WO2006054313A1

WO2006054313A1 - Flexible display unit for hand held computing devices

Info

Publication number: WO2006054313A1
Application number: PCT/IN2004/000361
Authority: WO
Inventors: Suresh Kabra
Original assignee: Suresh Kabra
Priority date: 2004-11-19
Filing date: 2004-11-19
Publication date: 2006-05-26

Abstract

The present invention deals with a laptop computer that has a flexible display mechanism comprising a vertical displacement units having lower and upper connecting parts that connect the display unit with the keyboard, thereby enhancing the utility of a conventional laptop computer and enabling ease of use of the laptop computer in areas with a space is restricted.

Description

FLEXIBLE DISPLAY UNIT FOR HAND HELD COMPUTING DEVICES

BACKGROUND

Field of the invention

The invention relates to computing device display modules. More particularly the invention relates to providing a user with a display system that is advantageously flexible relative to keyboard/base.

Description of the related Art

As the use of the laptop computers has proliferated in the recent years, the laptop computers can be seen to be used everywhere. It is not uncommon to see their use on airplanes, airports, meetings, public places, restaurant, parks, libraries, etc. With the use of laptops in so many different situations, the user may find itself using them in variety of position. Not all the positions for the use of laptop are optimal or comfortable. The problem of keeping the display unit of the laptop at certain height and angle always arises in different work situations. The prolonged use of a laptop in an uncomfortable position can cause extreme weariness and fatigue to a user.

A laptop computer typically is made up of a display unit and main body that contain main elements for operating the computer. The display unit is pivotally connected to the main body by a hinge device so that the display unit can be folded over the main body when the user is finished using the device. Conventionally the display unit of the laptop is affixed in such a manner that it is not possible to move it up or at a suitable angle.

Prior art search has revealed

USPTO Patent No. 5016849 issued to Datatech Enterprises Co.

Limited is titled as Swivel Mechanism for a monitor of a laptop computer. The invention discloses a swivel mechanism for a monitor of a laptop computer. The laptop computer utilizes four tightly fitted axles in the same direction to be its horizontal axis and a tightly fitted upright axle to be its vertical axis so as to enable the monitor to rotate with respect to the horizontal and the vertical axes when pushed by the user.

USPTO Patent No. 5796576 issued to Samsung Electronics Co. Limited is titled as Notebook Computer having a hinge device enabling a display unit to be separable from a main body. This invention provides a design for a notebook computer with a detachable display unit. A connector is pivotally mounted on the display unit fits into a socket in the main body to provide an electrical connection between the main body and the display unit while allowing the display unit to rotate open and closed onto the main body. A pair of hinge members mechanically connects the display unit to the main body. At least one of the hinge members is slidably mounted on the topside of the main body to allow the user to pull the hinge member to the side, thus increasing the gap between the hinge members. In this manner a user is able to either attach or remove the display unit to or from the main body.

USPTO Patent No. 5793606 issued to Packard Bell NEC is titled as Removable LCD and stand assembly. This invention describes a stand assemble that includes a base for carrying the LCD in a detached position and enabling the LCD display to be latched thereto in all viewing angle positions while enabling the viewing angle to be varied. The LCD display system is formed with a hinge that enables the viewing angle of the display to be fully adjustable in both a detached and attached position.

International Patent Publication Number WO 01/95076 A1 issued to

Richard lredale is titled as Laptop Computer display mounting. This invention enables the display panel to be positioned at a comfortable viewing angle without blocking access to the keyboard module for typing and is particularly useful in depth-constrained workspaces such as airplane passenger seats, where the display support member must be positioned at an acute angle relative to the keyboard module. The invention discusses a clamshell type housing that facilitates adjustment of the display screen to a comfortable viewing angle.

International Patent Publication Number WO 03/025724 issued to

Nicholas Pappas is titled as Multipurpose Computer Display System. The invention discusses a computer display system that is advantageously rotatable and/or detachable relative to a keyboard-containing base, thereby providing a highly cost effective and efficacious computer display system. An advantageous mounting assemble is provided proximate the back wall of the system base to join the flat panel display to the system base and permit rotational and pivotal motion of the flat panel display relative to the system base. In another embodiment of this invention, the display screen is detachable and may be mounted on a system stand.

