GB2456023A

GB2456023A - Trolley for supporting a display screen and projector

Info

Publication number: GB2456023A
Application number: GB0813614A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Samuel Edmund Livermore
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-12-31
Filing date: 2008-07-25
Publication date: 2009-07-01
Anticipated expiration: 2028-07-25
Also published as: GB2456023B; GB0725299D0; GB0813614D0

Abstract

A freestanding trolley for supporting a display surface and a projector has a base 5, a mounting 15 comprising a bracket 60 for supporting the display surface e.g. a projector screen or white board 95 and an arm 20 for holding the projector such that the projector may project an image onto the display surface 95, the arm 20 being connected onto the bracket 60. The trolley may further comprise a telescopic mounting 46 and 47, projector mounting 85, braked wheels 25 and a shelf for a laptop portable computer. The arm 20 may comprise a substantially vertical section 75 connected to bracket 60 and a substantially horizontal section 80 slideably mounted to the vertical section.

Description

TROLLEY

[001] The present invention relates to a freestanding trolley for supporting a display surface and a projector.

[002] The use of a projector to project an image onto a display surface in order to convey information to an audience is well known.

Improvements in such display apparatus have been sought.

[003] According to the present invention there is provided a freestanding trolley for supporting a display surface and a projector. the trolley having a mounting comprising: (i) a bracket for supporting the display surface, and (ii) an arm for holding the projector in a position relative to the display surface such that the projector projects an image onto the display surface, the arm being connected to the bracket.

[004] The term freestanding is used to mean capable of standing on its own base free from attachment to a wall, floor or object during use. This can provide significantly greater flexibility regarding the location of the trolley.

[005] An example of a suitable display surface is an interactive whiteboard. Interactive whiteboards are commonly used by teachers in order to convey information to their students. Interactive whiteboards generally comprise a touch-sensitive display surface onto which a projector projects an image. The interactive whiteboard and projector are normally connected to a computer so that the image displayed on the whiteboard corresponds to the computer's graphical user interface, i.e. the image that a monitor connected to the computer would display. The user of the interactive whiteboard can then control the computer by touching the interactive whiteboarcl. This provides an interaction with the computer that is equivalent to using a mouse pointer.

10061 By providing the bracket for supporting the display surface and the arm for holding the projector on the same mounting such that they are connected to each other, the relative alignment of the display surface and the projector can be maintained. It is important to maintain the relative alignment of the display surface and the projector to ensure that the image projected on the display surface remains in focus. Also, if the display surface is an interactive whiteboard, the relative alignment is important so that the user's touch on a particular part of the interactive whiteboard can be converted into a specific command. By maintaining the relative alignment of the interactive whiteboard and the projector, repeated time-consuming re-calibrations of the projector and the interactive whiteboard can be avoided.

[007] In addition, by supporting the display surface and the projector on a trolley they can be moved between locations whilst maintaining their relative alignment. This is useful, for example, in schools, where providing an interactive whiteboard in every classroom can be prohibitively expensive.

[008] In some embodiments the display surface may be an interactive whiteboard, although the trolley of the present invention can be used with any display surface.

[009] In some embodiments, the mounting may be connected to a substantially vertical support. In some embodiments the substantially vertical support may comprise a fixed part and a movable part that is telescopically extendable from the fixed part. Thus, the height of the mounting, and therefore of the bracket for supporting the display surface and the arm for holding the projector, can be adjusted by the user. In some embodiments the mounting may be connected to the movable part of the substantially vertical support.

[0010] The movement of the movable part of the vertical support may be controlled by an electric motor, for example by driving a rack and pinion.

In an alternative embodiment, the movable part of the vertical support may be moved manually.

[00111 In some embodiments the bracket may comprise a plurality of connected plates, for example reinforced metal plates. The bracket may carry the speakers, amplifier and connection box that holds the electronic components for controlling the equipment mounted on the trolley. The bracket may also comprise a cable winder.

[0012] In some embodiments the arm may comprise a projector mounting for holding the projector. in some embodiments the projector mounting may be pivotable relative to the arm. In some embodiments the arm may be pivotable relative to the bracket. Pivoting the projector relative to the bracket in these ways can make it easier to transport the trolley through narrow gaps, e.g. doorways. This is because it can shorten the depth of the trolley from front to back because projectors are generally longer in one of their three dimensions than they are in the other two.

[0013] in some embodiments the arm may comprise a substantially vertical section connected to the bracket and a substantially horizontal section for holding the projector. In some embodiments the substantially horizontal section may be slidably mounted on the substantially vertical section. In some embodiments the substantially horizontal section may be pivotable from a first position in which it is substantially perpendicular to the display surface to a second position in which it is closer to being substantially parallel to the display surface. The first position is generally the position relative to the display surface in which the projector projects an image onto the display surface. When the substantially horizontal section of the arm is pivoted into the second position it is easier for the trolley to be transported through narrow gaps.

