Auxiliary monitor that can be converted into a tablet

Abstract

According to aspects of the present disclosure, an auxiliary monitor is provided. The auxiliary monitor includes: a bracket, the bracket including at least one guide rail, one or more coupling elements coupled to the bracket and configured to be coupled to a computer; and a display portion. The display portion includes a communication interface configured to be communicatively coupled to the computer, at least one display screen configured to display output information, and at least one hinge configured to be slidably coupled to at least one guide rail and configured to allow the display portion to rotate relative to the bracket.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62 / 664,488, filed on April 30, 2018, entitled “TABLETIZABLE AUXILIARY MONITOR,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to computer monitors and, more particularly, to auxiliary laptop computer monitors. Summary of the invention

[0004] Aspects and embodiments disclosed herein relate to an auxiliary monitor. The auxiliary monitor includes: a stand including at least one rail, one or more coupling elements coupled to the stand and configured to be coupled to a computer; and a display portion. The display portion includes a communication interface configured to be communicatively coupled to the computer, at least one display screen configured to display output information, and at least one hinge configured to be slidably coupled to at least one rail and configured to allow the display portion to rotate relative to the stand.

[0005] In some embodiments, the computer is at least one of a laptop and a tablet. In at least one embodiment, each of the one or more coupling elements includes a sticky side coupled to the bracket and a magnetic side configured to removably couple to the computer. In an embodiment, the communication interface includes a wired communication port. In some embodiments, the wired communication port is one of a USB-A connection, a USB-C connection, a Micro-USB connection, and a Mini-USB connection. In one embodiment, the bracket includes at least one notch having a length greater than or equal to a length of the display portion.

[0006] In at least one embodiment, at least one display screen is further configured to receive input information from a user. In an embodiment, the bracket includes a first rail and a second rail, and the display portion includes a first hinge configured to be coupled to the first rail and a second hinge configured to be coupled to the second rail. In some embodiments, the display portion is configured to rotate up to about 270° around at least one hinge. In at least one embodiment, the display portion includes at least one cover.

[0007] According to one aspect, an auxiliary display system is provided. The auxiliary display system includes a laptop computer and an auxiliary monitor. The laptop computer includes a first communication interface, a main display screen, and a backplane surface. The auxiliary monitor includes a bracket configured to be coupled to the backplane surface of the laptop computer, and a display portion configured to be slidably and rotatably coupled to the bracket. The display portion includes a second communication interface configured to be communicatively coupled to the first communication interface, and at least one auxiliary display screen configured to display output information and receive input information.

[0008] In one embodiment, the display portion includes a tablet computer. In some embodiments, the laptop computer is configured to enter a sleep state in response to being closed, and wherein the auxiliary display is configured to display output information and receive input information while the laptop computer is in the sleep state. In at least one embodiment, the auxiliary monitor is configured to enter a sleep state in response to detecting that at least one auxiliary display screen is in a fully closed position. In one embodiment, the first communication interface is one of a USB-A connection, a USB-C connection, a Micro-USB connection, and a Mini-USB connection.

[0009] In at least one embodiment, the bracket includes a first rail and a second rail, and the auxiliary monitor includes a first hinge configured to be coupled to the first rail and a second hinge configured to be coupled to the second rail. In some embodiments, the auxiliary monitor is configured to rotate approximately 270° about the first hinge and the second hinge. In an embodiment, the bracket is configured to be coupled to a back panel of a laptop computer via at least one magnet. In one embodiment, the at least one magnet includes a sticky side coupled to the bracket and a magnetic side configured to be removably coupled to the laptop computer. In some embodiments, the bracket includes at least one notch having a length greater than or equal to the length of the auxiliary monitor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Various aspects of at least one embodiment are discussed below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not intended to be drawn to scale. The accompanying drawings are included to provide illustration and further understanding of the various aspects and embodiments, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification, but are not intended as a definition of the limitations of any particular embodiment. The accompanying drawings, together with the rest of the specification, are used to explain the principles and operation of the described and claimed aspects and embodiments. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component shown in various figures is represented by the same number. For clarity, not every component is labeled in every figure. In the drawings:

[0011] Figure 1A shows a rear perspective view of an auxiliary display system in a closed configuration according to an embodiment;

[0012] Figure 1B shows a rear view of an auxiliary display system in a closed configuration according to an embodiment;

[0013] Figure 1C shows a front view of an auxiliary display system in a closed configuration according to an embodiment;

[0014] Figure 1D shows a side view of an auxiliary display system in a closed configuration according to an embodiment;

[0015] Figure 2A shows a front perspective view of an auxiliary display system in an open configuration according to an embodiment;

[0016] Figure 2B shows a rear view of an auxiliary display system in an open configuration according to an embodiment;

[0017] Figure 3 shows a front perspective view of an auxiliary display system according to an embodiment;

[0018] Figure 4A shows a rear perspective view of an auxiliary monitor in a flat panel configuration according to an embodiment;

[0019] Figure 4B shows a top view of an auxiliary monitor in a flat panel configuration according to an embodiment;

