Support for one or more flat panel displays

• US 7,607,620 B2
• Filed: 11/20/2002
• Issued: 10/27/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 09/03/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Bloomberg Finance LP (Bloomberg LP)
• Original Assignee: Bloomberg Finance LP (Bloomberg LP)
• Inventors: Castagna, Alfonso, Udagawa, Masamichi, Ozolins, Helmars E.
• Primary Examiner(s): CHAN, KO HUNG
• Application Number:
  US10/300,698
• Publication Number:
  US 20040041062A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,533 Days
• Field of Search: 248/125.7, 248/122.1, 248/299.1, 248/292.14, 248/278.1, 248/922, 248/919, 361/681, 349/184
• US Class Current: 248/122.1
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/08 around a vertical axis , e.g. panoramic heads F16M11/12 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/2021 around a horizontal axis F16M11/2035 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/133308 Support structures for LCD panels, e.g. frames or bezels
• 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 2200/1612 Flat panel monitor
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 15/0087 including movable parts, e.g. movable by the wind
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 7/20 for adjustably mounting
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 248/919 Adjustably orientable video screen support
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 248/922 Angular

Abstract

A support for at least one flat panel monitor, or display, permits adjustment of the display in one or two axes. The support includes an oblong support element connected to the rear of the display at two spaced locations. In preferred embodiments, the oblong support extends parallel to the rear of the display. First axis adjustable couplings are provided at each of the two locations that permit adjustment of the at least one flat panel display in a first axis. In embodiments that provide for adjustability in two axes, at least one second axis adjustable coupling is provided between the two locations to permit adjustment in a second axis. In these embodiments, the adjustment mechanism may be gimbal-like. In the preferred embodiments, adjustment in both axes is limited.

Claims

1. A support for at least one flat panel display that permits adjustment of the at least one display about two mutually perpendicular axes, comprising:

an oblong support element comprising first and second spaced, opposed parts extending in parallel and adapted to extend along the rear of the at least one display;

a first axis adjustable coupling and a second axis adjustable coupling

the first axis adjustable coupling comprising a pivot joint connected to the first spaced part and to the second axis adjustable coupling, and a sliding coupling including slidably engaged parts connected to the second spaced part and to the second axis adjustable coupling;

the second axis adjustable coupling being adapted to be connected to the rear of the at least one display;

the first axis adjustable coupling being adapted to permit the at least one display to pivot about a first axis at the pivot joint for adjusting the at least one display about the first axis and the second axis adjustable coupling being adapted to permit adjustment of the at least one display about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis;

the first and second axes adjustable couplings being adapted to define a home position of the at least one display in which the at least one display is parallel to the oblong support element, parallel to a plane and from which the at least one display is adjustable relative to the oblong support element away from the home position equally in opposite directions into a plurality of positions about each of the first and second axes, the at least one display not being parallel to the plane in each of the plurality of positions.

3. The support of claim 1, wherein the pivot joint comprises a hinge connected to the first spaced part and to the second adjustable coupling, and the parts of the sliding coupling comprise a guide and a bracket connecting the second axis adjustable coupling and the second spaced part, the bracket having a slot in which the guide is slidably movable.

4. The support of claim 3, wherein the second axis adjustable coupling comprises a pivot joint adapted to be connected to the rear of the at least one display and, at first and second locations thereof, to the first axis adjustable coupling.

5. The support of claim 3, wherein the hinge comprises a friction hinge.

6. The support of claim 1, wherein the first axis adjustable coupling and the second axis adjustable coupling cooperate to provide a gimbal-like adjustment mechanism for the at least one display.

7. The support of claim 1, comprising a vertically extending support member to which the oblong support element is connected and means for supporting the vertically extending support member on a flat horizontal surface.

2. A support for at least one flat panel display that permits adjustment of the at least one display about two mutually perpendicular axes, comprising:

an oblong support element comprising first and second spaced, opposed parts extending in parallel and adapted to extend along the rear of the at least one display, wherein the first and second spaced, opposed parts form part of a loop;

a first axis adjustable coupling and a second axis adjustable coupling;

the first axis adjustable coupling being adapted to permit the at least one display to pivot about a first axis for adjusting the at least one display about the first axis and the second axis adjustable coupling being adapted to permit adjustment of the at least one display about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis;

the first and second axes adjustable couplings being adapted to define a home position of the at least one display in which the at least one display is parallel to the oblong support element, parallel to a plane and from which the at least one display is adjustable relative to the oblong support element away from the home position equally in opposite directions into a plurality of positions about each of the first and second axes, the at least one display not being parallel to the plane in each of the plurality of positions.

