GB2491565A

GB2491565A - Display device with pivotally mounted housing

Info

Publication number: GB2491565A
Application number: GB201108837A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Botting
Original assignee: PERFORMANCE ENCLOSURES Ltd
Current assignee: PERFORMANCE ENCLOSURES Ltd
Priority date: 2011-05-26
Filing date: 2011-05-26
Publication date: 2012-12-12
Also published as: GB201108837D0

Abstract

A display device 10 comprises a base 18, a display area 12 which may include a touch screen, and a first housing 40 for mounting the display area to the base, the first housing 40 being disposed between the base 18 and an underside of the display area 12. The first housing 40 is pivotally mounted via disc element 42 to upper legs 34, 36 so that the display area 12 is able to tilt between a horizontal position and a vertical position. Disc element 42 is restrained by a friction grip which provides controlled movement of the display area 12 and locking means locks the first housing 40 in any position relative to the base 18. Vertical movement is provided by the upper legs 34, 36 telescoping within lower legs 30, 32 which form with a longitudinally extending spar 20 an H-section chassis. A second housing 44 holding one or more computer devices is mounted on the spar 20.

Description

DISPLAY DEVICE

The present invention relates to a display device suitable for use with touch-screen technologies and particularly but not exclusively for use with interactive whiteboards.

BACKGROUND TO THE TNVENTION

In universities, schools, boardrooms and other educational environments, there is a need to provide access to touch-screen technology, including in particular, interactive whiteboards and/or large screen displays.

It is known to provide display screens and projectors on stands, for example, as shown in GB 2456023A. However, it has been found in use that such devices are not ideally adapted to being moved, for example, between lecture theatres, do not provide displays which can be viewed easily from different positions relative to the display and are not particularly robust.

It is an object of the invention to provide a display device which reduces or substantially obviates the above mentioned problems.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

According to the present invention, there is provided a display device comprising a base, a display area, and a first housing for mounting the display area to the base, the first housing being disposed between the base and an underside of the display area, and the display area being movable between a substantially horizontal position and a substantially vertical position.

Advantageously, the display device provides a display area which can be viewed in multiple orientations. The first housing conveniently provides an area for containing and/or connection of electronic devices.

The first housing may be pivotally mounted to the base and restriction means may be provided for providing controlled resistance to the movement of the display area between the substantially horizontal and vertical positions. This enables the display area to be moved to a desired orientation with ease, and without a person operating the device handling any substantial weight of the device.

The display area can be locked in substantially any position between the substantially horizontal position and a substantially vertical position for ease of viewing either as a table top, for example, in a board room discussion, or in a lecture theatre.

A second housing is disposed on the base, below and spaced from the first housing.

The second housing advantageously provides racking of standard width and height for computer equipment.

The second housing is connected to the first housing by a flexible inter-connection means, through which service cables may pass. The inter-connection means may retract into one or both of the housing. Alternatively, the inter-connection means may be connected to another part of the base, through which cabling may pass.

The base has an H-section chassis including a longitudinally extending spar and first and second rails extending from respective ends of the centrally extending spar. The H-section design provides rigidity, whilst being light.

Four wheels may be mounted to the chassis, each wheel being positioned proximate an end of one of the first and second rails. This facilitates the mobility of the device, which can be pushed or pulled between rooms.

The second housing may be mounted on the longitudinally extending spar and the longitudinally extending spar may be offset from the central axis of the chassis. In this way, the second housing does not impede movement of the display area.

First and second legs may extend upwardly from the first and second rails respectively and the legs may be adjustable in length. In particular, each of the first and second legs may include a lower leg portion and an upper leg portion, the upper leg portion being received at least partly within the lower leg portion and telescopically extending from the lower leg portion. The telescopic movement may be assisted, for example, by springs or hydraulic rams.

I

The first housing may be pivotally mounted to upper ends of the upper legs.

A spar may be provided between upper ends of the lower legs. This strengthens the S base. Handles may be provided on the first housing, on either end thereof, or in other positions, which facilitate handling of the device.

