Abstract:
The claimed systems relate generally to a cart having repositionable displays, and more particularly to a mobile cart having a frame on which is affixed two or more fixtures having a display mount, the fixtures providing for the movement of displays affixed thereto in a position for viewing, and another position for cart movement, such as movement between rooms through a doorway or an elevator. Also disclosed are particular articulating arms for such fixtures, mounted to one or more posts, some having one or more pivotable arms allowing for repositioning of displays relative to a cart. Detailed information on various example embodiments of the inventions are provided in the Detailed Description below, and the inventions are defined by the appended claims.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/172,421 filed on Apr. 24, 2009 both of which are hereby incorporated by reference, each in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Displays have been used for many purposes, including the presentation of video, the display of computer graphical user interfaces, and distant parties to a videoconference. Many if not most of these displays are mounted in a permanent position, that position having been selected for the purpose for which the display will be used. Thus, a display for a computer is located near a computer, and a display for a teleconference might be located in a conference room. These displays are left in place, requiring the relocation of people to the display where an associated function is to occur. 
         [0003]    Some displays, however, have been located to a portable cart. In such applications, the display is typically quite small to make the cart and the equipment it carries portable. For example, it is known to carry a computer and a display on a cart, wheeling the cart to a location where it is needed. In another example, it is known to mount an oscilloscope or other diagnostic equipment on a cart for transportation to electronics or machinery to be analyzed. In both cases, the display is selected to be small so as not to interfere with the movement of the cart through passageways and between objects. Thus, existing displays tend to be either fixed in location, or moveable and small enough to be placed on a cart. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0004]    The claimed systems relate generally to a cart having repositionable displays, and more particularly to a mobile cart having a frame on which is affixed two or more fixtures having a display mount, the fixtures providing for the movement of displays affixed thereto in a position for viewing, and another position for cart movement, such as movement between rooms through a doorway or an elevator. Also disclosed are particular articulating arms for such fixtures, mounted to one or more posts, some having one or more pivotable arms allowing for repositioning of displays relative to a cart. Detailed information on various example embodiments of the inventions are provided in the Detailed Description below, and the inventions are defined by the appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]      FIG. 1  shows the front of a fully-expanded first exemplary display fixture arrangement in perspective. 
           [0006]      FIG. 2  shows the rear of a fully-expanded first exemplary display fixture arrangement in perspective. 
           [0007]      FIG. 3  shows a fully-expanded first exemplary display fixture arrangement from the top. 
           [0008]      FIG. 4  shows a partially-expanded first exemplary display fixture arrangement from the top. 
           [0009]      FIG. 5  shows a more partially-expanded first exemplary display fixture arrangement from the top. 
           [0010]      FIG. 6  shows a collapsed first exemplary display fixture arrangement from the top. 
           [0011]      FIG. 7  shows a fully-expanded first exemplary display fixture arrangement from the top, adjusted for viewing at an angle. 
           [0012]      FIG. 8  shows a fully-expanded second exemplary display fixture arrangement having one post rather than two. 
           [0013]      FIG. 9  shows the second exemplary display fixture arrangement, fully expanded, from the top. 
           [0014]      FIG. 10  shows the second exemplary display fixture arrangement, fully expanded and adjusted for viewing angle, from the top. 
           [0015]      FIG. 11  shows the second exemplary display fixture arrangement, partially collapsed, from the top. 
           [0016]      FIG. 12  shows the second exemplary display fixture arrangement, more partially collapsed, from the top. 
           [0017]      FIG. 13  shows the second exemplary display fixture arrangement, fully collapsed, from the top. 
           [0018]      FIG. 14  shows a first exemplary cart system in a dual-display static configuration. 
           [0019]      FIG. 15  shows the components of the first exemplary cart system in a single-display static configuration. 
           [0020]      FIG. 16  shows the components of the first exemplary cart system in a dual-display static configuration. 
           [0021]      FIG. 17  shows the attachment of a vertical support member in the first exemplary cart system in a single-display static configuration. 
           [0022]      FIG. 18  shows the attachment of a static mount in the first exemplary cart system in a single-display static configuration. 
