Computer components adjustable between storage and use configurations
A computer arrangement with an extended configuration and a retracted configuration. The computer arrangement can include an enclosure, and a support arm can be extendably and retractably retained relative to the enclosure. A monitor and a keyboard can be retained relative to the support arm. The keyboard can be removably coupled to a support unit, and there can be an electrical association between the keyboard, the support unit, and a further computer component, such as a power supply, a memory drive, and a central processing unit. The monitor and keyboard can be components of a laptop computer, and the support unit can comprise a cradle. The support unit can be manually or automatically pivotable between storage and use configurations.
The present invention relates generally to electronic systems and methods. More particularly, disclosed and protected herein are arrangements and methods for enabling an adjustment of articles, such as computer components, between storage and use configurations. Also disclosed and protected are computer components adapted for such adjustment arrangements and methods.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONComputers have become an integral part of our business and personal lives. The presence of a computer monitor, a keyboard, a laptop, or other computer component has come to be seen as a necessary evil for the accomplishment of one's daily tasks. With computer components inherently come wires that further clutter work surfaces. Many computer components, particularly laptops and computer monitors, have achieved markedly reduced size. Nonetheless, when not in use, they remain as obstacles to the full usage of a work surface and contribute to a utilitarian and often displeasing appearance of the work surface and the office in general. Further, continuous exposure leaves computer components vulnerable not only to environmental conditions but also to tampering and theft, particularly as the components become smaller, lighter, and more portable.
It would be advantageous, therefore, if one could enjoy full usage of a computer component or other article when desired while being able to make the article effectively disappear from a work surface when its presence is no longer necessary. Advantageously, a number of talented inventors have sought to provide mechanisms for enabling an adjustment of a relative position of an electronic component, such as a computer monitor. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,526,756, Watson discloses a multi-platform desk with cantilevered and threaded rod combinations for adjustably supporting keyboard and monitor platforms at desired heights. Additionally, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,494,150, Phoenix et al. describes a display elevating and lowering mechanism that employs a complex threaded rod arrangement. Still further, U.S. Pat. No. 6,733,094 to Chang is directed to a parallelepiped lifting device for a computer monitor that operates based on a combination of chain wheels, bars, and adjusting screws.
While these and further disclosures have contributed usefully to the state of the art, the proposed solutions of the prior art have proven to bulky and inelegant, of limited effectiveness and efficiency, and relatively complex in structure and operation. Additionally, it will be noted that prior art computer mechanisms and furniture historically have been ill equipped to accommodate one another in an adjustable arrangement. Still further, traditional computer components have proven to be poorly adapted to being rendered adjustable between a first configuration for unobtrusive storage and a second, usage configuration.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn light of the state of the art summarized above, the present invention is founded on the basic object of providing an arrangement for enabling an adjustment of a computer component between storage and use configurations that overcomes the disadvantages exhibited by the prior art while providing a number of previously unrealized advantages thereover. This and further objects and advantages of the present invention will become obvious not only to one who reviews the present specification and drawings but also to those who have an opportunity to experience an embodiment of the systems and arrangements disclosed herein. However, it will be appreciated that, although the accomplishment of multiple objects in a single embodiment of the invention may be possible and indeed preferred, not all embodiments will seek or need to accomplish each and every potential advantage and function. Nonetheless, all such embodiments should be considered within the scope of the present invention.
In carrying forth these objects, one embodiment of the present invention comprises a computer arrangement with an extended configuration and a retracted configuration. The computer arrangement can have a support member, such as a support arm, extendably and retractably retained relative to the enclosure. A computer monitor can be retained relative to the support member, and a means can additionally be provided for retaining a computer keyboard in relation to the support member. With this, the computer monitor and computer keyboard can be adjusted between an extended configuration extending at least partially from the enclosure and a retracted configuration disposed at least partially within the enclosure.
The keyboard can be removably and replaceably retained by a support unit. In other embodiments, the keyboard can be integrated into the support unit. In either case, the support unit can be pivotable between a first, storage disposition and a second disposition. The support unit can be pivotable manually or by an automated mechanism. In certain embodiments, the support unit can comprise a cradle for removably and replaceably retaining a laptop computer thereby acting as the means for retaining a computer monitor and the means for retaining a computer keyboard.
