US20060185564A1 - Integrated flat panel workstation system - Google Patents
Integrated flat panel workstation system Download PDFInfo
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- US20060185564A1 US20060185564A1 US11/351,421 US35142106A US2006185564A1 US 20060185564 A1 US20060185564 A1 US 20060185564A1 US 35142106 A US35142106 A US 35142106A US 2006185564 A1 US2006185564 A1 US 2006185564A1
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- Prior art keywords
- support panel
- input device
- lcd
- workstation
- work surface
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B21/00—Tables or desks for office equipment, e.g. typewriters, keyboards
- A47B21/007—Tables or desks for office equipment, e.g. typewriters, keyboards with under-desk displays, e.g. displays being viewable through a transparent working surface of the table or desk
- A47B21/0073—Tables or desks for office equipment, e.g. typewriters, keyboards with under-desk displays, e.g. displays being viewable through a transparent working surface of the table or desk liftable above the desk top
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B21/00—Tables or desks for office equipment, e.g. typewriters, keyboards
- A47B21/007—Tables or desks for office equipment, e.g. typewriters, keyboards with under-desk displays, e.g. displays being viewable through a transparent working surface of the table or desk
- A47B2021/0076—Tables or desks for office equipment, e.g. typewriters, keyboards with under-desk displays, e.g. displays being viewable through a transparent working surface of the table or desk the screen being incorporated in the desk top
Definitions
- the present invention relates to computer workstations and, more particularly, to a computer workstation having a pivoting working surface that exposes an integrated flat panel liquid crystal display (LCD).
- LCD liquid crystal display
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,766,422 to Wolters shows a desk with a standard computer system case and monitor.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,608 to Clausen shows a desk with a standard computer system CPU and monitor.
- the desk is designed with an “L” shaped work area with two levels. The “L” shaped configuration limits the work area, as well as contributing to a setup problem for the student and teacher.
- LCD flat panel displays transmit images in a different manner, requiring the user to view them straight on.
- the highly directional images and lower light emission levels make it difficult to view an LCD screen through a glass surface or to position the display so that the user can view it straight on in an ergonomic manner.
- LCDs offer many advantages over CRT monitors such as requiring less room and using less energy. There is, therefore, a need for a more functional, ergonomically correct, and convenient multi-use computer workstation accommodating LCDs in which the display may be pivoted from a closed secure position into an ergonomically appropriate open position in front of a user.
- the workstation when combined with the advantages of a pivoting display mechanism, the workstation is able to provide convenient data security without shutting clown the computer workstation or requiring a lengthy warm-up period before re-accessing the screen.
- the addition of automatic activation and brightness adjustment upon opening the LCD will increase the display's useful life and make LCD units more appropriate for use in a broad variety of situations such as darkened classroom presentations and work locations where screen brightness may be used to eliminate problems with glare.
- an object of the present invention to provide a compact, functional, ergonomically correct and convenient multi-use computer workstation in which a pivoting flat panel integral to the work surface rotates a LCD into a vertical position in front of a user.
- a computer workstation having a desktop/work surface defined by a central aperture, and a pivoting, integral LCD support panel positioned in the aperture.
- a flat panel LCD is mounted on the support panel which is, in turn, affixed to two rotatable shafts.
- a sliding input device platform e.g. keyboard shelf
- Pivoting lever assemblies include lever arms coupled to the rotatable shafts and links coupled to the roller brackets.
- a hydraulic damper is coupled at one end to one of the lever arms and slidably attached at the other end in a slotted bracket affixed to the underside of the desktop/work surface.
- the lever assemblies serve to automatically pivot the LCD support panel to an upright position upon extension of the input device platform.
- the damper freely extends as the LCD support panel is opened to its upright position, but is engaged as the support panel is closed to bring the support panel and attached LCD to a safe and gentle stop.
- the LCD additionally includes a mercury switch for turning the LCD on once it has attained an upright position (i.e. the support panel is in the fully open position), and for turning it off when the support panel is in the closed position.
- the sliding input device platform includes a locking device which prevents unauthorized access to the input device and to the LCD display to protect the hardware.
- the computer workstation may be integrally incorporated with the display, in which case the locking device prevents unauthorized data access as well.
- the locking device may be a simple keylock
- the presently preferred embodiment includes a Dialock® system by which multiple computer desks all with pivoting LCD support panels may be centrally unlocked using a single transponder stick inserted in a wall receptacle. This intelligent key system is completely tamper-proof.
- An alternative multi-display embodiment of the present invention incorporates a large tabletop/work surface defined by multiple (i.e. two or more) apertures, with a pivoting, integral LCD support panel positioned in each of the apertures.
- a flat panel LCD is mounted on each of the support panels and a sliding input device platform is mounted on telescoping roller brackets underneath the edge of the work surface directly in front of each support panel and LCD.
- the pivoting mechanism for each LCD is as described above, and each LCD may be pivoted to an uptight position; independently of the others, by extending the corresponding input device platform.
- FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a computer workstation 10 , shown with a LCD support panel 14 in the closed position and a sliding input device platform 30 in a fully retracted position, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the computer workstation 10 of FIG. 1 , shown with the support panel 14 in a closed position.
- FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the computer workstation 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2 , shown with the support panel 14 in a partially open position.
- FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the computer workstation 10 of FIGS. 1-3 , shown with the support panel 14 and integrated flat panel LCD 60 in a fully open position.
- FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the computer workstation 10 of FIGS. 1-4 , shown with the support panel 14 and integrated flat panel LCD 60 in the fully open position, and the sliding input device platform 30 in a fully extended position.
- FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the computer workstation 10 of FIGS. 1-5 , shown with the support panel 14 and integrated flat panel LCD 60 in the closed position.
- FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a multi-station computer workstation/conference table 110 shown with two LCD support panels 114 in an open position, six support panels 115 in a closed position, and two sliding input device platforms 130 in a fully extended position, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a system diagram of a Dialock® system by which all of the pivoting LCD support panels 14 , 114 in multiple computer workstation 10 or in multi-station computer workstations/conference tables 110 , as described above, may be centrally locked and/or unlocked using a single transponder stick inserted in a wall receptacle 90 .
- FIG. 9 is an exploded diagram of the Dialock® locking device which is installed at each of the sliding input device platforms 30 , 130 to lock/unlock them.
- FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a computer workstation 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- the computer workstation 10 generally includes a sliding input device platform 30 and a pivoting support panel 14 in a work surface 12 , the support panel 14 being adapted to support an integrated flat panel LCD 60 (see FIG. 5 ) mounted thereon.
- a mechanism is provided (described below) by which extension of the input device platform 30 into a working position (see FIG. 5 ) automatically and gently rotates the flat panel LCD 60 to a viewable position in front of a user. Additionally, the rotation may automatically turn the LCD 60 on by means of a gravity switch.
- FIGS. 2-4 are side perspective views of the computer workstation 10 with the support panel 14 and integrated flat panel LCD 60 shown, respectively, in closed, partially open, and fully open positions, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- the computer workstation 10 generally includes a desktop/work surface 12 defined by a central aperture 13 and a pivoting support panel 14 for supporting a flat panel LCD 60 positioned within the aperture 13 .
- the support panel 14 sits flush within the aperture 13 of the work surface 12 when it is closed.
- the desktop/work surface 12 sits atop a foundation 11 (see FIG. 1 ) which is a conventional computer workstation frame bounded on three sides by side walls and having a built-in power strip 19 (see FIG. 1 ) for powering the computer and other auxiliary/peripheral equipment.
- the computer CPU (not shown in the Figures) may be a separate component from the flat panel LCD 60 , in which case the CPU is stowed in a compartment 18 (see FIG. 1 ) inside the foundation 11 .
- the CPU may be integrally built into the flat panel LCD 60 .
- the support panel 14 is side-mounted by two, collinear, pivot shafts 46 (sec FIG. 6 ) which extend into bearing blocks 44 (see FIG. 6 ) mounted to the support panel 14 .
- Lever assemblies 20 attached to the blocks 44 and thereby engaged with the support panel 14 , rotate the panel 14 from a closed position to a fully open position.
- the lever assemblies 20 are manually-actuated by the input device platform 30 , which is slidably suspended beneath the front edge of the work surface 12 (on roller brackets 26 which are affixed to the underside of the work surface 12 in a spaced relationship).
- Each lever assembly 20 further comprises a lever arm 22 and a link 24 .
- Each link 24 is pivotally attached at one end to a roller bracket 26 via, for example, a shoulder bolt 50 .
- a hydraulic, double-ended or uni-directional damper 170 is pivotally attached via a block/pin assembly 174 and a spring 175 to one of the lever arms 22 and slidably attached via a second block/pin assembly 176 to a slotted bracket 180 affixed to the underside of the desktop/work surface 12 .
- the spring 175 With the support panel 14 in the closed position of FIG. 2 , the spring 175 is fully compressed and the damper's shaft 172 is fully retracted with the block/pin assembly 176 positioned at the back end of the slot 182 formed in the bracket 180 .
- the support panel 14 is pivoted to the partially open position of FIG. 3 by pulling the input device platform 30 out from under the front edge of the work surface 12 . This action extends (i.e. telescopes outward) the two roller brackets 26 simultaneously. Movement of the roller brackets 26 then begins to draw the links 24 outward.
- the other ends of links 24 are pivotally attached to one end of the lever arms 22 . Therefore, as links 24 move in response to the movement of the input device platform 30 , lever arms 22 are pulled forward and slightly downward. Lever arms 22 in turn, via fixed attachments to bearing blocks 44 (see FIG. 6 ), rotate the support panel 14 from the closed position of FIG. 2 to the partially open position of FIG. 3 .
- the spring 175 first begins to extend before eventually setting the damper 170 into motion. Movement of the damper 170 then causes the block/pin assembly 176 to traverse the slot 182 in the bracket 180 .
- FIG. 4 shows the computer workstation 10 with the support panel 14 in a fully open position due to the complete extension of the input device platform 30 .
- the lever assemblies 20 are fully engaged with the support panel 14 to rotate it to an approximately 80 degree vertical upright position (the angular position is a matter of design choice). It can now be seen that a flat panel LCD 60 is fixedly mounted to the underside of support panel 14 .
- the block/pin assembly 176 traverses (left to right) the slot 182 in the bracket 180 . However, the block/pin assembly 176 reaches the forward end of the slot 182 before the support panel 14 reaches its fully open position.
- the shaft 172 of the damper 170 is freely extended as the support panel 14 opening process is completed. The extension of the shaft 172 in this manner readies the damper 170 for operation during the closing of the support panel 14 .
- the damped movement of the support panel 14 during the closing process occurs in the following manner.
- the block/pin assembly 176 traverses (right to left) the slot 182 in the bracket 180 and reaches the back end of the slot 182 before the panel 14 reaches the closed position.
- the shaft 172 of the damper 170 is pushed into the damper's body, thereby engaging the its internal, unidirectional motion damping system to bring the support panel 14 and attached LCD 60 to a safe and gentle stop in the closed position.
- the spring 175 creates a minimal amount of shaft 172 extension just as the opening process commences (see FIG. 3 ).
