electrical
connector mounted therein and accessible from outside the display
screen. In still another embodiment, the upper track and the lower
track each include an elongated guide slot. In yet another
embodiment, the upper track and the lower track further include a
puck slidably attached thereto at each elongated guide slot.
[0006] The present disclosure is also directed to an attachable
display device including a mounting frame including an upper track
and a lower track, the upper track and the lower track each having
an elongated guide slot, a puck slidably attached to the upper
track and the lower track at each elongated guide slot, and a
receiving space disposed between the upper track and the lower
track, a display screen slidably attached to an upper slide rail
and a lower slide rail, wherein the upper slide rail and the lower
slide rail are operatively connected to the upper track and the
lower track by the pucks, the display screen including a pivot
joint that couples the display screen to each of the upper slide
rail and the lower slide rail and is slidably attached to the upper
slide rail and the lower slide rail, and a torque hinge operatively
connected to the pivot joint, wherein the display screen is
rotatable about a vertical axis via the pivot joint and the torque
hinge, wherein the display screen is operable to selectively
transition between a closed position in which the display screen is
positioned within the receiving space and an open position in which
the display screen extends outwardly of the mounting frame to be
exposed from one side of the mounting frame, and wherein, in the
open position, the display screen is configured to be slidably
deployed to varying horizontal distances. In one embodiment, in the
open position, the upper slide rail and the lower slide rail are
configured for slidable deployment to a first horizontal distance
and the display screen is configured for slidable deployment along
the upper slide rail and the lower slide rail to a second
horizontal distance that is greater than the first horizontal
distance.
[0007] According to another embodiment, the display screen is
rotatable about the vertical axis to an angle of 180 degrees
allowing the display screen to be deployed in a presentation
position. In still another embodiment, the display screen is
operatively connected to a control board configured to provide
power and a display signal to the display screen. In yet another
embodiment, the display screen further includes an electrical
connector mounted therein and accessible from outside the display
screen. The electrical connector may be a USB-C connector. In still
another embodiment, the mounting frame includes at least one recess
having a magnet embedded therein. In another embodiment, the upper
slide rail and the lower slide rail include a stopping member at
each end.
[0008] The present disclosure is further directed to an attachable
display device including a mounting frame including an upper track
and a lower track, the upper track and the lower track each having
an elongated guide slot, a puck slidably attached to the upper
track and the lower track at each elongated guide slot, a receiving
space disposed between the upper track and the lower track, and at
least one magnet attached to the mounting frame opposite the
receiving space, a display screen slidably attached to an upper
slide rail and a lower slide rail, wherein the upper slide rail and
the lower slide rail are operatively connected to the mounting
frame by the pucks, the display screen including a pivot joint that
couples the display screen to each of the upper slide rail and the
lower slide rail and is slidably attached to the upper slide rail
and the lower slide rail, a torque hinge operatively connected to
the pivot joint, and an electrical connector, wherein the display
screen is operable to selectively transition between a closed
position in which the display screen is positioned within the
receiving space and an open position in which the display screen
extends outwardly of the mounting frame to be exposed from one side
of the mounting frame, and wherein the torque hinge and the pivot
joint are configured so that the display screen rotates relative to
the mounting frame to allow the display screen to be placed in an
angled configuration.
[0009] In this aspect, the display screen may be operatively
connected to a control board configured to provide power and a
display signal to the display screen. In another embodiment, the
display screen is a touch screen display. In still another
embodiment, when the attachable display device is in the open
position, the upper slide rail and the lower slide rail are
configured for slidable deployment to a first horizontal distance
and the display screen is configured for slidable deployment along
the upper slide rail and the lower slide rail to a second
horizontal distance that is greater than the first horizontal
distance. In yet another embodiment, when the attachable display
screen is in the open position, the display screen is rotatable
about the mounting frame to an angle of 180 degrees allowing the
display screen to be deployed in a presentation position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Further features and advantages can be ascertained from the
following detailed description that is provided in connection with
the drawings described below:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an attachable display
device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the attachable display
device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the attachable display
device in an extended position according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an electronic device
having the attachable display device mounted thereon in the
extended position according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 5 is an interior view of the attachable display device
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the electronic device
having the attachable display device mounted thereon in the
extended position and where the display screen is angled.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the electronic device
having the attachable display device mounted thereon in a
presentation position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and
scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art of this disclosure.
It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in
commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a
meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the
specification and should not be interpreted in an idealized or
overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Well known
functions or constructions may not be described in detail for
brevity or clarity.
[0019] The terms "about" and "approximately" shall generally mean
an acceptable degree of error or variation for the quantity
measured given the nature or precision of the measurements.
