MONITOR AS A DOOR

• US 20090065667A1
• Filed: 08/27/2008
• Published: 03/12/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 08/27/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Inventors: Elkins, Todd, Curtis, Robert, Bakkom, Jeff
• Granted Patent: US 8,313,072 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 248/205.100
• CPC Class Codes: E05D 3/12 with two parallel pins and one arm
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2999/00 Subject-matter not otherwise provided for in this subclass
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/105 the horizontal axis being the roll axis, e.g. for creating a landscape-portrait rotation
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/2064 for tilting and panning F16M11/2078 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 13/02 for supporting on, or attaching to, an object, e.g. tree, gate, window-frame, cycle
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 2200/022 by friction
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 2200/068 being part of the undercarriage
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 7/20 for adjustably mounting

Abstract

A multiple monitor array includes a support structure; a plurality of monitors supported by the support structure wherein at least one monitor serves as a door for accessing objects disposed behind the at least one monitor; a hinge structure interposed between the support structure and the at least one monitor allowing the at least one monitor serving as a door to pivot about the hinge structure; a releasable fastener configured to secure the at least one monitor serving as a door to the support structure; and an alignment mechanism configured to return the at least one monitor serving as a door to an aligned orientation and position with respect to the monitor array when the at least monitor serving as a door is closed.

Claims

1. A multiple monitor array comprising:

a support structure;

a plurality of monitors supported by said support structure wherein at least one monitor serves as a door for accessing objects disposed behind said at least one monitor;

a hinge structure interposed between said support structure and said at least one monitor allowing said at least one monitor serving as a door to pivot about said hinge structure;

a releasable fastener configured to secure said at least one monitor serving as a door to said support structure; and

an alignment mechanism configured to return said at least one monitor serving as a door to an aligned orientation and position with respect to said monitor array when said at least monitor serving as a door is closed.

2. The multiple monitor array of claim 1, wherein said hinge structure comprises:

an arm segment;

a first joint disposed between said arm segment and said support structure; and

a second joint disposed between rigid arm segment and said at least one monitor.

3. The multiple monitor array of claim 2, wherein said releasable fastener comprises:

a plurality of ball studs connected to said at least one monitor,

a plurality of spring clips connected to said support structure, said plurality of spring clips being configured to detachably receive said plurality of ball studs.

4. The multiple monitor array of claim 1, wherein said alignment mechanism comprises:

a plurality of cones attached to said at least one monitor,

a plurality of receptacles attached to said support structure, said plurality of receptacles being configured to detachably receive said plurality of cones.

5. The multiple monitor array of claim 4, further comprising:

a fine adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a position of said at least one monitor with respect to said hinge structure.

6. The multiple monitor array of claim 5, wherein said fine adjustment mechanism comprises:

a plurality of jack screws configured to adjust an elevation and roll degrees of freedom of said at least one monitor with respect to said hinge structure.

7. The multiple monitor array of claim 6, wherein said fine adjustment mechanism further comprises:

a bracket attached to a rear of said at least one monitor; and

a screw threaded through said bracket such that when said screw is threaded into or out of said bracket a tilt of said at least one monitor is adjusted.

8. The multiple monitor array of claim 7, wherein said fine adjustment mechanism further comprises a plurality set screws, said set screws configured to be engaged as locking devices to secure said monitor.

9. The multiple monitor array of claim 8, further comprising a locking mechanism configured to restrict access to said objects disposed behind said at least one monitor.

10. The multiple monitor array of claim 9, wherein said locking mechanism further comprises:

a captive screw,

a first tab, said first tab attached to said monitor, said first tab being configured to receive and retain said captive screw; and

a second tab, said second tab attached to said support structure, said second tab having a threaded hole configured to receive said captive screw.

11. A method of providing a multiple monitor array comprising:

arranging a plurality of monitors supported by a support structure wherein at least one monitor serves as a door for accessing objects disposed behind said at least one monitor;

installing a hinge structure interposed between said support structure and said at least one monitor allowing said at least one monitor serving as a door to pivot about said hinge structure;

providing a releasable fastener configured to secure said at least one monitor serving as a door to said support structure; and

providing an alignment mechanism configured to return said at least one monitor serving as a door to an aligned orientation and position with respect to said monitor array when said at least monitor serving as a door is closed.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein said releasable fastener comprises:

a plurality of ball studs connected to said at least one monitor,

a plurality of spring clips connected to said support structure, said plurality of spring clips being configured to detachably receive said plurality of ball studs.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein said alignment mechanism comprises:

a plurality of cones attached to said at least one monitor,

a plurality of receptacles attached to said support structure, said plurality of receptacles being configured to detachably receive said plurality of cones.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprising:

providing a fine adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a position of said at least one monitor with respect to said hinge structure.

15. A multiple monitor array comprising:

a support structure;

a plurality of monitors supported by said support structure wherein at least one monitor serves as a door for accessing objects disposed behind said at least one monitor;

a hinge means, interposed between said support structure and said at least one monitor, for allowing said at least one monitor serving as a door to pivot between an open position and a closed position;

a securing means for securing said at least one monitor serving as a door to said support structure; and

an alignment means for returning said at least one monitor serving as a door to an aligned orientation and position with respect to said monitor array when said at least monitor serving as a door is closed.

16. The multiple monitor array of claim 15, wherein said hinge means comprise:

an arm segment;

a first joint disposed between said arm segment and said support structure; and

a second joint disposed between rigid arm segment and said at least one monitor.

17. The multiple monitor array of claim 15, wherein said securing means comprises:

a plurality of ball studs connected to said at least one monitor,

a plurality of spring clips connected to said support structure, said plurality of spring clips being configured to detachably receive said plurality of ball studs.

18. The multiple monitor array of claim 15, wherein said alignment means comprise:

a plurality of cones attached to said at least one monitor,

a plurality of receptacles attached to said support structure, said plurality of receptacles being configured to detachably receive said plurality of cones.

19. The multiple monitor array of claim 15, further comprising:

a fine adjustment means for adjusting a position of said at least one monitor with respect to said hinge means.

20. The multiple monitor array of claim 19, wherein said fine adjustment means comprise:

a plurality of jack screws configured to adjust an elevation and roll degrees of freedom of said at least one monitor with respect to said hinge structure;

a bracket attached to a rear of said at least one monitor; and

a screw threaded through said bracket such that when said screw is threaded into or out of said bracket a tilt of said at least one monitor is adjusted.