Common law search on various search engines on the Internet has also revealed prior art in the form of a news item available at http://www.geek.com/news/geeknews/2003Sep/qee20030917021795.htm. The news item describes prototype models of IBM called ThinkPad G series. The design opens like a standard laptop, but the keyboard can be detached completely from the machine and positioned wherever the user wants it. At the same time the screen is on a hinge and its height can be adjusted for a more comfortable view. The second machine is along similar lines but has a double hinge instead. The keyboard does not detach but can be angled to give a more comfortable position to the typist. The screen can also be raised higher by up to three inches.

However we can see that despite the presence of efforts in the direction to make display monitor flexible, there has been no industrial applicability of the invention till date due to drawbacks in the prior art. The prior art discussed above cannot be implemented practically as it require complex mechanical and electrical changes in the existing laptop. The mechanical device is too cumbersome to be adopted as well as it is cumbersome for the users to use the same. Prior art neither mentions nor uses any displacement mechanism for the adjustment of the height and angle of the display unit in a laptop. Prior art for the purpose of the adjustment of angle and height of the display unit requires major, cumbersome changes to the main body or keyboard of the laptop and thereby adding substantial weight to the laptop in terms of machinery, cost or otherwise. Moreover prior art does not provide for a clean and effective mechanism for the vertical and horizontal movement of the display unit. Thus what is required is the need for a mechanism which provides for an effective horizontal and vertical displacement of the display unit without adding any substantial weight to the laptop. Further the system should work without requiring any major changes to the motherboard and/ or the screen. Moreover, some of the prior art also mentions a very costly manner of incorporating flexibility in the display unit thereby resulting in industrial non-applicability.

Thus there is an urgent need for an improved, adaptable and cost- effective mechanical device in order to make the display unit of laptop flexible and useful.

SUMMARY

An object of the present invention is to provide for a flexible mechanism for the display unit of a laptop computer.

Another object of the present invention is to enable the effective use of a laptop computer in restricted spaces.

A further object of the present invention is to enable the user to easily and effectively maximize the value and utility of the laptop computer's display unit by making it flexible along the vertical as well as horizontal axes. Another object of the present invention is to provide the user with a display unit for optimal viewing at a desired angle.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide for a mechanism enabling vertical displacement of the display unit in accordance with the requirement of a user.

Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided^" to illustrate and not to limit the invention, wherein like designations denote like elements, and in which:

Fig. 1 is a top view of a laptop in a closed position.

Fig.2 is a side view of an expanded laptop position.

Fig. 3 shows the lower connecting-part between lower member and keyboard.

^' Fig.4 shows the lower member of vertical displacement mechanism in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 5 shows a posterior view of upper member in a vertical displacement mechanism of the present invention.

Fig. 6 shows connecting part between upper member and screen.

Fig.7 is the schematic drawing of side view of electrical cabling in a vertical displacement mechanism. Fig.8 shows the shape and position of cable after upper member is pulled out

Fig.9 shows the shape and position of cable after upper member is pushed in completely

Fig 10A and 10B show the upper member view with ball catchers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention enables the display unit of a laptop computer to be adjusted by the user by altering the height, reach and angle of the display unit. A user can adjust the display unit in accordance with his requirements and space constraints, thereby providing greater flexibility and ease of use.

The working of the present invention is being described in accordance with the following figures.

Fig. 1 is a top view of a laptop in a closed position. The present invention works through a lower member (110) and an upper member of a laptop that forms a vertical displacement mechanism. Lower member (110) is flexibly linked to the upper member at somewhere along its length and its lower end is connected to a keyboard through a lower connecting-part (120), which works by way of a hinge mechanism.

