GB2384611A - Pivotable dual computer display system - Google Patents

Abstract

A dual computer screen system comprising two pivotably connected 1122 screens (1124, fig. 93), each of which are moveable in at least two orthogonal axes with respect to the other. Preferably, the displays are moveable between a vertical operating position (fig. 95) and a lateral operating position (fig. 93) wherein both screens are viewable by a first person as well as being moveable to an opposing position (fig. 98) wherein the second screen is viewable by a second person opposite the first person. Additionally, the displays may be further moveable to a storage position (fig. 99) wherein each image surface faces the other.

Description

* 238461 1

f COMPUTER DISPLAY SCREEN SYSTEM AND ADJUSTABLE SCREEN

MOUNT, AND SWINGING SCREENS THEREFOR

À FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to electronic displays having dual display screens used with computers and CAD design equipment, and more particularly to various embodiments of an LCD display system permitting positioning of two or more LCD display screens in a variety of orientations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENT ON

Computers are readily adapted to operate multiple displays. Paired 10 monitors and screens are useful when large amounts of related information, such as data or graphics, must be compared. Paired monitors can be inconvenient, however, where limited desk space is available. Monitors may be horizontally aligned, or vertically aligned. It is especially desirable to permit swinging of the monitor orientations together into a "booking" mode.

15 The invention also relates to a novel swingable mounting, which is suitable for mounting a variety of different pieces of equipment and instruments particularly for example video cameras, telescopes, mirrors, and any number of different articles, which it may be desired to swing into a position from which the article is not easily displaced; 20 The invention also relates to an interchangeable computer display screen, in which one or mwe of a variety of screen configurations can be connected or disconnected in various configurations with a computer.

[BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the invention provides a display system having two screens 25 and comprising a base, a pair of electronic displays mounted on the base and means for swingabiy mounting the display screens, for swinging towards one - another for convenient viewing. The swinging means includes an arm assembly i!

i 2 which supports the display screens on the base. The support for the arm assembly from the base may have an orientation relative to the base in which the display screens are positioned in vertically stacked screen relationship and may also have a different orientation in which the display screens are positioned in a 5 horizontal, side by side relationship. Each display screen has a swingable joint connecting it to the arm assembly to permit adjustment of its angular orientation relative to the other screen. The angular orientation of each of the display screens relative to the arm assembly can thus be set by the user so as to orient each display screen in the desired angular orientation for that operator.

10 In one implementation of the invention, the arm assembly can be set in one position about a generally horizontal axis relative to the base, and the display screens can be swung together relative to the arm assembly. The arm assembly may be locked in either orientations, typically vertical or horizontal. Each display screen may be permitted to swing only between a pair of angular positions relative 15 to the arm assembly by controls in the swingable joints.

The displays will often be horizontally arranged side by side in their operative angular orientation. It will generally be desirable to minimize the spacing between edges of the display screens whether vertically registered or horizontally registered. To that end, the center-to-center spacing between the 20 display screens is preferably reduced when the screens are swung together.

The swingable mounting joints connecting the display screens to the arm assembly are preferably formed in such a way that they can be preconfigured either for a side by side orientation or for a vertically stacked orientation of the screens, with means being provided on the swingable joints to guide the assembly 25 in one fashion or the other, and the arm assembly is preferably provided with connecting means connecting to the swingable joints, which cooperate with the means guiding the assembly.

The swingable joints are preferably provided with control abutments by means of which the swinging of the displays can be guided and controlled both 30 when in their horizontal side-by-side arrangement and when in their vertically stacked arrangement, and the position and angular displacement of the two screens can be preset by adjustment of such positional controls during assembly.

A further feature of the invention Is the provision of a unique form of spring-loaded pivot mount for mounting equipment, such as the display screen.

The pivot mount is capable of adjusting the spring pressure on the pivot so that the article mounted on the pivot mount, in this case a screen can be ... 5 adjusted, when grasped with both hands and moved, but which is otherwise highly resistant to movement due to frictional locking of the pivot mount.

The pivot mount has numerous other uses, other than mounting display screens as will be apparent from the following description.

Further aspects of the invention provide for the interchangeab.!ity of 10 screens one with the other, so that larger or smaller screens may be used with the same computer, and so that screens may be used in various different positions.

In some cases the screens may simply be stood on a table. In other cases the screens may be wall-mounted or mounted on some form of base separate from the computer. In other cases the screens may be interchangeably and 15 releasably mountable for exernple in a vehicle, and they may be configured in pairs so that they may be portable and set up for a multi screen display, for example, for viewing by a number of persons simultaneously.

The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with more particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this 20 disclosure! For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages

and specific objects attained by its use, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated and described preferred embodiments of the invention.

IN THE DRAWINGS

25 The various advantages of the present invention will become apparent to one skilled in the art-by reading the following specification and subjoined claims

and by referencing the following drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective illustration of a dual display screen system, showing swinging movement of the two screens towards one another; 30 Figure 2 is a side-elevation of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a front-elevation of the dual display screens of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a top plan view of the dual display screens of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a perspective illustration of dual display screen shown with the screens in vertical arrangement one above the other; Figure 6 is a side-elevation of Figure 5 showing the screens tilled towards one another; 5 Figure 7 is an exploded view of the pivot mount and ball joint used in this embodiment of the invention; Figure 8 is a section along the line 88 of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a section along the line 9-9 of Figure 7; Figure 10 is an exploded perspective illustration of an arm assembly, and 10 showing cut away portions of the swingable joints; Figure 11 is a section along the line 11-11 of figure 10, showing the tNO components assembled; Figure 12 is a-section along the line 12-12 of Figure 10 showing the two parts assembled; 15 Figure 13 is a perspective partly exploded illustration showing an alternative interchangeable mounting system for mounting the screens; Figure 14 is an exploded rear perspective illustration of a complementary portion of the mounting system, which is fitted to the back of each screen; Figure 15 is an exploded perspective illustration showing the 20 interchangeable mounting system of the invention coupled with a ball joint similar to that shown in Figure 12, to enable a screen to be mounted on a stand separately from the computer; Figure 16 is a rear elevation of the complementary portion of the interchangeable mounting system mounted on the back of a screen; 25 Figure 17 is a section along the line 17-17 of Figure 16; Figure 18 is a perspective illustration partly in phantom of a modified form of stand for a computer screen; Figure 19 is a perspective illustration of a stand somou hat similar to Figure 18, with a collapsible stand arm nesting in a base; 30 Figure 19a is a perspective of the unit of Figure 19 folded and nested for storage or carrying; Figure 20 is a rear perspective illustration partly exploded showing a s

modified form of computer together with a display releasible mounted on an arm extending from the computer; Figure 21 is a front perspective illustration of a wall-mounted form of interchangeable display screen together with a control panel; 5 Figure 22 is a schematic illustration showing an interchangeable mountir g of a display screen in a vehicle; Figure 23 is an illustration of another vehicle mounting of the interchangeable displays screen, in the rear compartment of the vehicle; Figure 24 is an illustration of a computer with a rear mounted support arm, 10 and a greatly enlarged display screen fitted to the arm; Figure 25 is a perspective illustration of a table-mounted screen; Figure 26 shows a computer having two screens mounted one above the other, with a rotatable mount between the two screens; Figure 27 is a view of the same computer as shown in Figure 26 showing 15 the two screens folded outwardly, so that the display can be viewed by two persons sitting opposite one another; Figure 28 is an illustration of a portable dual display screen with a hinging mount, the two screens being shown folded together in a stored or carrying position; 20 Figure 29 is a perspective illustration showing a plurality of the display screens of Figure 28 opened up so that they may stand on the table and face in opposite directions, and coupled to a computer; Figure 30 is a perspective illustration of an alternate form of tripod display stand for holding three displays for example, on a conference room table or the 25 like; Figure 31 is a perspective illustration of the tripod support of Figure 30; Figure 32 is a rear perspective partially exploded view of another form of dismountable display leg for a display screen; Figure 33 is a rear perspective illustration of a typical lap top computer, 30 having two display screens, the one being slidable relative to the other for nesting, or extendable for use; Figure 34 is a perspective illustration of the lap top computer with dual

display screens of Figure 33 showing the display screens in another configuration; Figure 35 is a perspective illustration of another form of lap top computer having two display screens, and showing a slidable cover pariel for one of the two display screens; 5 Figure 36 is a rear perspective view of another form of display screen, showing attachment recesses for various components; Figure 37 is a perspective illustration of, for example,- a lap top computer showing two display screens such as that illustrated in Figure 36, being attachable to a hinge mounting on the computer; 10 Figure 38 is a front elevational view of a pair of display screens as illustrated in Figure 36 shown side by side; Figure 39 is a front elevational view corresponding to Figure 38, but showing the two display screens one above the other; Figure 40 shows an illustration of a further embodiment of invention with 15 a computer having two display screens joined along the side by a hinge; Figure 41 shows the computer of Figure 40 with the two display screens swung out side by side; Figure 42 shows the same computer with the two screens swung back to back, so as to display in opposite directions; 20 Figure 43 is a perspective view of a laptop computer system incorporating a center LCD panel and a pair of half-width LCD panels on each side thereof, wherein the half-width panels may be folded over the center LCD panel and the entire display portion then folded down onto the keyboard portion of the laptop to form a compact assembly; 25 Figure 43A is a perspective view of a laptop computer which forms a multimedia center, and which incorporates a pair of foldable speakers flanking a lower LCD screen, and an upper LCD screen hingedly attached to the lower screen; Figure 44 is a side elevational view of a display system of the present 30 invention incorporating a telescoping and pivoting upper support arm for positioning an upper LCD panel adjustably at a desired height above a lower LCD panel or in an orientation facing away from the lower LCD panel;

i 7 Figure 45 is a side elevational view of the display system of Figure 44 showing the upper support arm in an extended position; Figure 46 is a side elevational view of the display system with the upper LCD panel adjusted at an angle relative to the lower LCI:) panel; 5Figure 47 is a side elevational view of the display system with the upper LCD panel folded overibackward relative to the lower LCD panel; Figure 48 is a perspective view of the display system in use at an airline ticket counter; Figure 49 is a perspective view of the display system in a folded orientation 10 for easy handling; Figure 50 is a perspective view of an alternative preferred embodiment of a display system of the present invention incorporating a rotating support member to enable a LCD panel to be rotated about a vertical axis; Figure 51 is a perspective view illustrating an upper LCD panel mounted 15 for swiveling movement relative to a lower LCD panel using the system shown in Figure 50; Figure 52 is a perspective view of the display system shown in Figure 51 showing the two LCD panels facing in opposite directions; Figure 53 is an exploded perspective view of a modular, multi-panel LCD 2a display system in accordance with another alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 54 is a perspective view of the display system shown in Figure 53 in assembled form ready to accept four LCD panels; Figure 55 is a front view of the display system of Figure 54 with four LCD 25 panels attached thereto; Figure 56 is a rear view of the display system of Figure 55; Figure 57 is a perspective view of the display system of Figure 55; Figure 58 is an exploded perspective view of the system shown in Figure 53 but without one of the support arms such that a three LCD panel display 30 system is formed; Figure 59 is an exploded perspective view of the display system shown in Figure 58 illustrating how a single LCD panel is attached at an uppermost end of

