Tilting Patents (Class 248/923)
  • Patent number: 6125028
    Abstract: In an information processing system the inclination of a display unit can be varied, taking into account a platen for a scanner located in an upper area of the system. A variable inclination unit having a flat-panel display unit moves between a maximum inclination position and a minimum inclination position. A platen is located on the top of a main unit and can be opened or closed freely. The open or closed state of the platen is sensed by switches, whereby the movement of the variable inclination unit is controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tadashi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 6119990
    Abstract: A holder for an electronic information carrier includes a body having a cavity for holding an associated electronic price label, a rear wall having a convex section and an aperture extending through the convex section. An adapter cooperates with the body. The adapter has a front wall with a concave section in which the rear wall convex section of the body can be accommodated. An aperture extends through the concave section. The adapter aperture is aligned with the body rear wall convex section aperture. A fastener selectively extends through the aligned aperture to secure the holder to the adapter and orient the body at a first angle to a horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Kump, Stephen D. Wamsley, James A. Bacnik
  • Patent number: 6116560
    Abstract: A stand for a display monitor that allows smoother adjustment of the screen angle may be constructed using a stand display interface that is fixed to the bottom of a monitor body or integrally formed with a stand unit. The slip surfaces between the convex ball portion of the stand display interface and the stand unit are reduced thereby reducing the amount of dust created and smoothing the adjustment of monitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: SamSung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tae-Yon Kim
  • Patent number: 6113047
    Abstract: A vibration resistant mounting bracket has a base attachable to a support structure by bolts. Isolator bushings are positioned in the mounting holes in the bracket to isolate the bracket from shocks and vibration. A pair of arms project perpendicularly from the base. Each arm has a round opening and an arcuate opening concentric with the round opening. A first fastener pivotably connects a terminal to each arm of the bracket at a pivot axis defined by the round openings. A second fastener has a shaft extending through the arcuate opening and into a second threaded opening in the terminal. The second fastener may be tightened and loosened to secure the terminal in a pivot position relative to the bracket and release the terminal from the pivot position to change to a different pivot position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Intermec Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Wung, Bahram Sharifi
  • Patent number: 6115249
    Abstract: A stand for a portable personal computer including a base including a front side, a back side, a right side, a left side, and a bottom surface. The stand includes at least one stand member interconnectable with the base. The at least one stand member is positionable in a deployed position and a stowed position. In the deployed position the at least one stand member supports at least one portion of the bottom surface of the base at an elevated level with respect to a surface that the portable personal computer is supported by. The at least one stand member engages a surface of the base in the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Mario Cipolla, George Liang-Tai Chiu
  • Patent number: 6108195
    Abstract: A thin-profile display in combination with a desktop computer housing includes a computer housing having a top, a bottom and lateral sides. A post removeably attaches to the top. The top includes a corrugated portion to reinforce the top, supporting the post. The corrugated portion preferably, has fingers extending radially outward from the post. The post folds with respect to the top and is adjustable in length. A thin-profile display adjustably attached to the post. The display includes a LCD screen having a profile thickness "t" of less than four inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Inclose Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Sunny Behl, Chris Erwin
  • Patent number: 6102355
    Abstract: A support device for imparting repetitive motion to items such as a computer monitor. The device has a support base connected to drive means which impart either a reciprocal, an up-and-down or both motions to the support to induce relief and therapy to those who are required to focus on the device for extended periods of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Richard K. Rood
  • Patent number: 6097595
    Abstract: An automatically deploying and retracting leg for a portable personal computer including a base and a display. At least one leg is arranged in the base and moves downwardly as it is deployed. At least one deploying mechanism is interconnected with the at least one leg and the display so as to cause the at least one leg to deploy and retract upon moving the display respectively between and open and a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas Mario Cipolla
  • Patent number: 6089520
    Abstract: A swivel base includes a stationary bottom support to be placed on for example a desk and a movable tray movably supported on the fixed bottom support to support thereon for example a monitor. The bottom support has a circular wall having an inclined inner face and the movable tray has a concave member corresponding to and slidably supported on the inclined face. A post located at center of a recess defined by the circular wall with an expanded retaining member fixed thereon. An elongated slot is provided on the concave member and has an widened section to receive the penetration of the retaining member for retaining the post within the slot in a movable manner and to allow the movable tray to rotate about the post. A stop block is provided within the recess defined by the circular wall and a corresponding rib is provided on the underside of the concave member to be contactable with the stop block for limiting the rotation of the movable tray about the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Mag Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Chung Wu, Tsung Jung Hsu
  • Patent number: 6085972
