Patent Application
20080266768
In order to meet demands of users, computing devices are becoming more sophisticated and often have a variety of modular and multi-task capabilities. In some computing environments, for example, the display may have to be positioned to various angles and orientations with respect to the base in order to function as both a display for entering data via a keyboard or as a display for entering data with a stylus.
Displays with fixed or limited adjustability do not provide sufficient viewing angles to meet the needs of some users. If a display is rigidly fixed to the base or provided with limited adjustability, then some viewing angles are not available to users. For instance, it may be difficult to position the screen at a preferred viewing distance or at a preferred angle to eliminate distracting reflections. In still other instances, the screen may have to be adjusted to provide an ergonomic position while being used as a touch screen.
Embodiments are directed to a stand for adjusting a display. One embodiment comprises a stand with a dual-hinge and swivel function integrated into a mounting arm of the stand.
In one embodiment, the swivel function is integrated into a top of a dual-hinge arm. The swivel function is located directly behind a display and does not interfere with a height adjustment function.
The stand enables the display to be adjusted to a variety of different positions. By way of example, the display is adjustable around three different axes, such as tilting about an X-axis, pivoting about a Y-axis, and rotating about a Z-axis.
The stand is foldable into a compact configuration that utilizes minimal space for packaging and shipping. In this configuration, the display is in a horizontal position and provides a flat writing surface for use as a tablet personal computer (PC).
The base 110 has a rectangular shape with rounded corners and includes a flat side 130 for resting on a surface, such as a desktop. One side 132 of the base connects to an end of the mounting arm 112.
The mounting arm 112 has an elongated straight rectangular shape with rounded ends 140A, 140B. Two separate hinges are provided at the mounting arm. A first hinge or base hinge 150 attaches at the base 110. This base hinge provides a rotational or pivotal point between the mounting arm 112 and the base 110. A second hinge or display hinge 152 attaches at the display 102. This display hinge provides a rotational or pivotal point between the mounting arm 112 and display 102.
In one embodiment, the mounting arm 112 is formed of a strong rigid material (example, metal and/or polymer) and has an elongated straight shape. The mounting arm, however, can have various shapes, such as curved or nonlinear. Further, the mounting arm can be formed of a unitary member or formed of different sections connected together.
The swivel 114 connects to one end of the mounting arm 112 at the display hinge 152 and provides rotational movement of the display 102 (see arrows 160). The display 102 is able to rotate or swivel about the mounting arm 112.
In one embodiment, the display 102 removably attaches to the display stand 100. By way of example, the mounting structure 116 comprises a swivel connector 170 that attaches to one side of the swivel 114. The swivel connector in turn attaches to a plate 172 that connects to a back surface 174 of display 102 using, for example, fasteners 176.
The display 102 generally comprises a back surface 174 and a front surface 180 (
The display 102, in some embodiments, functions as a computer, such as a stand-alone personal computer (PC) or a tablet PC. By way of example only, the display 102 includes one or more of a CPU, hard drive, memory, infrared ports, disk drives, PC card slots, batteries, universal serial bus (USB) ports, power connectors, keyboard or monitor connectors, multibays, network connectors, CompactFlash card slots, power connectors, other input/output (I/O) ports, and numerous buttons and switches (such as Enter, Esc, Tab, Menu, Power, etc.), just to name a few examples. Many of these features are generally shown at 190 (
The mounting arm 112 couples the display 102 to the base 110 with a dual hinge or two pivotal connections disposed at opposite ends of the mounting arm. Various swivel and hinge-type connections can be used. By way of example, these connections use a cylinder/sleeve connection, ball/socket connection, or other connection that enables two structures to move relative to each other. For instance, the swivel 114 comprises a rounded back portion 192 that rotates in a cylindrical or curved recess 194 in display hinge 152 (
In one embodiment, the hinges 150, 152 and swivel 114 use friction as a means to maintain the mounting arm in locked or sturdy positions. For example, when sufficient rotational force or torque is applied to display 102, the frictional forces in hinges 150, 152 and swivel 114 are overcome so the display 102 rotates or moves. Once the user has released the display, the frictional forces in the hinges 150, 152 and swivel 114 maintain the display 102 in the desired position.
The mounting arm 112 couples the display 102 to the base 110 such that the display is movable to a plurality of different positions.
The base hinge 150 enables the vertical position or height of the display 102 to change with respect to the base 110 or surface on which the base is positioned. As base hinge 150 rotates or moves about the X-axis, the display 102 is raised or lowered. Raising or lowering of the display can occur without rotating or moving the display about the swivel 114 and/or display hinge 152.
In one embodiment, the display 102 is independently movable about one or more of the three axes. For instance, the display is movable about a single axis (i.e., about only one of the X-axis, the Y-axis, or the Z-axis). Alternatively, the display is movable about two of the axes or all three of the axes.
By way of illustration,
While the invention has been disclosed with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate, upon reading this disclosure, numerous modifications and variations. It is intended that the appended claims cover such modifications and variations and fall within the true spirit and scope of exemplary embodiments.