-I, 8 one of the support arms; Figure 60 is a front elevational view of three LCD panels supported on the display system shown in Figure 59; Figure 61 is a front elevations view of three LCD panels being supported 5 such that the single LCD panel is below an upper pair of LCD panels; Figure 62 is a perspective view of a base assembly for supporting three LCD panels in the configuration shown in Figure 62; Figure 63 is a front elevational view of a four LCD panel system with two of the panels disposed in portrait orientation and two disposed in landscape 10 orientation; and Figure 64 is a front elevational view of a three LCD panel system with two LCD panels disposed in a landscape orientation and one in a portrait orientation.

Figures 65-67 illustrate perspective views of a display support system in accordances with one preferred embodiment of the present invention; 15 Figures 68-70 illustrate the display support system of Figures 65-67 supporting a pair of LCD screens in various orientations; Figures 71-74 illustrate perspective views of an alternative preferred embodiment of the display support system of Figures 65-67, which incorporates a screen centering device for centering a pair of LCD screens on a support arm 20 of the system; Figure 75 is a perspective view of the centering member of the system of Figure 71; Figure 76 is a front elevational view of the display support system of Figures 71-74 supporting a pair of LCD screens of different dimensions; 25 Figure 77 is a partial plan view of the display screen support system shown in Figure 71 illustrating the limited degree of booking available because of limited - clearance between the edges of the LCD screens and the support arm of the system; Figure 78 is a partial plan view of an alternative preferred embodiment of 30 a display screen support system which allows for an increased degree of booking of two LCD screens by virtue of a concavity formed in a support arm portion thereof;

Figures 79 and 80 are perspective views of the display support system of Figure 78 but with a base assembly incorporating extendable foot portions to increase the effective footprint of the base assembly; Figure 81 is a perspective view of the base assembly of Figures 79 and 80 5 but with an increased base panel portion to provide even further stability to the base assembly; Figures 82 is a perspective view of a mechanism for enabling smooth extending movement of each of the arm members of the display support system shown in Figures 71-74; 10 Figure 83, is a perspective view of an alternative preferred mechanism for enabling smooth rolling movement of the support arms within a common support member; Figure 84 is a perspective view of another alternative preferred form of the arm member incorporating semi-circular grooves and channels for smooth sliding 15 movement of the arm members; Figure 85 is a perspective view of an alternative preferred embodiment of the arm member of Figure 84 illustrating the use of square shaped channels and shoulder portions; Figures 86-88 are perspective views of a display support system which 20 enables an LCD screen mount to be quickly repositioned in either a portrait or a landscape orientation; Figure 89 is a partial cross sectional view in accordance with section line 89-89 in Figure 88; Figure 90 is a partial cross sectional view of an alternative preferred 25 embodiment of the display system shown in Figure 89, which incorporates stop members for limiting movement of an LCD mount member betvveen two positions 90 degrees apart from one another; Figure 91 is a simplified cross sectional view of the neck portion of an LCD support member in accordance with section line 91-91 in Figure 90 illustrating the 30 two grooves which limit movement of the neck portion; Figure 92 is a perspective view of the LCD screen mounting member and a portion of the support member, illustrating the recess in the support member;

Figures 93-103 are perspective views of an LCD display system incorporating a universal ball joint hinge for enabling a pair of LCD screens to be placed In various orientations; Figures 104 and 105 are elevational views of an arrangement for positioning two LCD screens on a common support arm such that the screens can be repositioned in either portrait or landscape orientations without requiring same to be spaced at different distances from one another; Figure 106 is a perspective view of a release member in accordance with an alternative preferred embodiment of the invention; 10 Figure 107 is a partial side view of the release member of Figure 107; Figure 108 is an end view of the release member taken in accordance with directional arrow 108-108 in Figure 107; Figures 109-111 are perspective views of the release member being inserted into an associated support member; 15 Figures 1 12-1 14 are perspective views of the release member being rotated within the opening in the support member; Figure 115 is a perspective view of a portion of the support member of Figures 104-114; Figure 116 is a front view of a portion of the support member showing the 2G opening therein in greater detail; Figure 117 is a partial cross sectional view illustrating the release member in one orientation within the opening in the support member; Figure 118 is a partial cross sectional view of the release member having been moved 90 degrees counterclockwise from the position shown in Figure 117; 25 Figure 119 is a partial cross sectional side view of the release member coupled to a lever assembly associated with the support member, with the lever assembly locking the camming member in place relative to the support member; Figure 120 illustrates the lever assembly shown in Figure 119 in an unlocked orientation, thereby enabling rotational movement of the release 30 member; Figure 121 is a perspective view of the support member and lever assembly shown in Figure 119, with the lever thereof in the locked position;

'.. 11

Figure 122 is a view of the lever of Figure 121 but with the lever in the open position; Figure 123 is an alternative preferred embodiment of an arm assembly of the present invention incorporatirig a threadeiloclting rriem er for to-cPdng-t e arm 5 member relative to an associated support member; Figure 124 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the arm member within the support arm, and with the support member shown in phantom; Figure 125 is a partial end cross sectional view taken in accordance with section line 125-125 in Figure 123; 10 Figure 126 is a partial cross sectional view taken in accordance with section line 126- 126 in Figure 125; Figure 127 is an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention substantially in accordance with the embodiment of Figures 123-126 except for the inclusion of a plurality of rollers to assist in providing smooth rolling movement; 15 Figure 128 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention incorporating a ball joint assembly adapted to be easily adjusted to four different positions on a support member; Figure 129 is a perspective view of the mounting block shown in Figure 1 28; 20 Figure 130 is an assembled side cross sectional view of the assembly shown in Figure 128; Figures 131-133 illustrate dimensional considerations for mounting two LCD screens such that various edges of each align with each other when the two screens are in different orientations; 25 Figure 140 is a front view of a dual LCD screen monitor system having one screen rotating into a portrait mode; Figure 141 is a top view of the display system of Figure 140 illustrating the outwardly booked position of the rightmost LCD screen during rotation thereof; Figure 142 is a front view of the display system of Figure 140 but with the 30 leftmost LCD screen booked outwardly to enable rotation thereof; Figure 143 is a plan view of the display system of Figure 142; Figure 144 is a front view of the display system of Figure 142 in the

process of being rotated clockwise while in an outwardly booked position; Figure 145 is a plan view of the display system of Figure 144; Figure 146 is a front view of the display system of Flqure 144 with both LCD screens rotated completely into a portrait mode; 5 Figure 147 is a plan view of the display system of Figure 146; Figure 148 is a partial cross-sectional view in accordance with section line 148-148 in Figure 147 of the ball joint assembly of Figure 134 in use with the leftmost LCD screen in Figure 147; Figure 149 is a cross sectional view in accordance with section line 149 10 149 of Figure 147 of the ball joint assembly in use with the rightmost LCD screen in Figure 147; Figure 150 is a perspective view of a portion of a base assembly for an LCD display system incorporating a built in control panel; Figure 151 is an enlarged perspective view of the control panel shown in 15 Figure 150; Figure 152 is a perspective view of a display system incorporating a flexible camera mounted in a support arm thereof; Figure 153 is a perspective view of an alternative preferred embodiment of the camera of Figure 152 but also including a microphone integrated therewith; 20 Figure 154 is a front view of the display system of Figure 152 including a pair of LCD screens attached thereto; Figure 155 is a side view of the display system of Figure 155; -

Figure 156 is an enlarged perspective view of the camera shown in Figure 152; 25 Figure 157 is a front view of an alternative preferred embodiment of an LCD display system incorporating a camera built into the bezel of one of the LCD screens thereof; Figure 158 is a perspective view of a clip incorporating a camera which can.

be secured to a bezel of an LCD screen; and 30 Figure 159 is a partial perspective view of an LCD screen incorporating the clip attached to the bezel of the screen.

. 13 DESCRIPTION OF A SPECIFIC EMBODIMENT

As already explained, the invention in this particular embodiment illustrated, has its application to the use of dual display screens, which can be used to 5 display two different computer images simultaneously. This? may have application for example in CAD computer design application. For these and other purposes it is particularly useful if the two screens or displays can be tilted towards one another so that they appear in the form more or less of two pages of an open book. The screens are preferably arranged side by side; in horizontal alignment, 10 but may also be arranged vertically one above the other.

Referring now to Figures 1, 2 and 3, the invention is there illustrated as in the form of a pair of video display screens 10 and 12, each of which may be of known construction, but which may typically be liquid crystal displays for example.

They are each provided with video terminal connectors 14 (Figure 2) by means 15 of which they may be connected to a computer.

Each of the screens 10 and 12 comprises a central rectangular display portion 16, and a rectangular marginal frame 18.

The two display screens 10 and 12 are mounted at opposite ends of a mounting arm 20. The mounting arm 20 is itself supported on an upright stand 20 22 and a base 24. The arm 20 may be connected to the base 22 by a coupling means 26 (Figure 4) by means of which the arm may be attached during assembly, either horizontally, or vertically (Figure 6) prior to delivery to the customer. In some cases the manufacturer may simply make the arm permanently 25 attached in one position, i.e. horizontal or the other i.e. vertical, to reduce expense. As will be noted in Figures 2 and 4, each of the displays 10 and 12 Is mounted on respective free ends of arm 20, by means of a swingable mounting means 28 and 30 respectively.