    Abstract: A retail terminal includes a display monitor and a base for supporting the display monitor. The retail terminal further includes a tilt mechanism for positioning the display monitor relative to the base. The tilt mechanism has a ratchet member supported by the display monitor. The ratchet member has a first plurality of ratchet teeth defined therein. The tilt mechanism further has a support structure secured to the base. The support structure has a second plurality of ratchet teeth defined therein. The first plurality of ratchet teeth engages the second plurality of ratchet teeth so as to hold the display monitor stationary relative to the base. The ratchet member further has a first spring arm and a second spring arm. The first spring arm and the second spring arm are each supported by the display monitor. The first spring arm and the second spring arm collectively cooperate to bias the first plurality of ratchet teeth into engagement with the second plurality of ratchet teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: David M. Wright
  • Patent number: 6081420
    Abstract: A desktop computer includes a flat-panel display for displaying an image according to an externally supplied video signal, a mainframe chassis for supporting said flat-panel display and containing auxiliary computer equipment, a stand for connecting said mainframe chassis to said flat-panel display, and a panel adjusting device for controlling the viewing angle of said flat-panel display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tae-Sung Kim, Jin-Sang Hwang
  • Patent number: 6068227
    Abstract: A flat panel display housing includes a minimal border about the periphery of the front surface of the housing. The border has a relatively small thickness and only extends a minimal distance from the edge of the display housing. The housing also includes a mount centrally located on the rear surface of the housing thereby allowing the housing to be tiled. The housing may also be configured as an array or wall of glass without interstices between adjacent displays. The display housing also includes a recess in the rear portion of the housing which facilitates tactile location of display controls which are not visible to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: PixelVision Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart K. Morgan, Arthur J. Flagg, III, Bryan R. Hotaling, Jon R. Rossman
  • Patent number: 6061104
    Abstract: A display assembly that includes a flat panel display and a display stand. A hinge that attaches to the housing of the display provides for tilt adjustment. The display stand includes two rails that attach to a base and a sliding frame that is coupled to the hinge. The two rails support the sliding frame such that the sliding frame can move up and down along the two rails. A rotary dampener dampens downward movement of the sliding frame. The display stand also includes a latching mechanism that selectively latches the sliding frame to one of the rails. The latching mechanism includes a handle that can be manually operated so as to selectively engage and disengage the latching mechanism. Movement of the handle of the latching mechanism releases the latching mechanism. The display can then be moved up or down as desired to accommodate the needs of a particular user. Once the display is positioned as desired, the release of the handle operates to engage the latching mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Silicon Graphics, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel E. Evanicky, Thomas Mabry, Carl Engelbrecht
  • Patent number: 6050535
    Abstract: A flat panel display device that rotates smoothly in a horizontal direction and has a wide swiveling angle for easy adjustment of a visual angle. The flat panel display device includes a display unit that has a flat panel for displaying an image, and a stand to support the display unit, with a circular recess located at a top portion of the stand. A hinge member connects the display unit to the stand and includes a ring-shaped rotation member. The rotation member has a first portion and a second portion, with the second portion positioned below the first portion. The second portion has an inner diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the first portion, and two stoppers are positioned in the second portion. A holder is fixed to the circular recess of the stand to secure the rotation member within the stand. The holder includes two claws that are engaged to a bottom surface of the rotation member, and a protrusion member, formed at an outer circumference of the holder, to come in contact with the stoppers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Suk-io Kang
  • Patent number: 6042068
    Abstract: A mount that secures a projector to a ceiling is disclosed. The mount includes an upper element which is attached to the ceiling, and a lower element which is attached to the projector. The two elements are adapted to slidably engage and disengage for quick mounting without having to detach the upper element from the ceiling and the lower element from the projector. The mount may include a spring-biased latch which locks the two elements together to prevent accidental disengagement. The latch may include a safety lock feature which prevents inadvertent actuation of the latch and subsequent disengagement of the elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Peerless Indsutries, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Tcherny
  • Patent number: 6032918
    Abstract: An improved multi-functional stand that uses a swivel device and a hinge to allow a display unit to be adjusted in any angle relative to the stand. The stand has a speaker and has connections on a rear portion of the stand housing for both a power cable and a plurality of signal cables. The cables are connected to an interface circuit board and the power and image signals are then transferred to the main circuit board through a cable that runs through the stand and is inserted into the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: SamSung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chang-Ho Cho
  • Patent number: 6024336
    Abstract: A monitor base comprising a standing member and a movable member is disclosed. The standing member has a coupling member, while the movable member has an opening through which the coupling member is movably connected to the movable member, and a guard member provided in the opening to prevent the coupling member and the movable member from separating. The movable member is moved relative to the standing member with the coupling member constrained by the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Acer Peripherals, Inc.