- This minimal amount of shaft 172 extension generating a small amount of motion damping capability in the damper 170 , is a safety feature designed to prevent the support panel 14 from slamming shut should the opening process be accidentally aborted prior to completion (e.g. a user inadvertently letting go of the input device platform 30 when the support panel is in the position shown in FIG. 3 , whereupon gravity would act to return the panel to the closed position of FIG. 2 ).
- a stop bracket 42 is secured by, for example, a plurality of screws to the underside of the work surface 12 along the front edge of the aperture 13 .
- the stop bracket 42 extends into the aperture 13 a short distance to limit the rotation of the support panel 14 and attached LCD 60 , thereby ensuring that support panel 14 comes to rest flush with the work surface 12 when the desk 10 is closed (as in FIG. 2 ).
- the LCD 60 is preferably a 15′′-20′′ flat panel LCD with a power cord that plugs into the power strip resident in the computer workstation 10 .
- the LCD 60 is conventional in most respects, but also includes an OEM-supplied and retrofitted mercury switch 62 (see FIG. 5 ) for selectively applying power to the unit dependent on its orientation.
- the mercury switch 62 is mounted such that power is supplied to the LCD 60 when it is positioned at approximately an 80 degree upright angular orientation.
- FIGS. 1 and 5 are front perspective views of the computer workstation 10 shown with the support panel 14 in the closed and fully open positions, respectively, and the input device platform 30 in the fully retracted and extended positions, respectively.
- FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the computer workstation 10 , shown with the support panel 14 and integrated flat panel LCD 60 in the closed position, which further illustrates the lever assemblies 20 .
- the lever assemblies 20 on either side are identical, and only one need be explained in detail.
- the support panel 14 is side-mounted by a shaft 46 .
- Each shaft 46 extends into a bearing block 44 at one end and a mounting block 48 at the other end.
- the bearing block 44 is rotatably engaged with the shaft 46 and is anchored to the support panel 14 by, for example, a plurality of screws.
- the mounting block 48 is fixedly attached to the shaft 46 and is mounted to the underside of the work surface 12 by, for example, a plurality of screws.
- lever arm 22 is fixedly attached to the bearing block 44 and extends rearwardly and slightly downwardly therefrom.
- the other end of lever arm 22 is pivotally attached at hinge 40 to one end of link 24 as shown.
- the other end of link 24 is, in turn, pivotally attached to a roller bracket 26 via a hinge 50 (i.e. shoulder bolt) such that inward or outward movement of the input device platform 30 telescopes the roller bracket 26 and operates the lever arm 22 and link 24 , thereby pivoting the support panel 14 .
- hinge 50 i.e. shoulder bolt
- the commercially-available hydraulic damper 170 is, via its shaft 172 , pivotally attached by a block/pin assembly 174 and a spring 175 to one of the lever arms 22 and slidably attached via a second block/pin assembly 176 to a slotted bracket 180 affixed to the underside of the desktop/work surface 12 .
- the foregoing computer workstation 10 serves to automatically pivot the support panel 14 , positioned in the work surface 12 , and the attached flat panel LCD 60 into a vertical position in front of a user.
- the flat panel LCD 60 moves from a closed to an exposed position and is powered automatically when the user extends the sliding keyboard shelf 30 .
- the mercury switch 62 in the LCD 60 closes upon attaining a substantially upright position, thereby ensuring that the LCD 60 is on only when desired.
- FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
- a multi-station computer workstation 110 or conference table, incorporates a tabletop/work surface 112 defined by two or more apertures 113 , with a pivoting, integral LCD support panel 114 , 115 positioned in each of the apertures 113 .
- the eight-station embodiment of FIG. 7 shows two LCD support panels 114 in an open position and six support panels 115 in a closed position. Each support panel 115 sits flush within the aperture 113 of the work surface 112 when it is closed.
- the work surface 112 sits atop a conventional conference table foundation 111 .
- a plurality of built-in power strips (not shown in FIG.
- the computer CPUs (not shown in FIG. 7 ) may be separate components from the flat panel LCDs 160 , in which case the CPUs are stowed in compartments (not shown in FIG. 7 ) inside the foundation 111 .
- the CPU may be integrally built into the flat panel LCD 160 .
- Each of the support panels 114 , 115 is mounted and cycled between its open and closed positions in the manner described above with respect to FIGS. 1-6 (i.e. utilizing the combination of two lever assemblies 20 and a hydraulic damper 170 ).
- Flat panel LCDs 160 are fixedly mounted to the underside of support panels 114 , 115 and a sliding input device platform 130 is mounted on telescoping roller brackets 126 underneath the edge of the work surface 112 directly in front of each support panel 114 , 115 and LCD 160 .
- FIG. 7 shows the computer workstation 110 with the two support panels 114 in a fully open position (i.e. an 80 degree vertical upright position) due to the complete extension of the corresponding input device platforms 130 (supporting computer keyboards 132 ).
- Stop brackets (not shown in FIG. 7 ) secured by, for example, a plurality of screws to the underside of the work surface 112 along the front edge of the aperture 113 .
- Each stop bracket extends into the corresponding aperture 113 a short distance to limit the rotation of the support panel 114 , 115 and attached LCD 160 , thereby ensuring that support panel 114 , 115 comes to rest flush with the work surface 112 when the desk 110 is closed (see specifically, support panels 115 ).
- each LCD 160 is preferably a 15′′-20′′ flat panel LCD with a power cord that plugs into one of the power strips resident in the computer desk 110 .
- the LCD 160 is conventional in most respects, but also includes an OEM-supplied, or retrofitted, mercury switch (not shown in FIG. 7 ) for selectively applying power to the unit dependant on its orientation.