30 The swingable mounting means 28 and 30 are so constructed as to permit the two screens 10 and 12 to be swung together towards one another, into the

14, configuration shown in Figures 1 and 4, in which they both remain in the same upright planes, and in which they are both swung towards one another by equal angles. In this way, as the two screens 10 and 12 are swung towards one another into this configuration, the angular displacement of one screen is equal to' the angular displacement of the other screen, so that the two frames 18 of the screens 10 and 12 substantially meet at a central point indicated generally as P. thus bringing the two screens 16-16 as close as possible together and at the same time, as far as possible, simulating the appearance of two pages of a book opened up. t 10 It will be o,bsewed that when the arm 20 is fastened in its vertical position as shown in Figures 5, the lower one of the two screens 10 and 12 is moved up the arm, because in the vertically stacked orientation, the rectangular screens have a shorter vertical dimension, an itis -d irabRe-tl t-tl ey h a h to one another as possible when they are swung together, so that the longer sides 15 meet at point P. From the foregoing description it will be understood that it is desirable that

the two screens can be swung together into their inwardly angled relation as shown in Figures 1 and 4, or Figure 6, but that the screens should be capable of being tilted only to a limited degree in any other direction relative to one another, 20 since this might reduce the clarity of the dual display. However, the two screens may be tilted slightly upwardly, or downwardly by similar angular displacements.

In this way the simulation of an open book arrangement is maintained.

For these reasons, the two display screens 10 and 12 are mounted on the arm 20 by means of the swingable mountings 28 and 30. These mountings will 25 now be described in greater detail with regard to Figures 7, 8 and 9.

Figure 7 illustrates the mounting 28 or 30 in an exploded perspective view.

The swingable joint consists essentially of a ban 32, and a socket 34, with the ball 32 being preferably cast out of a suitable materialpreferably a metallic material and the socket 34 being cast preferably of a somewhat resilient material such as 30 a thermoplastic. The ball 32 is mounted on a neck 36, which extends from a generally rectangular junction block 38. The block 38 is formed with a plurality, in this case four, rectangular guide members 40, spaced apart at 90 degrees from (

- one another around the block 38.

One of the guide members 40A, Is wider than the other three guide members 40, to provide guidance when the guide members are assembled in a manner to be described below.

The block 38 and guide members 40 are designed to fit into suitable recesses in the arm 20 (described below).

A collar member 42 of generally semi-arcuate shape, is designed to fit over the block 38 and around the socket 34, for reasons to be described below. Collar 42 is formed with fastening flanges 44 by means of which it may be secured in 0 position as described below.

In this particular embodiment, the arm 20 is provided at each end with three mounting recesses 46A, 46B and 46C. Each mounting recess 46 has four channel shaped grooves 48 formed therein spaced at ninety degrees therearound.

The channel shaped grooves 48 are intended to receive the rectangular guide 15 members 40 of the swingable joints.

One of the guide channel grooves 48A is wider than the others, to receive the wider one 40A of the rectangular guide members. In this way the guide members provide a keying furiction, which controls the positioning of the swingable joints and the display screen.

20 Bolts 50 align with the blocks 38, and are received in suitable threaded bores 51 (Fig. 7) and secure the assemblies in position.

The ball 32 is provided with a plurality, in this case four screw receiving bores 52, adapted to receive screws 54 therein. The sockets are spaced around the widest part of the ball 32, and are radially spaced apart by 90 degrees from 25 one another. It will be appreciated that while there are four such bores 52, in certain circumstances only two or three screws 54 will be inserted, for reasons to be described below.

The heads of the screws 54 are cylindrical and protrude outwardly from the ball 32, and are received in respective slots 56 formed in socket 34. The ball 32 30 is a snug frictional fit within the interior of socket 34, so that a significant twisting moment is required to rotate the ball within the socket.

Clearly depending on the number of screws 54 in position, the actual

movement of the bail in the socket is restricted. Thus for example if there are three such screws 54 in position, two of the screws 54 will simply limit the movement of the ball 32, so that the ball 32 can virtually be moved only around the axis of the two screws 54 If a third screw 54 is inserted then it will restrict 5 movement of the ball so that it can be rotated only in such a fashion that the screw 54 rides along its respective groove 56, but that it will not be able to Move significantly in the reverse angular direction.

For reasons to be described below, too of the slots 56A and 56B are wider and the other two slots 56 are narrower.

10 The socket 34 has a generally annular base 58, and a spring loaded plate 60 abuts against the annular base 53. The shape of the socket 34 is such that a small cylindrical boss 59 project-through a registering opening in the spring plate 60, (Fig. 9).

15 The spring plate 60 is secured in position by means of screws 62 passing through suitable registering openings 61 on the flange 44 of the collar 42, and secured in threaded openings 63 in plate 60.

By tightening or loosening the screws 62, it is possible to apply greater or lesser pressure by flexing the plate 60 against the rear surface of socket 34, and 20 thus adjust the friction between the surface of the ball 32 in the socket 34. In this way it is possible to preset the rotational force or torque that would be require to rotate the ball in the socket.

Additional control of the friction on the ball is provided by means of the frusto-conical collar 42. This mates with frusto-conical bevels 64 on the exterior 25 of collar 34. Thus by tightening or loosening the screws 50 in the sockets 48, the collar 42 can be made to squeeze and wedge the four sides of the socket 34 together tightly around the ball 32 and thus still further control the friction applied by the socket 34 to the ball 32.

In order to further control and limit the swinging of the ball 32 and stem 36 30 relative to the socket 34, limiting screws 70-70 are provided, which can be inserted or removed in suitable threaded inserts 72-72 in annular base 58 of socket 34.

One or more such screws 70 can be inserted (FlOure 9) and can be adjustably positioned, so as to abut against the cylindrical heads of screws 54, and thus limit swinging of the ball 32.

Access to screws 70 can be obtained through registering opening 74.in 5. plate 60.

As mentioned, all of these settings would be preset in the factory before shipment, so that in use the actual scope of movement of the display screen, by meads of rotating the ball 32 in the socket 34 is substantially restricted or limited.

It will thus be seen that the novel ball and socket joint described provides 10 a great degree of control on the angular position of the article affached to it, in this case.the screens 10 or 12. In fact, by suitable adjustments in the factory, the friction on the ball 32 can be made sufficiently tight that it is substantially ..... impossible to manually move the arm 36 on which the ball 32 is mounted, simply by grasping the block 38.

15 However, the friction can be so adjusted that by grasping the two edges of the display screen, the position of the display screen can be manually adjusted to the most suitable position, and once adjusted it will remain substantially fixed in that position.

Thus, once the block 38 is inserted in position in its socket in the arm, and 20 locked in position, then by grasping the two side frames of the screen, sufficient torque can be applied, to adjust the position of the screen and rotate the ball 32 in the socket 34 until the screen is in the desired position.

In accordance with various further embodiments of the invention as illustrated in Figures 13 through 29, the invention provides for a still greater range 25 of interchangeability either as between one screen and another screen for computer, which may facilitate either the use of a small portable screen or a much larger screen, or the use of a plurality of screens, or the ready interchangeability of simple forms of screen mountings.

Figures 13, 14, 15 and 16 indicate one form of interchangeable screen 30 attachment, being a further embodiment of the ball and socket joint as illustrated in Figures 7 through 12. In this further embodiment, a modified form of plate 80 is secured to the ball and socket joint 28-30. The plate 8 in this case is formed

t 18 with a generally V-shaped socket 82, the edges of the V-shaped socket being formed with flanges. A complementary attachment plug 84 is mounted on a plate 86 which is secured to the back of the screen 18. In, this embodiment the arm 20 is shown mounted on an independent base stand 88, and the actual computer 5 and keyboard may be located elsewhere and simply connected by suitable coupling cables (not shown) so that the entire arrangement of displays and mounting arm can be positioned wherever it is most convenient.

In this embodiment, for added security, locking screws 90 may be provided in either side of the V-shaped recess 82. The flexibility of the interchangeable 10 screen system according to the invention is further illustrated in Figures 18 and 19. In this case, a portable mounting base for a single display screen may be provided. In this case a base 92 is formed with a groove 94. A swingable upright - arm 96 is swingable into and out of the groove 94. The arm 26 may have a telescopic ability, and may be provided with a V-shaped retaining slot 98 at its 15 upper end, for retaining a display screen shown in phantom as 12, having a mounting plug 84 formed to fit the slot 98. If desired the slot 94 may also be arranged to hold a manual computer "mouse" device of a type well known in computer art indicated generally as M, giving a limited degree of control over the display on the screen. Figure 19a illustrates the device with the arm 94 swung 20 downwardly into the groove 92 and nested.

Figure 20 illustrates a modification of this concept, in which for example a computer of the lap-top type indicated generally as C may be provided with a swingable support arm 100, having a V-shaped slot 102 at its upper end similar to the slot 98. A display screen indicated generally as 12 may have a mating 25 groove or recess 104 adapted to receive the arm 100, and within the groove 104 there is a V-shaped locking flange 106 shaped to mate with the V-shaped slot 102. The locking flange 106 can be provided with electrical contacts 107.

Contacts 107 can be arranged to contact matching contacts 108 (Fig 19), in the V shaped slot 102. This arrangement can be used in all these embodiments to 30 avoid the use of cables wherever possible.

In this way the entire combination of lap-top computer and display 12 can be fitted together and swung down into a closed position for carrying or storage

19, and can be swung upwardly for use, and if desired, the screen 12 as illustrated can be easily removed and a screen having different characteristics or a larger screen can simply be snapped in position, if desired.