[0020] Figure 5 shows an exploded view of an auxiliary monitor according to an embodiment;

[0021] Figure 6 shows a rear perspective view of an auxiliary monitor according to an embodiment;

[0022] Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of an auxiliary monitor according to an embodiment;

[0023] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of an auxiliary monitor according to an embodiment;

[0024] Fig.9A shows a side view of a hinge assembly according to an embodiment;

[0025] Fig. 9B shows a front view of a hinge assembly according to an embodiment;

[0026] Fig. 9C shows a perspective view of a hinge assembly according to an embodiment;

[0027] Fig.10 shows a perspective view of a hinge assembly connected to a track according to an embodiment;

[0028] Fig.11shows a side view of a hinge assembly according to an embodiment; and

[0029] Fig.12 An exploded view of a hinge assembly according to an embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Conventional laptop computers typically include a display screen that provides output information to a user, and the size of the display screen is determined at least in part for the purpose of optimizing user enjoyment. For example, while many users value the compactness and portability of a laptop computer, which may require a reduced display screen size, users also value a display screen that is large enough to allow the user to comfortably view the displayed information. Therefore, there is an inherent contradiction in selecting a display screen size for a laptop computer with a single screen.

[0031] The design conflicts associated with the implementation of a single screen can be circumvented by adding a second auxiliary screen that is communicatively coupled to the notebook computer. For example, the second auxiliary screen can be removably coupled to the back panel of the primary notebook screen. In use, the user can slide out or otherwise extend the auxiliary screen from a closed state and position the auxiliary screen in a desired orientation.

[0032] Adding a second auxiliary screen coupled to the backplate of the main notebook screen avoids many of the design tradeoffs associated with increasing the size of a single screen. The screen area of ​​modern laptop display screens is typically much larger than the screen thickness. Thus, while increasing the area of ​​a single display screen produces a proportional increase in the amount of information conveyed by the display screen, adding a second auxiliary screen affixed to the backplate of the main display screen provides approximately twice the information at the expense of a relatively small increase in thickness. Thus, adding a second auxiliary screen produces a significant increase in information density (i.e., the amount of information conveyed relative to the physical footprint of the notebook) compared to increasing the size of a single main notebook screen.

[0033] Additionally, in some embodiments, the user can position the secondary screen so that the display screen is antiparallel to the primary display screen and parallel to the backplane of the display screen. In this configuration, the secondary screen can be configured to function similarly to a tablet computer that can display output information and can receive input information including input from a user touch, input from a stylus, etc.

[0034] Figure 1A A perspective view of a laptop computer 100 in combination with an auxiliary monitor 102 in a closed position is shown according to one embodiment. The auxiliary monitor 102 may be configured to be removably coupled to a back panel 104 of the computer 100. The auxiliary monitor 102 may further be configured to be communicatively coupled to the laptop computer 100 via a wired connection 106.

[0035] The laptop computer 100 includes a keyboard portion 101 and a wired communication port 103. The auxiliary monitor 102 includes a display portion 108, a first rail 110a, a second rail 110b, and a wired communication port 112. The display portion 108 is generally configured to display information for viewing by a user. In some embodiments, the display portion 108 is configured to receive input information, including, for example, touch input from a user's finger, input from a stylus operated by a user, and the like.

[0036] exist Figure 1A In the illustrated embodiment, the display portion 108 is in a closed position so that the screen of the display portion 108 is not visible to the user. The first rail 110a and the second rail 110b are configured to allow the display portion 108 to slide in either direction of at least one dimension. The wired communication port 112 is configured to be coupled to the wired connection 106 to establish communication with the wired communication port 103. For example, the wired communication port 103 and the wired communication port 112 can be configured according to one of several standards, including DisplayPort, Mini DisplayPort, HDMI, VGA, DVI, USB-A, USB-C, Micro-USB, mini-USB, etc. In some embodiments, the wired communication port 103 is configured according to the USB-C standard, the wired communication port 112 is configured according to the USB-A standard, and the wired connection 106 includes a USB-A to USB-C connection standard.

[0037] Figure 1B A rear view of a laptop computer 100 is shown in combination with an auxiliary monitor 102 in a closed position, according to an embodiment. Figure 1C A front view of a laptop computer 100 is shown in combination with a secondary monitor 102 (not visible) in a closed position, according to an embodiment. The laptop computer 100 includes a primary screen 105 configured to display output information to a user. Figure 1D A side view of a laptop computer 100 in combination with an auxiliary monitor 102 in a closed position is shown according to an embodiment.

[0038] As in Figure 1B and 1C As illustrated in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the diagonal screen measurement of the secondary monitor 102 is smaller than the diagonal screen measurement of the primary screen 105. Therefore, the addition of the secondary monitor 102 does not increase the area occupied by the notebook computer 100. Figure 1C When viewed from an angle, the area of ​​the main screen 105 is not affected by the auxiliary monitor 102. Figure 1D As shown, the thickness of the auxiliary monitor 102 adds a relatively small increase to the overall thickness when coupled to the notebook computer 100 .