           [0023]      FIG. 19  shows the attachment of a mounting bracket in the first exemplary cart system in a single-display static configuration. 
           [0024]      FIG. 20  shows the attachment of a mounting bracket to a static mount in the first exemplary cart system in a single-display static configuration. 
           [0025]      FIG. 21  shows the fully-assembled first exemplary cart system in a single-display static configuration. 
           [0026]      FIG. 22  shows the attachment of a vertical support member in the first exemplary cart system in a dual-display static configuration. 
           [0027]      FIG. 23  shows the attachment of a horizontal support in the first exemplary cart system in a dual-display static configuration. 
           [0028]      FIG. 24  shows the attachment of a camera shelf in the first exemplary cart system in a dual-display static configuration. 
           [0029]      FIG. 25  shows the attachment of two static mounts in the first exemplary cart system in a dual-display static configuration. 
           [0030]      FIG. 26  shows the attachment of a codec shelf in the first exemplary cart system in a single-display static configuration. 
           [0031]      FIG. 27  shows the attachment of a codec shelf in the first exemplary cart system in a dual-display static configuration. 
           [0032]      FIG. 28  shows the front of a fully-expanded third exemplary display fixture arrangement in perspective. 
           [0033]      FIG. 29  shows a universal bracket of the third exemplary display fixture. 
           [0034]      FIG. 30  shows a mounting bracket of the third exemplary display fixture. 
           [0035]      FIG. 31  shows a universal bracket having mountings for several sizes of displays in the third exemplary display fixture. 
           [0036]      FIG. 32  shows the front of a fully-expanded third exemplary display fixture arrangement in perspective. 
           [0037]      FIG. 33  shows an upper ratcheting lever in the third exemplary display fixture arrangement. 
           [0038]      FIG. 34  shows a lower-locking pin in the third exemplary display fixture arrangement. 
           [0039]      FIG. 35  shows the front of a fully-collapsed third exemplary display fixture arrangement in perspective. 
           [0040]      FIG. 36  shows the components of a fourth exemplary cart for a one-display configuration. 
           [0041]      FIG. 37  shows the components of a fourth exemplary cart for a two-display configuration. 
           [0042]      FIG. 38  shows the attachment of a vertical support in the fourth exemplary cart for a one-display configuration. 
           [0043]      FIG. 39  shows the attachment of a static mount in the fourth exemplary cart for a one-display configuration. 
           [0044]      FIG. 40  shows the attachment of a mounting bracket to a display in the fourth exemplary cart. 
           [0045]      FIG. 41  shows the attachment of a mounting bracket to a static mount in the fourth exemplary cart for a one-display configuration. 
           [0046]      FIG. 42  an assembled fourth exemplary cart in a one-display configuration. 
           [0047]      FIG. 43  shows the attachment of a vertical support in the fourth exemplary cart for a two-display configuration. 
           [0048]      FIG. 44  shows the attachment of a horizontal support in the fourth exemplary cart for a two-display configuration. 
           [0049]      FIG. 45  shows the attachment of a camera shelf in the fourth exemplary cart for a two-display configuration. 
           [0050]      FIG. 46  shows the attachment of a static mounts in the fourth exemplary cart for a two-display configuration. 
           [0051]      FIG. 47  shows the attachment of a mounting bracket to a display in the fourth exemplary cart. 
           [0052]      FIG. 48  shows the attachment of a mounting brackets to static mounts in the fourth exemplary cart for a two-display configuration. 
           [0053]      FIG. 49  an assembled fourth exemplary cart in a two-display configuration. 
           [0054]      FIG. 50  shows the attachment of a camera to a camera shelf in the fourth exemplary cart for a two-display configuration. 
           [0055]      FIG. 51  shows the attachment of a codec shelf in the fourth exemplary cart for a one-display configuration. 
           [0056]      FIG. 52  shows the attachment of a codec shelf in the fourth exemplary cart for a two-display configuration. 
           [0057]      FIG. 53  shows the fourth exemplary cart in a two-display configuration with an articulating fixture in perspective from the front. 