Figure 21 illustrates the adaptability of the system for use in for example 5 the removable mounting of a display screen on a wall, or the side of a booth for example. In this case a wall mounting block 110 can be attached by any suitable fastening means (not shown) for securing the same to a vertical surface. The mounting block 110 may have finger operated controls similar to a computer "Mouse" for limited control of the display on the screen for demonstration fir 10 presentation purposes and may have speakers for combined audio and visual effects. The display screen 12 itself can again simply be mounted on an upright arm 112 having at its upper end a generally V-shaped recessed body 114, preferably on a hinged mount 116. The screen 12 will be supplied with a suitable 15 V- shaped locking flange on its rear surface (not shown) of the type already described. Figure 22 illustrates the same concept for the mounting of a display screen indicated as 12 in a vehicle. This may have application particularly for sales persons and for displaying maps of cities and the like, to assist drivers of delivery 20 vehicles. in this case the display screen 12 can be mounted on an arm 120 secured at a suitable position on the front of the interior compartment of the vehicle. Again a releasable mount of the V-shaped slotted type shown as 122 is provided on the arm 120, and the screen 12 would be provided on its rear with a suitable inverted V-shaped locking flange fitting in the recess 122. There would 25 also be provided matching electrical contacts, described above, in these components, to avoid the use of cables. In this way, the screen 12 could be placed and locked in position when it was required, and when the vehicle was parked the screen 122 could simply be easily dismounted and placed in the trunk, or taken out of the vehicle altogether, for greater security.

30 The screen 12 would be connected to a suitable small computer (not shown) again being of the portable type so that it could readily be removed from the vehicle.

If

A somewhat similar arrangement could be made for the rear compartment of the vehicle illustrated in Figure 23. In this case a swingable arm 126 is shown mounted in the rear surface of each of the front seats indicated as S in a vehicle.

A suitable V-shaped slotted mounting recess 128 would be mounted on the Sarm 126. The arm 126 could be swung out from the seat, and a display screen 12 could be mounted on the V-shaped recess.

Figure 24 illustrates a typical laptop computer C; having an enlarged display screen 12 mounted on a hinged arm 130, which is hinged to the rear of the computer. This illustrates the adaptability of the interchangeable screen 10mounting using the V-shaped recess and plug, so as to adapt a smaller laptop type computer C, with use with a much larger screen 12.

Figure 25 illustrates the use of a free-standing screen 12 having a rearwardly mounted hinged leg 132, which can be swung rearwardly to support the screen at an angle somewhat in the manner of an easel. Again, the hinging 15leg 132 can be connected to the back of the screen 12 by interchangeable means such as the V-shaped recess and plug, if desired.

Figure 26 illustrates another configuration, in which a computer indicated generally as C may be provided with halo screens 12A and 12B swingably and hingeably mounted to the rear edge of the computer C. The lower screen 12A is 20hinged along the line 134. The upper screen 12B is hinged to the lower screen 12A by means of the generally cylindrical tubular hinge bar 136.

As illustrated in Figure 27, the uppermost screen 12B can be swung into an obtuse angle relative to the lower screen 1 2A so that the two screens 1 2A and 12B can be viewed by at least two persons sitting opposite to one another. By 25means of suitable software, when the upper screen 12B is swung into the obtuse angle shown, the image on the screen 12B will be reversed, so that the images on screens 12A and 12B are both viewed the right way up.

Figures 28 and 29 illustrate forms of free-standing dual screens indicated generally as 140 and 142, connected together by a tubular hinge bar 144.

0The pairs of screens 140 and 142 can be swung open at obtuse angles to one another and stood on a surface such as a table as illustrated in Figure 29.

They may be connected to a computer C by means of daisy chain cables 146,

which plug into opposite ends of the tubular hinge bar 144. As in the embodiment of Figures 26 and 27, the computer will contain suitable software the nature of which is to invert the image as between one screen and the othe. so that both screens show their respective images the right way up.

Various other modifications and adaptations can also be made using the principles of the invention. -I Thus, Figure 30 is a perspective illustration of an alternate form of tripod display stand 145 for holding three displays 12 for example, on a conference room table or the like. 4 10 Figure 31 is a perspective illustration of the tripod support 145 of Figure 30.

Figure 32 is a recur perspective partially exploded view of another form of dismountable display leg 130 for a display screen 12.

Figure 33 is a rear perspective illustration of a typical lap top computer C' having two display screens 12A and 12B, the one being slidable relative to the 15 other for nesting, or extendable for use on arms 150.

Figure 34 is a perspective illustration of the lap top computer C with dual display screens 12A and 12B of Figure 33 showing the display screens in another configuration. Figure 35 is a perspective illustration of another form of lap top computer 20 C having two display screens 12A and 12B, and showing a slidable cover panel 152 for one of the two display screens.

Figure 36 is a rear perspective view of another form of display screen 154, showing attachment recesses 156 forvarious components. Electrical connections 157 are incorporated in the recesses 156 for interconnection with matching 25 contacts (not shown) in suitable accessories. Accessories may include audio speakers, and video cameras for direct feed back, to give only two examples.

Figure 37 is a perspective Illustration of, for example, a lap top computer C showing two display screens 154-154 such as that illustrated in Figure 36, being attachable to a hinge mounting 158 on the computer.

30 Figure 38 is a front elevational view of a pair of display screens 154154 as illustrated in Figure 36 shown side by side with audio speakers 158 and video cameras 159 attached.

22 J Figure 39 is a front elevational view corresponding to Figure 38, but showing the two display screens 154-154 one above the other, As best shown in Figures 40, 41 and 42, a further embodiment of the invention may provide for a typical computer C having two display screens 160 5 and 162. The screen 160 is hinged to the computer by means of a hinge 164.

The second screen 162 is hinged to the first screen by means of a vertical hinge along one side indicated as 166.

As best shown in Figures 41 and 42, the two screens 160 and 162 may either be swung out so that they are side by side with one another facing the 10 operator of the computer C, or, as shown in Figure 42, the two screens may be swung so that screen 162 is back to back with screen 160, thereby displaying the display both to the operator of the computer and to somebody sitting facing him.

In this form of the invention special software and the like will not be required for the reversing of the images, since both images will be shown the right way up.

15 Referring briefly now to Figure 43, a computer 168 in accordance with another alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. The computer incorporates a center-LCD panel 170 pivotably mounted by a hinge 172 to a base portion 174 of the computer. Pivotably supported on opposite sides of the center LCD panel 170 are a pair of LCD panels 176 which are each about 20 one-half the width of the center LCD panel 170. The outer LCD panels 176 are supported by hinges 178, which may be identical in construction to hinge 172.

The outer LCO panels 176 may be folded over the center LCD panel 170 and the entire display portion comprising panels 170 and 176 then folded down against the base 174 to form a compact unit that may be easily carried.

25 In Figure 43A, a multimedia laptop computer 1 68i is shown. The computer 168' incorporates a pair of speakers 175 which are hingedly coupled via hinges 178' to a lower LCD panel 170'. The lower LCD panel 170' is itself hingedly coupled to a keyboard portion 174' via a hinge 172'. An upper LCD panel 179 is also hingedly coupled via a hinge 177 to the lower LCD panel 170'. When folded, 30 the computer 168' forms a compact, lightweight system.

Referring now to Figures 44-49, a display system 180 in accordance with another alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. The

display system- 180 includes a base 182 and a support column 184. Secured to the support column 184 is a lower support arm 186 and a telescoping upper support arm 188. Attached to each support arm is a mounting assembly 1gO, which preferably comprises a ball joint such as that described herein. Secured 5 to each mounting assembly 190 is a LCD panel 192.

With specific reference to Figures 46-47, the ''lower support arm 186 comprises a tubular construction and the upper support arm 188 comprises a neck portion 194 which enables the upper support arm 188 to be extended (i.e., telescoped) relative to the lower support arm 186. The upper support arm 188 10 further includes a hinge 196 which enables the upper LCD panel 192 to be angled relative to the neck portion 194 so as to place it at a convenient viewing angle.

As is apparent in Figure 47, the upper LCD panel' 192 can even be rotated into position to face away from the lower LCD panel 192. This orientation is particularly well suited for retail applications where a sales person needs to view 15 information while inputting product or other information, and where it is desirable to display to the customer various items of information as the transaction is conducted. Advantageously, the telescoping upper support arm 188 and the hinge 196 enable the two LCD panels 192 to be placed at separate heights to accommodate airline ticket counters, hotel registration counters and other like 20 structures where an employee's counter is frequently at a different height from a surface or counter useable by a customer.

Figures 47 and 48 illustrate the display system 180 in use at an ailine ticket counter 198 having a first counter 200 at a lower height than a second counter 202. In this application it will be appreciated that suitable software will be required 25 to "flip" the image displayed on the upper LCD panel 192. The telescoping upper support arm 188 inherently provides a degree of adjustability to accommodate a range of counter heights without modification to the either of the support arms 186,188 our the support column 184.

Figure 49 illustrates the two LCD panels 192 folded together such that the 30 display system 180 forms a compact assembly which may be easily transported if needed. In this regard it will be appreciated that any form of conventional clasp may be included to secure the folded LCD panels 192 to one another or to the

base. Also, a handle could easily be attached to a portion of the display system 180, such as the support column 184, to enable the system 180 to be easily transported. Referring now to Figures 50 and 51, still another display system 200 is 5 shown. With specific reference to Figure 50, the display system 200 includes a support column 202 and an upper support member 204 having a neck portion 206.

The support column 202 includes a bore 208 adapted to receive the neck portion and enable the neck portion 206 to rotate or swivel therein such that the upper support member 204 can be swiveled. The support member 204 is secured to a 10 rear surface 212 of a LCD panel 210 through either a fixed arrangement or a pivotable mounting arrangement such as disclosed herein. The neck 206 may be captured by any suitable arrangement in the bore 208 such that the LCD panel 210 is not removable from the support column 202. Alternatively, it may be releasably disposed in the bore 208 such that the entire upper support member 15 204 and LCD panel 210 may be lifted out of the column 202 before repositioning the LCD panel 210 as desired. In this manner the clearance between the LCD panel 210 and the support column 202, which would otherwise be important for allowing the support member 204 to freely rotate with the LCD panel 210 thereon, will not be a concern.

No With specific reference to Figure 51, the display system 200 is shown with the upper LCD panel 210 rotated to a position perpendicular to a lower LCD panel 212. The support column 202 is supported on a base 214. In Figure 52 the upper LCD panel 210 is rotated 180 degrees from the lower LCD panel 212 to permit two individuals facing each other to each view one of the LCD panels 25 21 O,212.

Referring now to Figure 53, a modular display system 300 is shown in accordance with another alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention. The display system 300 is intended to support anywhere from one to four independent LCD display panels, but it will be appreciated that the system 30 300 could easily be expanded to support more tears four LCD panels if needed, as will be explained momentarily.