A computer component, such as a power supply, a memory drive, or a central processing unit, can be electrically associated with the support unit, such as by being incorporated directly therein by being retained relative to the enclosure. Under such an arrangement, a laptop, keyboard, or other component can be derivatively electrically associated with the computer component through the support unit. The electrical association can be a wired association or a wireless association. Of course, multiple computer components can be electrically associated with the support unit to complete or supplement the computer system or, as necessary, to establish redundancy as might be desirable, for instance, with memory backup components and the like.
One will appreciate that the foregoing discussion broadly outlines certain important features of the invention to enable a better understanding of the detailed description that follows and to instill a better appreciation of the inventor's contribution to the art. Before any particular embodiment or aspect thereof is explained in detail, it must be made clear that the following details of construction and illustrations of inventive concepts are mere examples of the many possible manifestations of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSIn the accompanying drawing figures:
It will be appreciated that the computer components disclosed herein and the disclosed methods and systems for rendering them adjustable between storage and use configurations are subject to widely varied embodiments. However, to ensure that one skilled in the art will be able to understand and, in appropriate cases, practice the present invention, certain preferred embodiments of the broader invention revealed herein are described below and shown in the accompanying drawing figures. Before any particular embodiment of the invention is explained in detail, it must be made clear that the following details of construction and illustrations of inventive concepts are mere examples of the many possible manifestations of the invention.
Looking more particularly to the drawings, one example of a computer arrangement pursuant to the present invention is indicated generally at 10 in
The specific mechanism for rendering the computer arrangement 10 extendable and retractable can vary within the scope of the invention. As shown and described herein, extension and retraction can be carried out manually by the user, by a motorized arrangement, or by any combination thereof. Likewise, the particular support surface 100 is of little consequence to the invention. In one manifestation of the invention, the support surface 100 can be a desk, table, counter, or other support surface 100. Further details regarding extension and retraction arrangements are disclosed by the present inventor in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/152,994, filed Jun. 14, 2005 and entitled Extension and Retraction Arrangements, which is incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein.
The computer arrangement 10 can have a support arm 24 for retaining an article, which can vary widely within the scope of the invention. In this example, the article comprises a flat panel computer monitor 12. The retained article can alternatively comprise, by way of example and not limitation, an entire computer, such as a laptop; a computer keyboard; or any other computer component. Furthermore, within the present disclosure, reference to a computer component or the like should be interpreted to include all or a portion of a computer system, including a laptop, a keyboard, a monitor, a mouse, and additionally or alternatively, a central processing unit and other components except as otherwise expressly limited.
As is shown in
In certain embodiments, as in
The keyboard 14 and the support unit 16 could be unified in an integrated unit 21 as exemplified in
As will be described further hereinbelow, where desirable and practicable, the support unit 16 could accomplish additional, or possibly all, central processing functions for the computer arrangement 10, such as by incorporating a central processing unit 30, a hard drive 31, and other components as in
Where the keyboard 14 is separable from the support unit 16, the support unit 16 can act essentially as a docking station for the keyboard 14, whether mechanically, electronically, or both. With further reference to
In the embodiment of
The computer arrangement 10 can additionally incorporate a mouse 28, which can be wired or wireless. The mouse 28 can be removably retained by the support unit 16. As exemplified in
As the embodiment of
Turning to
When retracted, the monitor 12, the keyboard 14, and other components of the computer arrangement 10 can be disposed below the support surface 100, such as into a subsurface enclosure 42 as shown in
As noted, the computer arrangement 10 can be extended and retracted manually or by a motorized arrangement 45 as shown in
As
Looking again to
In response to a command from an operator or when an emergency or security condition is sensed, the computer arrangement 10 can in certain embodiments induce an automatic retraction of all computer components or merely certain designated components. To facilitate such an automatic retraction, the extension and retraction arrangement 44 can enable a raising and lowering of the support arm 24 by operation of any effective means, such as a motorized arrangement 45. While innumerable motorized arrangements 45 are possible and within the scope of the invention, one possible motorized arrangement 45 is depicted in
Extension and retraction can be further enabled by a means for enabling an automatic pivoting of the keyboard 14 and support unit 16 or the integrated unit 21 to a storage configuration disposed adjacent to the monitor 12. By means that would be readily obvious to one skilled in the art, the integrated unit 21 or one or both of the support unit 16 and the keyboard 14 could be spring loaded to a storage configuration and selectively locked in a usage configuration by a selectively operable latching arrangement.
