Display stand for monitor

Abstract

A hinged display system 1 includes a casing 11, a stand 12 and a friction hinge mechanism 13a,b that attaches the stand to the back of the casing. The casing includes a recess 111 on the same face as the stand is attached, allowing the outer surface of the stand to be level with the casing when the stand is rotated into the recess. The friction hinge mechanism requires a certain amount of torque to be applied to turn and so the stand can be used to position the monitor at a plurality of angles. The inner surface of the stand may contain notches 121 that can be used to mount the display to a wall using a mounting point such as screws or hooks. The stand may also contain an aperture 122 that can be used to hang the monitor from a single point of mounting.

Description

Field

[0001] The present invention relates to monitors, e.g. for use with computers. Background

[0002] One of the most common methods of output from a computer is through the use of a display. However, most displays require a separate stand to be used, or a complicated wall mounting apparatus to attach them to a wall. There exists a need to create a monitor that does not require a separate stand apparatus to function. Summary

[0003] According to the present invention, there is provided a display able to be positioned at a variety of angles, the display comprising a casing, having a first face and a second face on opposite sides of the casing with each face having a greater surface area than the remaining faces, and a stand positioned at the non-display side of the casing, wherein the stand is attached to the casing using a friction hinge mechanism, in such a way that the stand can be rotated to be statically positioned to support the display at a plurality of angles, and wherein the casing includes a recess on the same side as the stand, such that the stand can be accommodated wholly within the recess.

[0004] The fact that the stand can be rotated and positioned is advantageous as it allows for the display to be propped up at a variety of different viewing angles depending on where it is positioned and what angle the viewer is sitting at. A further advantage is the fact that the stand can also be positioned in the recess so that the back of the monitor is flat and the stand does not get in the way when not in use. Another advantage is the fact that the display is easier to store, since the stand doesn’t stick out when not in use.

[0005] Optionally, the friction hinge mechanism comprises two friction hinges. This provides the advantage of ensuring the hinge is more robust and reliable, due to the use of two separate mechanisms keeping the stand in place. This also provides the display with more stability than it would have if just the one hinge was used.

[0006] Optionally, each friction hinge comprises a first part comprising a first section and a second cylinder, wherein the second cylinder is positioned on a face of the first section; and a second part comprising a first hollow section with a hollow cylindrical opening on one of the faces that contains the second cylinder of the first part such that friction occurs between the two when the first part is rotated.

[0007] An advantage of this is that the two surfaces that contact to cause the friction have the maximum possible contacting surface area. This allows the hinge to have the same effect at a smaller size compared to if less of the surface was in contact. A further advantage of this is that the lack of edges leads to less wear on the hinge, making it more reliable.

[0008] Optionally, the first section of the first part and the first section of the second part are cylindrical in shape, the second cylinder is attached to a circular face of the first section, and the second cylinder has a smaller radius than the first part. An advantage of this is that less material is used to manufacture the hinge. A further advantage is that protrusions to provide grip can be added on in a more uniform way.

[0009] Optionally both the first section of the first part and the first section of the second part comprise protrusions extending outward from the centre of the sections and shaped so that the first part and second part interlock with the stand and casing respectively. An advantage of this is that the hinge can be kept in place while the stand rotates, ensuring the stand only rotates when the hinge rotates.

[0010] Optionally, the stand includes at least one notch, positioned on the inner surface of the stand, with the opening to the notch facing the friction hinge, wherein the inner surface of the stand is the surface located closest to the casing when the stand is accommodated within the recess. An advantage of this is that the notch can be used to mount the display to the wall using a mounting point, such as a screw or hook.

[0011] Optionally, the at least one notch includes an inverted v-shaped cut in the inner surface of the notch. An advantage of this is that the shape assists the user in mounting the device using the hooks, as the shape assists the user in locating the screw. A further advantage of this is that the display will not move if knocked, due to the mounting points being positioned within the v-shaped cut.

[0012] Optionally, the stand defines an aperture at the distal end, relative to the friction hinge mechanism. This is advantageous as it can be used as an alternative mounting method, such as allowing the monitor to be hung from a single point. This also allows the display to be mounted using a point that would not be compatible with the notch.