Referring to Figure 53, the system 300 includes a base 302, a support i

column 304, a first support arm 306, a second support arm 308 and a third support arm 310. Each support arm 306, 308 and 310 includes at least two coupling assemblies 312, and preferably three such assemblies 312. The support column 304 also includes once such assembly 312, although this member could 5 also include several assemblies 312 if needed. Support arms 306, 308 and 310 each also include a mounting member 314 (with the mounting member of support arm 306 being hidden in Figure 53) which is disposed preferably at an approximate mid-point along a length of its support arm. Each mounting member 314 is adapted to engage in either one of two positions 90 degrees offset from 10 one another in one of the coupling assemblies 312 in a key-like fashion to hold f its associated LCD panel in either a portrait orientation or a landscape orientation.

The pair of coupling assemblies closely adjacent each other on each support arms 308 and 310 are provided to space two adjacently positioned LCI:) panels mounted on each arm slightly farther apart from each other to provide 15 additional clearance needed when the two LCD panels are placed in a landscape orientation. Thus, in-a landscape orientation, the two LCD panels supported on either of the arms 308 and/or 310 will be supported at the two outermost coupling assemblies 312 near the very ends of each arm. In a portrait orientation the LCD panels will need to be spaced closer to each other, thus requiring one of the LCD 20 panels to be coupled to the more inwardly positioned assembly 312a (Figure 53) of each support arm 308 and 310. The closely positioned pair of coupling assemblies 312 on support arm 306 enables the third support arm 310 to be mounted in one of two positions on arm 306 depending upon whether the LCD panels are disposed in a landscape or a portrait orientation. Figures 55- 57 25 illustrate four LCD panels 316 supported on the display system 300. It will be appreciated that each of the LCD panels 316 includes a mounting member identical or similar to members 314 on a rear housing surface thereof such that each can be quickly and easily coupled to one of the coupling assemblies 312.

It will be appreciated that the display system 300 could easily be used to 30 support less than four LCD panels 316 if desired. For example, in the drawing of Figure 54 the second support arm 308 could be eliminated and the one LCD panel 316 coupled directly to the vertically uppermost coupling assembly 312. This

arrangement is illustrated in Figures 58-60. Alternatively, the lower support arm 310 could be eliminated and a LCD panel 316 coupled directly thereto as illustrated in Figures 61 and 62.

It will be appreciated that the display system 300 could be easily modified 5 through the use of additional support arms to support more than four LCD panels 316 if needed. For example, the support arm 306 could be lengthened sufficiently to extend above the second arm 308, and a fourth support arm identical to arms 308 and 310 could be coupled perpendicularly thereto such that two extra LCD panels could be supported. An even longer support member and 1 O still another extra support arm could be incorporated to support eight LCD panels 316. As can be appreciated, a very large plurality of independent LCD panels can be supported from a single base 302 and support cotumn 304 if needed.

Pal ticularly desirable is the feature of being able to orientate the LCD panels 316 in either portrait or landscape mode, or a combination of each, as needed.

15 Figures 63 and 64 illustrate variations of the above described display systems incorporating both landscape and portrait orientated LCD panels 316.

Referring now to Figures 65-70, a display system 400 in accordance with another preferred alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

Display system 400 incorporates a base assembly 402, a vertical support member 20 404, and a pair of telescopically mounted support arms 406 supported by a central arm 408 which is secured to the vertical support member 404 either fixedly (i.e., non-movably) or for rotational movement relative to the vertical support member 404. Each support arm 406 includes a mounting member 410 for supporting an LCD screen on the arm, as hereinbefore described. The support member 408 25 may be tubular, in the form or a C-channel or the form of a U-channel, and telescopically supports each arm 406 for sliding movement into or outwardly of the support member 408. Since the two support arms 406 are independent members, each can be extended or retracted without the need for moving the other support arm 406.

30 With specific reference to Figures 65 and 68, the system 400 is shown supporting a pair of LCD screens 412 attached to the mounting members 410 both in a portrait orientation. in this illustration, the LCD screens 412 comprise 10 inch

27 4 screens. The independent adjustability of each support arm 406enables each LCD panel 412 to be extended to the position needed to place the two LCD screens 412 closely adjacent each other.

Referring to Figures 67 and 70, the display system 400 is shown supporting 5 one of the LCD display screens 412, which in this example is a 10 inch screen, in a portrait orientation, and the other screen 412, which in this example is a 15 inch screen, in the landscape orientation. The independent movement of each support arm 406 allows each to be adjusted to the proper length of extension to permit the LCD screens 412 to be positioned side-by-side in this orientation, and 10 also such that they are abutting or virtually abutting each other so that there is no objectionable gap between them. The display system 400 thus enables monitors of varying sizes to be mixed as needed and positioned: to most efficiently enable the user to view information on the screens 412.

Referring now to Figures 71-75, a display system 500 is illustrated in 15 accordance with another alternative preferred embodiment. The system 500 is identical to the system 400 of Figures 65-67 with the exceptions- of locking mechanisms on each of the support arms and a centering device for centering two LCD screens on the display system 500.

Referring specifically to Figure 71, the display system 500 includes a base 20 502, a vertical support member 504 fixedly secured to the base 502, and a pair of support arms 506 each disposed for telescopic movement relative to a center support arm 508. The center support arm 508 also includes two locking mechanisms 510 which can be used to lock each support arm 506 at a desired position such that the locked arms 506 cannot move. A centering member 512 25 is pivotably disposed on the support arm 508.

The locking mechanisms 510 may comprise buttons which are biased toward their respective support arm 506 such that they automatically engage with preformed openings in their respective support arm 506, and need to be depressed to release their associated support arms before each can be extended 30 or retracted from the support member 508. Figure 72 illustrates the support arms 506 in their fully retracted positions.

Referring to Figures 72-76, the centering member 512 will be described in

I: further detail. The centering 0-;..! Or 512 co-;;;. ari inch Pond t n-, r-.:f.:er which is p votably secured by pair o-F pivot pin-, i14, shown in Figure 75, whi<.:r-n are disposed in openirigs fern --hi In the support me: l;*r 5('8 When in tt.

retracted or closed position shown in Figure 72, the centering mend or 14 s'.s 5 flush with an outer surface of the support n 'ember 508; When e, tend..d,;I,e centering member 514 proiec i outwardly of the support member sac Do form a means by which the LGD Screens;.!ipported on the arms 506 cart be precisely centered on the arm 508. In the retracted osition, the centering m--r;1ber 514 rests within a recess or opening 516 formed lo the errs 5.. Flqure 74 shows The 10 cantering member 512 extend d to enable cen erlng of a Fir of Cr). as '-,18 mounted thereon via mounting merrt3C.rs. FIPEIre 76 itit strate.s a pair,, L CL) screens 518 of different sin.- s to fu rTher i!lustr-- t the e easy con', ring th r of by E;. -I of the centering member 51?.

Referring now to Figure / 8,, means of provio'i:.1 ->n^,uqL c.learar pro! id 1 the support arm of a display. s.;st*m to p -.r! nit inch -used boating elf a p; fir of L' i] screens is shown. In Figure 77, n o' Clay sync. -.m 600 substan. Ally <anti - i to to display system 400 of Figu. as S-67 is shown, illustrating that ti is system- eraL! as a s!i ht degree of booking which, in some situations may not be. s much as a user would desire. In this example each L CD sc..ecn 612 con only be "booked" 20 inwardly toward each other a,!ight degree due to tI- e prr- se nc of the support Grin 608. The display system TOO shown in Figure 73 o =rcon, es this rro lr.,,n. TO -, display system 700 includes a vertical support rne i':er 7Ql t'.hich rapports a support member 708 The sut port member 708 tell scopically stu:'po,',, pi- if f independent support arms 706 Hot tev.. r, t'ne support me ''>or 7US is! or n -d vat is 25 a concavity or "bend" iO8a at the longitudinal midpoint thereof. The; CentGrj;.

component 714 is preferably disposed at this midpoint 708a and may include an arcuate shape to conform and blend in with the outer surface of the support member 708 at this point on the member 708. Phus, an incr= -d degree -of booking is enabled without the requirement of any additiot- il component,: arts.

30 Referring to Figures 79-81, a display system 300 in c ccord lc vat h another alternative preferred i-mbodirnent of the it;,- se;-,f, in.! -., on is s it-.,. -;. Th display system 800 includes a Modified base a.;:- ^. mbly which c In t->e a dj I::] to :

1 29 g> ovide a!a er t', i f. tive" foc ir,iint Ào thereby supr,ort larjer LC,) scr! ns;, ln .-n f re'nter sit= bility.

i he dis?liay syST;=rn c OO includos a oasi_ S 02, a ve' icai ';,JppQii,, am, r .()4, and an rrn.:.-;sembly 806 which, in this embodiment, is idcr, tlcal to the. r; > nor r c'ion of hc- embodiment 700 shown in Figure 78 and the description E bo

r!ating the r. v. It wili he appreciated immedi,sl<-ly, howiever, ti' at the b r.

ass-,nl ly 80:2 c culd be used with viitusliy any form of arm, and is therefore r,ct it to tho su poit arm 806 shown in Figure 79.

The b sia.,ssembly 802 inciud. s a piE3 orm 803 wr,ici1 ir,ci.i d'.-=s a: least 1) i fir of ir-itegr iy f(}rrn.-d cl.arlnels 810. Each channel telescopically.,lipports I,!d F *ndei-t;, 'pod ot 812. Each support foot 812 includ es a neck porfion. i, !u. bated in igui- 80, whtch reside completely withtn its associate:! ch,a;!nel c 10 r\ i.?n l e fo,t is tn a i etracted position, as Illustrated ln f igure 79.

Wh ->n,rie or, ore L CI::) Scro.i ns are being supported on the ar n ass< rr...y : ' ',)5 whi h, ber':-^us or thelr size or weig!1t, r-equire a larger support "foolprlnt" Lo r!. r?' stabi.ity t h i-eof, tre foot portions 810 can be c uickly *nd, -,i y ext - d:;i r, imp'y pf..2lit')g out - rdly on c.ach. I-his provides a 1arger effective footp!-irit fr r i.= t ase 8C<' and tl: fore even grea,t r stability. When the larger fo' tprin i r. -t -. jt.ired, the foot pof ions 810 can simply be pfJShS- d Into the../flarlnc.ls 810 to 1; ink T e fo::)fr?rli t st ch th t i,,,bOse 802 t:3kes 'up less Spt'lC' >r a ' k, c;red n: -3, c.;dvaf tar;;,oti ly, no tools are r;,c uired to enlarge th - (noll r! 'f oF - e b<as 502 a. d any l CD screens!ncinted on th< di.:,piay syst m 800 do! ot r: d to be. mov d befor extonding the foot port,ons 812.