8. A support for a plurality of flat panel displays that permits adjustment of each display about two mutually perpendicular axes, comprising for each display:

an oblong support element comprising first and second spaced, opposed parts extending in parallel and adapted to extend along the rear of the display;

a first axis adjustable coupling and a second axis adjustable coupling;

the first axis adjustable coupling comprising a pivot joint connected to the first spaced part and to the second axis adjustable coupling, and a sliding coupling including slidably engaged parts connected to the second spaced part and to the second axis adjustable coupling;

the second axis adjustable coupling being adapted to be connected to the rear of the display;

the first axis adjustable coupling being adapted to permit the display to pivot about a first axis at the pivot joint for adjusting the display about the first axis and the second axis adjustable coupling being adapted to permit adjustment of the display about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis;

the first and second axes couplings being adapted to define a home position of the display in which the display is parallel to the oblong support element, parallel to a plane and from which the display is adjustable relative to the oblong support element away from the home position equally in opposite directions into a plurality of positions about each of the first and second axes, the display not being parallel to the plane in each of the plurality of positions.

9. The support of claim 8, wherein the oblong support elements for at least two of the plurality of displays are adapted to hold the displays horizontally aligned.

10. The support of claim 8, wherein the oblong support elements for at least two of the plurality of displays are adapted to hold the displays vertically aligned.

11. The support of claim 8, wherein, for a respective display, the first axis adjustable coupling and the second axis adjustable coupling cooperate to provide a gimbal-like adjustable mechanism for the display.

12. The support of claim 9, comprising means for supporting the two horizontally aligned oblong support elements on a flat horizontal surface.

13. The support of claim 10, comprising means for supporting the two vertically aligned oblong support elements on a flat horizontal surface.

14. A support for at least one flat panel display that permits adjustment of the at least one display about two mutually perpendicular axes, comprising:

an oblong support element comprising a first and second spaced, opposed parts extending in parallel and adapted to extend along the rear of the at least one display; and

a first pivot joint adapted to be connected to the rear of at least one display, the first pivot joint having a pivot axis and being adapted to permit the at least one display to be adjusted about the pivot axis;

a second pivot joint connected to the first spaced part and to the first pivot joint;

a sliding coupling comprising slidably engaged parts connected to the second spaced part and to the first pivot joint, wherein the second pivot joint and the sliding coupling are adapted to permit adjustment of the at least one display with the first pivot joint connected thereto about an axis perpendicular to the pivot axis;

the second pivot joint and the sliding coupling, and the first pivot joint connected thereto being adapted to define a home position of the at least one display in which the at least one display is parallel to the oblong support element, parallel to a plane and from which the at least one display is adjustable relative to the oblong support element away from the home position equally in opposite directions into a plurality of positions about the pivot axis and the axis perpendicular thereto, the at least one display not being parallel to the plane in each of the plurality of positions.

15. The support of claim 14, wherein the second pivot joint comprises a hinge connected to the first part of the oblong support element and to the first pivot joint at a first location thereof, and the parts of the sliding coupling comprise a guide button and a bracket connecting the first pivot joint at the second location thereof and the second part of the oblong support element, the bracket having a slot in which the guide button is movable.

16. The support of claim 15, wherein the hinge comprises a friction hinge.

17. The support of claim 14, wherein the first pivot joint, the second pivot joint and the sliding coupling provide a gimbal-like adjustment mechanism for the at least one flat panel display.

18. The support of claim 14, comprising a vertically extending support member to which the oblong support element is connected and means for supporting the vertically extending support member on a flat horizontal surface.

19. The support of claim 14, wherein the support is for a plurality of displays, and wherein the oblong support element or elements for at least two of the plurality of displays are adapted to hold the displays horizontally aligned.

20. The support of claim 14, wherein the support is for a plurality of displays, and wherein the oblong support element or elements for at least two of the plurality of displays are adapted to hold the displays vertically aligned.

21. A support for at least one flat panel display that permits adjustment of the at least one display about two mutually perpendicular axes, comprising:

an oblong support element comprising a first and second spaced, opposed parts extending in parallel and adapted to extend along the rear of the at least one display, wherein the first and second spaced, opposed parts form part of a loop;

a first pivot joint adapted to be connected to the rear of at least one display, the first pivot joint having a pivot axis and being adapted to permit the at least one display to be adjusted about the pivot axis;

a second pivot joint connected to the first spaced part and to the first pivot joint;

a sliding coupling comprising slidably engaged parts connected to the second spaced part and to the first pivot joint, wherein the second pivot joint and the sliding coupling are adapted to permit adjustment of the at least one display with the first pivot joint connected thereto about an axis perpendicular to the pivot axis;

the second pivot joint and the sliding coupling, and the first pivot joint connected thereto being adapted to define a home position of the at least one display in which the at least one display is parallel to the oblong support element, parallel to a plane and from which the at least one display is adjustable relative to the oblong support element away from the home position equally in opposite directions into a plurality of positions about the pivot axis and the axis perpendicular thereto, the at least one display not being parallel to the plane in each of the plurality of positions.