Typical, exemplary degrees of error or variation are within 20
percent (%), preferably within 10%, and more preferably within 5%
of a given value or range of values. Numerical quantities given in
this description are approximate unless stated otherwise, meaning
that the term "about" or "approximately" can be inferred when not
expressly stated.
[0020] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As
used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to
include the plural forms as well (i.e., at least one of whatever
the article modifies), unless the context clearly indicates
otherwise.
[0021] Spatially relative terms, such as "under," "below," "lower,"
"over," "upper," and the like, may be used herein for ease of
description to describe one element or feature's relationship to
another when the apparatus is right side up as shown in the
accompanying drawings.
[0022] The present disclosure provides an attachable external
display screen for use on electronic devices. More specifically,
the display screen may be removably mounted onto a surface of an
electronic device to provide the user with an additional display
screen. The attachable display screen may be mounted onto any
electronic device including, but not limited to, a laptop, tablet,
tablet computer, desktop computer, smart phone, television, and
gaming system. In one embodiment, the attachable display screen may
be mounted onto a portable electronic device, such as a laptop or
tablet. The attachable display screen provides users increased
functionality and usability while still retaining the portability
of the electronic device. The attachable display screen is also
adjustable for different sized laptops without moving or adjusting
the mounting mechanism.
[0023] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an attachable display
device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure. FIG. 1 shows the attachable display device 100 in a
closed position prior to use. As shown in FIG, 1, the attachable
display device 100 includes a mounting frame 10 for housing a
display screen 12 therein. The display screen 12 may be any type of
external electronic display including, but not limited to, an
electroluminescent (ELD) display, liquid crystal display (LCD),
light emitting diode (LED) display (e.g., organic light emitting
diode (OLED) or microLED), plasma display panel (PDP), quantum dot
(QLED) display, and a touch screen display. It is contemplated that
the mounting frame 10 and the display screen 12 be ergonomically
sized so as to minimize the weight of the attachable display device
100 and reduce stress placed on the user's electronic device. In
one embodiment, the total thickness of the attachable display
device 100 (including the mounting frame 10 and the display screen
12) is about 12 mm to about 18 mm. In another embodiment, the total
thickness of the attachable display device 100 (including the
mounting frame 10 and the display screen 12) is about 14 mm to
about 17 mm. In still another embodiment, the total thickness of
the attachable display device 100 (including the mounting frame 10
and the display screen 12) is about 15 mm to about 16 mm. In an
exemplary embodiment, the total thickness of the attachable display
device 100 (including the mounting frame 10 and the display screen
12) is about 15.7 mm. As shown in FIG. 1, the back side of the
display screen 12 may include an indentation 26 that can serve as a
handle to aid the user in pulling the display screen 12 out from
the mounting frame 10.
[0024] The mounting frame 10 is configured for attachment to a
surface of a portable electronic device (not shown), such as to the
back of a laptop screen. The mounting frame 10 may be formed of
plastic, glass, ceramics, fiber composites, metal (e.g., stainless
steel, aluminum, etc.), other suitable materials, or a combination
of these materials. In one embodiment, the mounting frame 10 is
formed of aluminum.
[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting frame 10 has a
back plate 14 that removably attaches to the portable electronic
device. The mounting frame 10 also includes an upper track 16 and a
lower track (not shown) that operatively engage sliding rails (not
shown) on the display screen 12. The upper track 16 and the lower
track are spaced apart with one above the other in an essentially
parallel relationship to each other. The upper track 16 is
positioned at an upper edge 20 of the back plate 14, while the
lower track is positioned at a lower edge 22 of the back plate
14.