    Inventors: Wen-Pen Lin, Chi-Jung Wu
  • Patent number: 6019332
    Abstract: Multi-jointed and pivoted mounting systems for support of a flat panel video display and/or keyboard tray, incorporating a plurality of pivot points providing for pivotal motion of one or more components about a plurality of vertical and horizontal axes. Support arms having elevational pivot assemblies, including plastic friction washers and gas springs, offer elevational arm control requiring constant and predetermined positioning effort on the part of the video display operator and keyboard operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry C. Sweere, Steve A. Nistler, Donald M. Voeller, Dennis M. Scheller
  • Patent number: 6015120
    Abstract: Desktop flat panel display support system includes a base, a pivot support bracket assembly, and a support arm, with gas spring, leads to a single axis pivot where a flat panel display may be connected. The pivot support bracket assembly rotates about a vertical axis to provide azimuthil rotation of the support arm. The pivoting bracket assembly includes a frictional assembly and a brake assembly. The frictional assembly includes at least two planar metal surfaces and an easy breakaway frictional polymer disk between the metal surfaces. A nut, bolt and spring washer provide tension to the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry C. Sweere, Michael D. Gonnerman, Donald M. Voeller
  • Patent number: 6013878
    Abstract: In an improved postage scale system, soft-selection keys are used for selecting options including shipping service options provided by the system. The display on such a system is adjustable for comfortable viewing thereof. The system is capable of interfacing and communicating with other devices such as a printer, a remote computer, an optical scanner, an integrated circuit (IC) card, etc. Certain data and code for use in the system can be updated by downloading new data and code from IC cards to the system. A security measure is instituted such that, after an update of the data or code, a system user is required to enter a valid authorization number in order to enable the system. Such a measure is, in part, necessary for deterring unauthorized copying of software of the system onto another similar system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Ascom Hasler Mailing Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Schwartz, Allen A. Crowe, James S. Emmett, Fetneh Eskandari, Martin F. Palange, Mark E. Simcik, Robert Swanbery, Robert J. Japenga, Joseph L. Lehman, William A. Weirsman, George P. Rahgo
  • Patent number: 6010111
    Abstract: A swiveling device that can be used in a stand supporting LCD monitors is disclosed. The swiveling device uses combinations of flanges and ribs to prevent the concentration of eccentric load forces on central connectors. This increases the reliability and the corresponding market competitiveness of monitors using this swiveling device as well as preventing the inefficiencies created by monitor failure in the work place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: SamSung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chang Ho Cho
  • Patent number: 6007038
    Abstract: An apparatus for tilting and swiveling a display monitor using a remote controller is provided. A tilt member detachably connected to the bottom surface of the display monitor is supported on the top surface of a swivel member. A plurality of guide blocks and an arcuate rack gear member are provided on the bottom surface of the tilt member. The guide blocks are accommodated in grooves of the swivel member to guide tilt movement of the tilt member relative to the swivel member. A motor moving back and forth by a solenoid device is mounted on the swivel member. A swivel member is provided on the end of the motor shaft so as to be engaged with a stationary gear member fixed on a vertical shaft of a base member. A tilt gear member is driven by the motor only when the motor moves backwards by the solenoid device and rotates the rack gear member of the tilt member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Min Goo Han
  • Patent number: 6000560
    Abstract: A support tray assembly comprising a planar tray formed with a spherical portion being formed with a central slit-like opening extending along a line of pitch of the tray and a cam-engaging track extending along a tilt axis of the tray. A manipulating member is formed with a seat portion forming part of a sphere corresponding in shape with the spherical portion of the support tray and being in sliding engagement therewith. The manipulating member is rotatable about an axis of rotation and is fitted with a cam member rotatably fixed thereto. The cam member is eccentric with respect to the axis of rotation and is adapted for reciprocal sliding engagement with the cam-engaging track of the tray along the tilt axis. Rotation of the manipulating member imparts the tray with reciprocal displacement only along the line of pitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: Lior Barkan
  • Patent number: 5992809
    Abstract: Multi-jointed and pivoted support system for support of a flat panel video display and/or keyboard tray, incorporating a plurality of pivot points providing for pivotal motion of one or more components about a plurality of vertical, horizontal and elevational axis. Support arms having elevational pivot assemblies, including plastic friction washers and nitrogen gas springs which offer elevational arm control requiring constant and predetermined positioning effort on the part of the video display operator and keyboard operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry C. Sweere, Michael D. Gonnerman, Donald M. Voeller
