Apparatus operable to facilitate access to information

• US 9,588,550 B2
• Filed: 01/12/2015
• Issued: 03/07/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 03/08/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Orginatic LLC
• Original Assignee: Orginatic LLC
• Inventors: Smith, Renato L.
• Primary Examiner(s): HAUGHTON, ANTHONY MICHAEL
• Application Number:
  US14/595,204
• Publication Number:
  US 20160202734A1
• Time in Patent Office: 785 Days
• Field of Search: 36167911-67917, 36167921-6793, 36167941-67944
• US Class Current: 1/1
• 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 1/1613 for portable computers cooling arrangements therefor G06F1/203; constructional details or arrangements for pocket calculators, electronic agendas or books G06F15/0216; constructional details of portable telephone sets: with several bodies H04M1/0202
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1635 Details related to the integration of battery packs and other power supplies such as fuel cells or integrated AC adapter
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1637 Details related to the display arrangement, including those related to the mounting of the display in the housing
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1667 Arrangements for adjusting the tilt angle of the integrated keyboard independently from the main body adjusting the tilt angle integrally with the main body G06F1/166
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/04 Supports for telephone transmitters or receivers

Abstract

The apparatus, in an embodiment, is structured to support a display device and keyboard. The apparatus has one or more members or portions. The one or more members or portions of the apparatus are moveable to facilitate access to information.

Claims

1. An apparatus operable to facilitate access to information, the apparatus comprising:

a first member configured to be supported by a structure;

a display device support coupled to the first member, wherein the display device support is configured to support a display device comprising a screen so that;

the screen extends in a plane; and

the screen is viewable by a user facing in a first direction;

a second member coupled to the first member, wherein the second member is configured to hold a data processing module;

a keyboard support coupled to the first member, wherein;

the keyboard support is configured to support a keyboard;

the keyboard comprises a plurality of input members;

the keyboard support is configured to be rotated between first and second positions about an axis;

a portion of the keyboard support extends along the axis;

in the first position, the input members face in the first direction; and

in the second position, the input members face in a second direction which is different from the first direction;

at least one wall coupled to the first member, wherein the at least one wall is configured to position the axis vertically downward from the screen when the keyboard support is in the second position while the display device support is supporting the display device;

a third member coupled to the first member, wherein;

the third member is associated with adjustment of the keyboard support in a third direction relative to the plane when the display device support is supporting the display device;

the third direction is opposite of the first direction;

the third member defines a slot extending in the third direction; and

the third member is configured to moveably couple the keyboard support to the first member, so that, when the keyboard support is in the second position, the keyboard support is slidable in the third direction; and

a fourth member coupled to the first member, wherein;

the fourth member is associated with vertical adjustment of at least the keyboard support; and

the fourth member is configured so that, when the keyboard support is in the second position, at least the portion of the keyboard support is vertically movable relative to the structure.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

the first member comprises one of a wall mount or a securing member;

the structure comprises an upstanding structure configured to be supported by a support surface;

the support surface comprises one of a floor or a land;

the support surface extends in a second plane;

the fourth member is configured so that, when the keyboard support is in the second position, the fourth member enables at least the portion of the keyboard support to vertically translate relative to the second plane;

the display device support comprises a first wall;

the keyboard support comprises a front side configured to support the input members;

the at least one wall comprises a second wall; and

the second wall comprises at least one inner wall defining a cavity located vertically downward from the screen when the keyboard support is in the second position while the display device support is supporting the display device.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein:

the apparatus comprises a backside;

the first member defines a fastener opening extending through the backside, the fastener opening configured to receive a fastener;

the apparatus comprises a housing configured to house the data processing module;

the second member is a first portion of the housing;

the apparatus comprises a sliding coupling device;

the sliding coupling device comprises at least one arc-shaped slot wall which defines the slot;

the at least one inner wall comprises the arc-shaped slot wall;

the third member comprises a first part of the arc-shaped slot wall, the first part defining a first section of the slot; and

the fourth member comprises a second part of the arc-shaped slot wall, the second part defining a second section of the slot.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

the keyboard support is configured to block access to a group of the input members when the keyboard support is in the first position when supporting the keyboard;

the group of input members is accessible when the keyboard support is in the second position when supporting the keyboard;

the plane in which the screen extends comprises a first plane;

the keyboard support comprises a surface configured to support the keyboard; and

when the keyboard support is in the first position while the display device support is supporting the display device;

(a) the surface of the keyboard support extends in a second plane which is parallel to the first plane; and

(b) the surface of the keyboard support is located vertically downward from the screen so as to avoid covering the screen.