Fig.2 is a side view of an expanded laptop position. The figure shows a conventional keyboard (230) that is connected to the vertical displacement mechanism through the lower connecting-part (120). A screen (220) of the present invention is distinguished from a conventional laptop screen in that the cable enters the screen from the top and that the screen is hinged to the main body from the top thereby making the working of vertical displacement mechanism of laptop more efficient. Lower member (110) has perforations (240) at desired distance, which can be varied from model to model. Not only the distance between the perforations (240), but also their shape and size can be varied in accordance with the desire of the user. Upper member (210) slides into the lower member (110), so as to give a desired height to the placement of the screen (220) in accordance with requirement of the user. Ball catchers (510, as referred to in figure 5) may be fitted in the upper member (210) so that they fit into the perforations (240) at a varying distance. The distance between these ball catchers (510) may be equal to that between the perforations (240). Further, the top pair of perforations (250) in the lower member (110) is at an angle to bottom pair of perforations (240) in the lower member (110). Number of pairs of perforations that are at an angle to other pairs of perforations can be varied from model to model in accordance with the angular displacement required by the user. Thus the angle between the lower member (110) and upper member (210) can be changed accordingly. This change of angle changes the displacement of the screen (220) with respect to the keyboard (230). The upper connecting- part (610, referring to fig 6) between the screen (220) and the upper member (210) works by way of hinge mechanism that gives a two dimensional movement to the screen (220) thereby enabling the user to adjust the screen (220) at the desired angle to the vertical displacement mechanism as well as the keyboard (230). In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, this hinge mechanism can be replaced with alternative mechanism such as a ball and socket joint to give a three dimensional movement to the screen (220). This feature is of vast importance to a User as it gives an unrestrained and free access to the keyboard (230) even in situations of any space constraint.

Fig. 3 shows the lower connecting-part (120) between lower member (110) and keyboard (230). The lower connecting-part comprises of locking loop (310), cylindrical pin (320) and pair of loops (330). The lower connecting-part (120) has a locking loop (310) that fits in a cylindrical pin (320). This cylindrical pin (320) passes through a pair of loops (330) embedded in the keyboard (230). The outer diameter of the cylindrical pin (320) is equal to the inner diameter of the pair of loops (330) of the keyboard (230). However, the shape and diameter of the locking loop (310) can be varied in accordance with models at the will, desire and need of the user. The lower connecting-part (120) works by way of a hinge mechanism that gives the lower member (110) and keyboard (230) a two dimensional movement with respect to each other as it allows an angle range of 0 to 180 degrees between the lower member (110) and keyboard (230). The lower connecting-part (120) allows the user to position the lower member (110) at an angle with the keyboard (230) and thereby maintain the conventional viewing distance even in space constraint situation.

Fig.4 shows the lower member of vertical displacement mechanism in accordance with the present invention. The lower member (110) in combination with the upper member (210) forms the vertical displacement mechanism of the present invention. The lower member has a locking loop (310), the shape and size of which can be varied in accordance with various models. The lower member is given perforations (240) at desired intervals to facilitate its locking with the upper member (210) at desired position, thereby adjusting the height of the screen (220) according to the need and convenience of user. The top pair of perforation (250) is at an angle to the remaining perforation (240) to give a desired angle between the upper (210) and lower member (110). The lower member (110) is shown to be in a rectangular shape, but it can vary from model to model. Preferably, the length of the lower member (110) is equal to that of the height of the screen (220). Lower member (110) is hollow from inside so as to allow the sliding of the upper member (210) inside it. A groove on the lower face of lower member (110) provides a route to electrical cable (620) in between motherboard and screen (220). This groove has constricted opening which prevents the cable (620) from coming out and would prevent any kind of twisting and tangling of electrical cable (620). Fig. 5 shows a posterior view of upper member (210) in a vertical displacement mechanism of the present invention. The upper member (210) is shown to be rectangular in shape. However, the shape of the upper member (210) can vary from model to model. Its outer dimension is equal to the inner dimension of the lower member (110), so that it can slide into the lower member. (110). The length of the upper member (210) is also preferably equal to that of the lower member (110), which is equal to the length of the screen (220). Lower end of the upper member consists of ball catchers (510) on each side. The shape and size of the same vary in accordance with that of perforations (240) in lower member (110). The ball catchers (510) fit into the perforations (240) in lower member (110) so as to form the vertical displacement mechanism of laptop. The distance between ball catchers (510) is same as that between the perforations (240) in lower member (110). Locking of upper member at perforations that are at an angle is achieved by locking lower pair of ball catchers (510) in first pair of perforations (240) and then rotating upper member (210) till other pair of ball catchers (510) gets locked into the other pair of perforations (250) at an angle. The upper member (210) has two perforations, called upper member perforations (520) at the top in order to link the screen (220) to the upper member through pin(610) and facilitate the angular movement of the display unit. The upper member (120) has grooves (530) at top and bottom face to facilitate the electrical cabling and data cable through the upper member (210).