Re rring now to FigtJre 131, a moo,fie- i base 802a is hown rvhich inclt <.'::.s 2:;ri everi larg r plaff rrn 8G8 mede up by a larger front b,- se pori iori i! y is srown.

S ? 802.a enables ?.n.ven further d.yre' of stability to be achtev, d o'er t,'.-

, r,odiment of the base 8(12 shown in F:igure 79.

R=ferr g r,ow to ric,ures 82-86, >:arious embordirn nts ar d losed, o-r'u!ing smooi:h, sliding n-,ovement of the support arms described,n cone,. ion ]; ith Figur.; ':.'', 71 ar,d lS. In Fi;ure 82, a supp:;rt arm 900 nr d a,:! ^rt i,i i -.lDer g10 are i,lus'.-at;?d. I l.e sur pont arm 900 has a neck pc r,-i: n 902 and in : nd por iGn 9:,01. Phe ->nci por ion 901 in ir. 'es an ' CI: sGn en m,:.nt 901 su t

s d,.scri. _cl h. - ?ir!e ore.

l r,1e n ack portion 902 inciud<?s; pair of ro!l rs 004 rrou r!i d for free ro"irg movement and such that tl-'oy extend j!ISt SlTi'; Iy heyond. h:, otiter p,- -r Stif CO 90<a o-f the neck portion 902. Optional!y, t, e neGk Portion 902 can incrude 5 cl-ai nel 906 [crmed in one or a pair of opOu,ing side vA all portions 908 of the r:eck portion 902. A cenk r support merriLer 910 is fo.-rned of a tt bular c en-.ruction nd incTi des a 3i-oiecting lip portion 912a extendin9 from a low rwali 912. Dispo ed in.i- lower wall 912 are a pair of rollers 914 mount:.-;) or rotation n cii: ',s 9f O. I - e interior area of the st pport member 310 sccep,s the neck 10 poi-i cn'.,02 of st,p,rt aim gOO and + e ro'!ers 914 at d 9)4 coo >c.,-ate to erlable a sn ():h, k w re,i -,tance rollir, -,roveme,lt,f LI!j r,.: ck pert,o,l '302 r=!atlv to it'-

SuL >po,t rf =mber 910.

I!1re S3,iTu;;tratf s an alternative p; f- rreci etinbo! n-.i- t of il- e upriort n,' i ber 910' having a plutality rollers 914t di.iposed within the sut?port memb: r 5 31()'. In th emborliment no rot'ers'.- ('4 wo ki nr, d to be t'.-ovid.d r-'n the n ck pOi iOit '302 of t:,e;upport --rm:' own in i,gt,a t"2 to,- a,:;; si1lcath;;li ir, m jven,<. i,-.

<.!re &4 sho\i s a support arm ']20 in accort' r ce v i,h a:,r tl- er cai - rnativ pr.-.. er, e, mbociiinei t of tr,e rr:.inb =r 910.,upport r -, rnber 02') inctt i' s an l_GD moui tirg r.,en,ber ',, such as descr.hed her-. nbefc re' c nd a nr ck porticn 24 h vin p air of iongit dir. ly extending ch- nnels 92o fa.;ing 3. y from each then A iu,opcrt m! or 928. s of tubu'.ar constn,c;tion,.i,] inciuc'c-.s p air;f;f o,pr's;:e, inw;ar ily facing ribs '-i3) which ride v itt in the chc-:nr - s '326.o h ip guicie the neck portion for sliding mov - mc.nt..r-igt re (s5 il! strates an mboorirr ent 9)' i: vii-,ich is i d ntical to the ernbod,nent shown: F 'Jre Bi4. xc t for i-h≤ use of quare shaped chani els 926' and square si ped r 'os 30'.

Referring now to Figures 86-88, a lo:.king sys'. n for enabling q i k ai d .:sy ri c vement of a ball joint type mount fro n1 a po -'rait oriente i'.,n to a ands np orientation Is showr,. R neck 95? c,F a b ll joi,it t5'pe LGD Gr en i.);-!'ppcrt 950 h&.s a key-] end 9,4. The ?nd S 4 resides vwi hin an op -ning o S in, ppor. arm 9',8. he keyed end 954! -s a ke, d oper,ng 50 v' i.n.s.-.ble to rt ceiv a- s rni!,,-ly ey.d r,i=.r, iLer 964 of a.-; le..,e =; se 1) c5?.

l he r eicase assembly 962 includes a flip rip handle 066,=-.'tach, c] le. a.;..., 9!. "I-h* shear 968 is also attached to the keyed i -,nber 964 arid mov As silr'aF>E <.'vithin.a Maser 970 separated Strom the hanu4!e by Carte or more;pri,gs 9.. 2 I he end 954 is captured in the opening 956 by a retainer ply 974 wh.on 5!, fixedly secured to the support arm 958, as also shown in F,: ures 87 c;.i F3.

The washer 970 is also secured to the support rnemb..r 958 su: h that putlir. o n ! -- hancile C;ov allows the keyed member 964 to be released mom the key.;i r er.irrg 960, when asseml:'ed into the arm 958, th reby permittfilO the Preyed end 5 to be rotated while the i,andie 966 is pulled. In this man er to'= or,:,-itativin O ret: in b Al jo At type LCD SCT' On short 9''.J can chr rged ED Doreen {.!0 chili ntati f.ns. r i Sure 89, 'lustratF s a partial cross sac. of theirs rol.eas a i cmLiy 9 i2!.sergag' d from the keyed end:orti 'n 954.

Rr rrin nova to Figure 90, another releaser rocl anisn-. Q3O in..o c or iaricc-

w:.; anotheei-.-3iternative enibodiment of The present ii.'ention is showrl. Tin s s..,- bo diment is fiery similar to the embodiment of r i;. res,';36- '!3 with t' en ' xce?tii --, i, at cautom Tic stops are built in to tile m, Qhani. m to c 'rev mov!:-rr..- t or y t:: Teen:,! 0 posit ons '30 degrees aped from fine anoi, e r.

)' i'.. further ref.r; nce to F, ut,e GO, two strip numbers 982 are Ma '!, di; jo.il;r.rt wii! in r- portion 'f a support,<3rm 984 ha ri g a recess 9,5. A neck t r orricn 384 of a ID screen mount acts includes a pair of oppcsitely foci r, r ov;.i fit,- Ed in ti-. neck 984 which receive t- stop rr,e mk.rs 962. yes can L sc.-- n In r Cure 31, the grooves 938 only allow the nec!c 084 to rotate bietv c.:.n h, position r in-.fy degrees apart. Th i- LOO sci-:. En Brunt.',86 s a'.sc' shc wn In rare '>2.

Referring furtl- or to l igute 9D, an outermost end of the Deck OG0 ins,_ a pair of keyed grooves OG2. A key portion 994 of a release rnomber.996 i.? Redly secured o a shall 998..A stop ^!emer,t 10.r.lO Is separated from v'!l portion 1002 of a support arm 1004 by a pair c,F springs 10Q6. fEle shot 90 G extends -,n,.ugh a hole 1008 in the vail portion 1002 and has a gr.spab e ken.,: sO i 110 at: = end ibereof. Pulling outwardly on it kr!Ob 'i f 10 against the bit Sir force o, th* Spr '4, S 1C! 6 causes the:cp else t 1300 to t:e vat. hdrawr, from the eyed i-; O - \!es 002, thus enabling the nook ',34 be t n --d Toni Ann ores of into

pi.:i-tions ' Q des - yes apart 'i'rOt'n one an;:'ther v tile Al, knob 1 1 10 is he'd in i,- s pal'.d out position. When the l<nob 1110 is retcaied, the springs 1C)00 bias t,.

key Portia,-, 9'34 hack into the grooves 992 such that the neck 084 cannot ire rotated. In this regard it will be appreciated that the grooves may also form 5 r,!urality of apcrtui-es that enable the neck 984 to be rotated between two politic, n about 90 degr-- Us apart.

Referring now to [figures 93 1Q3, a display system 1120 is shown. Tt, c i. ;pi y s>'ste:120 incorporat;- s a universal bail fringe rnecharils,n 11i", f -i' (.OUPI;ng [V\,O LCL) SL,rO}nS 1124 together find allowing rotation retaLtve to one 10 Bother about two axes x'< ncii - g p.r- rpendicat ^r to each other. t a'_ -

; chanisins 1i7.6 enable the two screens to be secured in elf:her portrait c, lands:ape or nations tr? this manner the sore as can be iised in a Variety of firs<.?, rations o f,f the Nate 's of peci ic capper ation:? or situations where rnuiriF>i crt = ns of infonnation rem TV be dispia> ed in certain orientations.

5 R '-pi! ing row to Failure 104, a display system s 1 2GO is illustrated n wh ch pair of LCD.,cn ens 1202;.r supported Oil a comrnGn dispic- y Errs 1204, wh, '? its in turn suppo, --d On a vertical Sport 12()6. lhe vertical support t2C 6 is s;?orteri fix- cily on a base unit 1 03. With ties en ':odirnent, the LCD screens 1;')2 do not I,'2d to be moved cic., er to or -farther from eac,h G her win., JO.-r.:,n,unted in a!. nciscap or portrait orien'-It;c.,n.

in i i9.irQ 104, the riin;erision XA IS s t aqua l to he limens,oll XB. Ti-ii s, when the Lcr) so rewelds are re oot!Lion d on the:!! r p 1rt Am 1204 in FI\7Ure 1), il,ore is siifUc at ci*arc nce to pundit noun i!- g the screens in the portr-,it c.,rieni?.tion. 25 Referring now to Fit,, 3Uii.?S 106-118, a r;.:l-?ase '-n Ember 12 30 in.acco.d nc? with an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

-liis embodiment incorporates a slit 1202, as i.lu r -lted In, igurc- s 106-4 is, Having a plurality of teeth 1204a, 1204b and 12Q4c. Teeth 1204a and 1204c are each spaced 90 degrees away from the central tooth t204b. As shown in l:i te.