[0014] In some embodiments the bracket may comprise a plurality of supports for holding the display surface at a plurality of positions relative to the bracket. In some embodiments the supports may comprise hooks that engage corresponding holes on the rear side of the display surface.

In this way, the display surface may be mounted at different heights on the bracket which, in combination with the movable part of the vertical support extends the range of motion of the display surface.

[00151 In some embodiments the trolley may comprise a base supported by one or more wheels. In some embodiments at least one wheel may be lockable to restrain its rotation. This allows the user to inhibit the trolley's movement once it has been placed in a desired position.

[00161 In some embodiments the bracket may comprise a shelf for supporting a laptop computer. In some embodiments the shelf is slidably mounted on the bracket.

[0017] In some embodiments, during use the maximum distance between the display surface when supported by the bracket and the projector when held by the arm is 50cm. In some embodiments the maximum distance is 40cm.

[0018] In an alterative embodiment the invention relates to a portable stand that can be wheeled from room to room through any standard doorway without moving any components and retains alignment and focal distance between the components.

[0019] In a further alternative embodiment the invention relates to a portable stand which enables components to be moved upwards or downwards to any convenient height.

[0020] In a further alternative embodiment the invention relates to a portable stand that will not fall in any direction whilst moving or stationary within the accepted standards of safety (20° tilt).

[00211 In a further alternative embodiment the invention relates to a portable stand that does not require any external support and can be operated without causing undue movement of the writing/display surface or other components.

[0022] In a further alternative embodiment the invention relates to a portable stand that can carry ancillary equipment such as computers, sound system DVDI video in a ready to use position.

[0023] In a further alternative embodiment the invention relates to a portable stand which holds the projector and board/screen in sufficiently close proximity to ensure the projected light does not shine into the eyes of the user.

[00241 The present invention relates to a portable stand that can carry a board/screen and a projector in close proximity to each other and hold them in perfect alignment. The portable stand can be wheeled through a doorway without removing any of the components.

[0025] The height of the board can be adjusted by the remotely controlled electric motor from approximately 244cm (8'O'') down to 182cm (6'O''). The electric motor may also be adjusted using a switch on the trolley. Higher or lower levels can be achieved by moving the board relative to the stand.

[0026] Because the board and projector are held closely together, it is impossible for the light from the projector to shine on the user's eyes or face in normal use.

[0027] The strong construction of the stand ensures it will not fall over when being used or moved. Because the stand is portable there are no installation costs, which normally occur with this type of equipment.

[0028] Any size of board or screen can be utilised because the projector is adjustable both vertically and horizontally to obtain the correct image size.

100291 The present invention will be further described in greater detail by reference to the following Figures of the accompanying drawings which are not intended to limit the scope of the invention claimed, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a freestanding trolley according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 shows a side view of the trolley of Figure 1.

Figure 3 shows front view of the trolley of Figure 1.

[00301 Figures 1, 2 and 3 depict perspective, side and front views respectively of a freestanding trolley 1 according to one embodiment of the invention. The trolley 1 comprises base 5, vertical support 10 and mounting 15.

[0031] The base 5 comprises flat horizontal support 6 which has horizontal bars 7,8 provided at opposite ends. The horizontal bars 7,8 are supported by four wheels 25. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, two speakers 30,35 are mounted on the upper surface of the flat horizontal support 6. Flowever, in an alternative embodiment the speakers 30,35 may be supported by the mounting 15. The speakers 30,35 may be connected to a laptop computer.

[0032J Extending upwards from the middle of the upper surface of flat horizontal support 6 of base 5 is vertical support 10. The lower part of vertical support 10, i.e. the part that is fixed to the upper surface of flat horizontal support 6, comprises base box 40. A central pillar 45 extends substantially vertically from the top 41 of base box 40. The central pillar comprises a lower pillar 46 which is fixed to base box 40 and an upper pillar 47 which telescopically extends from the lower pillar 46. On opposite sides of central pillar 45, and also extending substantially vertically from base box 40, are guide cylinders 50 and 55.

[0033] Mounting 15 is fixed to an upper end of upper pillar 47.

Mounting 15 comprises whiteboard bracket 60 and projector arm 20.

Whiteboard bracket 60 has a front face 61 on which are provided guide rails 65,70. On the rear face 62 of bracket 60, guide tubes (not shown) are provided. The guide tubes are slidably mounted on guide cylinders 50,55.

[0034] Extending substantially vertically from an upper end of whiteboard bracket 60 is projector arm 20. Projector arm 20 comprises a substantially vertical section 75 which extends upwards from the whiteboard bracket 60 and substantially horizontal section 80 which extends approximately at a right angle to the substantially vertical section and in front of mounting 15. A projector (not shown) is mounted near to the free end of horizontal section 80 on projector mounting 85.

[0035] In use, an interactive whiteboard, indicated by dashed lines 95 in Figures 1 and 3, is mounted onto guide rails 65,70 of mounting 15 and a projector (not shown) is mounted onto the projector mounting 85 on substantially horizontal section 80 of projector arm 20. In this configuration, the projector is in a position relative to the interactive whiteboard such that the projector projects an image onto the interactive whiteboard.