5. A transport comprising the apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

the transport comprises a portion;

the portion of the transport comprises the structure of the apparatus;

the transport is configured to roll along a support surface;

the support surface comprises one of a floor or a land;

the transport comprises a plurality of wheels;

the apparatus comprises a battery; and

the battery is configured to provide electrical power to at least a data processor that is operatively coupled to the display device.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

the data processing module is configured to be operatively coupled to a data network; and

the apparatus comprises a plurality of computer-readable instructions configured to be executed by the data processing module to;

receive an input signal corresponding to a battery condition;

generate an output signal in response to the input signal; and

transmit the output signal to a device which is operatively coupled to the data network.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein:

the device comprises a first device;

the input signal is generated by a sensor operatively coupled to a second device, wherein the second device is operatively coupled to the data network; and

the sensor is configured to sense a variable battery condition of the second device.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

the plane comprises a first plane;

the structure is configured to be supported by a support surface;

the support surface is configured to support a weight of the user, the support surface extending in a second plane which intersects with the first plane;

the support surface comprises one of a floor or a land;

the axis comprises a first axis;

the keyboard comprises a plurality of longitudinal edges and a central axis extending between the longitudinal edges;

the central axis is parallel to the longitudinal edges;

the first axis is offset from the central axis;

the vertical adjustment occurs along a second axis which intersects with the second plane;

the fourth member is configured so that, when the keyboard support is in the second position, at least the keyboard support is vertically movable along the second axis relative to the support surface;

the apparatus comprises right and left walls coupled to the first member;

the right wall is configured to extend along a third axis which is parallel to the second axis;

the left wall is configured to extend along a fourth axis which is parallel to the second axis; and

the display device support is configured to support the display device so that the screen is at least partially located between the right and left walls when the keyboard support is in the second position while the display device support is supporting the display device.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the display device support is configured to support the display device so that the screen is fully located between the right and left walls when the keyboard support is in the first position while the display device support is supporting the display device.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

the plane comprises a first plane;

the structure is configured to be supported by a support surface;

the support surface is configured to support a weight of the user, the support surface extending in a second plane which intersects with the first plane;

the support surface comprises one of a floor or a land;

the apparatus comprises a flat surface coupled to the first member;

the flat surface is configured to extend in a third plane which is parallel to the second plane when the keyboard support is in the second position while the display device support is supporting the display device;

the flat surface is configured to withstand a writing force acting downward; and

the third plane is located between the screen and the input members when the keyboard support is in the second position while the display device support is supporting the display device.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

the apparatus comprises a housing defining a space configured to receive the data processing module;

the housing comprises the second member;

the apparatus comprises a door moveably coupled to the housing, the door configured to be moved from a first door position relative to the housing to a second door position relative to the housing, wherein;

in the first door position, the door blocks access to the space;

in the second door position, the door provides access to the space; and

the door remains coupled to the housing in both the first and second door positions.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

the input members comprise a plurality of keys corresponding to letters A through Z;

when the keyboard support is in the second position, the keyboard support is configured to support an input device other than the input members;

the input device comprises at least one of a mouse, a touch pad, a trackball or a stylus; and

the apparatus comprises a lock coupled to the first member.

13. An apparatus operable to facilitate access to information, the apparatus comprising:

a first member configured to be supported by a structure, wherein;

the structure is configured to be supported by a support surface;

the support surface extends in a first plane; and

the support surface comprises one of a floor or a land;

a display device support which is supported by the first member, wherein the display device support is configured to support a display device comprising a screen so that;

the screen comprises a height which extends vertically; and

the screen extends in a second plane; and

a second member which is supported by the first member, wherein the second member is configured to support data processing circuitry;

a keyboard support which is supported by the first member, wherein;

the keyboard support is configured to support a keyboard;

the keyboard comprises a plurality of input members;

the keyboard support is configured to be pivoted between first and second positions about a first axis;

in the first position, the input members face in a first direction;

the first direction extends along a second axis which intersects with the second plane; and

in the second position, the input members face in a second direction; and

the second direction extends along a third axis which intersects with the first plane;

at least one wall which is supported by the first member, wherein the at least one wall is configured to position the first axis vertically downward from the screen when the keyboard support is in the second position and when the display device support is supporting the display device;