[0039] For example, in some embodiments, the secondary monitor 102 can have a thickness of approximately 0.34 inches. The diagonal screen measurement of the display portion 108 can be selected based on the diagonal screen measurement of the laptop computer 100 display screen. For example, in some embodiments, for a laptop computer screen having a diagonal screen measurement of approximately 13.3 inches, the display portion 108 can have a diagonal screen measurement of approximately 12.5 inches. It should be understood that the display portion 108 can be manufactured to have any desired diagonal screen measurement, and the foregoing values ​​are not meant to be limiting. For example, the display portion 108 can have a diagonal screen measurement that is greater than the diagonal screen measurement of the screen of the laptop computer to which the display portion 108 is attached.

[0040] Figure 2A A perspective view of a laptop computer 100 in combination with a secondary monitor 102 in an "open position" is shown according to an embodiment. According to at least one example, the secondary monitor 102 is in the open position when the display portion 108 is at least partially visible to at least one user. For example, the secondary monitor 102 can be at least partially visible when the display portion 108 is at least partially slid out from behind the primary screen 105.

[0041] Figure 2B A rear view of a laptop computer 100 in combination with an auxiliary monitor 102 in an open position is shown according to an embodiment. The display portion 108 can be considered to be in a "fully open" position, which is defined by the display portion 108 being fully extended in one dimension along the rails 110a, 110b. In other words, the display portion 108 is in a fully open position when the display portion 108 cannot slide any further in one direction along the rails 110a, 110b. In some embodiments, the display portion 108 can be considered to be in a "partially open" position when the display portion 108 is between the closed position and the fully open position and can be further extended and retracted in at least one direction.

[0042] The secondary monitor 102 may be configured to enter a sleep state in response to determining that the secondary monitor 102 is in a particular position. The sleep state may include, for example, implementing a reduced set of functions, disabling the display portion 108 from receiving or displaying information, etc. For example, the secondary monitor 102 may be configured to enter a sleep state and disabling the display portion 108 from displaying information in response to determining that the display portion 108 is in a closed position, and may be configured to re-enable the display portion 108 to display information in response to determining that the display portion 108 has slid into one of a partially open position and a fully open position.

[0043] Figure 3A perspective view of a laptop computer 100 in combination with a secondary monitor 102 in an open, "non-parallel" configuration is shown according to an embodiment. According to at least one example, the secondary monitor 102 is in the non-parallel configuration when the display portion 108 is rotated to an orientation that is not parallel or anti-parallel to the screen of the laptop computer 100. In at least one example, the secondary monitor 102 is in the parallel configuration and is parallel to the primary screen 105 when the display portion 108 is not rotated relative to the closed position.

[0044] In some embodiments, the display portion 108 can be rotated approximately 90 degrees relative to the parallel configuration toward the primary screen 105. The display portion 108 can be rotated approximately 180° relative to the parallel configuration away from the primary screen 105 so that the display portion 108 is anti-parallel to the primary screen 105. In some embodiments, when the display portion 108 is anti-parallel to the primary screen 105, the secondary monitor 102 is considered to be in a “flatbed” configuration.

[0045] Figure 4A A rear perspective view of a laptop computer 100 is shown in combination with an auxiliary monitor 102 in a tablet configuration according to an embodiment. Figure 4B A top view of a laptop computer 100 in combination with an auxiliary monitor 102 in a tablet configuration is shown according to another embodiment. In some embodiments, the auxiliary monitor 102 is flush with the rails 110a, 110b in the tablet configuration (i.e., the rails 110a, 110b and the display portion 108 extend an equal distance from the back panel 104).

[0046] like Figure 4A and 4B As shown, the display portion 108 is antiparallel to the main screen 105 in the tablet configuration. The tablet configuration can be considered particularly advantageous in various situations, including situations where the auxiliary monitor 102 is used in a manner similar to a tablet computer. In at least one embodiment, the functionality of the auxiliary monitor 102 does not change regardless of the orientation of the display portion 108. The auxiliary monitor 102 can be capable of receiving input information (e.g., from a stylus) and providing output information (e.g., displaying a video) in any configuration and orientation. However, for certain tasks, such as writing on the display portion 108 with a stylus, the user may consider the tablet configuration to be more advantageous than other configurations because the tablet configuration provides the user with an ergonomic and stable work surface.

[0047] Although Figure 4A and 4BThe laptop computer 100 is shown in an open configuration (i.e., a configuration in which the primary screen 105 is not anti-parallel to the keyboard portion 101), and the secondary monitor 102 can also be operated in a tablet configuration when the laptop computer is in a closed configuration (i.e., a configuration in which the primary screen 105 is anti-parallel to the keyboard portion 101).

[0048] The laptop computer 100 may be configured to enter a sleep state in response to detecting that the laptop computer is in a closed configuration. In some embodiments, the laptop computer 100 is configured to implement a reduced set of functions in the sleep state. In other embodiments, the laptop computer 100 may prohibit the primary screen 105 from displaying output information in the sleep state. Even when the laptop computer 100 is in the sleep state, the auxiliary monitor 102 can operate normally by receiving input information and displaying output information.