[0026] In one embodiment, the upper track 16 and the lower track
include one or more elongated guide slots 40. The guide slots 40
allow for the sliding rails of the display screen 12 to travel
along the upper track 16 and the lower track and allow for
increased lateral adjustment of the display screen 12. Each guide
slot 40 operatively engages a puck 24. The pucks 24 are slidably
attached to each of the upper track 16 and the lower track and hold
the sliding rails of the display screen 12 in place. The pucks 24
may be attached to the upper track 16 and the lower track by any
suitable means including, but not limited to, screws, pins, or
projections. The pucks 24 limit the travel of the sliding rails on
the display screen 12 to prevent detachment from the mounting frame
10. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper track 16 and the lower
track each comprise two elongated guide slots 40 that operatively
engage two pucks 24--a puck 24 at each guide slot 40. In another
embodiment, the upper track 16 and the lower track may comprise a
single elongated guide slot 40 that operatively engages a single
puck 24. The pucks 24 may be formed from plastic, ceramics, fiber
composites, metal, other suitable materials, or a combination of
these materials. In one embodiment, the pucks 24 are formed from
injection molded plastic to reduce wear and allow for smooth
sliding.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the attachable display
device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure. The mounting frame 10 with the display screen 12 housed
therein can be removably mounted onto an electronic device (not
shown). As can be seen in FIG. 2, the back plate 14 includes a
plurality of recesses 28. Each recess 28 may house a magnet (not
shown) therein. In one embodiment, the magnets are embedded within
the back plate 14 at each recess 28. The magnets can serve as a
means for attaching the attachable display device 100 to the
portable electronic device. For instance, in one embodiment, the
surface of the portable electronic device to which the attachable
display device 100 is to be mounted may include a plurality of
metal or steel stickers. The magnets on the back plate 14 can
attach to the plurality of metal or steel stickers by a magnetic
force, which provides a secure connection onto the electronic
device and prevents the attachable display device 100 from moving
(but is still removable with sufficient force). In one embodiment,
the magnets on the back plate 14 may be complementary in shape to
each of the recesses 28 such that each of the magnets fit securely
within the recesses 28. In addition, by placing the magnets on the
back plate 14 (rather than on the electronic device), there is a
reduced risk of the magnets interfering with magnetic storage
devices in the electronic device.
[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the back plate 14 includes a
recess 28 at each corner. However, the number and arrangement of
the recesses 28 (and magnets embedded therein) on the back plate 14
may vary so long as the attachable display device 100 can be
securely mounted onto the electronic device. While the use of
magnets has been described herein as an exemplary means for
attaching the attachable display device 100 to the electronic
device, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that that
the attachable display device 100 may be secured to the electronic
device by any suitable means including, but not limited to, by
hooks, adhesives, screws, pins, projections, or snap catch
elements.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the display screen 12 may include a
notch 30 to aid the user in pulling the display screen 12 out from
the mounting frame 10. The notch 30 may be any suitable shape so
long as the notch 30 includes a finger-graspable surface and may be
placed at any location on the display screen 12 that is accessible
by the user. The display screen 12 also includes an electrical
connector 32 for operably connecting the display screen 12 to the
electronic device. In one embodiment, the display screen 12 may be
operably connected to the electronic device through a direct
electrical connection using a cord and a compatible plug for
engagement with the electrical connector 32. For instance, the
electrical connector 32 may be a USB connector, USB-A connector,
USB-C connector, mini-USB connector, micro-USB connector, high
definition multimedia interface (HDMI) connector, mini HDMI,
DisplayPort, or mini DisplayPort. In one embodiment, the electrical
connector 32 is a USB type-C connector for use with a USB type-C
cord. In another embodiment, the display screen 12 may be operably
connected to the electronic device through a wireless connection.
For example, the display screen 12 may be operably connected to the
electronic device using Wi-Fi, 802.11ac wireless, DLNA, Bluetooth,
NFC, or the like.
[0030] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the attachable display
device 100 in an extended position. In this aspect, the display
screen 12 is positionable in an extended position thereby allowing
viewing of both the screen of the electronic device (not shown) and
the display screen 12. As shown in FIG. 3, the display screen 12 is
configured to slide out of the mounting frame 10 so that a user can
utilize a second display screen when the attachable display device
100 is mounted onto the electronic device. The display screen 12
may be slidably deployable along the horizontal axis in either
direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the display screen 12 is
slidably deployed to the left along the aa-axis. However, the
mounting frame 10 may be flipped or inverted so that the display
screen 12 is slidably deployable to the right along the
aa-axis.
[0031] The display screen 12 is slidably deployed in and out of the
mounting frame 10 on sliding rails. As shown in FIG. 3, the display
screen 12 is operatively connected to an upper slide rail 34 and a
lower slide rail 36. More particularly, the upper slide rail 34 is
operatively attached to a top surface of the display screen 12 and
the lower slide rail 36 is operatively attached to a bottom surface
of the display screen 12. The upper slide rail 34 and the lower
slide rail 36 are operatively connected to the upper track 16 and
the lower track 18, respectively, by the pucks 24. As discussed
above, the pucks 24 limit the travel of the upper slide rail 34 and
the lower slide rail 36 to prevent detachment of the display screen
12 from the mounting frame 10.
[0032] The upper slide rail 34 and the lower slide rail 36 each
include a groove 60. The display screen 12 is operatively attached
to the upper slide rail 34 and the lower slide rail 36 by a pivot
joint (not shown) that travels along the grooves 60 as the display
screen 12 is slidably deployed along the aa-axis. The upper slide
rail 34 and the lower slide rail 36 are joined using one or more
slats 44. The slats 44 ensure the distance between the upper slide
rail 34 and the lower slide rail 36 is fixed and that the upper
slide rail 34 and the lower slide rail 36 move in parallel
alignment.