22. A support for at least one flat panel display that permits adjustment of the at least one display about two mutually perpendicular axes, comprising:

a support element comprising spaced first and second opposed parts extending in parallel and adapted to extend along the rear of the at least one display, wherein the first and second spaced, opposed parts form part of a loop;

a pivot joint connected to the first and second parts of the support element by a hinge and a slidable coupling comprising a bracket and a guide button, the bracket having a slot in which the guide button is movable, the pivot joint being adapted to be connected to the rear of the at least one display with the support extending at the rear of the display, the pivot joint having a pivot axis and being adapted to permit the at least one display to be adjusted about the pivot axis;

the hinge being connected to the first part and to the pivot joint at a first location thereof, the hinge having a hinge axis which is perpendicular to the pivot axis, the hinge being adapted to permit the at least one display to be adjusted about the hinge axis; and

the sliding coupling slidably connecting the second part of the support element and the pivot joint at a second location thereof spaced from the first location.

23. The support of claim 22, wherein the hinge comprises a friction hinge.

24. The support of claim 22, comprising a vertically extending support member to which the support element or elements are connected and means for supporting the vertically extending support member on a flat horizontal surface.

25. The support of claim 22, wherein the support is for a plurality of displays, and wherein the oblong support element or elements for at least two of the plurality of displays are adapted to hold the displays horizontally aligned.

26. The support of claim 22, wherein the support is for a plurality of displays, and wherein the oblong support element or elements for at least two of the plurality of displays are adapted to hold the displays vertically aligned.

27. At least one flat panel display and a support therefor that permits adjustment of the at least one display about two mutually perpendicular axes, the support comprising:

an oblong support element comprising first and second spaced, opposed parts extending in parallel and along the rear of the at least one display;

a first axis adjustable coupling and a second axis adjustable coupling;

the first axis adjustable coupling comprising a pivot joint connected to the first spaced part and to the second axis adjustable coupling, and a sliding coupling including slidably engaged parts connected to the second spaced part and to the second axis adjustable coupling;

the second axis adjustable coupling being connected to the rear of the at least one display;

the first axis adjustable coupling permitting adjustment of the at least one display about a first axis at the pivot joint and the second axis adjustable coupling permitting adjustment of the at least one display about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis;

the first and second adjustable axes couplings defining a home position of the at least one display in which the at least one display is parallel to the oblong support element, parallel to a plane and from which the at least one display is adjustable relative to the oblong support element away from the home position equally in opposite directions into a plurality of positions about each of the first and second axes, the at least one display not being parallel to the plane in each of the plurality of positions.

28. A plurality of flat panel displays and a support therefor that permits adjustment of each display about two mutually perpendicular axes, the support comprising for each display:

an oblong support element comprising first and second spaced, opposed parts extending in parallel and along the rear of the display;

a first axis adjustable coupling and a second axis adjustable coupling;

the first axis adjustable coupling comprising a pivot joint connected to the first spaced part and to the second axis adjustable coupling, and a sliding coupling including slidably engaged parts connected to the second spaced part and to the second axis adjustable coupling;

the second axis adjustable coupling being connected to the rear of the display;

the first axis adjustable coupling permitting adjustment of the display about a first axis at the pivot joint and the second axis adjustable coupling permitting adjustment of the display about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis;

the first and second axes adjustable couplings defining a home position of the display in which the display is parallel to the oblong support element, parallel to a plane and from which the display is adjustable relative to the oblong support element away from the home position equally in opposite directions into a plurality of positions about each of the first and second axes, the display not being parallel to the plane in each of the plurality of positions.

29. A support for at least one flat panel display that permits adjustment of the at least one display about two mutually perpendicular axes, comprising:

an oblong support element comprising first and second spaced, opposed parts extending in parallel and adapted to extend along the rear of the at least one display, wherein the first and second spaced, opposed parts form part of a loop;

a first axis adjustable coupling connected to each of the first and second spaced, opposed parts; and

a second axis adjustable coupling connected to the first axis adjustable coupling and adapted to be connected to the rear of the at least one display;

the first axis adjustable coupling being adapted to permit adjustment of the at least one display about a first axis and the second axis adjustable coupling being adapted to permit adjustment of the at least one display about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis;

the first axis adjustable coupling comprising a hinge connected to the first spaced part and to the second adjustable coupling, and a sliding coupling comprising a guide button and a bracket slidably connecting the second spaced part and the second axis adjustable coupling, the bracket having a slot in which the guide is slidably movable.

30. A support for at least one flat panel display that permits adjustment of the at least one display about two mutually perpendicular axes, comprising:

an oblong support element comprising a first and second spaced, opposed parts extending in parallel and adapted to extend along the rear of the at least one display, wherein the first and second spaced, opposed parts form part of a loop; and

means adapted for adjustably coupling the support element to the at least one display, comprising;

a pivot joint adapted to be connected to the rear of at least one display, the pivot joint having a pivot axis and being adapted to permit the at least one display to be adjusted about the pivot axis; and

means connected to the pivot joint at first and second spaced locations thereof and to the first and second spaced parts, respectively, the means being adapted to permit adjustment of the at least one display with the pivot joint connected thereto about an axis perpendicular to the pivot axis;

the means connected to the pivot joint comprising a hinge connected to the first spaced part of the oblong support element and to the pivot joint at the first location thereof, and a slidable coupling comprising a guide button and a bracket slidably connecting the second spaced part of the oblong support element and the pivot joint at the second location thereof, the bracket having a slot in which the guide button is movable.