[0049] Now refer to Figure 5-7 Auxiliary monitor 102 is described in more detail. Figure 5 An exploded view of the auxiliary monitor 102 according to an embodiment is shown. The auxiliary monitor 102 generally includes a mounting portion 114 and a display portion 108. The mounting portion 114 includes a coupling element 116 and a bracket 118. The display portion 108 includes a front cover 120, a display screen 122, a printed circuit board (PCB) 124, and a back cover 126. In some embodiments, the front cover 120 and the display screen 122 can include a single entity and are identified as separate elements only for the purpose of illustration.

[0050] The coupling element 116 is configured to couple the auxiliary monitor 102 to the notebook computer 100, as discussed in more detail below. The bracket 118 is configured to be slidably and rotatably coupled to the display portion 108, as discussed in more detail below. The front cover 120 and the back cover 126 are configured to encapsulate the display screen 122 to prevent damage and displacement of the display screen 122. The front cover 120 can be constructed of a conductive material that enables a touch input on a first side of the front cover 120 to be sensed by the display screen 122 on a second side of the front cover 120. For example, the front cover 120 can be constructed of a conductive glass material.

[0051] The display screen 122 is configured to receive input information, such as touch input, and provide output information, such as a video display, as discussed in more detail below. The display screen 122 may also be configured to receive one or more control signals from the PCB 124. The PCB 124 may be configured to transmit one or more control signals to the display screen 122 based on the position, orientation, or configuration of the display portion 108. For example, in response to determining that the display portion 108 is in the closed position, the PCB 124 may transmit a sleep signal to the display screen 122.

[0052] In some embodiments, PCB 124 may be further configured to transmit one or more control signals to laptop computer 100. For example, PCB 124 may be configured to receive a first set of one or more signals indicating a touch input on display screen 122, and transmit a second set of one or more signals (e.g., derived from the first set of one or more signals) to laptop computer 100.

[0053] As described above, the rear cover 126 is configured to prevent damage and displacement of the display screen 122. The rear cover 126 is also configured to interface with the bracket 118 to allow the display portion 108 to be slidably connected to the bracket 118, as discussed in more detail below.

[0054] The coupling element 116 will now be described in more detail. As described above, the coupling element 116 is configured to connect the auxiliary monitor 102 to the laptop computer 100. For example, the coupling element 116 can be a sticky magnet having a sticky side and a magnetic side. For example, the sticky side can include a chemical that binds one or more objects together and resists physical separation of the objects, such as glue. The sticky side can be coupled to the bracket 118, and the magnetic side can be configured to couple with a corresponding magnetic surface. For example, the laptop computer 100 can be coupled to one or more sticky magnets, each of which has an adhesive side that couples to the laptop computer 100 and a magnetic side that is configured to couple to a corresponding coupling element of the coupling element 116.

[0055] The implementation of adhesive magnets for the coupling element 116 allows the auxiliary monitor 102 to be removably coupled to the laptop computer 100. The magnetic strength of the magnets can be selected so that the auxiliary monitor 102 cannot be inadvertently disconnected from the laptop computer 100, while allowing the user to disconnect the auxiliary monitor 102 from the laptop computer 100 by pulling the auxiliary monitor 102 away from the laptop computer 100.

[0056] In other embodiments, the coupling element 116 may not be a sticky magnet. For example, the coupling element 116 may have a sticky side and a hook-and-loop side, respectively, so that the auxiliary monitor 102 can be removably coupled to the laptop computer 100. In other examples, both sides of the coupling element 116 may be sticky. In still other embodiments, the coupling element 116 may include two or more of the foregoing examples. It should be understood that although four coupling elements 116 are shown, any number of coupling elements may be applied in other embodiments.

[0057] The bracket 118 will now be discussed in more detail. The bracket 118 includes a first rail 110a, a second rail 110b, and a notch 128. As described above, the first rail 110a and the second rail 110b are configured to be coupled to the display portion 108 to allow the display portion 108 to slide relative to the bracket 118. The notch 128 is a cutout of the bracket 118 to provide any clearance required for the display portion 108 to rotate freely. For example, the notch 128 can be as long as or longer than the length of the display portion 108 and as wide as or wider than the thickness of the display portion 108.

[0058] Figure 6 1 shows a rear perspective view of the auxiliary monitor 102 according to an embodiment. Figure 6 As shown, the bracket 118 includes a groove 130 in the second guide rail 110b to slidably couple with the display portion 108. For example, the display portion 108 may include a protrusion configured to protrude into the groove 130 and slide along the groove. In some embodiments, the first guide rail 110a may include a similar groove (not shown) configured to slidably couple with the second protrusion of the display portion 108.

