Apparatus comprising a slidable display

Abstract

Apparatus and related methods comprising a display device arranged within a display supporting device; the display device being moveable into and outwardly of the display supporting device so as to move the display device from a first position within the display supporting device to a second extended position outwardly of the display supporting device; the arrangement being such that the display device, when moved from its first position to its second position outwardly of the display supporting device, moves upwardly through a substantially vertical plane, wherein the display device is slidably mounted to the display supporting device to move from the first to the second position.

Description

[0001] APPARATUS COMPRISING A SLIDABLE DISPLAY

[0002] This invention relates to portable display devices such as monitors. It particularly relates to addressing problems related to user posture when using the display device and its portability when not in use.

[0003] Modern portable monitors exist but have significant flaws, particularly in posture support and portability. Many weigh a relatively large amount, sometimes over 2kg, making them cumbersome to carry. Additionally, these setups often require manual adjustments, a carrying case, or attachment to laptops.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus comprising a display device arranged within a display supporting device; the display device being moveable into and outwardly of the display supporting device so as to move the display device from a first position within the display supporting device to a second extended position outwardly of the display supporting device; the arrangement being such that the display device, when moved from its first position to its second position outwardly of the display supporting device, moves upwardly through a substantially vertical plane, wherein the display device is slidably mounted to the display supporting device to move from the first to the second position.

[0005] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method comprising sliding a display device into and out of a display supporting device wherein the display device when moved outwardly of the display supporting device extends in a substantially vertical plane above the display supporting device.

[0006] According to these two aspects, user posture is significantly improved with the display device moved outwardly of the display supporting device and extending in the substantially vertical plane above the protective case. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus comprising a display device arranged within a display supporting device so as to be slidable from a first position within the display supporting device to a second extended position outwardly of the display supporting device; and the display supporting device being connected to the display device in the second position and forming a support for the display device in the second position.

[0007] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method comprising sliding a display device into and out of a display supporting device wherein the display device when moved outwardly of the display supporting device remains connected to the display device and forms a support for the display device.

[0008] According to these two aspects, the display supporting device forms an ergonomic stand for the display device that can remain sufficiently close to the user.

[0009] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus comprising a display device mounted within a display supporting device and arranged to be moveable from a first position within the display supporting device to an extended position outwardly of the display supporting device, and a supporting system that moves from a non-supporting, stowed position to a supporting position when the display device is moved as aforesaid.

[0010] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method comprising moving a display device into and out of a display supporting device and thereby causing a supporting system to move from a first non-supporting, stowed position to a second supporting position to support the protective case and display device.

[0011] According to these two aspects, the supporting system provides an automatically deployable support that also automatically stows; when the display device is moved. The display device slideably mounted to the display supporting device makes the display device easy for users to pack away when on-the-go.

[0012] The display device is preferably a monitor that slides into and out of the display supporting device which is preferably in the form of a protective unit that substantially surrounds the display device when positioned within the protective unit but advantageously still allowing the user to see a screen of the display device.

[0013] The display supporting device preferably acts as a support for the display device and includes the automatically deployable supporting system that works in tandem with the movement of the display device in and out of the display supporting device. The automatically deployable supporting system extends and retracts, supporting the display supporting device and display device substantially vertically to provide an ergonomic setup. The display device angle relative to the user can be adjustable via one or more hinge devices when fully extended outwardly of the display supporting device.

[0014] In order that the present invention can be clearly and completely disclosed, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

[0015] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a display supporting device including a supporting system in a non- supporting, stowed position,

[0016] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the display supporting device without a display device mounted therein, Figure 3 is a perspective view similar to Figure 2 but from the opposite side,

[0017] Figure 4 is a perspective view from the rear of the display supporting device and a display device mounted thereto and in an extended position outwardly of the display supporting device and with the supporting system in a supporting position, Figure 5 is a perspective view similar to Figure 4 but from the front,

[0018] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a display device connected to mounting means for mounting the display device to the display supporting device,

[0019] Figure 7 is a perspective view similar to Figure 6, but from the opposite side,

[0020] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the display supporting device with the supporting system in the non- supporting, stowed position,

[0021] Figure 9 is an exploded view of components of the supporting system,

[0022] Figure 10 is a perspective view from the rear of the display supporting device with the display device in its extended position outwardly of the display supporting device and with the supporting system in the deployed position,

[0023] Figure 11 is a perspective view from below of the supporting system in the deployed position,

[0024] Figure 12 is an exploded view of the components of the supporting system,

[0025] Figure 13 shows in a series of rear perspective views the stages of movement of the display device in the display supporting device and corresponding movement of the supporting system,

[0026] Figure 14 is similar to Figure 13, but with the perspective views from the front,

[0027] Figure 15 is a series of side views of the stages of movement of the supporting system when the display device is moved, and Figures 16A and 16B are perspective views from the front of the display supporting device and its display device located behind a laptop computer.