30 lot, ach tooth 1 G4 preferably incluc. s 'capered ec'ge portion 12t j6.

Referring lo Figures i3 3-1 t(5, a; up juror. -.=rmb r 1208 include s an c-pnnti 10 1es,gned to cooperate with he re lea e!nc;nber t.?00'o '; n ante the rel ->a

mernter to be q 3ictcly released from a locEcd position and moved bower n torso positions 90 degrees apart (-orn con Other. The canning 12 to ids a s off portion 1212 having surfaces 1212a and 1212b. With br et referenc e to Figures 115 and 116, the opening also includes steps 1214, 1216 stud 1218. The steps 5 1214, 1216 and 1218 are at 90 degree increments about the inner periph fly of the operating 1210. Each step 1214. 1216 and 19 18 is further set back from a face sumacs 1219, while the stop 1212 is formed so as to be flush with the subrace i219. Referring now to F:igures 109-114, the n lease rnemb:;r 12CO is ik'ustr t_;l 1() Beirut inserted into and rotated withir? the opening 1210. she release mr mber 1:Z00 fits within the openin 1210 uct, hat steps 1204a and 1204c ar ? positioned on opposite sides o, the. top 1.2 to. When fully inserted into a "locked" pc; ,t.c a' as shown in Figi. r 1 11, the rx!ec1 e rnen ber 1200 cannot be turned. -this is al.:i illustrated in Figure 114. The tapered surfaces 1206 on each stop,.204 al.sr? 15 helps to wedge the steps 1.904 into the opening 121) to eliminate play who ten tl- e release fry rnber 1 00 is in its I, kocl position. When the rcle.se me,. fief 1200 is parti ally withdrawn to the poir3t thing the arms 1204 clear the steps 12-i4, 121:S, and 1218, as shown in Figures 112 and 113, then the entire release member 1Z 'O can be rotated 90 degrees c.c ur!tc i<;iockwise and reir serted tally into th ? op r.ir, 1 1210. The ref. use me nber 1 00. shown in th s orientatk: in Figure 1,4. -r! stop 1212 acts to prevent f ff.er rotation of the rr''ease it.err ber 1200 Coca.e of abut,.. g contact of arm 1204c with stop 1212. If the re! 'at e member 1200 in rotated from the orientation strewn in Flare 114 back into Ah orientation shi..wit in Figure 112, then the abudinG cont at between arm 12()4a and stop 1212 limits 25 the reverent in this direction. Tt, s, the stop 1212, in connection with the arc:-.

1204a and 1204c, 'imits the rot.;4tionai move.mer- t of the release member 1200.

The orientation of the release member 1200 relaf.ive to the o,oening 1210 in the two above described positions is sliown in Figures 117 art] 118. The.: ups 1214-12iS provide a means to lock the entire re!.ase member 12r) C immovably 0 in pla<:e.

R Ferric nova to Figures I2tJ add 121,.a' ve rasse,nb'y 1220 is ills;. r.

for use w,,i: the re' a.se rr,ernber 12.f.,n. The; Alter ash am!-! comprises a v_r A.

?. 1 ?2 which is pivo'.abl\l rnount d to a base ele rnent 1224. The base eleme 12?4 is cl,sposed vv ithin an opening 1210 in the support renumber 1208. In this c nbodiment, the opening 4210 includes a recess 1226 preferably deep enc. gi: so that the leve- i resides therein Dush with a rear surface 12Q8a of the support 5 nerr ber 1;208 when the lever 1222 is in the closed position shown in Figure 119.

Tho lever 1272 is coupled to a locking shaft 1228 preferably by a camming nechan,sm tv.hich refracts the locking shaft 1228 wher' the lever is moved to an open position, as shaven in F:igure 120. The opposite end of the locking shaft 1228 is fixedly secured to the release member 1200 such as by threaded fill c- ngagern-nt with hi portion of the release merr;ber 1200. The lever assernG'y i220 thus forrr s a conve ie.1t means by which t! e r lease member 12QO, ar d a belt joint. ssombly it.sche ri thereto, can be quickly arid easily locked in place r coke. Figures 121 and 122 illustrate th-, lever 1722 being moved frc, I- t, e - clays:>d to the open position.

15 Referring now to Fixtures 123-12Fi, another a,tcrnative emUc,d,ment c F In-= xtendable cairn cl' i lure;22 is shown. l-his embodiment inclu l< s a support Ron i950 having.a plurality of i)ngitudinaily extending grooves or channels 19 7a 1 2c (Figure 125). The channels 1252b and 1252c -,cc.pt comply,e:t.^ i-,!y s,- aped shoulder portions 1254 formed in an interior surface of a support met,,!. or 20 1/ 6. TL-suFportrnerr,ber12_; 6 Isoli,cluc! sathre.aded opening 12r,8throt!gh which a ti-iread!.ci portion 12i 0 of a locking knob 12tS2 is disco; d. The three por-.on 1260 is fixedly securers to knob portion 1?64 and: at its oppc - to r,.] rol. ='-ably to a +'b 1266. The t;b 1266 is shaped so as to fit within flue chorine l 1252a when th e support arm 1250 is insetted into the support member 125Ci.

?.'' Prom Figures 124-1?6, the support arm 1250 is locked Into place by simply so, owing down the locking knob 1264, which cI Amps t'- e arm 1250 securely vvith,n the support member 1252.

Referring now to F7lqur, 127, the locking kr,b 1 62 is just as c-asii,r ada,otable for use with a support arm 1270 which incorporates rollers 1274. ff e I) rollers 1274 allovv an even "Smoother rolling moverr nt of the SL pport arm 12/0 into and cut of its assoc. at-d support maxi, or 127(.

F? e;COrrillp to igurt.s 128-130, a reinfuse as.cm. iy 1300 for a boil jolt is

3.5 shown. The as er,bly 1300 inct!l( es ball joint member 1302, a mouritrng block 1304, a washer ass rnbly:306, a retainer 1308 and an end cap 1310. Optionally, a flat washer 1312 can also be.r,^lticfed.

The ball joint member 1303 includes a ball Joint portion 1314 coupled Vf a shaft 1316 to a base member 1318. A loc,'<iny shaft 1320 projects from the - base mernbc.r 1318. The Cockling shaft 1320 includes a groove 1322 formed on - an end portion hereof for accepting the retainer-1308. The base member 1318 ir ciudes ' our registration detents 1324,pac<.d every 30 degrees about the p riphery,'; erecf.

10 i-he mounting block 1304 shown in Fixtures 123 and 129 ineirfries four raised shoulder p';,tior s 1326, ogle at each corri_rthereor. The shoulder portions 1326 Of e further spaced so as to engage with rhe, four registration detents 1324 when aligned with the detents 1324. A central pen;r g 1?527 provir' s a passage for the locking shaft 13 0 to Ed tend therethror!gh, and a recess 1329 in a rear 15 surface 1,31 provides room for the washer ass - rnbly 1306, the retainer 1303, th cover member 1310, and optionally the fl at weal or 1312, If included, to reside ther sin.

The assembled comport; nts are shown in Figure 130. The washer asse nbly 1306 prefe ably comprises a "wave" washer assembly which provides '3 a!. si,- g be, ce Wn - n compressed to maintain tire iiall Joint mem, er 1302 securely Against the mounting Unlock 1304. It will be appreciat d that.a wide variety of ;r rii;g assr 'vl'<- s could be, arid to provide a suitable hiasi g force in lieu of tile washer assembly 1306. When assembled, the shoulder portions 1326 are held securely within the registration detents 1324 when aligned therewith, thus 9.5 preve.tir g rotator of tl e ball joint member 1302.

When it is -'esired to reposition th bail joint member 1 3Q2, a pulling force is exrie i on the rnc mber 1302 to rnomentaiily urge it away from the mountlr?g b,l s.ck 1304. While in this pr sition, the ball joint member 1302 is rotated either clockwise or counterclockwise. As the ball joint member 13tJ2 is rotated, the 30 shoulders 13 6 will: utc,matlcalt,y "srap" into the registry fiord detents 1324 after :0 d - jrecs of rata''ion. Th ball,.int mc mber 1 02 can thus be positioned And held,'. rii l any of four positions, w'r, in each po.ition is 90 d! Trees from its n..xt I:

ad>sccnt position. Advantageously, no too's or partial disassembly calf ' e cays <'m 1300 is required to rotate the t all.joint member 1302.

Referring now to Figures 131-133, an arranc,?ement is 1,'usrrated -tar attaching two l CD screens 1352 and 1354 of a dual screen LCD display system 5 1350 in such a manner that the screens can be supported by a pi ir of ball joint type supports on a-common support arm 1356, End centered along a horizontal midpoint of each, or aligned such that the lower or upper edges of each LOL) screen are aligned with each other.

In Figure 136, the distance Xa is set er ual to Xh, when the tV\'Q Acre 1) screens 1352 and 1354 ar e to be aligned along th! if upp;r horizor tni eddies. 1-his, produces hypotenuse Xc. Distance Y1 represents the desired clearance been the two L(:V screens 1352,1354. Distance F represents the difference in di..:ance' cry which l <,D screen 1354 exceeds LCD screen 1352. Distance Xb is 1/2 tl-?= total distance G of LGD screen 1352. When LCD screen 1352 is positioned r, i., 'the landscape orientation. its top dge is a' ned with the top edge <-if LIED scree:-

13 i [. When it s removed from its bail joint sup.-ort, the stall joint so Import r(- lati.i:4 90 degrees cicckwlse, and the screen 1-352 is rotated 90 degrees con' kwise arid r attaci ed in the portrait moue, edge 1352a will be aligned with edge 13' 4a of screen 1354. Conversely, t GD screen 1354 could be remc v d, its ball jo.r-

?) Support rotated 90 degrees ctc-r:kwise, the screens 1354 rotated ii' e Yise, and i Secured to its ball loins such that edge 1 352a of screen 1352 and educe 1 35 a of screen 1354 are both aligned parallel to each oLh.?r, which will place edges 13 '2a' and 1354a' in horizontal alignrne nt with each other.

