Integrated flat panel workstation system

a flat panel workstation and integrated technology, applied in the field of computer workstations, can solve the problems of limiting the work area, affecting the setup of students and teachers, and unable to view the lcd screen through the glass surface or position the display,

Inactive Publication Date: 2006-08-24
TECHN FURNTITURE GRP
View PDF40 Cites 17 Cited by
  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] 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.
[0013] 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.
[0014] 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.

Problems solved by technology

The “L” shaped configuration limits the work area, as well as contributing to a setup problem for the student and teacher.
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.

Method used

the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
View more

Image

Smart Image Click on the blue labels to locate them in the text.
Viewing Examples
Smart Image
  • Integrated flat panel workstation system
  • Integrated flat panel workstation system
  • Integrated flat panel workstation system

Examples

Experimental program
Comparison scheme
Effect test

Embodiment Construction

[0029]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. In accordance with the present invention, 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.

[0030]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...

the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
Login to view more

PUM

No PUM Login to view more

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

CROSS-REFERENCE TO. RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application derives priority from U.S. provisional application No. 60 / 436,515 for INTEGRATED FLAT PANEL DESK SYSTEM; filed: 27 Dec. 2002.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] 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). [0004] 2. Description of the Background [0005] 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 computer...

Claims

the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
Login to view more

Application Information

Patent Timeline
no application Login to view more
Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): A47B37/00A47B21/00
CPCA47B21/0073A47B2021/0076
Inventor STENGEL, PETER J.WHITE, THOMAS
Owner TECHN FURNTITURE GRP
Who we serve
  • R&D Engineer
  • R&D Manager
  • IP Professional
Why Eureka
  • Industry Leading Data Capabilities
  • Powerful AI technology
  • Patent DNA Extraction
Social media
Try Eureka
PatSnap group products