[0036] The height of the interactive whiteboard can be adjusted by altering the height of mounting 15. This is done by altering the extent to which the upper pillar 47 telescopically extends from the lower pillar 46.

The height adjustment of the upper pillar 47 is controlled by a rack and pinion system (not shown) inside central pillar 45 that is connected to the upper pillar 47. The rack and pinion system is driven by an electric motor inside base box 40. During adjustment of the height of the mounting 15, the guide tubes slide up or down guide cylinders 50,55.

The guide cylinders 50,55 thereby help to maintain the alignment of the mounting 15 relative to the vertical support 10. As a result of the projector arm 20 and the whiteboard bracket 60 being part of the same mounting, whiteboard mounting 15, the position of the projector relative to the interactive whiteboard is maintained during height adjustment.

[0037] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3 the relative positions of the projector arm 20 and the projector mounting 85 are fixed.

However, in an alternative embodiment a pivoting mechanism, for example a rotatable mounting, may be provided at the joint between the projector mounting 85 and the substantially horizontal section 80 of projector arm 20. The rotatable mounting allows the projector mounting 85, and therefore the projector itself, to pivot relative to the mounting 15.

Thus, the projector can be pivoted into a position that minimises the depth, indicated by line D in Figure 1, of the trolley 1, which means that transporting the trolley, for example passing through narrow doorways, is easier.

10038] In addition, in the embodiment shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3 the relative positions of the substantially vertical section 75 and the substantially horizontal section 80 of projector arm 20 are fixed.

However, in some embodiments the substantially horizontal section 80 may be slidably mounted on the substantially vertical section 75. Thus, the substantially horizontal section 80 can slide in the direction Y indicated in Figure 1. By sliding the substantially horizontal section 80 in direction Y, the depth of trolley 1, indicated by line D in Figure 1, can be minimised. As discussed above, this can ease the trolley's passage through narrow gaps.

[0039] In some embodiments of the invention a shelf may be provided as part of the trolley on which a laptop computer may be rested. This is generally provided adjacent to the interactive whiteboard during use.

[0040] This invention seeks to provide a portable display stand that will support a board/screen and a projector in close proximity to each other, which when the projector is projecting an image they are in perfect alignment. A preferred example is illustrated in the attached Figures.

[00411 Figure 1 (3D angled front view) shows a convenient method of attaching the board/screen to the main column. The base can be of any convenient height.

[0042] Figure 2 (2D side view) shows the portable stand with the projector suspended at the top on an adjustable steel arm. There is an electric motor in the base which moves the main column upwards or downwards. This column supports an interactive whiteboard and the steel arm. When the motor is operated, both the board and the arm move together in exact coordination with each other either upwards or downwards. It can be stopped in any desired position to suit the height of the user or for the most convenient position for the viewing audience.

[0043] Figure 3 (front view) shows the board/screen facing towards the audience with the projector attached to the steel arm. The board/screen is at the top of the main column which is in its fully extended position.

When the motor is operated, the board and projector can be lowered until the bottom of the board reaches the base of the stand, to enable small children to reach.

Claims

1. A freestanding trolley for supporting a display surface and a projector, the trolley having a mounting comprising: (1) a bracket for supporting the display surface, and (ii) an arm for holding the projector in a position relative to the display surface such that the projector projects an image onto the display surface, the arm being connected to the bracket.

2. A trolley as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting is connected to a substantially vertical support.

3. A trolley as claimed in claim 2, wherein the substantially vertical support comprises a fixed part and a movable part that is telescopically extendable from the fixed part.

4. A trolley as claimed in claim 3, wherein the mounting is connected to the movable part of the substantially vertical support.

5. A trolley as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the arm comprises a projector mounting for holding the projector.

6. A trolley as claimed in claim 5, wherein the projector mounting is pivotable relative to the arm.

7. A trolley as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the arm is pivotable relative to the bracket.

8. A trolley as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the arm comprises a substantially vertical section connected to the bracket and a substantially horizontal section for holding the projector.

9. A trolley as claimed in claim 8, wherein the substantially horizontal section is pivotable from a first position in which it is substantially perpendicular to the display surface to a second position in which it is closer to being substantially parallel to the display surface.

10. A trolley as claimed in claim 8, wherein the substantially horizontal section is slidably mounted on the substantially vertical section.

11. A trolley as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bracket comprises a plurality of supports for holding the display surface at a plurality of positions relative to the bracket.

12. A trolley as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising a base supported by one or more wheels.

13. A trolley as claimed in claim 12, wherein at least one wheel is lockable to restrain its rotation.

14. A trolley as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bracket comprises a shelf for supporting a laptop computer.

15. A trolley as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein during use the maximum distance between the display surface when supported by the bracket and the projector when held by the arm is 50cm.