Referring to Figure 131, the t CD screens 1352 and 1354 Cain be aligned 21 along ewes 1352c and 13 4c IT the mounting po at of screen: 1SFJ2 Is McKee &1 distance d in the X direction and a distance c in the Y dir ction, and where distance c squats d, and c plus d is further equal to At. The eta ?ct of this s that l:he pivot print of Lot) screen 1352 removes along the hypoten!,.,e X a small distance, thereby allowing a shorter support arm 356 to be t;se. hiote F1 Is al, () 1/2 the dist:ar,ce of the LCD screen 1 52 total hoi t;t. Distance is also 1/2 tat, total width of LCD screen 1354. If the LCI:) screen 1352 is removers, rotated CJ,) Frees cloc'.iwi,e and rea',tac fed to the support,arrn t 3 6, then.f!e o3ge=.s 1 352d

t 37 and 1 354d will be horizontally;il gned. It will Lee appreciated that cart arm 1356 having the some length as the arm shown in Figure 133 could be used, but that such longer arm would require that the ball joint suppot-!s which support the LCD screens 1352 and 1354 on the arm 1356 be mounted on the arm for sildir:g 5 movement so they can be positioned closer to one another than the spacing shown in Figurer 133. In this manner the ball joints could be readjusted closer to each other when the screens 1352 and 1354 are to be aligned as shown in Figure 131. Referring to Figure 132, the' C" screen 1352 can be positioned perfectly a) centered along the vertigo al 'fide of L GD screen 1354, if the pivot point is located o, inset from a ho, izontal midpoint of screen 1352 by a distance b in the X direction and a distan;e a in the Y direction, and if b is equal to a, and the u --n of b and equ.-;ls 2. Sir'<;e the LC;) screen 1352 is centered along the vertical ecige of screen 1354, I,9 is equal to B1. In this instance, 81 and B2 will each be 1 i:' of 15 dl,t- nce t designated in Figure 133. The LCD screen 1352 con also be removed, ifs ball joint s'., Short rotated 90 degrees clockwise, and the screen 13 2 reattached to tl,e -;up,uort Ann 13'S, which will put edge 1352d thereof jr] horizontal alinnn nt with edge 1354d of screen 1354.

It will also t e ncji-ed that the support arm 1356 shown in Figure 132 also is ) shorter than the support arm 1356 shown in Figure 133. Fly therefore L"ti- ig the above-scribed Guidelines, the ball joint st.'p rts of each of glue LCO sc;-eei;s 1352 and 1354 can be mounted at specific points on the rear surface of each LCD scr ^r, 1352 and 1354, and spruced apart on the support arm 1356, such that, two screens can be aligned together in various orientations when one is in the 25 portrait orientation and the other is in a 'andscape orientation. It will also be app,-eciate i that while the above-d scribed d mansions have then discussed only with regard to LCD c Green 1 52, that screen 1354 Will need to supported, in each of Figures 131-133, vouch the same dimensional requirements as Its accompan,. ing screen 1352 in each fitgure. So, the distances Y1, Y2 and Y3 shown in Figures 230 133, 132 and 131, respectively, need to be taken into account in each instance when deteri iring the needed so. ins betwc an +! ie two pivot points on the support arm 13';6.

('

Referring now to F:.gures 134-139, a bail joint assembly 1400 is illustrated which envables rotation of a fleck portion 1402 relative to a bat e portion 14G - when the neck portion is urged into the position shaven in Figures 136 and 137.

This feature is usefiul for enabling an LCD screen to be moved from a portrait -- orientation into a landscape orientation, or vice versa, without the need to Brat --. physically detach the LCO-screen from its ball joint support assembly, white still permitting booking of the, hvo screens relative to each other. It will be appreciated thatwith the ball joint support assemblies described previously herein, rotation of ore of two closely posilioried LCD scat eens first requires. emoval Of the 10 screen before it can be rotated. After being rotated into the desired orient Action, the LCD screen would be reattack-d. he problem of sufficient c,ec r<an between the two LCD screens, and the limitations on the con;tn ction of the rJall joint assembly itself, did not permit vie of the l CD screens to simply the rotc -k] into another orientation 1; Deferring fur-l:i- sr to-Figures 134 and 135 the ball jolt assc rr bl l 14 Overcomes this shortcoming try providing a groove formed in the Lase menfour Of -the assewt ly-140(3 which ends the neck portion 1402 to be rotated once the neck is moved into a booked position. To accomplish this, the neck portion 1402 includes a pin 14C6 fitted in the GENII member 14(18 thereof. Tne pin 14C6 is ') restrained for moverr,ent within channel 1410. The channel -,nat- les precise booking movement of the l CD screen (not shown);^'.tached to a keyed nd portion 1412 of the neck portion 14 12.

Formed within the base portion perpencItcularly to chant 1 1410 Is a c roc,ve 1414. Groove 1414 is sized to accept the pin 14!6 once the pin is moved into o5 alignment with the groove, 1414. This aiignrr, nt is shown in Figures 136 And 137.

V1hen the pin 1406 is allayed as shown in Figures 136 and 137, the LC19 scram Den will be booked outwardly such as shown in Figure 141 by screen 14t6. Once booked ink this orientation, LCD screen 1418 will not intcrfe, 3 iisrh subseq. er,t rotation of screen 1416.

0 Referring to Fiqur- s 1 >,8-139 and 140-143, LCD screen 1416 can then rotated colon ercloc kwis'- into the t'!rti it ori. nt, tion without interference Sroin screen 1418. The groove 1414 thus enables rotation of the ball renumber 14053 but

only once the screen 1416 has been booked outwardly a sufficient degree to place the pin 1406 in alignment with the groove 1406. This provides the advantage of preventing accidental rotation of the LCD screen 141G, since the user is required to move the screen 1416 to an outwardly booked position (Figure 5 141) before arty rotation can be effected. The fully rotated Screen 1416 is illustrated in Figures 142 and 143.

À If the ball joint assembly is orientated on its support arm 1420 in Figures 144-147 such that the groove 1406 is 180 degrees displaced from the orientation n-Fl ures 136 and 137, then screen 1418 in Figures 144147 can be similarly 10 rotated once it is booked outwardly as shown in Figure 145. Accordingly, the bail joint assembly 1400 enables each of the screens 1416 and 1418 to be rotated between the poi trait and landscape orientations once they are booked outwardly a sufficient degree. As such, there is no need to first remove either screen if it needs to he repositioned.

15 Referring now to Figures 148 and 149, a portion of a base assembly 1 5Q0 for an LCD screen is illustra; o.d. The base assembly 1500 incorpora''e s a built in control panel, which is shown in enlarged fashion in Future 1502. I he control panel incorporates an ON/OFF switch 1504, a built in speaker 1506, a volume "UP" button 1508 and a volume "DOWN" volume button 1510 for enabling easy 20 &d,ustmentoftl evolume ofthe speaker 1506. A"SELECT" button 1512 enables the user to select which one of several LCD screens being supported can be adjusted for picture brightness, centering, etc. A "RESET" button 1: 14 enables tl e user to reset the various visual adjustments (i.c., contrast, brightness, etc.) to default settings. A dial 11;16 enables the user to scroll through various chalices 9 j provided on the selected screen in menu format. Standby LED 1518 provides an provide an indication that one or more of the screens are powered on. An infrared sensor 1520 enables use of the display system with a wireless keyboard. It will be appreciated that not all of the features of the control panel 1502 need to be included and, alter a',ively, that other switches or components could joist as easily 30 be incorporated i, needed.

Referring now to Figure 52, a display system 1550 is shown which', is ubsta >tially si nil or to the di; play system 400 of Figure 65 with the exc^., ion o'

a camera 1552 mounted in a support arm 15. 4 thereof. The camera enables convenient video conferencing to be accomplished fro rn the display system 1550.

The cLamcra 1552 includes a Dexibie tubular sheath 1556 which holds the orientation it is placed in. jet one outermost end of the sheath 1556 is mounted 5 an optical camera 1558. The flexibility of the sheath 1556 enabi Is the camera 1552 to be adjusted to precisely the desired height to suit the user seated in front of the display system 1550.

Referring to Figure 153, an a!terna,tive preferred embodiment of the camera 1 52' is shown in which micro,ohone 1560 is attached to the optical camera 10 1 558'.

Figure 154 illustrates the camera 1552 disposed between a pair of LCD screens 1552. Figure 155 even better illustrates ibe flexibility of the camera 1.552.

The flexibility of the sheath 1556 enables the optical camera 1558 to be pointed at a desired angle, whether at the user or down on a document placed on a table 15 supporting the display system 1550. Figure 156 illustrates in enlarged fashion the sheath 1;56 of the Garner.- 1552 exiting through an opening 1 564 in the arm 15$4. Referring now to Figure 1 7, a display system 1600 in accordance with another al'.crna ive preferr d embodiment is shown The system 1600 includes 20 a pair of LAD screens 1602, with one of tl-,e screens including a built in camera 1604 placer] within the interior area of ide bezel 1606 of t!.e LCD screen.

Figure 158 shows a clip 1608 having a built-in camera head 1610 suitable for coupling to the bezel of one of the LGD screens 16()2. The c!:. 1608 is sh,!./vn in t:i ure 159 secured to a bezel 1612 of the LCD screen 1609. Advantageously, 25 the clip 16C8 can be moved around the hexed 1612 and secured at different positions on the bezel 1612 to best suit the position of the LCD screen 1602 relative to the user.

Claims (3)

1. 41 $ C:I> IMS:

   A dual computer display system cornprisinp,: a first computer display connected to a computer having a first Presage surface for displaying a first computer image; and a second computer display pivotably connected to the first computer display having a second image surface for displaying a second computer image and moN cable about at Icast two genera]]y orthogonal axes.
2. 2. - A dual computer display system according to Claim 1, wherein the second

   computer display is moveable between a vertical operating positio in which the first arid second computer displays are oriented vertically and the second image is viewal le lay a first person viewing the first image; a lateral operating position in \vhich the first and second computer displays are oriented Iatcra'ly and the secor d ima,,e is view?l lc by the first person viewing the first image; and, an opposite position in which it second image is viswable by a second person opposite the first persc.1.
3. 3. A dual computer display system accord)! g to Claim 2, vvLercin the sock Ad comp...ter display is further rnoveable to a stored position in plaice the second irn,,e s;irface faces the first image surface.