Convertible flat panel display hanging support

• US 6,418,010 B1
• Filed: 08/11/2000
• Issued: 07/09/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 08/11/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Gateway Incorporated (Acer, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Gateway Incorporated (Acer, Inc.)
• Inventors: Sawyer, Michael D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Schuberg, Darren
• Assistant Examiner(s): DUONG, HUNG V
• Application Number:
  US09/637,974
• Time in Patent Office: 697 Days
• Field of Search: 361/681-687, 361/759, 361/801, 345/169, 345/905, 312/223--22, 312/223.7, 312/2, 248/917-924
• US Class Current: 361/679.05
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0235 of flat type, e.g. LCD
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0015 Back-rests
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0059 using clips, clamps, straps or the like
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0084 with adjustment by linear movement in their operational position
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0089 around three axes, i.e. universally mounted
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 11/00152 Seat back fixtures for removable monitors, e.g. tablet computers
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/14 with ball-joint ball-jointed hinges F16C11/06 ; adjustable mountings employing universal joints for lighting devices F21V21/26 - F21V21/30
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/2092 comprising means allowing depth adjustment, i.e. forward-backward translation of the head relatively to the undercarriage
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/24 changeable in height or length of legs, also for transport only, e.g. by means of tubes screwed into each otherF16M11/42 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 2200/02 Locking means
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 2200/08 Foot or support base
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1601 Constructional details related to the housing of computer displays, e.g. of CRT monitors, of flat displays constructional details related to flat displays integrated in a portable computer, e.g. laptop, handheld computer G06F1/1637; constructional details related to television receivers H04N5/64
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/181 Enclosures for portable computers G06F1/1613
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2200/1612 Flat panel monitor
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 248/918 Ancillary device support associated with a video display screen

Abstract

A convertible hanging support or mount for a flat panel display monitor is disclosed. The mount is capable of allowing the monitor to be hung from an object such as a cubical wall, a door, a tower or mini-tower computer case, an automobile or aircraft seat back, or the like while retaining the ability to support the monitor on a generally horizontal surface such as a table or desk top surface.

Claims

1. A convertible support for a flat panel display monitor, comprising:

a support including a first segment and a second segment joined to said first segment so that said support may move between a first position wherein said second segment extends outward from said first segment and a second position wherein said second segment is disposed generally adjacent to said first segment; and

a mount coupled to said support for attaching said support to the flat panel display monitor;

wherein said support is suitable for attachment to an object when in the first position and forms a stand for supporting said monitor on a generally horizontal surface when in the second position and wherein the length of said second segment is adjustable.

2. The convertible support as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a hinge joining said first and second segments.

3. The convertible support as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a third segment joined to said second segment opposite said first segment, said third segment extending generally perpendicularly from said second segment when said support is in the first position for securing said support to the object.

4. The convertible support as claimed in claim 1, wherein said mount comprises a joint suitable for allowing the monitor to be pivoted relative to said support.

5. The convertible support as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second segment comprises telescoping segment portions extendible with respect to each other so that the length of said second segment may be adjusted.

6. The convertible support as claimed in claim 3, further comprising a hinge joining said second and third segments.

7. The convertible support as claimed in claim 3, further comprising a pressure plate adjustable for tightening the support onto the object.

8. The convertible support as claimed in claim 4, wherein said joint is a ball and socket joint.

9. The convertible support as claimed in claim 7, further comprising a thumb screw extending through said third segment and joined to said pressure plate, wherein said pressure plate is adjusted by said thumb screw.

10. A flat panel display monitor assembly, comprising:

a flat panel display monitor;

a support including a first segment and a second segment joined to said first segment so that said support may fold between a first position wherein said second segment extends outward from said first segment and a second position wherein said second segment is disposed generally adjacent to said first segment; and

a mount coupled to said support for attaching said support to said flat panel display monitor;

wherein said support is suitable for attachment to an object when folded to the first position and forms a stand for supporting said flat panel display monitor on a generally horizontal surface when folded to the second position and wherein the length of said second segment is adjustable.

11. The convertible support as claimed in claim 10, further comprising a hinge for joining said first and second segments.

12. The convertible support as claimed in claim 10, further comprising a third segment joined to said second segment opposite said first segment, said third segment extending generally perpendicularly from said second segment when said support is folded to the first position for securing said support to the object.

13. The convertible support as claimed in claim 10, wherein said mount comprises a joint suitable for allowing the monitor to be pivoted relative to said support.

14. The convertible support as claimed in claim 11, wherein said second segment comprises two or more segment portions extendable with respect to each other so that the length of said second segment may be adjusted.

15. The convertible support as claimed in claim 12, further comprising a hinge joining said second and third segments.

16. The convertible support as claimed in claim 12, further comprising a pressure pate adjustable for tightening the support onto the object.

17. The convertible support as claimed in claim 13, wherein said joint is a ball and socket joint.

18. The convertible support as claimed in claim 16, further comprising a thumb screw extending through said third segment and joined to said pressure plate, wherein said pressure plate is adjusted by said thumb screw.

19. A convertible support for a flat panel display monitor, comprising:

means for supporting the flat panel display, said supporting means being foldable between a first position and a second position;

means for mounting the flat panel display monitor to said supporting means; and

means for adjusting the width of said supporting means;

wherein said supporting means is suitable for attachment to an object when folded to the first position and forms a stand for supporting said monitor on a generally horizontal surface when folded to the second position.

20. The convertible support as claimed in claim 19, further comprising means for tightening said supporting means onto the object.

21. The convertible support as claimed in claim 19, wherein said mounting means comprises means for allowing the flat panel display monitor to be pivoted relative to said supporting means.