  • Patent number: 5971268
    Abstract: A computer Input/Output (I/O) assembly including a stand for supporting an I/O device, such as a display or the like. The stand includes a main support member and an auxiliary support member offset from the main support member. A mechanism providing swivel and rotational motions coupled the main support member to a base and another mechanism providing swivel, rotation, and tilt motions couples the auxiliary support member to the I/O device. The total rotational motion provided by the mechanisms is greater than 360.degree..
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Carlton Lynch, Kevin Henry Myers, Ronald Alan Smith, William Lewis Talley, Edward Randolph Veals
  • Patent number: 5947429
    Abstract: Multi-jointed and pivoted table mount system for support of a flat panel video display, incorporating a plurality of pivot points providing for pivotal motion of one or more components about a plurality of vertical, horizontal and elevational axes. Support arm having elevational pivot assemblies, including plastic friction washers and a steel coil spring, offers elevational arm control without requiring constant and predetermined positioning effort on the part of the video display operator and keyboard operator. The steel coil spring provides counterbalance force to the support arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry C. Sweere, Michael D. Gonnerman, Donald M. Voeller
  • Patent number: 5947440
    Abstract: A flat-panel display apparatus including a variable flat-panel display unit for multi-directional display of images in accordance with a supplied video signal; a stand unit for supporting the variable flat-panel display unit; and a balancing element of a predetermined mass in the stand unit, for maintaining stability in the apparatus. The balancing element is mounted to the bottom cover of the stand unit and is made of a metal having a high density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: SamSung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chang-Ho Cho
  • Patent number: 5941493
    Abstract: A LCD support structure including an upright support having a holder frame at one side, the holder frame having a disk-like support face and at least one first sliding element raised from the support face, and a LCD mounted on the holder frame of the upright support, the LCD having at least one second sliding element raised from a back side thereof and respectively slidably coupled to the at least one first sliding element of the upright support, for permitting the LCD to be turned about a horizontal axis within a predetermined angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: ADI Corporation
    Inventor: Yung-Long Cheng
  • Patent number: 5918841
    Abstract: A rolling cart for a computer and flat panel display includes a base with plural castered dual wheels, a mounting pole projecting upward from the base, at least one pole mounting bracket, a pivot support bracket supported by the pole mounting bracket and securing a support arm which is suitable for supporting a flat panel display. Another pole mounting bracket supports another pivot support bracket and secures a second support arm having a pivot/brake assembly suitable for supporting a keyboard. Additionally, the cart supports a CPU bracket and a UPS mounting bracket. The pivot/brake assembly includes a frictional assembly and a brake assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry C. Sweere, Michael D. Gonnerman, Donald M. Voeller
  • Patent number: 5887837
    Abstract: A computer includes a base unit and an upper unit which encloses all electronic components of the computer, such as an LCD display, system board, various drives, sound card, speakers, and modem. The base unit has dimensions of only about 11 inches by 7 inches and can easily be placed in small areas. Unlike a typical desk-top computer which has external cords or cables connecting the display to a main casing, the computer only requires a single power cable and a telephone cord and has a light weight which permits the computer to be easily transported to different locations. The upper unit can pivot relative to the base unit by simply pulling or pushing the upper unit with one hand to the desired angle and then releasing the upper unit. The base unit frictionally engages the upper unit to maintain the upper unit at the desired angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventors: H. Douglas Johns, Nicholas G. Forlenza, Gregory K. Adams, Jeffrey M. Reents, Michael C. Mayne, Carl R. Spoeth
  • Patent number: 5881985
    Abstract: A tilting, swiveling, locking base apparatus tilts, swivels and locks to a computer monitor. The base apparatus comprises a tiltball unit including a slot opening which has a key opening portion, a recessed ledge disposed about the slot opening, and a locking rib disposed on the recessed ledge adjacent the key opening portion. The base apparatus further comprises a support unit having support points lying in a plane and including a shaft extending in a direction substantially perpendicular from the plane to an outer end, teeth on the outer end of the shaft configured to fit through the slot opening only in the key opening portion, a locking rim configured to slideably engage the recessed ledge, and an elastic locking snap formed to be deflected by the locking rib when the teeth are inserted into the key opening and to rebound when the shaft is displaced in the slot from the rib. The base apparatus uses a special tool to deflect the locking snap for detaching the tiltball unit from the support unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventor: David V. Hoenig