           [0058]      FIG. 54  shows the fourth exemplary cart in a two-display configuration with an articulating fixture in perspective from the rear. 
           [0059]      FIG. 55  shows the fourth exemplary cart in a two-display configuration with an articulating fixture from the top. 
           [0060]      FIG. 56  shows the fourth exemplary cart in a two-display configuration with an articulating fixture in perspective, one display removed. 
           [0061]      FIG. 57  shows the fourth exemplary cart in a two-display configuration with an articulating fixture from the front, one display removed. 
           [0062]      FIG. 58  shows the fourth exemplary cart in a two-display configuration with an articulating fixture from the side. 
       
    
    
       [0063]    Reference will now be made in detail to particular implementations of the various inventions described herein in their various aspects, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and in the detailed description below. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0064]    The text below will refer to several exemplary products, which serve to introduce the concepts relative to the claimed inventions, however it is to be understood that these examples are presented for communicative reasons, and do not limit the claimed inventions in any way. 
         [0065]      FIGS. 1 and 2  show from the front and back, respectively, a first exemplary fixture arrangement having two posts in a fully-expanded configuration, the fixture being attached to an ordinary cart tabletop. From these views it can be seen that the display combination is much wider than the tabletop itself, permitting a much wider field of view than would otherwise be allowable if one display were used as wide as the tabletop. In this example, the displays are plasma monitors, which carry substantial weight for which the fixtures are designed to support. 
         [0066]    This fixture arrangement is capable of being collapsed to a much smaller configuration. As seen from the top in  FIG. 3 , the pair of displays are nearly twice the width of the tabletop. A first step in collapsing the arrangement is to rotate on of the displays 180 degrees on its post to be rearward-facing, as shown in  FIG. 4 . The other display is then relocated by rotating the other arm on its post 180 degrees, but while maintaining a forward-facing orientation, as shown in  FIG. 5 . As seen in  FIG. 6 , the fixture arrangement in a fully-collapsed state falls nearly within the space above the tabletop, providing for a less-obtrusive arrangement that, like the other examples described herein, can be moved through doorways and into elevators with much less effort. 
         [0067]    In this example each monitor is mounted to a swing arm fixture arrangement with two pivot points. These pivot points are located near or on the joint between the post and the arm and near the point of the display to the arm. If desired, the arrangement may provide for locking of the displays into position, for example with the bar shown in  FIG. 2 . Also in this example, each display is independently rotatable as shown in  FIG. 7 , allowing for directional adjustments for the viewing convenience of any forward participants, without having to move the tabletop itself and/or any cart to which it might be attached. 
         [0068]    However, a fixture arrangement may also take a one-post configuration, as seen in the second exemplary fixture arrangement of  FIG. 8 , here shown attached to a rolling cart. As can be seen from the top in  FIG. 9 , each display is mounted on an articulating arm, each arm having two pivot points. The arm of this design is longer than the first exemplary arrangement, permitting both a compact collapsed arrangement and the arrangement shown having side-by-side displays in a full-expanded configuration. This arrangement also allows for viewing adjustments by rotating both displays around the post, as seen in  FIG. 10 . 
         [0069]    To collapse the arrangement, one display is rotated about the post to be reverse-facing, as shown in  FIG. 11 . Both displays are then moved to the center of the cart using both pivots in each set, as shown in  FIG. 12 , arriving at the fully-collapsed configuration shown in  FIG. 13  with the displays substantially centered above the cart. 
         [0070]    Although the examples above show expanding and collapsible display fixture arrangements, a cart can be supplied that provides this and/or alternately a static arrangement.  FIG. 14  shows one such cart configurable in that way. For configuration with a single display, the parts shown in  FIG. 15  are used. For configuration with a static dual-display, the parts shown in  FIG. 16  are used. Assembly of the single-display configuration proceeds with attachment of a vertical support as in  FIG. 17 , a static mount as in  FIG. 18 , a mounting bracket to the display as in  FIG. 19 , and attachment of the mounting bracket to the mount as in  FIG. 20 , arriving at the arrangement shown in  FIG. 21 . Similarly, assembly of the static dual-display configuration proceeds with attachment of a vertical support as in  FIG. 22 , a horizontal support and camera shelf as in  FIGS. 23 and 24 , two static mounts as in  FIG. 25 , mounting bracket to the displays and attachment of corresponding mounting brackets to the static mounts. Note that the vertical support may be common between the one- and two-display configurations. Also note that the tabletop may also provide for the mounting of posts as described above, permitting for an expanding and collapsing display configuration as described above. 