[0013] Optionally, the casing has a cut-out in the bottom edge of the display. This is advantageous as it allows for easy and effective cable management, as the cables can all pass through the cut-out instead of having to be routed around the monitor to the back.

[0014] Optionally, the cut-out leads directly into the recess. This provides the advantage of allowing for easier access to the connectors within the recess.

[0015] Optionally, the casing includes one or more connections, and the one or more connections are positioned on the side portion of the recess. This provides the advantage that the display can be mounted directly against the wall, since the cables will not stick out any further than the casing.

[0016] Optionally, the casing includes at least one pad positioned on the bottom edge of the display. This is advantageous as it provides more grip to the display, preventing it from sliding such as if it was placed on an uneven surface or impacted.

[0017] Optionally, the at least one pad has a rounded or domed shape. This provides the advantage that a large contact point is always provided when the monitor is at different angles.

[0018] Optionally, the stand incudes a pad located on its distal edge. This is advantageous as it provides the stand with more grip, preventing it from sliding such as if it was placed on an uneven area or impacted.

[0019] Optionally, the pads are made from silicone. This is advantageous as silicone is well suited to providing grip on a variety of surfaces the display is likely to be placed on. BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The invention will be described further below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the accompanying schematic drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows a rear view of a monitor containing the stand in the up position; Fig. 2 shows a rear view of a monitor containing the stand in the down position; Fig. 3 shows a front view of the monitor when being supported using the stand; Fig. 4 shows a rear view of the monitor when being supported by the stand; Fig. 5 shows the inner surface of the stand, and the shape and position of the notches; Fig. 6 shows an example of how the notches can be used to hang the display from a surface; Fig. 7 shows a view of a friction hinge; Fig. 8 shows a cross section of a friction hinge; Fig. 9 shows the two friction hinges when inserted through the stand and casing, allowing the stand to be rotated; Fig. 10 shows a side view of the friction hinge showing the friction hinge mechanism inserted through both the stand and casing; Fig. 11 shows a pad located on the stand, and two domed pads located on the bottom of the casing; In the various drawings, like parts are denoted by like reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0021] An embodiment of the present invention is described below. It will be appreciated that, although the hinge setup is described in relation to a display of standard shape, it could be used with any variety of display, including curved displays.

[0022] Current displays are not well suited for being used on the go. They include bulky, heavy stands that are difficult to transport and require a mounting apparatus to be installed before the display can be mounted to a wall. There is a desire for a display that can be easily taken out and put away when not in use, or mounted and unmounted to a wall without installing a dedicated mount. The current embodiment solves these issues through the use of a stand attached to the display via a friction hinge 13a, 13b. The stand allows for the display to be easily positioned at a variety of angles, and can then be folded back into the device when not in use. The stand also allows for the display to be mounted in multiple simple ways, without installing a mount on the wall itself.

[0023] An exemplary embodiment of the display 1 is shown in different angles in Fig. 1 to Fig. 4, with Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 showing the stand 12 in the up and down positions, rotated as far as possible. Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 show the stand 12 when the display 1 is in use.

[0024] The exemplary display 1 may have desirable features, including: • A 15.6 inch portable self-standing monitor with 1920 x 1080 resolution. • Pop-out and angle adjustable stand 12 allowing for the viewing angle to be changed. • Full size HDMI, USB-C power input, 3.5mm audio jack output. • Two in-built speakers 15 a, 15b on front of the product. • Status LED. • Volume, Brightness and Power buttons. • VESA mounting compatibility.

[0025] The exemplary display 1 uses an IPS LCD panel 14 with a colour depth of 16.2M different colours and a typical brightness of 250 cd / m2. Other display types, such as LED, OLED, etc. may also be used. The exemplary display 1 also includes two 1.2W integrated speakers 15a, 15b, located in the lower portion of the display 1, and is capable of supporting 44.1kHz, 48kHz and 96kHz sample rates. The display 1 also includes volume, brightness and power buttons, which are shaped so that they protrude from the surface of the casing 11 and so are easy to find through touch alone (such as when the display 1 is hanging from a wall).

