Integrated flat panel workstation system
A computer workstation having a desktop/work surface defined by a central aperture and a pivoting liquid crystal display (LCD) support panel mounted on pivot shafts in the aperture. In addition, a sliding input device platform is mounted on telescoping roller brackets underneath the front edge of the work surface. Lever arms are rotatably engaged with the pivot shafts and are linked to the roller brackets. The lever arms automatically pivot the LCD support panel to an upright position upon extension of the input device platform, and vice versa, and a hydraulic damper brings the LCD support panel to a safe, gentle stop. Aa mercury switch turns the LCD on and off automatically upon opening or closing. Two or more such LCD support panels and associated hardware can be included in a single desktop/work surface for a computer training and/or conferences.
The present application derives priority from U.S. provisional application No. 60/436,515 for INTEGRATED FLAT PANEL DESK SYSTEM; filed: 27 Dec. 2002.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to computer workstations and, more particularly, to a computer workstation having a pivoting working surface that exposes an integrated flat panel liquid crystal display (LCD).
2. Description of the Background
Of the many varieties of commercially-available computer workstations, some are designed to enclose the computer to offer a multi-use work surface, conserve space, provide data privacy, protect the equipment and wiring, and maintain aesthetics. Examples of typical applications include educational and medical institutions, commercial offices, and retail, hospitality, government, and military entities. In these and other situations, it is desirable to incorporate the computers into the desks.
The are many exemplary patents for computer desks, most of which stow the CPU and monitor under the desk surface. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,766,422 to Wolters shows a desk with a standard computer system case and monitor. U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,608 to Clausen shows a desk with a standard computer system CPU and monitor. The desk is designed with an “L” shaped work area with two levels. The “L” shaped configuration limits the work area, as well as contributing to a setup problem for the student and teacher.
There are also a number of computer desks in which the monitor is placed below the desk top, employing a glass window or removable cover placed above the monitor so that the monitor remains or can be made visible to the user. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. RE034266 to Schairbaum shows a work station with an underdesk display. U.S. Pat. No. 5,957,059 to Burhman depicts a desk with a work surface that retracts to expose a computer system case and monitor. A hinged panel is manipulated to enable the user to see the viewable surface of the monitor. The foregoing systems are acceptable for cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors because they generate a positive light image which can easily he viewed from any angle.
However, with the advent of flat panel LCDs, the situation has changed. LCD flat panel displays transmit images in a different manner, requiring the user to view them straight on. The highly directional images and lower light emission levels make it difficult to view an LCD screen through a glass surface or to position the display so that the user can view it straight on in an ergonomic manner.
LCDs offer many advantages over CRT monitors such as requiring less room and using less energy. There is, therefore, a need for a more functional, ergonomically correct, and convenient multi-use computer workstation accommodating LCDs in which the display may be pivoted from a closed secure position into an ergonomically appropriate open position in front of a user.
Additionally, due to the increased energy management capabilities of LCDs, when combined with the advantages of a pivoting display mechanism, the workstation is able to provide convenient data security without shutting clown the computer workstation or requiring a lengthy warm-up period before re-accessing the screen. The addition of automatic activation and brightness adjustment upon opening the LCD will increase the display's useful life and make LCD units more appropriate for use in a broad variety of situations such as darkened classroom presentations and work locations where screen brightness may be used to eliminate problems with glare.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIt is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a compact, functional, ergonomically correct and convenient multi-use computer workstation in which a pivoting flat panel integral to the work surface rotates a LCD into a vertical position in front of a user.
It is another object to provide a computer workstation with an integral flat panel as described above in which the pivoting of the flat panel from a closed to an open position is triggered automatically by the user extending a sliding (i.e. pull-out) input device platform.
It is another object to provide a computer workstation with an integral flat panel as described above with locking sliding (i.e. pull-out) input device platform, and in which the flat panel display (and optionally, integral personal computer) are securely stowed and locked in a closed position until the input device platform is unlocked and extended, thereby providing ample security of the hardware and data therein.
It is another object to provide a computer workstation with an integral flat panel as described above in which the action of pivoting the flat panel, even when done abusively, from a closed to an open position is controlled so as to protect the delicate circuitry of the equipment and prevent personal injury and/or damage to the workstation, as well as positioning the LCD and flat panel at the ideal angle when open and perfectly level to a work surface when closed.