[0033] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an electronic device
50 having the attachable display device 100 mounted thereon in the
extended position. In use, the user may grip the notch 30 and apply
a force to slide the display screen 12 out from the mounting frame
10. The attachable display device 100 preferably utilizes a dual
sliding mechanism that allows for the display screen 12 to slide
out to different lengths relative to the screen 52 of the
electronic device 50. As shown in FIG. 4, the upper slide rail 34
and the lower slide rail 36 are operable to slide along the
mounting frame 10 to a first distance. In one embodiment, the upper
slide rail 34 and the lower slide rail 36 are operable to slide
along the mounting frame 10 to a first distance of about 110 mm or
less. In another embodiment, the upper slide rail 34 and the lower
slide rail 36 are operable to slide along the mounting frame 10 to
a first distance of about 98 mm or less. In still another
embodiment, the upper slide rail 34 and the lower slide rail 36 are
operable to slide along the mounting frame 10 to a first distance
of about 95 mm or less. In yet another embodiment, the upper slide
rail 34 and the lower slide rail 36 are operable to slide along the
mounting frame 10 to a first distance of about 90 mm or less. Once
the upper slide rail 34 and the lower slide rail 36 reach the first
distance, the display screen 12 is operable to slide along the
upper slide rail 34 and the lower slide rail 36 (via the pivot
joint) to a second maximum distance that is greater than the first
distance. In one embodiment, the second maximum distance may be
about 420 mm or less. In another embodiment, the second maximum
distance may be about 415 mm or less. In still another embodiment,
the second maximum distance may be about 410 mm or less. In yet
another embodiment, the second maximum distance may be about 405 mm
or less. This dual sliding mechanism allows for the attachable
display device 100 to be used on different sized electronic
devices, such as different sized laptops, without having to adjust
the positioning of the mounting frame 10. For example, the
attachable display device 100 can be used on different laptops
ranging in size from 13 inches to 17 inches without having to
adjust the positioning of the mounting frame 10.
[0034] FIG. 5 is an interior view of one embodiment of the
attachable display device 100. The attachable display device 100
includes various internal components. In the illustrated
embodiment, the display screen 12 is operatively connected to a
control board 38 that provides power and a display signal to the
display screen 12. The control board 38 may be any type of
integrated circuit that is operable to transmit data from the
electronic device 50 to the display screen 12. The attachable
display device 100 may also include other internal components
including, but not limited to, electrical components such as
display driver circuitry, one or more batteries, sensors,
microphones, speakers, integrated circuits, microprocessors, power
management units, radio-frequency transceiver circuitry, baseband
processor circuitry, discrete components such as capacitors,
resistors, and inductors, switches, vibrators, connectors, printed
circuit boards, wires, transmission lines, and other electrical
devices. The internal components may be mounted on one or more
substrates such as rigid printed circuit boards (e.g., boards
formed from fiberglass-filled epoxy such as FR4 printed circuit
boards on which patterned metal traces have been formed), flexible
printed circuit boards (e.g., "flex circuits" formed form sheets of
polymer such as polyimide on which patterned conductive traces have
been formed), rigid flex (e.g., boards with both rigid portions and
flex circuit tails), plastic carriers, or other substrates.
[0035] The display screen 12 is operatively connected to the upper
slide rail 34 and the lower slide rail 36 by a pivot joint 42. The
pivot joint 42 slides along each of the upper slide rail 34 and the
lower slide rail 36 when the display screen 12 slides in and out of
the mounting frame 10. The pivot joint 42 is operatively connected
to the display screen 12 by a post 46 that is embedded within the
display screen 12. The pivot joints 42 and the posts 46 are located
on the side opposite to the side of the display screen 12 that will
be slidably deployed from the mounting frame 10. For instance, if
the display screen 12 will be slidably deployed to the left, the
pivot joints 42 and the posts 46 should be located on the right
side of the display screen 12 (as illustrated). This allows for
each of the pivot joints 42 to slide along the upper slide rail 34
and the lower slide rail 36. As shown in FIG. 5, the display screen
12 includes a pivot joint 42 at a top right corner and a bottom
right corner (i.e., the display screen 12 is operable to be
slidably deployed to the left). Each pivot joint 42 is operatively
attached to the display screen 12 by the post 46. While the pivot
joints 42 are configured for sliding inside the upper slide rail 34
and the lower slide rail 36, the pivot joints 42 also allow for the
display screen 12 to be pivotally connected to the upper slide rail
34 and the lower slide rail 36. Through the use of this pivot
connection, the user can adjust the angle of the display screen
12.