[0026] The exemplary display 1 is capable of being powered directly by a single board computer (such as a Raspberry Pi USB port), and runs on LOA (typically) at 5V. As the display 1 can be powered directly by the computer currently using it, the display 1 can be used in a variety of different environments. It is therefore important that the display 1 is both compact enough to travel, and can be set up and positioned without a separate stand that must also be carried.

[0027] The exemplary display 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The display 1 comprises a casing 11, having a first face and a second face on opposite sides of the casing. Each face has a greater surface area than the remaining faces meaning the sides of the casing 11 have a much smaller surface area than the front and back faces. The LCD panel 14 is located on the front of the casing 11. The stand 12 is positioned at the non-display side of the casing 11. The casing 11 itself is shaped so that the lower half of the casing’s back side protrudes further than the upper half of the casing’s back side. The shape of the casing 11 allows for the displays to be tessellated when stacked on top of each other, meaning that they can be stacked compactly. The shape of the display 1 and the resulting compactness prevents the displays from slipping, ensuring the stability of any such stack of displays.

[0028] The stand 12 is attached to the central portion of the casing 11 via a friction hinge mechanism 13, such as the two friction hinges 13a, 13b shown in Fig. 1. These hinges 13a, 13b allow for the stand 12 to be rotated to support (or ‘prop up’) the display 1 at a plurality of different angles, as shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. The stand is attached in such a way that the stand can be rotated to be statically positioned to support the display at a plurality of angles. Once rotated to an angle, the stand 12 is statically positioned and so is unable to rotate further, due to the friction in the friction hinge mechanism 13. The friction hinge mechanism 13 prevents the stand 12 from rotating when supporting the weight of the display 1, while still ensuring it can be manually rotated to the desired angle.

[0029] The ability to statically position the stand 12 at a desired angle allows for the display 1 to be propped up at a variety of different viewing angles depending on where the stand 12 is positioned, to match the angle the viewer is sitting at. Unlike conventional monitors, a heavy stand that must be attached isn’t required to use the display 1. Instead, the stand 12 can simply be folded out from the casing 11 when required. The stand 12 allows for the display 1 to be located at the best angle depending on the situation, such as when a user is standing up, instead of sitting down.

[0030] The casing 11 further includes a recess 111, such that the stand 12 can be accommodated wholly within the recess, located on the same side as the stand 12, and positioned below the friction hinge mechanism 13, in line with the stand 12. The shape and position of the recess means that, when the stand 12 is in the ‘down’ position (illustrated in Fig. 2), the stand 12 is accommodated wholly within the recess 111. The ‘down’ position involves rotating the stand 12 so that it is positioned against the bottom half of the casing 11, with the aperture 122 at the distal end of the stand 12 being located at the lowest point. The opposite position to the ‘down’ position is the ‘up’ position.

[0031] The stand 12 includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface of the stand 12 is the surface in contact with the display casing 11 when the stand 12 is within the recess 111, while the outer surface is the surface facing the outside.

[0032] The recess 111 allows for the stand 12 to be folded away when not in use. When the stand 12 is positioned within the recess 111, the back of the casing 11 is flat as the stand 12 does not protrude. Positioning the stand 12 within the recess 111 allows for easy storage and transportation of the display 1, as well as preventing the stand 12 from getting caught and potentially being damaged or broken off. The recess Illis also able to have cables routed through it to hide the cables.

[0033] Several different optional features of the present embodiment will now be described.

[0034] A number of optional features of the present embodiment allow for the display 1 to be mounted to a surface, such as a wall, or a stand. A number of methods of mounting the display 1 will be discussed with reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6.

[0035] The display 1 may include four standard VESA mounting inserts 115 on the back of the casing 11. These can be seen in Fig. 11 and are located on either side of the recess 111. The VESA mounting inserts are compatible with any wall mount or other stand that uses the VESA interface, allowing for the display 1 to be securely mounted to the wall. The mounting inserts 115 require a VESA compatible mount, which must first be installed on the wall or other surface before installing the display 1.