[0059] The display screen 122 will now be discussed in more detail. The display screen 122 can be configured to receive input information and provide output information. For example, in some embodiments, the display screen 122 can be implemented as a tablet computer. In order to receive input information, the display screen 122 can include a touch-sensitive surface configured to respond to touch input from a user's finger, stylus, etc. For example, as described above, the front cover 120 can be a part of the display screen 122 and can serve as a touch-sensitive surface for the display screen 122. In order to provide output information, the display screen 122 can display information to the user, similar to a computer monitor.

[0060] The display screen 122 may also include a wired or wireless communication interface for exchanging information with one or more computers. For example, the display screen 122 may include a communication interface for exchanging information with the laptop computer 100, where the information provided by the laptop computer 100 indicates the display information to be output by the display portion 108.

[0061] In at least one embodiment, the wired communication interface is embodied by the wired communication port 112. The wired communication port 112 enables the display screen 122 to exchange information with the laptop computer 100 via the wired connection 106. In some embodiments, the display screen 122 may include a wireless communication interface instead of or in addition to the wired communication interface. For example, the display screen 122 may include a wireless communication interface configured to enable wireless communication with the laptop computer 100.

[0062] In some embodiments, the display screen 122 may include a controller. The controller may be configured to generate one or more control signals to control the operation of the display screen 122. For example, the controller may generate one or more control signals to display output information on the display screen 122 in response to input information received by the display screen 122 from, for example, the PCB 124. In some embodiments, the controller operates in conjunction with the laptop computer 100. In other embodiments, the controller operates without communicating with the laptop computer 100. In still other embodiments, the display screen 122 may not include a controller, but may receive control signals only from at least one of the laptop computer 100 and the PCB 124.

[0063] The rear cover 126 will now be discussed in more detail. The rear cover 126 is configured to be coupled to the display screen 122 and includes a first hinge 132a and a second hinge 132b configured to be coupled to the bracket 118. The hinges 132a, 132b can be configured to protrude into the guide rails 110a, 110b of the bracket 118, respectively. In some embodiments, the hinges 132a, 132b can be configured to directly slide in contact with the guide rails 110a, 110b.

[0064] Figure 7 1 shows a side cross-sectional view of the auxiliary monitor 102 according to an embodiment. The second hinge 134b can protrude into the groove 130 of the second rail 110b, and the first hinge 134a can protrude into a similar groove of the first rail 110a. The hinges 132a, 132b can be configured so that when the display portion 108 is in a fully open position (i.e., the display portion 108 slides as far as possible in one direction), the display portion 108 can be rotated about the hinges 132a, 132b to a desired orientation.

[0065] An optional coupling mechanism between the rear cover 126 and the bracket 118 is intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the foregoing description notes that the hinges 132a, 132b can be configured to be in direct sliding contact with the guide rails 110a, 110b, in alternative embodiments, other sliding mechanisms can be applied. For example, ball bearings can be applied to facilitate sliding between the hinges 132a, 132b and the guide rails 110a, 110b. In other examples, roller mechanisms can be applied to facilitate sliding between the hinges 132a, 132b and the guide rails 110a, 110b. As discussed in more detail below, in alternative embodiments, alternative implementations of the hinges 132a, 132b and the guide rails 110a, 110b can be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0066] A secondary monitor has been disclosed. The secondary monitor is capable of receiving input information from a user and providing output information to the user. The secondary monitor increases the physical footprint of an associated notebook computer by a marginal amount while providing a significant advantage in the amount of information that can be exchanged between the user and the combination of the notebook computer and the secondary monitor. The secondary monitor also extends the functionality of the notebook computer, for example by allowing the secondary monitor to be used in a manner similar to a tablet computer.

[0067] The term "secondary" is not meant to impose any limitations on the secondary monitor. The secondary monitor can be used even when the laptop is in idle or sleep mode, such that the secondary monitor is the only enabled monitor. For example, the laptop can be shut down while the user continues to use the secondary monitor. Additionally, the term "monitor" is not meant to impose any limitations. Although some embodiments of the secondary monitor are capable of displaying output information, some embodiments of the secondary monitor are also capable of receiving input information from the user, such as via touch input. In alternative embodiments, the secondary monitor is only capable of displaying information to the user and receiving information from the laptop, but is not capable of receiving touch input from the user.

[0068] The secondary monitor may be any size and may have any desired dimensions. Although some of the foregoing embodiments show the secondary monitor as having a smaller screen area than the screen area of ​​the corresponding laptop computer, in alternative embodiments, the secondary monitor may have a larger screen area than the screen area of ​​the corresponding laptop computer.

[0069] In some embodiments, the auxiliary monitor is communicatively coupled to the laptop computer via a wired connection. In some implementations, the user may desire the wired connection to be on one side or the other of the laptop computer. To flip the auxiliary monitor, the auxiliary monitor may be disconnected from the back panel of the laptop computer, rotated 180° about a vector perpendicular to the back panel of the laptop computer, and reconnected to the back panel of the laptop computer, effectively moving the wired connection between the left and right sides of the laptop computer for the convenience of the user.

