Computer monitor attachment for image manipulation

• US 5,808,819 A
• Filed: 09/09/1996
• Issued: 09/15/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 09/09/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Carol Lynn Deitz-Bertke, Paul H. Sorg
• Original Assignee: Carol Lynn Deitz-Bertke, Paul H. Sorg
• Inventors: Sorg, Paul H., Deitz-Bertke, Carol Lynn
• Primary Examiner(s): Shafer, Ricky D.
• Application Number:
  US08/709,617
• Time in Patent Office: 736 Days
• Field of Search: 359/601, 359/602, 359/855, 359/856, 359/857, 359/858, 359/871
• US Class Current: 359/857
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 17/023 for extending or folding an optical path, e.g. delay lines
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/04 having collapsible parts
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1603 Arrangements to protect the display from incident light, e.g. hoods

Abstract

A computer monitor attachment with mirrors for reflecting and manipulating the image presented on the monitor. Two mirrors mounted in a housing, which is easily attached to and detached from the monitor, reflect the monitor image such that it is visible to a user at a lower level in a substantially horizontal orientation. The housing is constructed form a paperboard blank and is detachable and collapsible, facilitating transport from one monitor to another.

Claims

1. A computer monitor attachment comprising:

a lightweight and portable housing;

quick connect means for attaching said housing to a computer monitor;

at least one reflective surface affixed to said housing, said at least one reflective surface positioned such that an image present on said monitor is reflected so as to be visible to a user; and

means for holding said housing in place;

wherein said housing comprises;

a top panel;

a right side panel;

a left side panel;

a left half bottom panel;

a right half bottom panel; and

means for collapsing and folding said housing;

means for holding said housing together;

means for joining said left half bottom panel and said right half bottom panel; and

means for folding at least one of said right side panel and said left side panel over to make the housing an essentially flat configuration.

2. The computer monitor attachment of claim 1 wherein said at least one reflective surface comprises an upper mirror affixed to said top panel and a lower mirror affixed to said left half bottom panel and said right half bottom panel and wherein said means for collapsing and folding further comprise means for releasably attaching said lower mirror to said left half bottom panel and said right half bottom panel.

3. The computer monitor attachment of claim 2 wherein said lower mirror releasable attachment means comprise Velcro strips affixed to an underside of said lower mirror and mated Velcro strips affixed to said left half bottom panel and said right half bottom panel.

4. The computer monitor attachment of claim 2 wherein said image is visible in said lower mirror and is positioned in a substantially horizontal orientation.

5. The computer monitor attachment of claim 4 wherein said quick connect attaching means comprise fastener strips affixed to an overhang panel affixed to said top panel and fastener strips mounted on the monitor;

and

said means for holding said housing in place comprise inwardly folded stop tabs engaging said monitor.

6. The computer monitor attachment of claim 5 wherein said means for holding said housing together comprise tabs removably engaging slots and wherein said means for joining said left half bottom panel and said right half bottom panel comprise disengagable mated tongues.