[0036] Another optional feature allows for the stand 12 to be used to mount the display 1 to a surface. The stand may include at least one notch, positioned on the inner surface of the stand, with the opening to the notch facing the friction hinge mechanism. The inner surface of the stand is the surface located closest to the casing when the stand is accommodated within the recess. As exemplified in Fig. 6, mounting the display to a surface involves the display stand 12 being rotated into the ‘up’ position, meaning that the stand 12 is positioned against the upper half of the display casing 11, with the inner surface of the stand 12 facing outwards. Two plastic notches 121 (also called hook features) may be located on the back of the stand 12, as shown in Fig. 5, positioned at the distal end of the stand 12 and spaced apart from each other. The notches 121 face the friction hinge 13a, 13b and are sized such that the head of a screw 16 or alternative hanging apparatus can be accommodated within. The hooks allow the monitor to be hung on two wall screws 16 (or nails) like a picture. The monitor can lie flat against the wall, due to the stand 12 being flat against the casing 11 and connecting directly to the screws 16 in the wall. The monitor being able to lie flat differs from traditional mounting systems which require some sort of mounting apparatus to be installed between the display 1 and the wall, such as the VESA compatible mounts mentioned above.

[0037] These notches 121 allow for the display 1 to be installed far more quickly than a conventional mounting system, as no tools are required once the screws 16 themselves have been installed. As the display 1 is hanging rather than screwed to the wall, it can also be easily removed when not in use. The use of the notches 121 allow for a much more convenient method of mounting the display 1. The overall light weight of the display 1 means that a dedicated stand is not required.

[0038] The notches 121 may include an inverted v-shaped cut in the inner surface of the notch for locating a wall screw 16, as shown in Fig. 5. The lower half of the notch includes a v-shaped cut in it. When a screw 16 is positioned within the notch, moving the display 1 laterally will cause the head to get trapped in the v-shaped cut, assisting with the mounting process. The v-shaped cut has a further benefit, as it keeps the display 1 steady while mounted to the wall, preventing the display 1 from shaking back and forth.

[0039] Although the above example shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 involves two notches 121 positioned at the edges of the stand 12, other configurations are possible. Examples include the use of a different number of notches 121, such as a single notch in the middle of the stand 12 or several notches 121 along the horizontal length of the stand 12. In the case of a single notch, the v-shaped cut would also help ensure the display 1 was not slanted when mounted to a wall. Equally, the notches 121 do not need to be located at the distal end of the stand 12, and could be located closer to the hinges 13a, 13b.

[0040] The stand 12 may define an aperture 122 at the distal end, relative to the friction hinge mechanism. A further feature of the present embodiment allows for the display 1 to be mounted using the aperture 122 in the distal end of the stand 12. The aperture allows the display 1 to be mounted to the wall using only a single point of mounting, such as a single nail or a hook. Having a single point of mounting provides the same benefit as the notch method of mounting, allowing the display 1 to be positioned flat against the wall, as well as easily mounted and removed. Alternative mounting techniques such as the above described VESA mounting inserts 115 require screws to install the display 1, and so cannot be removed with such ease.

[0041] The stand 12 is attached to the display casing 11 using a friction hinge mechanism 13. The monitor can be positioned at a variety of angles by rotating the stand 12, as the stand 12 is then able to “prop up” the display 1, as shown in Fig. 4. The stand 12 is able to remain in a position without rotating while supporting the weight of the display 1 due to the friction generated by the friction hinge mechanism 13. The friction hinge mechanism 13 may comprise two friction hinges 13a, 13b. The friction within the friction hinge mechanism provides enough torque to prevent the hinge 13a, 13b from rotating and so keep the stand 12 in its current position, while still allowing the stand 12 to be rotated to a desired position when pushed. The hinge 13a, 13b is able to perform continual rotary travel over an angle of 360 degrees.

[0042] In a further feature of the present embodiment, the friction hinge mechanism 13 includes two friction hinges 13 a, 13b. The structure of the friction hinges 13 a, 13b will now be described with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8.