- the mercury switch is mounted such that power is supplied to the LCD 160 when it is positioned at approximately an 80 degree upright angular orientation.
- the foregoing alternative computer workstation/conference table 110 allows one or more users to automatically pivot a support panel 114 , 115 and the attached flat panel LCD 160 into a vertical, viewable position.
- Each LCD 160 may be pivoted from a closed to an exposed position and be powered automatically, independently of the others, by extending the corresponding input device platform 130 .
- the mercury switch in each LCD 160 closes upon attaining a substantially upright position, thereby ensuring that an LCD 160 is on only when desired.
- the sliding input device platforms 30 , 130 are each equipped with a locking device, which prevents unauthorized access to the keyboard and the LCD 60 , 160 , when protection of either the hardware and/or data is desired (as set forth previously, it is contemplated that the computer CPU may be integral to the display 60 , 160 , in which case the locking device prevents unauthorized data access as well).
- the locking device may be a simple keylock
- the presently preferred embodiment includes a Dialock® system by which multiple computer workstations 10 all with pivoting LCD support panels 14 may be centrally unlocked using a single transponder stick inserted in a wall receptacle. This particular intelligent key system is commercially-available and completely tamper-proof.
- the Dialock® system is incorporated as follows.
- FIG. 8 is a system diagram of a Dialock® system by which all of the pivoting LCD support panels 14 , 114 in multiple computer workstations 10 or in multi-station computer workstations/conference tables 110 , as described above, may be centrally locked and/or unlocked using a single transponder stick inserted in a wall receptacle 90 .
- the system generally includes a programmable central controller 70 , a wall-mount receptacle 90 connected to the central controller 70 for insertion of a key-transponder, and multiple remote lock assemblies 80 a - d connected to the central controller 70 .
- the lock assemblies 80 a - d are installed proximate each of the sliding input device platforms 30 , 130 to lock them and the corresponding LCDs 60 , 160 in the closed position, subject to authorized key access via receptacle 90 . All of the foregoing components are commercially available from The Häfele Group.
- FIG. 9 is an exploded diagram of one of the Dialock® remote lock assemblies 80 a - d (see FIG. 8 ) installed at each of the sliding input device platforms 30 , 130 to lock/unlock them.
- Each remote lock assembly 80 a - d further comprises a locking shaft 92 which is secured to the inside edge of the sliding input device platform 30 , 130 (by screws), a reinforcing receptacle plate 93 which is secured inside a computer workstation 10 , or a multi-station computer workstation/conference table 110 , in a position corresponding to the closed position of the sliding input device platforms 30 , 130 and an electronic lock 94 which is secured to and behind receptacle plate 93 .
- the electronic lock 94 locks it in the closed position subject to keyed access at receptacle 90 (see FIG. 8 ).
- This option allows multiple computer workstations 10 all with pivoting LCD support panels 14 to be centrally unlocked using a single transponder stick inserted in wall receptacle 90 , and renders the enclosed keyboard and LCD completely tamper-proof.
Abstract
A computer workstation having a desktop/work surface defined by a central aperture and a pivoting liquid crystal display (LCD) support panel mounted on pivot shafts in the aperture. In addition, a sliding input device platform is mounted on telescoping roller brackets underneath the front edge of the work surface. Lever arms are rotatably engaged with the pivot shafts and are linked to the roller brackets. The lever arms automatically pivot the LCD support panel to an upright position upon extension of the input device platform, and vice versa, and a hydraulic damper brings the LCD support panel to a safe, gentle stop. Aa mercury switch turns the LCD on and off automatically upon opening or closing. Two or more such LCD support panels and associated hardware can be included in a single desktop/work surface for a computer training and/or conferences.
Description
- The present application derives priority from U.S. provisional application No. 60/436,515 for INTEGRATED FLAT PANEL DESK SYSTEM; filed: 27 Dec. 2002.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to computer workstations and, more particularly, to a computer workstation having a pivoting working surface that exposes an integrated flat panel liquid crystal display (LCD).
- 2. Description of the Background
- Of the many varieties of commercially-available computer workstations, some are designed to enclose the computer to offer a multi-use work surface, conserve space, provide data privacy, protect the equipment and wiring, and maintain aesthetics. Examples of typical applications include educational and medical institutions, commercial offices, and retail, hospitality, government, and military entities. In these and other situations, it is desirable to incorporate the computers into the desks.
- The are many exemplary patents for computer desks, most of which stow the CPU and monitor under the desk surface. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,766,422 to Wolters shows a desk with a standard computer system case and monitor. U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,608 to Clausen shows a desk with a standard computer system CPU and monitor. The desk is designed with an “L” shaped work area with two levels. The “L” shaped configuration limits the work area, as well as contributing to a setup problem for the student and teacher.
- There are also a number of computer desks in which the monitor is placed below the desk top, employing a glass window or removable cover placed above the monitor so that the monitor remains or can be made visible to the user. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. RE034266 to Schairbaum shows a work station with an underdesk display. U.S. Pat. No. 5,957,059 to Burhman depicts a desk with a work surface that retracts to expose a computer system case and monitor. A hinged panel is manipulated to enable the user to see the viewable surface of the monitor. The foregoing systems are acceptable for cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors because they generate a positive light image which can easily he viewed from any angle.
- However, with the advent of flat panel LCDs, the situation has changed. LCD flat panel displays transmit images in a different manner, requiring the user to view them straight on. The highly directional images and lower light emission levels make it difficult to view an LCD screen through a glass surface or to position the display so that the user can view it straight on in an ergonomic manner.
- LCDs offer many advantages over CRT monitors such as requiring less room and using less energy. There is, therefore, a need for a more functional, ergonomically correct, and convenient multi-use computer workstation accommodating LCDs in which the display may be pivoted from a closed secure position into an ergonomically appropriate open position in front of a user.