[0070] As described above, the auxiliary monitor may be slidably and rotatably coupled to a bracket coupled to the primary display. For example, the auxiliary monitor may be able to slide relative to the bracket along at least one rail and may be able to rotate relative to the bracket around at least one hinge. One embodiment is discussed above with respect to hinges 132a, 132b and rails 110a, 110b.

[0071] Figure 8A perspective view of an auxiliary display system 800 according to another embodiment is shown. The auxiliary display system 800 includes a stand 802, an auxiliary display 804, and a hinge assembly 806. The stand 802 is configured to be coupled to a primary surface, such as a back panel of a laptop computer, and is configured to be slidably coupled to the hinge assembly 806. The auxiliary display 804 is configured to be coupled to the hinge assembly 806. The hinge assembly 806 is configured to be slidably and rotatably coupled to the stand 802. For example, as discussed in more detail below, the stand 802 can include a track 807 configured to engage with the hinge assembly 806.

[0072] Now refer to Figures 9A-9C An embodiment of the hinge assembly 806 is discussed. Fig.9A is a side view of hinge assembly 806 according to an embodiment. Fig. 9B is a front view of hinge assembly 806 according to an embodiment. Fig. 9C is a perspective view of hinge assembly 806 according to an embodiment.

[0073] The hinge assembly 806 includes a bracket head 808, a bracket head bracket 810, and a mounting block 812. The bracket head 808 is configured to be slidably coupled to a bracket, such as the bracket 802. For example, the bracket head 808 can be configured to be coupled to the track 807 of the bracket 802. More specifically, the protrusion 809 of the bracket head 808 can be configured to protrude into the track 807, as discussed in more detail below.

[0074] The bracket head bracket 810 is configured to be coupled to the bracket head 808 and is configured to be rotatably coupled to the mounting block 812. For example, referring to Fig.9A , the bracket head support 810 can be configured to rotate about the Y axis. The mounting block 812 is configured to be rotatably coupled to the bracket head support 810 and is configured to be coupled to the display portion. For example, the mounting block 812 can be configured to be coupled to the auxiliary display 804. In some embodiments, where the mounting block 812 is coupled to the auxiliary display 804, the bracket head 808 and the bracket head support 810 can enable the auxiliary display 804 to be slidably and rotatably coupled to the bracket 802, respectively.

[0075] In at least one embodiment, the bracket head 808 can be configured to engage the track 807 at four contact points identified below. Maximizing the number of contact points between the bracket head 808 and the track 807 can distribute mechanical stress over a larger area of ​​the bracket head 808 and the track 807, thereby reducing the amount of mechanical stress applied to any point of the bracket head 808 or the track 807. Reducing the amount of mechanical stress applied to any point of the bracket head 808 or the track 807 can increase the life of the bracket head 808 and / or the track 807.

[0076] For example, refer to Fig. 9C , the bracket head 808 includes a first side 816, a second side 818, a third side 820, a fourth side 822, a fifth side 824, a sixth side 826, and a rod portion 828. The first side 816 is vertically connected to the second side 818 at a first vertex, and is vertically connected to the sixth side 826 at a second vertex. The second side 818 is vertically connected to the first side 816 at a first vertex, and is vertically connected to the third side 820 at a second vertex. The third side 820 is vertically connected to the second side 818 at a first vertex, and is vertically connected to the fourth side 822 at a second vertex.

[0077] The fourth side 822 is vertically connected to the third side 820 at a first vertex, and is vertically connected to the fifth side 824 at a second vertex. The fifth side 824 is vertically connected to the fourth side 822 at a first vertex, and is vertically coupled to the sixth side 826 at a second vertex. The sixth side 826 is vertically connected to the first side 816 at a first vertex, and is vertically coupled to the fifth side 824 at a second vertex. The rod portion 828 is coupled to the fifth side 824 and extends from the fifth side.

[0078] As described above, in at least one embodiment, the bracket head 808 is configured to engage the track 807 at four contact points. Fig.10 806 is shown in a perspective view coupled to a track 807 according to an embodiment. For clarity of illustration, side portions 816-826 are not labeled. Fig.10 As shown, the bracket head 808 of the hinge assembly 806 is configured to contact the track 807 at a first side 816, a second side 818, a third side 820, and a fourth side 822. The protrusion 809 of the bracket head 808 formed by the first side 816, the second side 818, and the third side 820 is configured to protrude into the track 807. The fourth side 822 of the bracket head 808 contacts the top surface 830 of the track 807.

[0079] Fig.11 A side view of a portion of a bracket head 808 is shown according to an embodiment. The bracket head 808 includes a protrusion 809. The protrusion 809 includes a first track engaging member 848 and a second track engaging member 850. The protrusion 809 has a length measurement 852, the first track engaging member 848 has a length measurement 854, and the second track engaging member 850 has a length measurement 856.

[0080] In one embodiment, the first track engaging member 848 can be spaced apart from the second track engaging member 850. For example, the length measurement 852 of the protrusion 809 can be approximately 1.10 inches, the length measurement 854 of the first track engaging member 848 can be approximately 0.15 inches, and the length measurement 856 of the second track engaging member 850 can be approximately 0.31 inches. Thus, there can be approximately 0.64 inches of space between the first track engaging member 848 and the second track engaging member 850.