The latching arrangement could be released by a slight depression of the integrated unit 21 or the support unit 16 and the keyboard 14 and, additionally or alternatively, by an automatic releasing of the latching arrangement in response to a sensed emergency condition or through activation of the remote control 34. Alternatively, as
With the monitor 12, the support arm 24, the keyboard 14 and support unit 16 retracted into the enclosure 42, the lid or lids 36 can be pivoted to a closed configuration by any effective means. For example, the lid 36 could be drawn closed by a mechanical interaction with the support arm 24 or the like. Alternatively, the lid 36 could be closed by gravity or by a spring loaded arrangement. Still further, as
Where a separate central processing unit 30 is provided, it can travel with the monitor 12 or be fixedly disposed within the enclosure 42. As in
As
As
Turning to
The cradle 50 can incorporate or allow an operable coupling to a docking unit 54. The docking unit 54 can include support accessories and functions for the laptop 52 including power and power recharging sources, drivers, memory and memory backup backup, and further capabilities. As
The laptop 52, and possibly the cradle 50, can be pivotable about a pivot axis 53 to enable the laptop 52 and the cradle 50 to be adjusted between an orientation aligned with the extension and retraction arrangement 44 to enable a retraction into the enclosure 42 and a use orientation, such as adjacent to the support surface 100 or detached, where the cradle and the laptop are indicated at 50′ and 52′ respectively. When the laptop 52 and the cradle 50 are retracted into the enclosure 42, the aperture lid 36 or lids 36A and 36B can close off the aperture 25 thereby to cooperate with the enclosure 42 to provide security and protection from environmental effects, inadvertent contact, theft, tampering, and other potential adverse effects.
The laptop 52 and the cradle 50 could be coupled directly to the extension and retraction arrangement 44 as is depicted in
In a manner similar to previous embodiments, the support arm 24, and thus the cradle 50 and laptop 52 or other article, can be extended and retracted by any effective means, such as by a motorized arrangement 45 with a motor 78, a pinion gear 80, and a rack gear 76. Also, the lid 36 or lids 36A and 36B can be automatically operable by any suitable means, such as by operation of a motor 86 and gear arrangement 88. Still further, if necessary or desirable, the cradle 50 and any retained article can be pivoted between storage and usage positions by a motor 82 and gear arrangement 84. The computer arrangement 10 can incorporate an alarm arrangement, which can be triggered when tampering, attempted theft, emergency conditions, or other alarm conditions are sensed. The alarm arrangement can be operable in a first mode when the laptop 52 and the cradle 50 are extended and in a second mode when the laptop 52 and the cradle 50 are retracted into the enclosure 42.
As shown in
In the embodiment of the computer arrangement 10 of
Another variation of the computer arrangement 10 is depicted in
In
The aperture 25 can thus be effectively sealed off to prevent objects from falling into the enclosure 42, to prevent damage to and tampering with the computer arrangement 10, and to be neater aesthetically. By providing first and second aperture lids 36A and 36B, the monitor 12 and support arm 24 can be raised to a lesser height than would be the case with a single aperture lid while allowing the lids 36A and 36B to be closed than would be required with just a single aperture lid 36. It will be noted that other aperture lid arrangements are possible including, for example, plural hingedly connected panels, a flexible, slidable panel, and numerous other constructions that are each within the scope of the present invention.
The computer arrangement 10 can limit access by one or more security or access devices. As is shown in
Still other adjustable computer arrangements 10 are possible within the scope of the invention. For example, as is shown in
The monitor 12 can be retained by a support arm 24 whereby it can be pivoted about proximal and distal pivot axes 26 and 48 to a desired position and orientation. An enclosure 42 can house a central processing unit 30 and other computer components, which can be disposed below the support surface 100. The enclosure 42 can also removably retain a keyboard 14, a mouse 28, and other computer components. The second support surface 102, the monitor 12, the keyboard 14, and the support arm 24 can thus be adjusted to the between the storage configuration shown and the use configuration where the second support surface, the monitor, the keyboard, and the support arm are indicated at 102′, 12′, 14′, and 24′ respectively.
In the embodiment of
In the embodiment of
The computer arrangement 10 of
Turning finally to
With certain embodiments of the present invention for adjustable computer components disclosed, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that numerous changes and additions could be made thereto without deviating from the spirit or scope of the invention. This is particularly true when one bears in mind that the presently preferred embodiments merely exemplify the broader invention revealed herein. Accordingly, it will be clear that those with major features of the invention in mind could craft arrangements that incorporate certain inventive aspects of the disclosed invention while not incorporating all of the features included in the preferred embodiments.