[0043] Each hinge 13a, 13b may comprise two parts. One side stays static within the monitor body / housing / casing 11 (red moulding); one side rotates with the stand 12. The first part 131 of the friction hinge 13a, 13b is located within the stand 12 and rotates with it. The first part 131 comprises a first section 1311 and a second cylinder 1312. The first section 1311 may be a cylinder, as exemplified in Fig. 7. In the currently described embodiment, the first section 1311 is cylindrical in shape, however other shapes, such as squares, could be used instead to achieve the same effect. The second cylinder 1312 is positioned on a face of the first section, meaning it protrudes from and is attached to a circular face of the first cylinder, and has a smaller radius than the first cylinder. The first part 131 can be made from various materials, such as steel.

[0044] In a potential modification of the friction hinge 13 a, 13b, the surface of the second cylinder 1312 can be formed using a different material. Forming the surface from a different material means that the interior of the second cylinder 1312 and the surface of the second cylinder 1312 are formed from different materials. The surface of the second cylinder 1312 is what makes contact with the second part 132, generating the required friction, and so using a different material can impact the torque required to rotate the hinge 13a, 13b. Using a separate material for just the surface could reduce the cost of production if the outer material is expensive. Equally, it can allow for a stronger hinge, as the centre of the cylinder can be formed using a stronger material. The surface of the second cylinder 1312 could be formed from a variety of materials, such as SK7 Steel.

[0045] The second part 132 of the friction hinge 13a, 13b may be located within the casing 11. The second part 132 comprises a first hollow section, with a hollow cylindrical opening on one of the faces. The first hollow section may be a cylinder. When the two parts are combined together, the second cylinder 1312 of the first part 131 is contained within the first hollow section of the second part such that friction occurs between the two when the first part is rotated. The configuration of a friction hinge 13a, 13b is shown in Fig. 8, which shows a cross section of the complete hinge. The second cylinder 1312 is positioned against the inside surface of the second part 132. The positioning of the second cylinder 1312 causes friction between the two surfaces, with the friction preventing the hinge mechanism 13 from rotating when the torque applied is below a certain value. In one embodiment of the invention, the required torque for rotation is 0.26 NM, however the value can be adjusted during manufacture depending upon the weight of the display 1, as a heavier display 1 requires a greater torque. The first section of the first part and the first section of the second part may be cylindrical in shape, the second cylinder may be attached to a circular face of the first section, and the second cylinder may have a smaller radius than the first part.

[0046] In a further feature of the present embodiment, the first section of the first part and the first section of the second part of the friction hinges 13a, 13b include protrusions 133 (also called teeth features) extending outward from the centre of the sections and shaped so that the first part and second part interlock with the stand and casing respectively, to help secure the component in the plastics. These protrusions can be seen in Fig. 7. Both the first part 131 and second part 132 include protrusions 133 that extend outward from the centre of the sections, for example they may extend radially from the centre of a cylinder shaped section. These protrusions 133 are shaped such that they interlock with corresponding protrusions in the casing 11 and stand 12. The effect of these protrusions interlocking is to ensure the first part 131 remains static relative to the stand 12, and the second part 132 stays static relative to the casing 11. The protrusions 133 ensure that the stand 12 is unable to rotate without the first part 131 also rotating relative to the second part 132, requiring a specific amount of torque for the angle of the stand to be adjusted. The protrusions 133 can be made using a variety of materials, such as Zinc Aluminium. A specific shape for the protrusions 133 is not required, provided that they are able to interlock with the stand 12 and casing 11 to prevent the part from rotating.

[0047] The level of torque required to rotate the friction hinge 13a, 13b can be adjusted to allow for the stand to maintain its position when supporting the display 1, while still being rotatable by hand. The angle of the stand can then be adjusted in a controlled manner and set with precision.

[0048] The use of protrusions 133 is advantageous, when compared to simply using a noncircular shape, as the protrusions provide a greater surface area between the friction hinge 13a, 13b and the casing 11 and stand 12. The extra surface provided by the shape of the protrusions 133 ensures that the friction hinge 13a, 13b is secure within the stand 12, and will not fall out when the display 1 is moved and transported.