The display area includes a planar work surface and a flat touch screen display may be set into or mounted on the work surface.

Altematively, a projector mount may be mounted to the work surface proximate one edge thereof.

The work surface may be provided in two separate parts, with the projector mount disposed on a first part of the work surface. Furthermore, the first part of the work surface may be slidably mounted to the first housing. This enables the first part of the work surface to be moved inwardly and outwardly over the first housing.

The second part of the work surface may be pivotally mounted to the first housing. In this way, the second part of the housing can be tilted or hinged to one side of the first housing, for transit through narrow apertures, for example, doorways.

Locking means may be provided for locking the first part of the work surface to the second part of the work surface. This prevents the work surface from moving on the first housing, when in use, for example, when being tilted to a different viewing position.

Advantageously, the display device is made from metal, making it strong and durable.

Furthermore, it can be used to display an interactive whiteboard, either projected or displayed on an LCD or other screen. Also, the displayed image need not be interactive.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a plan view from above of a first embodiment of a display device; Figure 2 shows a side view of the first embodiment of the display device of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows the side view of the first embodiment of the display device of Figure 1 with the legs in an extended position; Figure 4 shows an end view of the first embodiment of the display device of Figure 1, with the display area and the first housing of the display device being positioned at an angle to the horizontal position; Figure 5 shows an end view of the first embodiment of the display device of Figure 1, with the display area and the first housing of the display device being positioned in a vertical position; Figure 6 shows a perspective front view of the first embodiment of the display device of Figure 1; Figure 7 shows a plan view of a display area and a first housing of a second embodiment of a display device; Figure 8 shows a rear view of the second embodiment of the display device; Figure 9 shows the rear view of the second embodiment of the display device of Figure 8 with the legs in an extended position; Figure 10 shows an end view of the second embodiment of the display device of Figure 8, with a display area and a first housing of the display device being positioned at an angle to the horizontal position; Figure 11 shows the end view of the second embodiment of the display device of Figure 8, with the display area and the first housing of the display device being positioned in a vertical position; Figure 12 shows an end view of the second embodiment of the display device of Figure 8, with the display area of the display device being positioned in a vertical position and the first housing in a horizontal position, a projector mount attached to and positioned over the first housing; Figure 13 shows a perspective end view of the second embodiment of the display device of Figure 8, with the display area of the display device being positioned in a vertical position and the first housing in a horizontal position, the projector mount attached to and positioned over the first housing; and Figure 14 shows a perspective front view of the second embodiment of the display device of Figure 8.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring firstly to Figures 1 and 2, a first embodiment of display device is indicated generally at 10. The display device 10 includes a display area 12 including a touch screen 14, for example, an LCD touch screen, mounted in or on a planar work surface 16. The display area 12 is mounted on a base 18, which is robust and moveable and will be described in detail below.

Referring also to Figure 6, the base 18 has an H-section chassis including a longitudinally extending spar 20 and first and second rails 22, 24 extending from respective ends of the spar 20. The upper surfaces of the ends of the first and second rails 22, 24 are curved to provide an attractive appearance. A central region of each of the first and second rails 22, 24 is also undercut on the underside of the rails, which also enhances the appearance. Large caster wheels, 26, are connected to each end of the first and second rails 22, 24, enabling the display device 10 to be moved with ease.

The casters are pivoted vertically as well as about their rolling axis and are also lockable by means of a foot pedal 28. This enables the display device 10 to be positioned, for example in a lecture theatre, and locked in position whilst in use.

First and second legs 3 0,32 extend vertically upwards from the centre of the first and second rails 22,24 respectively. Each leg includes a lower portion which is rigidly attached to the rail and an upper portion 34, 36, as best seen in Figure 3. The first and second upper leg portions 34, 36 telescope within the lower leg portions 30, 32, and facilitate height adjustment of the display area 12 relative to the ground. A longitudinally extending strengthening spar 38 is provided between the upper ends of the lower leg portions 30, 32.