Therefore, the following claims are intended to define the scope of protection to be afforded to the inventor. Those claims shall be deemed to include equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention. It must be further noted that a plurality of the following claims may express certain elements as means for performing a specific function, at times without the recital of structure or material. As the law demands, these claims shall be construed to cover not only the corresponding structure and material expressly described in this specification but also all equivalents thereof whether now known or hereafter developed or discovered.
Claims
1. An arrangement for rendering a computer component adjustable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration, the arrangement comprising:
- a support member;
- means for retaining at least one computer component in relation to the support member; and
- means for enabling an extension and retraction of the support member;
- whereby a computer component can be disposed in an extended configuration for enabling usage thereof and in a retracted configuration.
2. The arrangement of claim 1 wherein the means for retaining at least one computer component comprises a means for retaining a computer monitor in relation to the support member for extension and retraction with the support member.
3. The arrangement of claim 2 wherein the means for retaining at least one computer component further comprises a means for retaining a computer keyboard for extension and retraction with the support member and the computer monitor.
4. The arrangement of claim 3 wherein the means for retaining a computer keyboard comprises a support unit.
5. The arrangement of claim 4 wherein the means for retaining a computer keyboard comprises a means for removably and replaceably retaining a keyboard in relation to the support unit.
6. The arrangement of claim 4 further comprising at least one computer component electrically associated with the support unit.
7. The arrangement of claim 6 wherein the computer component electrically associated with the support unit is chosen from the group consisting of a power supply, a memory drive, and a central processing unit.
8. The arrangement of claim 6 further comprising a means for enabling an electrical association between a keyboard and the at least one computer component electrically associated with the support unit.
9. The arrangement of claim 8 further comprising a computer keyboard wherein the computer keyboard is integrated with the support unit.
10. The arrangement of claim 3 wherein the means for retaining at least one computer component further comprises a means for retaining a computer mouse for extension and retraction with the support member, the computer monitor, and the computer keyboard.
11. The arrangement of claim 4 wherein the support unit is pivotable between a first, storage disposition and a second disposition.
12. The arrangement of claim 11 further comprising a means for enabling an automated pivoting of the support unit.
13. The arrangement of claim 1 wherein the means for retaining at least one computer component comprises a means for retaining a laptop computer for extension and retraction with the support member.
14. The arrangement of claim 13 wherein the means for retaining a laptop computer comprises a cradle with a means for enabling a removable and replaceable retention of a laptop computer.
15. The arrangement of claim 14 further comprising a means for enabling an electrical association between the cradle and a laptop computer retained thereby.
16. The arrangement of claim 15 further comprising a computer component electrically associated with the means for enabling an electrical association between the cradle and a laptop computer whereby a laptop computer can be derivatively electrically associated with the computer component through the cradle.
17. The arrangement of claim 16 wherein the computer component electrically associated with the means for enabling an electrical association between the cradle and a laptop computer is chosen from the group consisting of a power supply, a memory drive, and a central processing unit.
18. The arrangement of claim 14 wherein the cradle is pivotable between a first, storage disposition and a second disposition.
19. The arrangement of claim 18 further comprising a means for enabling an automated pivoting of the cradle.
20. The arrangement of claim 19 further comprising a means for enabling an automated retraction of the support member.
21. The arrangement of claim 1 further comprising an enclosure wherein the means for enabling an extension and retraction of the support member comprises a means for extending and retracting the support member between an extended position and a storage position within the enclosure.
22. An arrangement for rendering a computer component adjustable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration, the arrangement comprising:
- a support member;
- means for removably and replaceably retaining at least one computer component in relation to the support member;
- means for enabling an extension and retraction of the support member;
- at least one computer component electrically associated with the means for removably and replaceably retaining at least one computer component in relation to the support member chosen from the group consisting of a power supply, a memory drive, and a central processing unit; and
- a means for enabling an electrical association between a removable and replaceable computer component and the at least one computer component electrically associated with the means for removably and replaceably retaining at least one computer component in relation to the support member;
- whereby a computer component can be disposed in an extended configuration for enabling usage thereof and in a retracted configuration.
23. The arrangement of claim 22 wherein the means for removably and replaceably retaining at least one computer component comprises a means for retaining a computer keyboard.