  • Patent number: 5873554
    Abstract: An information processor which is capable of preventing damages caused by rotation of a display panel holding unit to a display and a body of the information processor. A rotary shaft member is connected to a display panel holding unit and directed perpendicularly, an outer end of a lock bar is inserted into a lock hole of the body unit and an inner end thereof is removed from a lock hole of the rotary shaft member. A connection member is therefore unable to rotate with respect to the body unit and the rotary shaft member gets rotatable with respect to the connection member. When the rotary shaft member is tilted away from the perpendicular direction, the outer end of the lock bar comes off the lock hole of the body unit and the inner end thereof is inserted into the lock hole of the rotary shaft member. The rotary shaft member is therefore unable to rotate with respect to the connection member and the connection member is rotatable with respect to the body unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Atsunobu Nobuchi
  • Patent number: 5854735
    Abstract: A LCD support structure including an upright support supported on a rotary table, and a LCD holder mounted on the stand to hold a LCD, permitting the LCD to be tilted forwards and backwards within a limited angle, the LCD holder including a mounting base fixedly fastened to the upright support, a holder base fixedly mounted on the LCD, and two coupling devices bilaterally coupled between the mounting base and the holder base, enabling the holder base to be tilted forwards and backwards within a predetermined angle relative to the mounting base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: ADI Corporation
    Inventor: Yung-Long Cheng
  • Patent number: 5842672
    Abstract: Multi-jointed and pivoted support system for support of a flat panel video display and/or keyboard tray, incorporating a plurality of pivot points providing for pivotal motion of one or more components about a plurality of vertical, horizontal and elevational axis. Support arms having elevational pivot assemblies, including plastic friction washers and nitrogen gas springs which offer elevational arm control requiring constant and predetermined positioning effort on the part of the video display operator and keyboard operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry C. Sweere, Michael D. Gonnerman, Donald M. Voeller
  • Patent number: 5825613
    Abstract: A tiltable viewing screen includes a display screen bezel used in conjunction with a special seal which permits the screen to be pivoted without losing the sealing effect between the environment and a sealed cabinet in which the screen is mounted. The bezel is provided with axles at each side located at the midpoint between top and bottom of the bezel which permit rotation about a horizontal midline. In order to provide a constant gap between the rectangular bezel and the cabinet wall as the bezel is tilted about its axis, the bezel is shaped along its top and bottom surface in a constant radius arcuate contour. The radius is defined by the distance between the outer surface of the bezel and the axis of rotation. Various sealing materials, including pile seal or an elastomeric gasket, may be used. The preferred embodiment includes an LCD computer monitor, however, different viewing panels may be mounted within the bezel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Strongarm Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Holden
  • Patent number: 5779212
    Abstract: An improved view angle compensating apparatus for use with a monitor display is disclosed, in which the body of a monitor display is prevented from being disassembled from a monitor stand support when an excessive force is being applied thereto during a compensation period of a view angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: SamSung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Soon-Ki Baek
  • Patent number: 5771152
    Abstract: A tilt adjustment mechanism having an upper housing, a lower housing and a shaft assembly is disclosed. The shaft assembly receives the gears which are pressed on either end of shaft. The shaft fits through locating slots in the lower housing. Each of the gears are activated by internal gears located on each side of the upper housing. The internal gears are integrally formed with the upper housing. The upper housing is hinged on the lower housing and can rotate 20 degrees. The shaft assembly mechanism provides a torsion bar function to insure that the upper housing moves evenly with respect to the lower housing. Even motion in the upwards and downwards directions of the housing is provided by even rotational torsional motion and opposite rotational torsional motion of the shaft assembly of the tilt adjustment mechanism. The shaft assembly mechanism decouples the frictional load in the two different rotational directions about its shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis Crompton, Richard Hunter Harris, Herbert Gene Leonard, George Hufford, III, Jeff David Thomas
  • Patent number: 5765794
    Abstract: An angle adjusting device includes an adjusting plate fixedly mounted on a bottom wall of an instrument panel and having an extension extending from an underside thereof, and a supporting socket pivotally engaged with the extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Ping Chen