A first housing 40 is pivotally mounted between the upper ends of the first and second upper leg portions 34, 36. The housing is substantially rectangular and is mounted about its central axis. As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the housing is able to rotate between a substantially horizontal position as shown in Figure 3 and a substantially vertical position as shown in Figure 5. The display area 12 is attached to the upper side of the first housing 40 and is able to move with the housing. The angling or tilting movement of the display area and first housing 40 is controlled by a disc element 42 which rotates with the housing 40 and is restrained by a friction grip. Locking means is also provided for locking the display area 12 and the first housing 40 in any position relative to the base 18, for example, at an angle as shown on Figure 4.

A second housing 44 is mounted on top of the spar 20 between the first and second rails 22, 24 and provides racking, for example, for holding one or more computer devices. The spar 20 is offset to one side of the longitudinal axis of the base 18 and the second housing 44 is therefore disposed to one side of the base 18. As can be seen most clearly from Figure 5, the rotation of the first housing 40 and display area 12 is to the other side of the base 18, so that the movement is not impeded by the second housing 44. Handles 46 are provided on either end of the first housing 40, as best seen in Figure 2. The handles 46 enable the display device 10 to be moved when the display area 12 is in the vertical position, the horizontal position or any position therebetween.

It will be appreciated that when the display area 12 is in the vertical position as shown in Figure 5, then the overall width of the device is no greater than the length of the first and second rails 22, 24 of the chassis. The length of the rails is no greater than 750mm and the height of the display device 10, when in the position as shown in Figure 5 is no greater than 2,000mm, thereby enabling the device to be passed through a typical doorway. In other words, the footprint of the device is no greater than that of the chassis.

Referring to Figures 2 and 3, a flexible interconnection means 48 is provided between the first and second housings 40, 44, which is adapted to receive cables for connecting the screen to a computer contained within the second housing 44. The interconnection means retracts into one of the housings and coils up when the legs are moved to the lowered position. Both of the housings 40, 44 are able to receive electronic devices within. Grills 50 are provided in the wall of both of the first and second housings 40, 44, thereby enabling air flow through the housings for cooling of any electronic equipment contained therein.

Referring now to Figures 7 to 14, a second embodiment of display device is indicated generally at 52. In this embodiment, the base 18 is substantially the same as that in the first embodiment of display device 10 and common reference numerals have been used to indicate the common parts of the base. The main difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is that the second embodiment is intended for use with a projected image, such as an interactive whiteboard. A work surface 54 is again mounted to the top of the first housing 40, but is provided in first and second parts 56, 58.

Referring in particular to Figure 12, a projector mount 60 is attached to the upper surface of the first part of the work surface 56 and is mounted adjacent an edge thereof A projector 62 can be mounted on the projector mount 60 in such a way that it projects an image onto the second part of the work surface 58, when the work surfaces are arranged in a position as indicated in any one of Figures 7 to 11. The first part of the work surface 56 is mounted to the first housing 40 on sliders, thereby enabling the work surface to be moved between a position, for example as shown in Figures 10 and 11 in which the first part of the work surface 56 is disposed to one side of the first housing 40 and a position for transit on top of the housing 40, as shown in Figure 12. The second part of the work surface 58 is hinged to the opposite side of the first housing 40, thereby enabling the second part of the work surface to be moved between a position lying substantially flat on top of the housing 40 and disposed perpendicularly thereto to one side of the housing 40.

When the second embodiment of display device 52 is in the position as shown in Figure 12 with the first part of the work surface disposed on top of the housing 40 and the second part of the work surface hinged to one side thereof, then the overall width of the device is no greater than the length of the first and second rails 22, 24, for enabling the device to pass through a doorway of no greater than 750mm. For display, the first and second parts of the work surface 56, 58 are moved to the position shown in Figures 9 and 10, and they are locked together to prevent relative movement when the display area is moved to a tilted or vertical position. The projected image, which is displayed on the second part of the work surface 58 can be rotated by movement of the first housing 40 about its pivotal axis on the leg portions 34, 36 as described with regard to the first embodiment.