         [0071]    Also in these examples, a camera shelf may be installed around or between the monitors, as shown in  FIGS. 14 ,  24  and  25 , which provides a convenient location for a camera for videoconferencing. A camera or a codec could also be located to a codec shelf above one or both monitors, as shown in  FIGS. 14 ,  26  and  27 . 
         [0072]    Now referring to  FIG. 29 , in a third exemplary fixture assembly a universal bracket is provided to mount a display to an articulating arm. Preferably a mounting bracket is provided that attaches directly to the display as shown in  FIG. 30 . The mounting bracket may then be attached to the universal bracket, preferably using an attachment method that provides ease of assembly. As shown in  FIG. 31 , the universal bracket preferably includes mountings for more than one size of display, allowing the end-user to select the display of his choice. The resulting fully-expanded fixture assembly may mount the displays side-by-side, as shown in  FIGS. 28 and 32 . 
         [0073]    In this third example, a ratcheting lever is provided on the articulating arm, shown in  FIG. 33 , permitting the locking of the arm and its corresponding display in position on it&#39;s upward pivot. The locking of the lower pivot is by way of a pin and hole, released by pulling upward as shown in  FIG. 34 . Upon unlocking of the fixture assembly, it may be reconfigured from an expanded to a collapsed configuration, shown in  FIG. 35 , and vice-versa. 
         [0074]    In a fourth example, a cart is provided having a top suitable for the static mounting of one or two displays, the parts for a one-display configuration shown in  FIG. 36  and for a two-display configuration in  FIG. 37 . Assembly of the one-display configuration is by attachment of a vertical support as in  FIG. 38 , a static mount as in  FIG. 39 , a mounting bracket to the rear of the display as in  FIG. 40 , and hanging of the mounting bracket to the static mount by way of teardrop slots and buttons as shown in  FIG. 41 , resulting in the final product of  FIG. 42 . Assembly of the two-display configuration is by attachment of a vertical support as in  FIG. 43 , a horizontal support as in  FIG. 44 , optionally a camera shelf as in  FIG. 45 , two static mounts as in  FIG. 46 , a mounting bracket to the rear of each display as in  FIG. 47 , hanging of the mounting brackets to the static mounts by way of teardrop slots and buttons as shown in  FIG. 48 , and optionally attachment of a camera to the camera bracket as in  FIG. 49 , resulting in the final product of  FIG. 50 . A codec shelf may be attached as shown in  FIG. 51  to the one-display configuration, or to the two-display configuration as shown in  FIG. 52 . 
         [0075]    An articulating fixture arrangement can be attached to the base of the fourth example, as shown in  FIG. 53  from the front, and  FIG. 54  from the rear. This configuration is further detailed in  FIGS. 55 ,  56 ,  57  and  58 , the measurements being in inches. The examples above are configured to mount an ordinary 42 or 50 inch plasma or LCD display up to 200 lbs, and preferably the cart with displays and other included equipment weighs less than or equal to 800 lbs. In some versions a cart includes interior shelves and openings for the routing of cables from the interior to the displays above. 
         [0076]    Now although certain systems, products, components, functions and methods have been described above in detail, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that these functions and methods are adaptable to other systems and products housing or mounting displays to a movable platform. The exact configurations described herein need not be adhered to, but may be varied according to the skill of one of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, the inventions disclosed herein are to be fully embraced within the scope as defined in the claims. It is furthermore understood that the summary description and the abstract are provided merely for indexing and searching purposes, and do not limit the inventions presented herein in any way.