  • Patent number: 5765797
    Abstract: An articulated support for a display including a base having a fore-to-aft slide assembly located proximate a rear portion of the base, a primary support for supporting the display, and having a pivot glide assembly depending from a rear portion of the primary support received within the fore-to-aft slide assembly for simultaneous translation and rotation therein, and a linkage assembly pivotally interconnecting the primary support to a forward portion of the base such that when the forward portion of the primary support is moved vertically, the primary support is simultaneously rotated and translated at a predetermined, synchronous rate with respect to the vertical translation of the forward portion of the primary support to automatically adjust the display as the user's viewing position changes vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventors: H. Peter Greene, John J. Rizzi, Matthew J. Ransil
  • Patent number: 5737183
    Abstract: A portable computer capable of operating on a flat surface or on an operator's palm and forearm, including a main body, a display on an upper side of the main body for displaying image or character data or both, a cover which covers the display and opens rotatably to a position where an upper side of the cover touches a bottom side of the main body, a riser formed when the cover is opened which raises the main body to a position so to form an angle relative to the flat surface, when supported on the flat surface, and for stabilizing the computer when held by the operator on the operator's palm and forearm. The cover opens and closes with the assistance of first and second hinge pins. An edge portion of the cover and a stand plate extend in generally opposite directions about the first hinge pin when the cover is closed, but are adjacent to one another when the cover is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Kobayashi, Yasutaka Koga
  • Patent number: 5732922
    Abstract: A monitor support comprising a monitor supporting part which contains speakers and supports the monitor. The monitor support comprises a base; a monitor supporting part coupled on the base to be rotatable, a side of the monitor supporting part formed base and the monitor supporting part so that the monitor supporting part can be rotated; and a shield for sealing the upper portion of the monitor. Therefore, the howling phenomena in the monitor is prevented since the sound pressures generated from the speakers are prevented from being transferred to the cathode-ray tube of monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Chang Wook Jeon
  • Patent number: 5730406
    Abstract: An adjusting device for a display panel includes a base member connected to the display panel, the base member having two receiving passages defined therein, a connecting member having two flanges for inserting into the receiving passages and a top board which has a transverse slot for an engagement with a protrusion extending from a flexible plate integrally extending from the base member, the connecting member having a first half tube transversely disposed to a lower end thereof, a second half tube connected to the first half tube and fixedly connected to the connecting member, each of the first half tube and the second half tube having a plurality of ribs extending radially and inwardly from an inner periphery thereof so as to receive a frame of an exercise machine therein and the display panel can be rotated about an axis of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Inventor: Ping Chen
  • Patent number: 5715137
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing tilting and rotational movements of a display panel. The apparatus includes a first device for tilting the display panel toward or away from a viewer and a second device for rotating the display panel in sidewise directions. The first device has a supporting member for supporting the display panel and a pair of connecting members for connecting the display panel with the supporting member. The connecting members have spring loaded balls for rotatable engagement of the supporting member with the display panel. The second device has a pinion for driving the display panel and a power conveying unit for conveying the power from the driving pinion. The power conveying unit has a rack divided into a first gear portion and a second gear portion engaged with the driving pinion, and a driven pinion coupled to the supporting member and having a gear portion engaged with the first gear portion of the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong-Hwan Choi
  • Patent number: 5715138
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing tilting and rotational movements of a display panel includes a first device for tilting the display panel toward or away from the viewer, a second device for rotating the display panel in sidewise directions, and a member connecting the first and the second devices. The first device has a pinion for driving the display panel and a unit for conveying the power from the pinion to the display panel, and the second device has a bevel gear for driving the display panel and a unit for conveying the power from the bevel gear to the display panel via the connecting member, thereby providing tilting movement of a visual display panel toward or away from a viewer and rotational movement thereof in sidewise directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong-Hwan Choi
  • Patent number: 5694861