The base 18 of the first and second embodiments of the display device is manufactured from sheet metal, is modular in design, and is extremely robust. The display devices 10, 52 can be lifted or pulled to substantially any position on the casters 26 by use of the handles 46 which are rigidly attached to the first housing 40.

The different embodiments of the invention give a user the choice of multiple touch-screen technologies such as front-screcn projected, rear-screen projected and embedded touch-screen technologies in flat-screen displays as well as rear projection cubes.

The moveability of the display area 12 enables the devices to be used as a table, for example in a round table discussion. Alternatively, the ability to position the display area 12 substantially vertically or at an angle to the vertical, enables the display device to be used in a lecture theatre environment. In one arrangement, a touch-screen may be mounted within the display area 12, and a further touch-screen may be mounted on the back of the display area 12, substantially perpendicular thereto. The two screens may be used at the same time, or independently of one another. The ability to angle the display area 12 is important because the appearance of the display area can be affected by the light level in the ambient environment. The displays may be interactive, or not, and may be provided according to need.

It is understood that variations may be made in the foregoing without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the elements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments may be combined in whole or in part in some or all of the illustrative embodiments within the scope of the claims. In addition, one or more of the elements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments may be omitted, at least in part, and/or combined, at least in part, with one or more of the other elements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments within the scope of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A display device comprising a base, a display area, and a first housing for mounting the display area to the base, the first housing being disposed between the base and an underside of the display area, and the display area being movable between a substantially horizontal position and a substantially vertical position.
2. A display device as claimed in claim 1, in which the first housing is pivotally mounted to the base.
3. A display device as claimed in claim 2, in which restriction means is provided for providing controlled resistance to the movement of the display area between the substantially horizontal and vertical positions.
4. A display device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the display area can be locked in substantially any position between the substantially horizontal position and a substantially vertical position.
5. A display device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a second housing is disposed on the base, below and spaced from the first housing.
6. A display device as claimed in claim 5, in which the second housing is connected to the first housing by a flexible inter-connection means, through which service cables may pass.
7. A display device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the base has an H-section chassis including a longitudinally extending spar and first and second rails extending from respective ends of the centrally extending spar.
8. A display device as claimed in claim 7, in which four wheels are mounted to the chassis, each wheel being positioned proximate an end of one of the first and second rails.
9. A display device as claimed in claim 7, when dependent on claim 5, in which the second housing is mounted on the longitudinally extending spar.
10. A display device as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9, in which the longitudinally extending spar is offset from the central axis of the chassis.
11. A display device as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 10, in which first and second legs extend upwardly from the first and second rails respectively.
12. A display device as claimed in claim 11, in which the legs are adjustable in length.
13. A display device as claimed in claim 11 or 12, in which the each of the first and second legs includes a lower leg and an upper leg, the upper leg being received at least partly within the lower leg and telescopically extending from the lower leg.
14. A display device as claimed in claim 13, in which the first housing is pivotally mounted to upper ends of the upper legs.
15. A display device as claimed in claim 13 or 14, in which a spar is provided between upper ends of the lower legs.
16. A display device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which handles are provided on the first housing.
17. A display device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the display area includes a planar work surface.
18. A display device as claimed in claim 17, in which a flat touch screen display is set into or mounted on the work surface.
19. A display device as claimed in claim 17, in which a projector mount is mounted to the work surface proximate one edge thereof
20. A display device as claimed in claim 19, in which the work surface is provided in two separate parts.
21. A display device as claimed in claim 20, in which the projector mount is disposed on a first part of the work surface.
22. A display device as claimed in claim 21, in which the first part of the work surface is slidably mounted to the first housing.
23. A display device as claimed in claim 22, in which the second part of the work surface is pivotally mounted to the first housing.
24. A display device as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 23, in which locking means is provided for locking the first part of the work surface to the second part of the work surface.
25. A display device substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, and 7 to 14 of the accompanying drawings.