- Additionally, due to the increased energy management capabilities of LCDs, when combined with the advantages of a pivoting display mechanism, the workstation is able to provide convenient data security without shutting clown the computer workstation or requiring a lengthy warm-up period before re-accessing the screen. The addition of automatic activation and brightness adjustment upon opening the LCD will increase the display's useful life and make LCD units more appropriate for use in a broad variety of situations such as darkened classroom presentations and work locations where screen brightness may be used to eliminate problems with glare.
- It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a compact, functional, ergonomically correct and convenient multi-use computer workstation in which a pivoting flat panel integral to the work surface rotates a LCD into a vertical position in front of a user.
- It is another object to provide a computer workstation with an integral flat panel as described above in which the pivoting of the flat panel from a closed to an open position is triggered automatically by the user extending a sliding (i.e. pull-out) input device platform.
- It is another object to provide a computer workstation with an integral flat panel as described above with locking sliding (i.e. pull-out) input device platform, and in which the flat panel display (and optionally, integral personal computer) are securely stowed and locked in a closed position until the input device platform is unlocked and extended, thereby providing ample security of the hardware and data therein.
- It is another object to provide a computer workstation with an integral flat panel as described above in which the action of pivoting the flat panel, even when done abusively, from a closed to an open position is controlled so as to protect the delicate circuitry of the equipment and prevent personal injury and/or damage to the workstation, as well as positioning the LCD and flat panel at the ideal angle when open and perfectly level to a work surface when closed.
- It is still another object to provide a computer workstation with a flat panel LCD as described above in which the LCD is automatically pivoted into a viewable position by extending the input device platform, is automatically turned on when it attains the viewing position, and is automatically adjusted for display brightness in accordance with the ambient light conditions in the room.
- According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the above-described and other objects are accomplished by providing a computer workstation having a desktop/work surface defined by a central aperture, and a pivoting, integral LCD support panel positioned in the aperture. A flat panel LCD is mounted on the support panel which is, in turn, affixed to two rotatable shafts. In addition, a sliding input device platform (e.g. keyboard shelf) is mounted on telescoping roller brackets underneath the front end of the work surface. Pivoting lever assemblies include lever arms coupled to the rotatable shafts and links coupled to the roller brackets. A hydraulic damper is coupled at one end to one of the lever arms and slidably attached at the other end in a slotted bracket affixed to the underside of the desktop/work surface. The lever assemblies serve to automatically pivot the LCD support panel to an upright position upon extension of the input device platform. The damper freely extends as the LCD support panel is opened to its upright position, but is engaged as the support panel is closed to bring the support panel and attached LCD to a safe and gentle stop. In this preferred embodiment, the LCD additionally includes a mercury switch for turning the LCD on once it has attained an upright position (i.e. the support panel is in the fully open position), and for turning it off when the support panel is in the closed position.
- As a preferred option, the sliding input device platform includes a locking device which prevents unauthorized access to the input device and to the LCD display to protect the hardware. In addition, it is contemplated that the computer workstation may be integrally incorporated with the display, in which case the locking device prevents unauthorized data access as well. While the locking device may be a simple keylock, the presently preferred embodiment includes a Dialock® system by which multiple computer desks all with pivoting LCD support panels may be centrally unlocked using a single transponder stick inserted in a wall receptacle. This intelligent key system is completely tamper-proof.
- An alternative multi-display embodiment of the present invention incorporates a large tabletop/work surface defined by multiple (i.e. two or more) apertures, with a pivoting, integral LCD support panel positioned in each of the apertures. A flat panel LCD is mounted on each of the support panels and a sliding input device platform is mounted on telescoping roller brackets underneath the edge of the work surface directly in front of each support panel and LCD. The pivoting mechanism for each LCD is as described above, and each LCD may be pivoted to an uptight position; independently of the others, by extending the corresponding input device platform.
- Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment and certain modifications thereof when taken together with the accompanying drawings in which:
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FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of acomputer workstation 10, shown with aLCD support panel 14 in the closed position and a slidinginput device platform 30 in a fully retracted position, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of thecomputer workstation 10 ofFIG. 1 , shown with thesupport panel 14 in a closed position. -
FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of thecomputer workstation 10 ofFIGS. 1 and 2 , shown with thesupport panel 14 in a partially open position. -
FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of thecomputer workstation 10 ofFIGS. 1-3 , shown with thesupport panel 14 and integratedflat panel LCD 60 in a fully open position. -
FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of thecomputer workstation 10 ofFIGS. 1-4 , shown with thesupport panel 14 and integratedflat panel LCD 60 in the fully open position, and the slidinginput device platform 30 in a fully extended position. -
FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of thecomputer workstation 10 ofFIGS. 1-5 , shown with thesupport panel 14 and integratedflat panel LCD 60 in the closed position. -
FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a multi-station computer workstation/conference table 110 shown with twoLCD support panels 114 in an open position, sixsupport panels 115 in a closed position, and two slidinginput device platforms 130 in a fully extended position, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 8 is a system diagram of a Dialock® system by which all of the pivotingLCD support panels multiple computer workstation 10 or in multi-station computer workstations/conference tables 110, as described above, may be centrally locked and/or unlocked using a single transponder stick inserted in awall receptacle 90. -
FIG. 9 is an exploded diagram of the Dialock® locking device which is installed at each of the slidinginput device platforms -
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of acomputer workstation 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Thecomputer workstation 10 generally includes a slidinginput device platform 30 and a pivotingsupport panel 14 in awork surface 12, thesupport panel 14 being adapted to support an integrated flat panel LCD 60 (seeFIG. 5 ) mounted thereon. In accordance with the present invention, a mechanism is provided (described below) by which extension of theinput device platform 30 into a working position (seeFIG. 5 ) automatically and gently rotates theflat panel LCD 60 to a viewable position in front of a user. Additionally, the rotation may automatically turn theLCD 60 on by means of a gravity switch. -
FIGS. 2-4 are side perspective views of thecomputer workstation 10 with thesupport panel 14 and integratedflat panel LCD 60 shown, respectively, in closed, partially open, and fully open positions, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Thecomputer workstation 10 generally includes a desktop/work surface 12 defined by acentral aperture 13 and a pivotingsupport panel 14 for supporting aflat panel LCD 60 positioned within theaperture 13. Thesupport panel 14 sits flush within theaperture 13 of thework surface 12 when it is closed. - The desktop/
work surface 12 sits atop a foundation 11 (seeFIG. 1 ) which is a conventional computer workstation frame bounded on three sides by side walls and having a built-in power strip 19 (seeFIG. 1 ) for powering the computer and other auxiliary/peripheral equipment. The computer CPU (not shown in the Figures) may be a separate component from theflat panel LCD 60, in which case the CPU is stowed in a compartment 18 (seeFIG. 1 ) inside thefoundation 11. Alternatively, the CPU may be integrally built into theflat panel LCD 60. - The
support panel 14 is side-mounted by two, collinear, pivot shafts 46 (secFIG. 6 ) which extend into bearing blocks 44 (seeFIG. 6 ) mounted to thesupport panel 14.Lever assemblies 20, attached to theblocks 44 and thereby engaged with thesupport panel 14, rotate thepanel 14 from a closed position to a fully open position. Thelever assemblies 20 are manually-actuated by theinput device platform 30, which is slidably suspended beneath the front edge of the work surface 12 (onroller brackets 26 which are affixed to the underside of thework surface 12 in a spaced relationship). Eachlever assembly 20 further comprises alever arm 22 and alink 24. Eachlink 24 is pivotally attached at one end to aroller bracket 26 via, for example, ashoulder bolt 50. A hydraulic, double-ended oruni-directional damper 170, commercially available from AVM, Inc. of Marion, S.C. (i.e. as part/model no. sd200acjps006), is pivotally attached via a block/pin assembly 174 and a spring 175 to one of thelever arms 22 and slidably attached via a second block/pin assembly 176 to a slottedbracket 180 affixed to the underside of the desktop/work surface 12. With thesupport panel 14 in the closed position ofFIG. 2 , the spring 175 is fully compressed and the damper'sshaft 172 is fully retracted with the block/pin assembly 176 positioned at the back end of theslot 182 formed in thebracket 180. - The
support panel 14 is pivoted to the partially open position ofFIG. 3 by pulling theinput device platform 30 out from under the front edge of thework surface 12. This action extends (i.e. telescopes outward) the tworoller brackets 26 simultaneously. Movement of theroller brackets 26 then begins to draw thelinks 24 outward. The other ends oflinks 24 are pivotally attached to one end of thelever arms 22. Therefore, aslinks 24 move in response to the movement of theinput device platform 30,lever arms 22 are pulled forward and slightly downward. Leverarms 22 in turn, via fixed attachments to bearing blocks 44 (seeFIG. 6 ), rotate thesupport panel 14 from the closed position ofFIG. 2 to the partially open position ofFIG. 3 . As thelever arms 22 respond to the extension of theinput device platform 30, the spring 175 first begins to extend before eventually setting thedamper 170 into motion. Movement of thedamper 170 then causes the block/pin assembly 176 to traverse theslot 182 in thebracket 180. -
FIG. 4 shows thecomputer workstation 10 with thesupport panel 14 in a fully open position due to the complete extension of theinput device platform 30. Thelever assemblies 20 are fully engaged with thesupport panel 14 to rotate it to an approximately 80 degree vertical upright position (the angular position is a matter of design choice). It can now be seen that aflat panel LCD 60 is fixedly mounted to the underside ofsupport panel 14. - As the
support panel 14 opens (i.e. rotates between the partially open position ofFIG. 3 and the fully open position ofFIG. 4 ), the block/pin assembly 176 traverses (left to right) theslot 182 in thebracket 180. However, the block/pin assembly 176 reaches the forward end of theslot 182 before thesupport panel 14 reaches its fully open position. When the motion of the block/pin assembly 176 is halted at the forward end of theslot 182, theshaft 172 of thedamper 170 is freely extended as thesupport panel 14 opening process is completed. The extension of theshaft 172 in this manner readies thedamper 170 for operation during the closing of thesupport panel 14. The damped movement of thesupport panel 14 during the closing process occurs in the following manner. - As the
support panel 14 is returned to the closed position ofFIG. 2 , the block/pin assembly 176 traverses (right to left) theslot 182 in thebracket 180 and reaches the back end of theslot 182 before thepanel 14 reaches the closed position. When the motion of the block/pin assembly 176 is halted at the back end of theslot 182, theshaft 172 of thedamper 170 is pushed into the damper's body, thereby engaging the its internal, unidirectional motion damping system to bring thesupport panel 14 and attachedLCD 60 to a safe and gentle stop in the closed position. - The spring 175 creates a minimal amount of
shaft 172 extension just as the opening process commences (seeFIG. 3 ). This minimal amount ofshaft 172 extension, generating a small amount of motion damping capability in thedamper 170, is a safety feature designed to prevent thesupport panel 14 from slamming shut should the opening process be accidentally aborted prior to completion (e.g. a user inadvertently letting go of theinput device platform 30 when the support panel is in the position shown inFIG. 3 , whereupon gravity would act to return the panel to the closed position ofFIG. 2 ). - A