Fig. 6 shows connecting part between upper member (210) and the screen (220). An upper connecting-part (610) provides a two dimensional movement to the screen (220) i.e. an angle ranging from 0 to 180 degrees between the upper member (210) and the screen (220) (as it works on the hinge mechanism). In order to incorporate and allow movement in an additional plane (i.e. three-dimensional movement) the invention can be modified with a ball and socket mechanism. The upper connecting-part (610) plays a role of providing a route to electrical cabling (620) before the cable enters into the screen (220).

The screen (220) is attached with the main body of laptop through this upper connecting part (610). Upper member (210) of vertical displacement mechanism has upper member perforations (520) through which the upper connecting part (610) is linked to create a hinge joint between screen (220) and upper connecting part (210).

Fig.7 is the schematic drawing of side view of electrical cabling (620) in a vertical displacement mechanism. The mechanism works through a series of aligned grooves (410) and (530) along the length of the lower (110) and upper member (210) and it does not require any additional element. As an additional element is not required for the working of the mechanism, presence of the said mechanism does not add any form of substantial weight to the laptop either in the form of machinery, cost or otherwise and thus the present invention remains economically viable. Also its industrial applicability is not affected, as the alleged feature does not make the present invention technically and practically unworkable or cumbersome by providing the alleged advantageous feature without any additional elements. The electrical cabling (620) routed from the motherboard to the screen (220) goes through the hinge joint, lower member (110) and upper member (210). Electrical cabling (620) runs through the lower face of lower member (110) and through a perforation in the lower member, cuts across and enters the groove (530) along the lower surface ^lof upper member (210). The cable runs along the grove (530) on the lower and upper surface of upper member (210) and then leaves through the upper perforations (520) of upper member (210) to enter the screen (220). The openings of the groves (410, 530) would be constricted to prevent the cable during extension from coming out and would prevent any kind of twisting and tangling. The groves (410, 530) will be covered from top and cable routing mechanism will not be visible to the end user.

Fig.8 shows the shape and position of cable after upper member (210) is pulled out. The routing of electrical cable (620) is such that it does not interfere with elevating mechanism of screen (220). As the upper member (210) is pulled in or out consequently the electrical cable (620) gets coiled or uncoiled within the empty space created between lower (110) and upper member (210). As upper member (210) is pulled out cable leaves the grove and forms a S bend in the open space created between the lower (110) and upper member (210). The coiling and uncoiling works within the sliding mechanism of the present invention. Thus this system as provided in the present invention provides for a very clean and efficient mechanism for managing the cable, electric as well as data, which in turn allows for the vertical and horizontal movement of the screen with respect to the keyboard.

Fig.9 shows the shape and position of cable (620) after upper member (210) is pushed in completely. As the screen (220) is pushed in slowly it coils the cable (620) around upper member (210) thereby avoiding any form of tangling. When the upper member (210) is completely pushed-in, the cable (620) again enters the groves (530) on both sides of the upper member (210) . It is important that in order to give stability only the middle section of the electrical cable (620) works in coiling and uncoiling of the cable(620) , i.e the cable length between the two anchor points. This makes sure that the cable end points, which are connected to the keyboard (230) and screen (220), are not stressed in any way by the sliding mechanism. This makes the complete mechanism highly efficient and reliable. The cross section of the grove is such, so that there is no twisting of cable in coil and uncoils mechanism. Fig 10 shows an alternative embodiment in the upper member (210) of the present invention wherein there is an integration of the pin (connected to the screen) into the upper member. A slot (1010) has been introduced to route the cable from top of the upper member to the screen. The figure also shows a pair of ball catchers (510) on the side of the upper-member.