[0049] The friction hinge mechanism 13 is used to attach the stand 12 to the casing 11, as shown in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10. The stand 12 includes a hollow semi-cylinder at the proximal end, with an aperture shaped to allow the insertion of a friction hinge 13 a, 13b at either side. The casing 11 includes a corresponding aperture for each friction hinge 13 a, 13b to be inserted in to. The two friction hinges 13a, 13b are placed through these apertures, so that the second part 132 resides within the casing 11 and the first part 131 resides within the stand 12. The friction hinge 13a, 13b is easy to insert, as it can simply be placed within the hollow semi-cylinder and pushed into place.

[0050] Many alternatives to the above features exist and could be used instead with the present embodiment. In particular, a different number of friction hinges could be used for the friction hinge mechanism 13, such as a singular friction hinge running the length of the stand 12. The friction hinges 13a, 13b also do not need to be configured in the exact way described above, any form of friction hinge mechanism would perform the same function. One possible variation would be different shapes of hinge, such as a square or triangular shaped hinge. Non-circular shapes would also have the benefit of not requiring protrusions 133 to prevent the entire friction hinge 13a, 13b from rotating within the casing 11. Finally, the friction hinge 13a, 13b would equally function with the first part 131 being within the casing 11 instead of the stand 12.

[0051] A further feature of the present invention provides a cable management solution, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3. The casing may have a cut-out (or notch) 114 in the bottom edge of the display to allow cables to route through in the area of the cut-out 114. The cut-out 114 is positioned at the front of the product, on the bottom side where the display 1 meets the surface it is placed upon. Although the cut-out 114 described in this embodiment is located at the centre of the display 1, it could be positioned at any location on the bottom of the display 1 while still providing a benefit for cable management.

[0052] The benefit of the cut-out 114 is a tidier arrangement. Without use of the cut-out 114, any cables connected to the display 1 would have to wrap around the side of the display 1 in an unsightly manner. Equally, the cables could more easily be tugged or pulled, increasing the risk of damage to both the cables and the connections 112 on the display 1 itself. The use of a cut-out to simplify cable management prevents these risks.

[0053] An additional method of cable management is provided using the aperture 122 located in the distal end of the stand. Cables can be routed through the aperture 122 to help position them. Routing cables through the aperture 122 can be used in combination with the cut-out 114 to ensure any cables remain organised.

[0054] The cut-out 114 may lead directly into the recess. In a further feature, the casing 11 includes one or more connections 112 used to interface with the display 1, with the one or more connections 112 being positioned on the side portion of the recess 111, on one of its edges. The one or more connections 112 being positioned on the side portion of the recess Illis exemplified in Fig. 1. The connections 112 being positioned within the recess means that no space will be required between the monitor and the wall when cables are plugged in to it, allowing the display 1 to be located directly against a wall when mounted, compared to other monitors that require a space to allow for cables plug. Positioning the connections 112 within the recess also means the ports will be hidden behind the stand 12 when not in use, helping to prevent damage while the display 1 is being transported. With the addition of the above mentioned embodiments, the cables can be routed from the port and out of the front of the device while still allowing it to be flat against the wall. When not attached to a wall, the recess 111 can still be used to obscure the cables from view, as well as prevent them from being damaged due to accidental impacts. Moving the cut-out 114 to not be centred could also include moving the recess 111 so that the cut-out 114 still leads into the recess 111.

[0055] Although a cut-out 114 is used for cable management in the current embodiment, a variety of different cable management solutions could be employed. For example, a punch out of the casing 11 in the lower region could be used instead. The punch out would involve an aperture in the casing 11 to allow cables to pass through. Another possible alternative would be to place the cut-out 114 and recess 111 in the comer, allowing for part of the corner to be removed.

[0056] The casing 11 may include at least one pad 113 positioned on the bottom edge of the display 1. The stand 12 may include a pad 123 located on its distal edge. These pads 113, 123 may be made from silicone. As exemplified in Fig. 11, to provide stability on a surface, the display 1 may have three silicone pads (or feet). The pads 113, 123 provide stability and grip on a flat surface. In the example of Fig. 11, the first of these pads, the stand pad 123, is located at the distal end of the stand 12, on the inner surface, so that it provides grip on whatever surface the stand 12 is in contact with. The stand pad 123 may be overmoulded on to the stand 12. The remaining two casing pads 113 are located on the bottom edge of the display 1.