It is still another object to provide a computer workstation with a flat panel LCD as described above in which the LCD is automatically pivoted into a viewable position by extending the input device platform, is automatically turned on when it attains the viewing position, and is automatically adjusted for display brightness in accordance with the ambient light conditions in the room.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the above-described and other objects are accomplished by providing a computer workstation having a desktop/work surface defined by a central aperture, and a pivoting, integral LCD support panel positioned in the aperture. A flat panel LCD is mounted on the support panel which is, in turn, affixed to two rotatable shafts. In addition, a sliding input device platform (e.g. keyboard shelf) is mounted on telescoping roller brackets underneath the front end of the work surface. Pivoting lever assemblies include lever arms coupled to the rotatable shafts and links coupled to the roller brackets. A hydraulic damper is coupled at one end to one of the lever arms and slidably attached at the other end in a slotted bracket affixed to the underside of the desktop/work surface. The lever assemblies serve to automatically pivot the LCD support panel to an upright position upon extension of the input device platform. The damper freely extends as the LCD support panel is opened to its upright position, but is engaged as the support panel is closed to bring the support panel and attached LCD to a safe and gentle stop. In this preferred embodiment, the LCD additionally includes a mercury switch for turning the LCD on once it has attained an upright position (i.e. the support panel is in the fully open position), and for turning it off when the support panel is in the closed position.
As a preferred option, the sliding input device platform includes a locking device which prevents unauthorized access to the input device and to the LCD display to protect the hardware. In addition, it is contemplated that the computer workstation may be integrally incorporated with the display, in which case the locking device prevents unauthorized data access as well. While the locking device may be a simple keylock, the presently preferred embodiment includes a Dialock® system by which multiple computer desks all with pivoting LCD support panels may be centrally unlocked using a single transponder stick inserted in a wall receptacle. This intelligent key system is completely tamper-proof.
An alternative multi-display embodiment of the present invention incorporates a large tabletop/work surface defined by multiple (i.e. two or more) apertures, with a pivoting, integral LCD support panel positioned in each of the apertures. A flat panel LCD is mounted on each of the support panels and a sliding input device platform is mounted on telescoping roller brackets underneath the edge of the work surface directly in front of each support panel and LCD. The pivoting mechanism for each LCD is as described above, and each LCD may be pivoted to an uptight position; independently of the others, by extending the corresponding input device platform.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSOther objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment and certain modifications thereof when taken together with the accompanying drawings in which:
The desktop/work surface 12 sits atop a foundation 11 (see
The support panel 14 is side-mounted by two, collinear, pivot shafts 46 (sec
The support panel 14 is pivoted to the partially open position of
As the support panel 14 opens (i.e. rotates between the partially open position of
As the support panel 14 is returned to the closed position of
The spring 175 creates a minimal amount of shaft 172 extension just as the opening process commences (see
A stop bracket 42 is secured by, for example, a plurality of screws to the underside of the work surface 12 along the front edge of the aperture 13. The stop bracket 42 extends into the aperture 13 a short distance to limit the rotation of the support panel 14 and attached LCD 60, thereby ensuring that support panel 14 comes to rest flush with the work surface 12 when the desk 10 is closed (as in
The LCD 60 is preferably a 15″-20″ flat panel LCD with a power cord that plugs into the power strip resident in the computer workstation 10. The LCD 60 is conventional in most respects, but also includes an OEM-supplied and retrofitted mercury switch 62 (see
The foregoing computer workstation 10 serves to automatically pivot the support panel 14, positioned in the work surface 12, and the attached flat panel LCD 60 into a vertical position in front of a user. The flat panel LCD 60 moves from a closed to an exposed position and is powered automatically when the user extends the sliding keyboard shelf 30. The mercury switch 62 in the LCD 60 closes upon attaining a substantially upright position, thereby ensuring that the LCD 60 is on only when desired.