    Abstract: A desk with a working top, in which a window with approximately the area dimensions of a display monitor screen is recessed. The monitor housing can be supported in the area of the window by a holding structure provided with holding straps in a slightly inclined position in the direction of the front edge of the window. To simplify the holding structure, the holding straps are attached to suspension elements, which are located under the working top in front of the front edge and behind the rear edge of the window. The straps can be displaced and locked in a direction at right angles to the front and rear edges of the window, and the distance between the suspension elements and the holding straps attached to them is smaller than the width of the rear wall of the display screen housing to be accommodated by the holding straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Inventor: Ulrich Laukamm-Josten
  • Patent number: 5683068
    Abstract: An appliance such as an all-in-one personal computer unit is mounted on a support assembly which provides for horizontal swiveling and vertical tilting of the computer unit. The support assembly includes three pieces, namely, base, swivel and tilt members mounted one upon the other and interconnected by snap-in connections. The center of gravity of the computer unit lies substantially on vertical and horizontal axes of rotation of the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven B. Chase, James K. Levins, Elizabeth B. Diaz
  • Patent number: 5673170
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for a secondary display system for a computer are disclosed. A secondary display system of the present invention includes a flat panel display configured such that the display is conveniently located both during and between use thereof. The system comprises a liquid crystal display module (LCDM), a corresponding display controller connected to the LCDM via an appropriate interface, and a mounting device connected to the LCDM for mounting and positioning the LCDM in close proximity to the monitor of a computer. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting device comprises a rectangular plate, which is horizontally disposed between a chassis and a monitor of the computer, and the positioning means comprises a single axis hinge, which is connected to a front corner of the plate such that the hinge rotates on a vertical axis. In one embodiment, one edge of the LCDM is attached to the hinge so that the LCDM may be rotated on a vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Dell U.S.A., L.P.
    Inventor: David S. Register
  • Patent number: 5668570
    Abstract: A relatively small transportable desktop computer/workstation with a display panel assembly (2) in combination with a microprocessor or controller (44) is made display screen position adjustable, in inclination angle, azimuth angle and elevation translation movements. The workstation can have a pen or stylus touch screen input function (36) added, so that a user or operator can write, draw and sketch directly onto the screen in a natural manner. The workstation can be placed on top of a desk or table providing an ergonomic man-machine interface for information communications between individual users via a communications network. A keyboard (7, 42), voice/speaker telephone (48), mouse or trackball input unit (46), and communications modem (42) may be added to the workstation. The flat panel display, pen input means and microprocessor can be combined into an assembly, which can be removed from the main body for portable mobile computing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Inventor: Richard J. Ditzik
  • Patent number: 5634622
    Abstract: A remote controllable television viewing support including a rigid base; a rigid platform positioned above of the base and having a substantially horizontal longitudinal axis, a substantially vertical central axis, and a size for supporting a television thereon; an electrical motor mechanism coupled to the platform for allowing the platform to rotate about its longitudinal axis, thereby causing a supported television to tilt, and for allowing the platform to rotate about its central axis, thereby causing a supported television to swivel; a power supply mechanism for providing electrical energy to the motor mechanism; an infrared signal detecting and switching mechanism coupled to the power source mechanism and the motor mechanism for energizing the motor mechanism for selective rotation of the platform based upon detection of an infrared signal; and a hand-held and manually-operated remote control mechanism positionable at a location remote from the infrared detecting and switching mechanism for selectively r
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Inventor: Craig D. Pye
  • Patent number: 5603478
    Abstract: A keyboard support including a base having a concave top surface and a coupling hole at the center of the concave top surface, a locating shaft hooked in the coupling hole and having raised portions around the periphery, a supporting cup mounted on the base around the locating shaft to support a keyboard and having serrated, crossed slots, and a cap fastened to the locating shaft to hold down the supporting cup, wherein the keyboard can be tilted in any of a plurality of different directions by moving the supporting cup in the crossed slots and forcing the serrated periphery of the crossed slots into engagement with the raised portions of the locating shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Inventor: Daniel Wang