[0057] Optionally, the two moulded casing pads 113 located on the bottom edge of the casing 11 have a rounded or domed shape so as to always provide a contact point when the display 1 is at different angles. The use of a rounded shape means that when the stand 12 is rotated, a large amount of the pad will still make contact with the surface the display 1 is placed upon. Without having a rounded shape, the pads 113 would have a very small contact with the surface in some rotations, and so would not provide much grip. In some scenarios, the casing 11 itself may even contact the surface. The rounded shape therefore ensures the pad performs its function no matter the stand 12 angle.

[0058] The overall effect of these pads 113, 123 is to provide the display 1 with more grip on whatever surface it is resting upon. The additional grip provided helps to protect the display 1 from being knocked and sliding off the surface, or falling over. The grip also means that the display 1 can be positioned on a slopped surface without sliding. Finally, the pads 113, 123 help protect the casing 11 from being chipped or damaged when placed on a rough surface, as there is no direct contact.

[0059] Although the currently described embodiment includes three pads 113, 123, any number of pads could be used. For example, the display may only have pads on one of the stand 12 and casing 11, as well as the casing 11 only having one big pad running along its 14 length, or multiple smaller pads. Equally, a different material apart from silicone could be used. Any material capable of providing the display 1 with grip, placed between a part of the display 1 and the surface it rests upon, would achieve a similar effect. 5

[0060] The above embodiment includes several optional features that allow for the display 1 to be used in a variety of different ways. An embodiment of the invention can include some or all of these features.

[0061] Having described the invention it will be appreciated that variations may be made on 10 the above described embodiment, which is not intended to be limiting. The invention is defined in the appended claims and their equivalents. 15

Claims

1. A display able to be positioned at a variety of angles, the display comprising:a casing, having a first face and a second face on opposite sides of the casing with each face having a greater surface area than the remaining faces; anda stand positioned at the non-display side of the casing, whereinthe stand is attached to the casing using a friction hinge mechanism, in such a way that the stand can be rotated to be statically positioned to support the display at a plurality of angles; and whereinthe casing includes a recess on the same side as the stand, such that the stand can be accommodated wholly within the recess.

2. The display of claim 1, wherein the friction hinge mechanism comprises two friction hinges.

3. The display of claim 2, wherein each friction hinge comprises:a first part comprising a first section and a second cylinder, wherein the second cylinder is positioned on a face of the first section; anda second part comprising a first hollow section with a hollow cylindrical opening on one of the faces that contains the second cylinder of the first part such that friction occurs between the two when the first part is rotated.

4. The display of claim 3, wherein the first section of the first part and the first section of the second part are cylindrical in shape, the second cylinder is attached to a circular face of the first section, and the second cylinder has a smaller radius than the first part.

5. The display of claim 3 or 4, wherein both the first section of the first part and the first section of the second part comprise protrusions extending outward from the centre of the sections and shaped so that the first part and second part interlock with the stand and casing respectively.

6. The display of claim 1 to claim 5, wherein the stand includes at least one notch, positioned on the inner surface of the stand, with the opening to the notch facing the friction hinge, wherein the inner surface of the stand is the surface located closest to the casing when the stand is accommodated within the recess.

7. The display of claim 6, wherein the at least one notch includes an inverted v-shaped cut in the inner surface of the notch.

8. The display of claims 1 to 5, wherein the stand defines an aperture at the distal end, relative to the friction hinge mechanism.

9. The display of claims 1 to 8, wherein the casing has a cut-out in the bottom edge of the display.

10. The display of claim 9, wherein the cut-out leads directly into the recess.

11. The display of claims 1 to 10, wherein the casing includes one or more connections,and the one or more connections are positioned on the side portion of the recess.

12. The display of claim 1 to 11, wherein the casing includes at least one pad positioned on the bottom edge of the display.

13. The display of claim 12, wherein the at least one pad has a rounded or domed shape.

14. The display of claim 1 to 13, wherein the stand incudes a pad located on its distaledge.

15. The display of claim 12 to 14, wherein the pads are made from silicone.

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