a third member which is supported by the first member, wherein;

the third member is associated with adjustment of the keyboard support relative to the second plane when the display device support is supporting the display device;

the third member defines a slot extending along a fourth axis;

the fourth axis intersects with the second plane; and

the third member is configured so that, when the keyboard support is in the second position, the keyboard support is slidable along the fourth axis; and

a fourth member which is supported by the first member, wherein;

the fourth member is associated with vertical adjustment of at least the keyboard support; and

the fourth member is configured so that, when the keyboard support is in the second position, at least the keyboard support is vertically movable relative to the first plane,

wherein the vertical movement of at least the keyboard support causes the first axis to move relative to the first plane when the first member is supported by the structure.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein:

the keyboard support is associated with;

a closed condition in which the keyboard is inaccessible for use when the keyboard is supported by the keyboard support in the first position; and

an open condition in which the keyboard is accessible for use when the keyboard is supported by the keyboard support in the second position;

in the closed and open conditions, the keyboard remains below the screen when the keyboard is supported by the keyboard support and when the display device is supported by the display device support;

the sliding of the keyboard support along the fourth axis occurs independent of the pivoting of the keyboard about the second axis; and

the vertical adjustment of at least the keyboard support occurs independent of the pivoting of the keyboard about the first axis.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein:

the keyboard support is configured to block access to a group of the input members when the keyboard support is in the first position when supporting the keyboard;

the group of input members is accessible when the keyboard support is in the second position when supporting the keyboard;

the keyboard support comprises a surface configured to support the keyboard; and

when the keyboard support is in the first position when the display device support is supporting the display device;

(a) the surface of the keyboard support extends parallel to the first plane; and

(b) the surface of the keyboard support is located vertically downward from the screen so as to avoid covering the screen;

the keyboard comprises a plurality of longitudinal edges and a central axis extending between the longitudinal edges;

the central axis is parallel to the longitudinal edges;

the first axis is offset from the central axis;

the vertical adjustment occurs along a fifth axis which intersects with the first plane;

the fourth member is configured so that, when the keyboard support is in the second position, at least the keyboard support is vertically movable along the fifth axis relative to the support surface;

the apparatus comprises right and left walls coupled to the first member;

the right wall is configured to extend along a sixth axis which is parallel to the fifth axis;

the left wall is configured to extend along a seventh axis which is parallel to the fifth axis;

the display device support is configured to support the display device so that the screen is at least partially located between the right and left walls when the keyboard support is in the second position when the display device support is supporting the display device;

the apparatus comprises a flat surface supported by the first member;

the flat surface is configured to extend in a third plane which is parallel to the first plane when the keyboard support is in the second position when the display device support is supporting the display device;

the flat surface is configured to withstand a writing force acting downward; and

the third plane is located between the screen and the input members when the keyboard support is in the second position when the display device support is supporting the display device.

16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein:

the apparatus comprises a battery configured to provide electrical power to the data processing circuitry;

the data processing circuitry is configured to be operatively coupled to a data network; and

the apparatus comprises a plurality of computer-readable instructions configured to be executed by the data processing circuitry to;

receive an input signal corresponding to a battery condition; and

in response to the input signal;

generate an output signal; and

transmit the output signal to a device which is operatively coupled to the data network.

17. A transport comprising the apparatus of claim 13, wherein:

the transport comprises a portion;

the portion of the transport comprises the structure of the apparatus;

the transport is configured to roll along a support surface;

the support surface comprises one of a floor or a land;

the transport comprises a plurality of wheels;

the apparatus comprises a battery; and

the battery is configured to provide electrical power to at least the data processor processing circuitry.

18. The transport of claim 17, wherein:

the transport comprises a vehicle;

the data processing circuitry is configured to be operatively coupled to a data network; and

the apparatus comprises a plurality of computer-readable instructions configured to be executed by the data processing circuitry to perform a plurality of steps comprising;

receiving a first signal corresponding to a battery condition;

generating a second signal in response to the first signal; and

transmitting the second signal to a device which is operatively coupled to the data network,

wherein the steps occur without requiring any signals from the input members operated by a user.