[0081] In at least one embodiment, protrusion 809 is constructed to have a length sufficient to satisfy at least two functions. First, in some embodiments, auxiliary display system 800 may include two tracks (e.g., similar to track 807) attached to bracket 802. For example, auxiliary display system 800 may include tracks located on the top side of bracket 802 and the bottom side of bracket 802, each track being configured to be connected to a corresponding hinge assembly. In some embodiments, it may be advantageous for two corresponding hinge assemblies to begin sliding relative to bracket 802 at the same time, which may be difficult when the engagement length of the corresponding hinge assembly is relatively short. Therefore, the length of the protrusion of the hinge assembly (e.g., the length measurement 852 of protrusion 809) is selected to be long enough to prevent the misalignment of the top and bottom hinge assemblies included in certain embodiments.

[0082] Secondly, in some embodiments, it should be understood that the auxiliary display (e.g., auxiliary display 804) can be fully extended relative to the main display connected to the auxiliary display via a bracket (e.g., bracket 802). As the auxiliary display extends, a moment can be generated around the edge of the main display, where the moment increases as the auxiliary display is further extended. This is beneficial for preventing the auxiliary display from extending far enough to cause the main display to tip over near the edge of the main display. Therefore, the length of the protrusion (e.g., the length measurement 852 of the protrusion 809) can be selected so that the auxiliary display (e.g., auxiliary display 804) will not cause the main display to tip over due to the moment generated by the auxiliary display.

[0083] In some embodiments, it may be advantageous for the auxiliary display 804 to be locked in place when fully extended. Locking in place may include a configuration in which the auxiliary display 804 does not easily slide around the track 807, but it can be easily unlocked by the user. In order to provide a locking mechanism in some embodiments, the first track engaging member 848 and the second track engaging member 850 of the protrusion may be configured to accommodate a stopper. For example, the first track engaging member 848 and the second track engaging member 850 may be positioned to provide a space between the members 848 and 850 that can receive the stopper. In the direction in which the auxiliary display 804 is configured to slide, the stopper may resist the sliding of the auxiliary display 804 relative to the track 807 when the force is less than the minimum amount applied to the auxiliary display 804. For example, the stopper may extend between the first track engaging member 848 and the second track engaging member 850 of the protrusion when the auxiliary display 804 is fully extended to resist the sliding of the auxiliary display 804. However, if a minimum amount of force is applied to the auxiliary display 804 in the direction in which the auxiliary display 804 is constructed to slide, at least one of the first track engaging member 848 and the second track engaging member 850 is constructed to apply a force on the stopper to remove the stopper from the space between the members 848, 850, thereby unlocking the auxiliary display 804.

[0084] Fig.12 An exploded view of an articulation assembly 806 according to an embodiment is shown. As described above, the articulation assembly 806 includes a bracket head 808, a bracket bracket 810, and a mounting block 812. The bracket head 808 includes an opening 832, which is correspondingly configured to receive a fastener, as discussed in more detail below. The bracket bracket 810 includes an opening 834 that is correspondingly configured to receive a fastener, as discussed in more detail below. The bracket bracket 810 further includes a chamfered protrusion 836 that is configured to couple to the mounting block 812.

[0085] The mounting block 812 includes an opening 838 that is correspondingly configured to receive a fastener (not shown). For example, the opening 838 can be configured to receive a fastener to couple the mounting block 812 to the display portion. For example, the opening 838 can be configured to receive a fastener to couple the mounting block 812 to the auxiliary display 804.

[0086] In at least one embodiment, the bracket head 808 can be configured to be coupled to the bracket bracket 810 via a fastener 840. For example, the fastener 840 can be a rivet configured to be inserted into one of the openings 832 and one of the openings 834, respectively. In one embodiment, the fastener 840 can include two rivets, the opening 832 can include two openings, and the opening 834 can include two openings.

[0087] In at least one embodiment, the bracket bracket 810 is configured to be coupled to the mounting block 812 via the chamfered protrusion 836. For example, the chamfered protrusion 836 can be configured to be inserted through one or more washers 842 and a coupling nut 844. The coupling nut 844 can be configured to be coupled to an end of the chamfered protrusion 836. For example, the chamfered protrusion 836 can be threaded so that the coupling nut 844 can be coupled to the chamfered protrusion 836.

[0088] The one or more washers 842 are configured to distribute the load applied by the coupling nut 844. For example, in one embodiment, the chamfered protrusion 836 is configured to pass through an opening 846 in the mounting block 812, one or more washers 842, and the coupling nut 844. The one or more washers 842 can distribute the load that would otherwise be applied by the coupling nut 844 in direct contact with the mounting block 812.