While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the invention is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:What is claimed is:

1. A laptop computer having a flexible display unit comprising elements of: a lower member connected to the keyboard of the laptop computer through a lower connecting-part; an upper member connected to the screen of the laptop computer through an upper connecting part, that slides into (or unto) the lower member so as to give a desired height and angle to the display unit;

wherein the lower member and the upper member constitute a vertical displacement mechanism in the laptop computer, so as to give the user a display unit for an optimal viewing height_. and_. angle in all situations and specially in situations with -of space constraint.

2. Lower member as claimed in claim 1 , comprising of plurality of perforations used for locking mechanism between the lower member and the upper member.

3. Perforations as claimed in claim 2, wherein the top pair(s) of said perforations being at an angle to other said perforations, so as to give an angular tilt between the lower and the upper member.

4. Lower member as claimed in claim 1 , said lower member comprising of a hollow inner section into which the said upper member slides in.

5. Lower member as claimed in claim 1 , said lower member comprising of a groove, said groove providing a route for electrical cable.

6. Upper member as claimed in claim 1 , said upper member comprising of duality of grooves to facilitate the routing of electrical and data cable.

7. Groove as claimed in claim 5 & 6, said groove comprising of a restricted opening so as to prevent the displacement of electrical cable from its usual path and to prevent the twisting and tangling of electrical cable during the working of said vertical displacement mechanism.

8. Upper member as claimed in claim 1 , said upper member having exterior dimensions equal to inner dimensions of said lower member.

9. Upper member as claimed in claim 1 , said upper member comprising of mechanism for locking of said upper member to the said lower member.

10. Upper member as claimed in claim 1 , said upper member having its upper end designed in consonance with the design of the screen, so as to enable easy routing of cable and ease of assembly.

11. Vertical displacement mechanism of claim 1 , comprising coiling and uncoiling mechanism that takes place within the space created between said upper member and said lower member. .

12. Coiling and uncoiling mechanism of claim 11 , wherein said mechanism works in conjunction to the movement of said lower member and said upper member relative to each other.

13. Lower connecting part as claimed in claim 1 , said lower connecting part connecting said vertical displacement mechanism to a keyboard.

14. Lower connecting part as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said lower connecting part is a hinge mechanism.

15. Lower connecting part as claimed in claim 1 , wherein _.said lower connecting part may be a ball and socket mechanism.

16. Hinge mechanism as claimed in claim14, said hinge mechanism further comprising of a central single hinge÷ and a locking structure.

17. Central single hinge as claimed in claim 16, said central single hinge comprising of a cylindrical pin, said cylindrical pin having its outer dimensions equal to inner dimensions of loops within which said pin gets locked.

18. Upper connecting part as claimed in claim 1 , said upper connecting part connecting said screen to said upper member, said upper connecting part also providing for a movement of the screen on its own axis,

^• 19. Upper connecting part as claimed in claim 1 , said upper connecting part also providing a route to electrical cabling and data cable for entering into said screen.

20. Upper connecting part as claimed in claim 1 , whereby said upper connecting part may be a hinge mechanism.

21. Upper connecting part as claimed in claim 1 , whereby said upper connecting part may be a ball and socket mechanism.

22. Upper part of said upper member of said vertical displacement mechanism as claimed in claim 21 , said upper part comprises of a forged shaped structure in consonance with back of screen in which said upper part fits.

23. Upper member of Claim 1 , comprising of a pin as an integral part of the Upper member.

24. Upper member of claim 23, comprising of a slot to route the cable from top of the upper member to the screen.