19. An apparatus operable to facilitate access to information, the apparatus comprising:

a first member structured to be supported by a structure;

a display device support which is supported by the first member, wherein the display device support is structured to support a display device comprising a screen so that;

the screen comprises a height which extends vertically upward;

the screen extends in a plane; and

the screen is viewable along a first axis in a first direction, wherein the first axis intersects with the plane;

a second member which is supported by the first member, wherein the second member is structured to support a data processor;

a keyboard support which is supported by the first member, wherein;

the keyboard support is structured to support a plurality of input members;

the keyboard support is associated with a first adjustment of the keyboard support;

the keyboard support is structured to be pivoted in the first adjustment between first and second positions about a second axis;

in the first position, the input members face in the first direction; and

in the second position, the input members face vertically upward in a second direction;

at least one wall which is supported by the first member, wherein the at least one wall is structured to position the second axis below the screen when the keyboard support is in the second position and when the display device support is supporting the display device;

a third member which is supported by the first member, wherein;

the third member is associated with a second adjustment of the keyboard support along a third axis when the display device support is supporting the display device;

the third axis intersects with the plane;

the third member defines a slot extending along the third axis;

the third member is structured so that, when the keyboard support is in the second position, the keyboard support is slidable in the second adjustment along the third axis; and

a fourth member which is supported by the first member, wherein;

the fourth member is associated with a third adjustment of at least the keyboard support;

the fourth member is structured so that, when the keyboard support is in the second position, at least the keyboard support is vertically movable relative to the structure in the third adjustment;

wherein the apparatus is structured to enable the second adjustment independent of the first adjustment; and

wherein the apparatus is structured to enable the third adjustment independent of the first adjustment.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein:

a portion of the keyboard support extends along the second axis;

the fourth member is structured so that, when the keyboard support is in the second position, the fourth member enables at least the portion of the keyboard support to vertically translate relative to the structure in the third adjustment;

the keyboard support is associated with;

a closed condition in which a group of the input members is inaccessible for use when the keyboard support is in the first position; and

an open condition in which the group of input members is accessible for use when the keyboard support is in the second position;

in the closed and open conditions, the group of input members remain below the screen when the input members are supported by the keyboard support and when the display device is supported by the display device support;

the plane in which the screen extends comprises a first plane;

the keyboard support comprises a surface configured to support the input members; and

when the keyboard support is in the first position when the display device support is supporting the display device;

(a) the surface of the keyboard support extends in a second plane which is parallel to the first plane; and

(b) the surface of the keyboard support is located below the screen so as to avoid covering the screen;

the structure is configured to be supported by a support surface;

the support surface is configured to support a weight of a user, the support surface extending in a second plane which intersects with the first plane;

the keyboard comprises a plurality of longitudinal edges and a central axis extending between the longitudinal edges;

the central axis is parallel to the longitudinal edges;

the second axis is offset from the central axis;

the third adjustment occurs along a fourth axis which intersects with the second plane;

the fourth member is configured so that, when the keyboard support is in the second position, at least the keyboard support is vertically movable along the fourth axis relative to the support surface;

the apparatus comprises right and left walls coupled to the first member;

the right wall is configured to extend along a fifth axis which is parallel to the fourth axis;

the left wall is configured to extend along a sixth axis which is parallel to the fourth axis;

the display device support is configured to support the display device so that the screen is at least partially located between the right and left walls when the keyboard support is in the second position when the display device support is supporting the display device;

the apparatus comprises a flat surface supported by the first member;

the flat surface is configured to extend in a third plane which is parallel to the second plane when the keyboard support is in the second position when the display device support is supporting the display device; and

the flat surface is configured to withstand a writing force acting downward.

21. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein:

the apparatus comprises a battery configured to provide electrical power to the data processor;

the data processor is configured to be operatively coupled to a data network; and

the apparatus comprises a plurality of computer-readable instructions configured to be executed by the data processor to perform a plurality of steps comprising;

receiving a first signal corresponding to a battery condition;

generating a second signal in response to the first signal; and

transmitting the second signal to a device which is operatively coupled to the data network,

wherein the steps occur without requiring any signals from the input members or any other user input elements operatively coupled to the data processor.

22. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein:

the apparatus comprises a battery configured to provide electrical power to the data processor;

the data processor is configured to be operatively coupled to a data network; and

the apparatus comprises a plurality of computer-readable instructions configured to be executed by the data processor to perform a plurality of steps comprising;

receiving a first signal corresponding to a battery condition; and

in response to the first signal;

generating a second signal; and

transmitting the second signal to a device which is operatively coupled to the data network.