Each of the support panels 114, 115 is mounted and cycled between its open and closed positions in the manner described above with respect to
As above, each LCD 160 is preferably a 15″-20″ flat panel LCD with a power cord that plugs into one of the power strips resident in the computer desk 110. The LCD 160 is conventional in most respects, but also includes an OEM-supplied, or retrofitted, mercury switch (not shown in
The foregoing alternative computer workstation/conference table 110 allows one or more users to automatically pivot a support panel 114, 115 and the attached flat panel LCD 160 into a vertical, viewable position. Each LCD 160 may be pivoted from a closed to an exposed position and be powered automatically, independently of the others, by extending the corresponding input device platform 130. The mercury switch in each LCD 160 closes upon attaining a substantially upright position, thereby ensuring that an LCD 160 is on only when desired.
As a preferred option, the sliding input device platforms 30, 130, in the embodiments described above with respect to
Having now fully set forth the preferred embodiments and certain modifications of the concept underlying the present invention, various other embodiments as well as certain variations and modifications of the embodiments herein shown and described will obviously occur to those skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with said underlying concept. It is to be understood, therefore, that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically set forth herein.
Claims
1. A workstation adapted to support a flat panel display, comprising:
- a foundation;
- a work surface fixedly attached to said foundation and defined by an aperture; a display support panel movably mounted in said aperture;
- an input device platform movably attached to a side of said work surface;
- a lever mechanism coupled between said input device platform and said support panel for automatically moving said support panel open and to an upright position upon extension of said input device platform, and for automatically moving said LCD support panel to a closed position upon retraction of said input device platform.
2. The workstation according to claim 1, further comprising a motion damping cylinder pivotally attached between said lever assembly and to the underside of said work surface for bringing said display support panel to a gentle stop at a closed position.
3. The workstation according to claim 1, further comprising a stop bracket fixedly mounted in said aperture for limiting movement of said support panel.
4. The workstation according to claim 1, further comprising a LCD fixedly attached to said support panel.
5. The workstation according to claim 1, wherein said display support panel is mounted in said aperture on opposing pivot shafts.
6. The workstation according to claim 5, wherein said pivot shafts rotatably engage two respective bearing blocks fixedly attached to said underside of said work surface.
7. The workstation according to claim 4, wherein said LCD further comprises a mercury switch for automatically applying power to said LCD upon said support panel attaining an open, upright position.
8. The workstation according to claim 1, wherein said input device platform is slidably mounted to an underside of said work surface by opposing roller brackets.
9. The workstation according to claim 8, wherein said opposing roller brackets further comprise two telescoping roller brackets.
10. The workstation according to claim 9, wherein said lever mechanism comprises two opposing lever assemblies each connected between one of said roller brackets and a side of said support panel.
11. The workstation according to claim 10, wherein each of said lever assemblies further comprises a lever arm and a link pivotally attached together.
12. The workstation according to claim 1, further comprising a lock for locking said keyboard shelf in a closed position.
13. The workstation according to claim 12, wherein said lock is an electronic lock.
14. A workstation/conference table adapted for supporting one or more integrated flat panel displays, comprising:
- a foundation;
- a work surface fixedly attached to said foundation and defined by a plurality of apertures;
- a plurality of display support panels, each of said support panels being movably mounted in a corresponding one of said apertures;
- a plurality of input device platforms each being movably mounted on roller brackets to a side of said work surface and in front of said apertures;
- a plurality of lever assemblies each coupled between an input device platform and a display support panel for selectively and automatically pivoting said support panel open upon extension of the corresponding input device platform; and closed upon retraction of the corresponding input device platform.
15. The workstation/conference table according to claim 14, further comprising a plurality of motion damping cylinders each pivotally attached between a corresponding lever assembly and the underside of said work surface for bringing a display support panel to a gentle stop at a closed position.
16. The workstation/conference table according to claim 14, wherein said input device platforms are each slidably mounted to an underside of said work surface by a set of roller brackets.
17. The workstation/conference table according to claim 16, wherein each set of roller brackets further comprise two telescoping, roller brackets.
18. The workstation/conference table according to claim 14, further comprising a lock for locking said input device platform in a closed position.
19. The workstation/conference table according to claim 18, wherein said lock is an electronic lock.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 10, 2006
Publication Date: Aug 24, 2006
Inventors: Peter Stengel (Columbia, MD), Thomas White (Sykesville, MD)
Application Number: 11/351,421
International Classification: A47B 37/00 (20060101);