stop bracket 42 is secured by, for example, a plurality of screws to the underside of thework surface 12 along the front edge of theaperture 13. Thestop bracket 42 extends into the aperture 13 a short distance to limit the rotation of thesupport panel 14 and attachedLCD 60, thereby ensuring thatsupport panel 14 comes to rest flush with thework surface 12 when thedesk 10 is closed (as inFIG. 2 ). - The
LCD 60 is preferably a 15″-20″ flat panel LCD with a power cord that plugs into the power strip resident in thecomputer workstation 10. TheLCD 60 is conventional in most respects, but also includes an OEM-supplied and retrofitted mercury switch 62 (seeFIG. 5 ) for selectively applying power to the unit dependent on its orientation. Themercury switch 62 is mounted such that power is supplied to theLCD 60 when it is positioned at approximately an 80 degree upright angular orientation. -
FIGS. 1 and 5 are front perspective views of thecomputer workstation 10 shown with thesupport panel 14 in the closed and fully open positions, respectively, and theinput device platform 30 in the fully retracted and extended positions, respectively. -
FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of thecomputer workstation 10, shown with thesupport panel 14 and integratedflat panel LCD 60 in the closed position, which further illustrates thelever assemblies 20. Thelever assemblies 20 on either side are identical, and only one need be explained in detail. As explained previously, thesupport panel 14 is side-mounted by ashaft 46. Eachshaft 46 extends into abearing block 44 at one end and a mountingblock 48 at the other end. The bearingblock 44 is rotatably engaged with theshaft 46 and is anchored to thesupport panel 14 by, for example, a plurality of screws. The mountingblock 48 is fixedly attached to theshaft 46 and is mounted to the underside of thework surface 12 by, for example, a plurality of screws. At a point between the twoblocks lever arm 22 is fixedly attached to thebearing block 44 and extends rearwardly and slightly downwardly therefrom. The other end oflever arm 22 is pivotally attached athinge 40 to one end oflink 24 as shown. The other end oflink 24 is, in turn, pivotally attached to aroller bracket 26 via a hinge 50 (i.e. shoulder bolt) such that inward or outward movement of theinput device platform 30 telescopes theroller bracket 26 and operates thelever arm 22 andlink 24, thereby pivoting thesupport panel 14. The commercially-availablehydraulic damper 170 is, via itsshaft 172, pivotally attached by a block/pin assembly 174 and a spring 175 to one of thelever arms 22 and slidably attached via a second block/pin assembly 176 to a slottedbracket 180 affixed to the underside of the desktop/work surface 12. - The foregoing
computer workstation 10 serves to automatically pivot thesupport panel 14, positioned in thework surface 12, and the attachedflat panel LCD 60 into a vertical position in front of a user. Theflat panel LCD 60 moves from a closed to an exposed position and is powered automatically when the user extends the slidingkeyboard shelf 30. Themercury switch 62 in theLCD 60 closes upon attaining a substantially upright position, thereby ensuring that theLCD 60 is on only when desired. -
FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Amulti-station computer workstation 110, or conference table, incorporates a tabletop/work surface 112 defined by two ormore apertures 113, with a pivoting, integralLCD support panel apertures 113. The eight-station embodiment ofFIG. 7 shows twoLCD support panels 114 in an open position and sixsupport panels 115 in a closed position. Eachsupport panel 115 sits flush within theaperture 113 of thework surface 112 when it is closed. Thework surface 112 sits atop a conventionalconference table foundation 111. A plurality of built-in power strips (not shown inFIG. 7 ) for powering multiple computers and other auxiliary/peripheral equipment are affixed to thefoundation 111. The computer CPUs (not shown inFIG. 7 ) may be separate components from theflat panel LCDs 160, in which case the CPUs are stowed in compartments (not shown inFIG. 7 ) inside thefoundation 111. Alternatively, the CPU may be integrally built into theflat panel LCD 160. - Each of the
support panels FIGS. 1-6 (i.e. utilizing the combination of twolever assemblies 20 and a hydraulic damper 170).Flat panel LCDs 160 are fixedly mounted to the underside ofsupport panels input device platform 130 is mounted ontelescoping roller brackets 126 underneath the edge of thework surface 112 directly in front of eachsupport panel LCD 160.FIG. 7 shows thecomputer workstation 110 with the twosupport panels 114 in a fully open position (i.e. an 80 degree vertical upright position) due to the complete extension of the corresponding input device platforms 130 (supporting computer keyboards 132). Stop brackets (not shown inFIG. 7 ) secured by, for example, a plurality of screws to the underside of thework surface 112 along the front edge of theaperture 113. Each stop bracket extends into the corresponding aperture 113 a short distance to limit the rotation of thesupport panel LCD 160, thereby ensuring thatsupport panel work surface 112 when thedesk 110 is closed (see specifically, support panels 115). - As above, each
LCD 160 is preferably a 15″-20″ flat panel LCD with a power cord that plugs into one of the power strips resident in thecomputer desk 110. TheLCD 160 is conventional in most respects, but also includes an OEM-supplied, or retrofitted, mercury switch (not shown inFIG. 7 ) for selectively applying power to the unit dependant on its orientation. The mercury switch is mounted such that power is supplied to theLCD 160 when it is positioned at approximately an 80 degree upright angular orientation. - The foregoing alternative computer workstation/conference table 110 allows one or more users to automatically pivot a
support panel flat panel LCD 160 into a vertical, viewable position. EachLCD 160 may be pivoted from a closed to an exposed position and be powered automatically, independently of the others, by extending the correspondinginput device platform 130. The mercury switch in eachLCD 160 closes upon attaining a substantially upright position, thereby ensuring that anLCD 160 is on only when desired. - As a preferred option, the sliding
input device platforms FIGS. 1-7 , are each equipped with a locking device, which prevents unauthorized access to the keyboard and theLCD display multiple computer workstations 10 all with pivotingLCD support panels 14 may be centrally unlocked using a single transponder stick inserted in a wall receptacle. This particular intelligent key system is commercially-available and completely tamper-proof. The Dialock® system is incorporated as follows. -