[0028] Referring to the Figures 1 to 7, a display supporting device F101 preferably in the form of a protective unit protects a display device F100 advantageously in the form of a flat panel display device such as a monitor panel / screen from damage, and also acts as a travel case to protectively transport the display device F100 so that no additional item is needed when on-the-go.

[0029] The display device F100 is movable with respect to the display supporting device from a first position housed within the display supporting device to a second extended position outwardly of the display supporting device but remaining connected to the display supporting device F101 by way of a display device holder F102 mounted within the display supporting device F101. This arrangement of parts allowing the movement is such that the display device, when moved from its first position to its second position outwardly of the display supporting device, moves upwardly through a substantially vertical plane. The display supporting device F101 remains connected to the display device F100 in the second position and forms a support for the display device F100 located above the display supporting device F101 .

[0030] The display device holder F102 mounted within the display supporting device F101 allows the display device holder F102 with the display device F100 connected thereto to move inwardly and outwardly with respect to the display supporting device F101 , advantageously in a sliding manner (although other forms of movement may be possible). The display device holder F102 includes a protective surface F111 which provides protection to a rear surface of the display device F100, meaning that both front and back faces of the display device can be fully protected.

[0031] The display device holder F102 and the display supporting device F101 include corresponding side rails F103 to enable sliding movement into and outwardly of the display supporting device F101. Referring also to Figures 8 to 15, the display supporting device F101 includes a supporting system F200 which operates automatically under the influence of gravity upon movement of the display device F100 between its first and second positions and comprises a support stand F105 and a slider device F108 that facilitates the automatic movement of the support stand F105. When in a non-supporting, stowed position (as shown in Figure 8) not only does the display supporting device F101 protect the support stand F105, it also houses it in an opening F106 which is preferably a corresponding shape to the support stand F105. This arrangement allows the support stand F105 to automatically move from its non-supporting, stowed position to a supporting position (see the progressive stages in Figures 13 to 15) to support the display supporting device F101 .

[0032] The support stand F105 and its connected slider device F108 moves in tandem with the movement of the display device F100 relative to the display supporting device F101 . The operation of the supporting system F200 is shown in Figures 13 and 14 in different stages of corresponding movement of the display device F100 relative to the display supporting device F101 and the support system F200. It can be seen that as the display device is moved from its first position to its second position in one movement to locate the display device in its extended position, the support stand F105 gradually moves from its non-supporting, stowed position (where the support stand is located within the opening F106) to its support position under the influence of gravity. Other movement initiators other than gravity would also be possible, such as manual manipulation of the relevant parts.

[0033] Referring specifically to Figure 12, a support stand rod F112 allows movement about its longitudinal axis to result in the movement of the support stand F105 and slider device F108.

[0034] When the display device holder F102 is being slid inwardly relative to the display support device F101 , this motion forces the support stand F105 into the opening F106 by rotating about the longitudinal axis of the rod F112 such that the support stand F105 folds into the display supporting device F101 in the non-supporting, stowed position.

[0035] When deployed in its supporting position however, the support stand F105 ensures that the display supporting device F101 is securely and stably supported on a substantially horizontal surface such as a desk or table.

[0036] The support stand F105 works in tandem with the display device holder F102 and the display supporting device F101 to provide for significantly improved ergonomic function.

[0037] Advantageously, the support stand F105 is configured to lock in place when in its fully extended supporting position to provide stability to the display device by way of a substantially triangular support arrangement between the support stand F105 and the slider device F108 relative to the surface of the desk or table on which it is placed.

[0038] One or more hinge devices F110 located between the display device holder F102 and the display supporting device F101 when the display device F100 is in the extended position, allow the angle of the display device relative to a user to be adjustable to suit the viewing height for the user and prevents the display device from sliding back into the display supporting device F101 (although retaining means (not shown) could be provided to maintain an angle of the display device coplanar with the display supporting device if so desired). When the display device holder F102 is moved inwardly with respect to the display supporting device F101 , the hinge device aligns the display device holder substantially coplanar with the display device supporting device F101.

[0039] Referring to Figures 16A and 16B, in use, the display supporting device F101 is designed to be locatable behind an open laptop computer F301 and is free standing owing to the automatic deployment of the support stand F105 when the display device F100 is moved to the extended position outwardly of the display supporting device F102. The apparatus of the present invention does not require the laptop computer to function. The display device F100 is advantageously powered by a LISB-C connection F302. A LISB-C connection can be made on either or both sides of the display supporting device F101 . Figures 16A and 16B show the present apparatus located behind the laptop computer F301. The laptop computer size does not matter in this case, as multiple laptop sizes are supported, from relatively small 11" screens to large 18" screens. The display device F100 would also include a corresponding LISB-C connection.

[0040] It will be appreciated that display device F100, the display supporting device F101 and the support stand F105 all work in tandem to create a product that only needs one motion to effectively open or close the display device relative to the display supporting device, such that the whole apparatus is easy to use, comes packed as one unit with no assembly required by the end user.