[0036] The post 46 of each pivot joint 42 is operatively attached
to a torque hinge 48. The torque hinge 48 is embedded within the
display screen 12 and is positioned below the upper pivot joint 42
and above the lower pivot joint 42. The torque hinge 48 is designed
to provide continual resistance throughout the entire range of
motion in adjusting the display screen 12, making it possible to
easily position the display screen 12 securely at a desired angle.
Any suitable torque hinge or constant torque friction hinge may be
used in accordance with .sub.the present disclosure.
[0037] The upper slide rail 34 and the lower slide rail 36 each
comprise a stop member 54. The stop member 54 is located at each
end of the upper slide rail 34 and the lower slide rail 36. The
stop member 54 prevents detachment of the display screen 12 from
the upper slide rail 34 and the lower slide rail 36 in case the
pulling force applied to the display screen 12 by the user is
excessive. In addition, the stop member 54 helps lock the display
screen 12 in either the closed position (as shown in FIG. 1) or the
extended position (as shown in FIG. 4). The stop member 54 may be
any suitable stopping mechanism including, but not limited to,
endcaps, plugs, pins, or spring detents. In one embodiment, the
stop member 54 is a stamped spring steel endcap.
[0038] The upper slide rail 34 and the lower slide rail 36 also
each comprise a ball detent 56. Each ball detent 56 is embedded
within the display screen 12 and is located at a top and bottom
corner on the side of the display screen 12 that will be slidably
deployed from the mounting frame 10. The ball detents 56 hold the
display screen 12 in position when the display screen 12 is in the
closed position (as shown in FIG. 1) and allow for the display
screen 12 to be deployed from the closed position with normal
force. Ball detents, such as ball plungers, or any other suitable
detent mechanisms may be used in accordance with the present
disclosure. The use of ball detents 56 is merely illustrative.
[0039] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the electronic device
50 having the attachable display device 100 mounted thereon in the
extended position and where the display screen 12 is in an angled
position. As briefly discussed above, the pivot joints 42 allow for
the display screen 12 to be pivotally connected to the upper slide
rail 34 and the lower slide rail 36 along a vertical axis bb. In
this aspect, the pivot joints 42 allow the display screen 12 to
rotate relative to the electronic device 50 about rotation
directions R1 and R2 which are opposite to each other. When rotated
in direction R1, the display screen 12 may be angled toward the
user as shown in FIG. 6. The display screen 12 can be rotated in
direction R1 until the display screen 12 interferes with the screen
52 of the electronic device 50. When rotated in direction R2, the
display screen 12 may be angled away from the user. In other words,
the pivot joint 42 allows the display screen 12 to adjust from a
plane-like display as shown in FIG. 4 to an angled display state as
shown in FIG. 6 which allows the user to obtain a preferable view
angle range and visual effect.
[0040] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6, the display screen
12 is operatively connected to the electronic device 50 through a
direct electrical connection using a USB cord 62 and a compatible
plug 64 for engagement with the electrical connector 32, which is a
USB connector. However, as discussed above, the display screen 12
may be operatively connected to the electronic device 50 by any
suitable electrical connection.
[0041] FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the electronic device
50 having the attachable display device 100 mounted thereon in a
presentation position. As can be seen in FIG. 7, the pivot joints
42 allow for the display screen 12 to fully rotate in direction R2
along vertical axis bb to an angle of 180 degrees such that the
display screen 12 can be viewed from the rear of the electronic
device 50. This allows for the display screen 12 to be deployed in
a presentation position for viewing by another user opposite the
user positioned in front of the electronic device 50.
[0042] The various components of the attachable display device 100
described herein may be constructed or manufactured from materials,
such as various polymers, plastics, stainless steel, aluminum, and
combinations thereof. Similarly, the various parts described herein
may be constructed according to various manufacturing methods
including injection molding, milling, forging, extrusion, pressing,
3D printing, and other related manufacturing methods.
[0043] The device described and claimed herein is not to be limited
in scope by the specific embodiments herein disclosed, since these
embodiments are intended as illustrations of several aspects of the
disclosure. Any equivalent embodiments are intended to be within
the scope of this disclosure. Indeed, various modifications of the
device in addition to those shown and described herein will become
apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing
description. Such modifications are also intended to fall within
the scope of the appended claims. All patents and patent
applications cited in the foregoing text are expressly incorporated
herein by reference in their entirety.
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