FIG. 8 is a system diagram of a Dialock® system by which all of the pivotingLCD support panels multiple computer workstations 10 or in multi-station computer workstations/conference tables 110, as described above, may be centrally locked and/or unlocked using a single transponder stick inserted in awall receptacle 90. The system generally includes a programmablecentral controller 70, a wall-mount receptacle 90 connected to thecentral controller 70 for insertion of a key-transponder, and multiple remote lock assemblies 80 a-d connected to thecentral controller 70. The lock assemblies 80 a-d are installed proximate each of the slidinginput device platforms LCDs receptacle 90. All of the foregoing components are commercially available from The Häfele Group. -
FIG. 9 is an exploded diagram of one of the Dialock® remote lock assemblies 80 a-d (seeFIG. 8 ) installed at each of the slidinginput device platforms shaft 92 which is secured to the inside edge of the slidinginput device platform 30, 130 (by screws), a reinforcingreceptacle plate 93 which is secured inside acomputer workstation 10, or a multi-station computer workstation/conference table 110, in a position corresponding to the closed position of the slidinginput device platforms electronic lock 94 which is secured to and behindreceptacle plate 93. When the lockingshaft 92 is inserted into theelectronic lock 94 by closure of the slidinginput device platforms 30, 130 (and commensurate closure of the correspondingLCDs 60, 160), theelectronic lock 94 locks it in the closed position subject to keyed access at receptacle 90 (seeFIG. 8 ). This option allowsmultiple computer workstations 10 all with pivotingLCD support panels 14 to be centrally unlocked using a single transponder stick inserted inwall receptacle 90, and renders the enclosed keyboard and LCD completely tamper-proof. - Having now fully set forth the preferred embodiments and certain modifications of the concept underlying the present invention, various other embodiments as well as certain variations and modifications of the embodiments herein shown and described will obviously occur to those skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with said underlying concept. It is to be understood, therefore, that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically set forth herein.
Claims (19)
1. A workstation adapted to support a flat panel display, comprising:
a foundation;
a work surface fixedly attached to said foundation and defined by an aperture; a display support panel movably mounted in said aperture;
an input device platform movably attached to a side of said work surface;
a lever mechanism coupled between said input device platform and said support panel for automatically moving said support panel open and to an upright position upon extension of said input device platform, and for automatically moving said LCD support panel to a closed position upon retraction of said input device platform.
2. The workstation according to claim 1 , further comprising a motion damping cylinder pivotally attached between said lever assembly and to the underside of said work surface for bringing said display support panel to a gentle stop at a closed position.
3. The workstation according to claim 1 , further comprising a stop bracket fixedly mounted in said aperture for limiting movement of said support panel.
4. The workstation according to claim 1 , further comprising a LCD fixedly attached to said support panel.
5. The workstation according to claim 1 , wherein said display support panel is mounted in said aperture on opposing pivot shafts.
6. The workstation according to claim 5 , wherein said pivot shafts rotatably engage two respective bearing blocks fixedly attached to said underside of said work surface.
7. The workstation according to claim 4 , wherein said LCD further comprises a mercury switch for automatically applying power to said LCD upon said support panel attaining an open, upright position.
8. The workstation according to claim 1 , wherein said input device platform is slidably mounted to an underside of said work surface by opposing roller brackets.
9. The workstation according to claim 8 , wherein said opposing roller brackets further comprise two telescoping roller brackets.
10. The workstation according to claim 9 , wherein said lever mechanism comprises two opposing lever assemblies each connected between one of said roller brackets and a side of said support panel.
11. The workstation according to claim 10 , wherein each of said lever assemblies further comprises a lever arm and a link pivotally attached together.
12. The workstation according to claim 1 , further comprising a lock for locking said keyboard shelf in a closed position.
13. The workstation according to claim 12 , wherein said lock is an electronic lock.
14. A workstation/conference table adapted for supporting one or more integrated flat panel displays, comprising:
a foundation;
a work surface fixedly attached to said foundation and defined by a plurality of apertures;
a plurality of display support panels, each of said support panels being movably mounted in a corresponding one of said apertures;
a plurality of input device platforms each being movably mounted on roller brackets to a side of said work surface and in front of said apertures;
a plurality of lever assemblies each coupled between an input device platform and a display support panel for selectively and automatically pivoting said support panel open upon extension of the corresponding input device platform; and closed upon retraction of the corresponding input device platform.
15. The workstation/conference table according to claim 14 , further comprising a plurality of motion damping cylinders each pivotally attached between a corresponding lever assembly and the underside of said work surface for bringing a display support panel to a gentle stop at a closed position.
16. The workstation/conference table according to claim 14 , wherein said input device platforms are each slidably mounted to an underside of said work surface by a set of roller brackets.
17. The workstation/conference table according to claim 16 , wherein each set of roller brackets further comprise two telescoping, roller brackets.
18. The workstation/conference table according to claim 14 , further comprising a lock for locking said input device platform in a closed position.
19. The workstation/conference table according to claim 18 , wherein said lock is an electronic lock.
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Also Published As
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US7047890B2 (en) | 2006-05-23 |
US20040123782A1 (en) | 2004-07-01 |
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