[0041] The display device supporting device F101 , the display device holder F102 and the display device F100 should accommodate variable dimensions such as between12" to 22" display devices F100. Preferably, the thickness of the whole unit is from around 7mm to around 20 mm depending on the display device F100 used. The size of the display device holder F102, the display supporting device F101 , the support stand F105 will vary depending on the display device used.

[0042] The weight of the whole unit is preferably below around 1 ,5kg by using the lightest possible material(s) for the display supporting device F101 , around at least 2-5 mm maximum thickness for each part depending upon the size and type of display device used.

[0043] The intention of the present invention is to assist to resolve issues of bad posture for users working on devices such as laptops, tablet computers or even mobile communication devices. This suits people with small working spaces, and / or those who don't want static monitor setups on a commonly used surface such as a kitchen table, for example. Hot desk workers in co-working spaces and hot desk offices; traveling nomads, backpackers, etc. would all benefit in achieving improved posture on-the-go. Additionally, the apparatus described herein provides a second screen.

[0044] The display supporting device F101 and the display device holder F102 can be made of any suitable material , such as aluminum and / or plastics. Aluminum in multiple color types would be preferred for environmental reasons.

[0045] One advantage of the present invention is that a user does not need an additional protective case or travel case for a display device and it slides for a vertical display setup on-the-go.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Apparatus comprising:A display device arranged within a display supporting device; the display device being moveable into and outwardly of the display supporting device so as to move the display device from a first position within the display supporting device to a second extended position outwardly of the display supporting device; the arrangement being such that the display device, when moved from its first position to its second position outwardly of the display supporting device, moves upwardly through a substantially vertical plane, wherein the display device is slidably mounted to the display supporting device to move from the first to the second position..

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the display supporting device includes display device holding means slidingly mounted relative to the display supporting device, the display device holding means being slidable into and out of the display supporting device.

3. Apparatus according to claims 1 or 2, and further comprising a supporting device connected to the display supporting device and moveable from a first non-supporting, stowed position to a second supporting position to support the display supporting device and the display device.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3, the support stand further comprises a slider device that facilitates the support stand movement.

5. Apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the support stand is stowed in an opening in the display supporting device in the non-supporting position.

6. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the display supporting device is a protective unit for the display device.

7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, and further comprising a hinge device, wherein the display device holder and the display device is adjustable in angle relative to a user when the display device is in the extended position.

8. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the display supporting device serves as a travel case for the display device.

9. Apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the display supporting device includes a rail system that guides the display device holder.

10. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the display device holder includes a protective wall to safeguard the display device.11 . Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the display device holder is aligned co-planarly with the display supporting device when in its first position.

12. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein when the display device holder is in the fully extended position , the display supporting device acts as a stable base.

13. A method consisting sliding a display device into and out of a display supporting device wherein the display device when moved outwardly of the display supporting device extends in a substantially vertical plane above the display supporting device.

14. A method according to claim 13, wherein the display supporting device includes display device holding means slidingly mounted relative to the display supporting device, the display device holding means being slidable into and out of the display supporting device.

15. A method according to claims 13 or 14, and further comprising a supporting device connected to the display supporting device and moveable from a first non-supporting, stowed position to a second supporting position to support the display supporting device and the display device.

16. A method according to claim 15, wherein the support stand is arranged to retract and extend automatically as the display device slides between the first and second positions respectively.

17. A method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the display supporting device serves as a protective unit for the display device.

18. A method according to any one of claims 13 to 17, and further comprising a adjusting about a hinge device, the display device to a desired angle relative to a user when the display device is in the extended position.

19. A method according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the display supporting device serves as a travel case for the display device.

20. A method according to any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein the display device holder is aligned co- planarly with the display supporting device when in its first position.21 . A method according to any one of claims 13 to 20, wherein when the display device holder is in the fully extended position , the display supporting device acts as a stable base.

22. Apparatus comprising:a display device arranged within a display supporting device so as to be slidable from a first position within the display supporting device to a second extended position outwardly of the display supporting device; and the display supporting device being connected to the display device in the second position and forming a support for the display device in the second position. the protective case including display device holding means slidingly mounted on the display supporting device, the display device holding means being slideable into and out of the display supporting device.

23. A method comprising sliding a display device into and out of a display supporting device wherein the display device when moved outwardly of the display supporting device remains connected to the display device and forms a support for the display device.

24. Apparatus comprising: a display device mounted within a display supporting device and arranged to be moveable from a first position within the display supporting device to an extended position outwardly of the display supporting device, and a supporting system that moves from a non-supporting, stowed position to a supporting position when the display device is moved as aforesaid.

25. A method comprising moving a display device into and out of a display supporting device and thereby causing a supporting system to move from a first non-supporting, stowed position to a second supporting position to support the protective case and display device.

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