[0089] In one embodiment, the bracket head 808 is made of 17-4 stainless steel. For example, the bracket head 808 can be made of 17-4 stainless steel by using metal injection molding. In some embodiments, the bracket head bracket 810 and the mounting block 812 can be made of 1144 steel alloy. For example, 1144 steel alloy may be advantageous due to its high stress resistance. The bracket head bracket 810 and the mounting block 812 can be manufactured using metal injection molding.

[0090] Therefore, through several aspects of at least one embodiment that have been described, it will be understood that various changes, modifications and improvements will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes, modifications and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure and are intended to be within the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing description and drawings are intended only as examples, and the scope of the present invention should be determined by the appropriate construction of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An auxiliary monitor, comprising: a bracket including a first rail and a second rail, each of the first rail and the second rail extending along a first axis and parallel to each other, the first axis lying entirely within a first plane; one or more coupling elements coupled to the bracket and configured to couple to a computer; as well as The display part includes: a communication interface configured to be communicatively coupled to a computer; at least one display screen configured to display output information; and at least one hinge coupled to the at least one display screen and configured to be slidably coupled to the first and second rails, The at least one display screen is configured to move along the first axis via the at least one hinge to a parallel configuration in which the at least one display screen is configured to be parallel to the computer and the first plane, the at least one display screen is further configured to rotate 180 degrees from the first plane about the at least one hinge to a flat panel configuration in which the at least one display screen is configured to be anti-parallel to the computer and is configured to be disposed in a space between the first rail and the second rail, wherein the stand comprises a stand back plate and the computer comprises a computer back plate parallel to the stand back plate, wherein the stand back plate is connected to one or more connecting elements configured to be connected to the computer back plate, and wherein the stand back plate comprises at least one slot having a length greater than or equal to a length of the display portion.

2. The auxiliary monitor according to claim 1, wherein: The computer is at least one of a laptop computer and a tablet computer.

3. The auxiliary monitor according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the one or more coupling elements includes an adhesive side that couples to the bracket and a magnetic side that is configured to removably couple to the computer.

4. The auxiliary monitor according to claim 1, wherein: The communication interface includes a wired communication port.

5. The auxiliary monitor according to claim 4, wherein: The wired communication port is one of a USB-A connection, a USB-C connection, a Micro-USB connection, and a Mini-USB connection.

6. The auxiliary monitor according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one display screen is further configured to receive input information from a user.

7. The auxiliary monitor according to claim 1, wherein: The display portion includes a first hinge configured to be coupled to the first guide rail and a second hinge configured to be coupled to the second guide rail.

8. The auxiliary monitor according to claim 1, wherein: The display portion is configured to rotate up to 270° about the at least one hinge.

9. The auxiliary monitor according to claim 1, wherein: The display portion includes at least one cover.

10. An auxiliary display system, the system comprising: Laptop computer, comprising: a first communication interface; The primary display screen; and Back panel surface; Auxiliary monitor, which includes: a bracket including a first rail and a second rail, each of the first rail and the second rail extending along a first axis and parallel to each other, the first axis being entirely within a first plane, the bracket being configured to be coupled to a back panel surface of the laptop computer; A display portion configured to be slidably coupled to a first guide rail and a second guide rail so that the display portion is configured to slide along a first axis relative to the bracket to a parallel configuration in which the display portion is parallel to a main display screen and a first plane, and the display portion is further configured to be rotatably coupled to the bracket so that the display portion is configured to rotate 180° to a flat panel configuration in which the display screen is anti-parallel to the main display screen and in which the display portion is configured to be disposed in a space between the first guide rail and the second guide rail, the display portion further comprising: a second communication interface configured to be communicatively coupled to the first communication interface; at least one auxiliary display screen configured to display output information and receive input information, Wherein, the stand includes a stand back panel parallel to the back panel surface of the laptop computer and configured to be connected to the back panel surface of the laptop computer, and wherein the stand back panel includes at least one slot having a length greater than or equal to the length of the auxiliary monitor.

11. The auxiliary display system according to claim 10, wherein: The display portion includes a tablet computer.

12. The auxiliary display system according to claim 10, wherein: The laptop computer is configured to enter a sleep state in response to being closed, and wherein the auxiliary display is configured to display output information and receive input information while the laptop computer is in the sleep state.

13. The auxiliary display system according to claim 10, wherein: The secondary monitor is configured to enter a sleep state in response to detecting that the at least one secondary display screen is in a fully closed position.

14. The auxiliary display system according to claim 10, wherein: The first communication interface is one of a USB-A connection, a USB-C connection, a Micro-USB connection, and a Mini-USB connection.

15. The auxiliary display system according to claim 10, wherein: The auxiliary monitor includes a first hinge configured to be coupled to the first rail and a second hinge configured to be coupled to the second rail.

16. The auxiliary display system according to claim 15, wherein: The auxiliary monitor is configured to rotate 270° about the first hinge and the second hinge.

17. The auxiliary display system according to claim 10, wherein: The stand is configured to couple to a back panel of the laptop computer via at least one magnet.

18. The auxiliary display system according to claim 17, wherein: The at least one magnet includes an adhesive side coupled to the bracket and a magnetic side configured to removably couple to the laptop.

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