24. The arrangement of claim 23 further comprising a means for retaining a computer monitor for extension and retraction with the computer keyboard.
25. The arrangement of claim 22 wherein the means for removably and replaceably retaining at least one computer component in relation to the support member comprises a support unit that is pivotable between a first, storage disposition and a second disposition.
26. The arrangement of claim 25 further comprising a means for enabling an automated pivoting of the support unit.
27. The arrangement of claim 22 wherein the means for removably and replaceably retaining at least one computer component comprises a means for removably and replaceably retaining a laptop computer.
28. A system for retaining a computer arrangement comprising:
- a support surface;
- a support member coupled to the support surface;
- means for retaining at least one computer component in relation to the support member; and
- means for enabling an adjustment of the computer component between a storage configuration and a usage configuration.
29. The system of claim 28 wherein the support surface comprises a wall panel.
30. The system of claim 29 further comprising an enclosure within the wall panel for at least partially receiving the computer component when in a storage configuration.
31. The system of claim 28 wherein the means for enabling an adjustment of the computer component between a storage configuration and a usage configuration comprises a means for enabling an extension and retraction of the support member.
32. The system of claim 28 further comprising at least one computer component retained relative to the support surface in electrical association with the support member chosen from the group consisting of a power supply, a memory drive, and a central processing unit and a means for enabling an electrical association between a computer component retained relative to the support member and the at least one computer component electrically associated with the support member.
33. The arrangement of claim 28 wherein the means retaining at least one computer component comprises a support unit for retaining a computer keyboard.
34. The arrangement of claim 33 wherein the means retaining at least one computer component further comprises a means for retaining a computer monitor.
35. The arrangement of claim 33 wherein the support unit is pivotable between a first, storage disposition and a second disposition.
36. The arrangement of claim 35 further comprising a means for enabling an automated pivoting of the support unit.
37. The arrangement of claim 28 wherein the means retaining at least one computer component comprises a cradle for removably and replaceably retaining a laptop computer.
38. A computer arrangement with an extended configuration and a retracted configuration, the computer arrangement comprising:
- an enclosure;
- a support member extendably and retractably retained relative to the enclosure;
- means for retaining a computer monitor in relation to the support member;
- means for retaining a computer keyboard in relation to the support member;
- whereby the computer monitor and computer keyboard can be adjusted between an extended configuration extending at least partially from the enclosure and a retracted configuration disposed at least partially within the enclosure.
39. The computer arrangement of claim 38 wherein the means for retaining a computer keyboard comprises a support unit for removably and replaceably retaining a computer keyboard.
40. The computer arrangement of claim 39 wherein the support unit is pivotable between a first, storage disposition and a second disposition.
41. The computer arrangement of claim 40 further comprising a means for enabling an automated pivoting of the support unit.
42. The computer arrangement of claim 38 wherein the means for retaining a computer keyboard comprises a support unit and further comprising a computer keyboard wherein the computer keyboard is integrated with the support unit.
43. The computer arrangement of claim 38 wherein the means for retaining a computer keyboard comprises a support unit and further comprising at least one computer component electrically associated with the support unit.
44. The computer arrangement of claim 43 wherein the computer component electrically associated with the support unit is chosen from the group consisting of a power supply, a memory drive, and a central processing unit.
45. The computer arrangement of claim 43 wherein the computer component is retained relative to the support unit.
46. The computer arrangement of claim 43 wherein the computer component is retained relative to the enclosure.
47. The computer arrangement of claim 38 wherein the means for retaining a computer monitor in relation to the support member and the means for retaining a computer keyboard in relation to the support member comprise a cradle for removably and replaceably retaining a laptop computer for extension and retraction with the support member.
48. The computer arrangement of claim 47 further comprising a means for enabling an electrical association between the cradle and a laptop computer retained thereby.
49. The computer arrangement of claim 48 further comprising a computer component electrically associated with the means for enabling an electrical association between the cradle and a laptop computer whereby a laptop computer can be derivatively electrically associated with the computer component through the cradle.
50. The computer arrangement of claim 47 wherein the cradle is pivotable between a first, storage disposition and a second disposition.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 8, 2005
Publication Date: Jul 13, 2006
Inventor: Sava Cvek (Jamaica Plain, MA)
Application Number: 11/298,111
International Classification: A47B 85/00 (20060101);