Abstract:
An LCD support system includes structure adaptable to selectively accommodate a central processing unit, a plurality of media drivers and a plurality of viewing screens so that no external electrical cabling is needed to couple the various subcomponents to one another. The plurality of viewing screens are selectively positioned along vertical and/or horizontal arms extending from the structure. Slidable brackets having viewing screens coupled thereto are movable along the arms of the structure to customize the multiple viewing screen arrangement according to a desired spacing and/or setup. A central processing unit may be readily detached from a first computer system having a first viewing screen configuration and attached to a second computer system having an alternative viewing screen configuration. The present invention provides a very compact, uncluttered means for supporting one or more LCD screens.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention generally pertains to computer systems, and more particularly to a computer system wherein a central processing unit, a plurality of media drivers, various electrical and power cables and other hardware components are all housed within structure used to support a plurality of viewing screens.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    With present day computer systems, the configuration of the system is often limited and does not provide for much flexibility in terms of being able to mix and match peripherals. This is especially so for the display portion of the system. With systems employing a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, there is often no means for easily attaching additional LCD screens, or for reconfiguring two or more existing screens, or for allowing easy and quick removal and/or replacement of one of more LCD screens of different sizes.  
           [0003]    Another disadvantage with present day computer systems is the large number of electrical cables that must be used to couple the CPU with the peripherals. This is especially so when two or more LCD screens are used. Each LCD screen requires its own data cable and power cable, so, for example, a three LCD screen system would require, for example, six cables to be coupled to the LCD screens. As will be appreciated, these cables significantly clutter the user&#39;s work area. When power and data cables from additional peripherals such as DVDs, ZIP drives, etc, are added, the collection of cables can significantly interfere with the work space of the user.  
           [0004]    In view of these drawbacks, it would be highly desirable to provide a modular computer system which allows one or more LCD screens to be used, according to the user&#39;s needs, and which permits easy adding or removal of LCD screens without significant and time consuming disassembly steps being required.  
           [0005]    Just as importantly, it would be desirable to provide a computer system which includes a support structure capable of housing the power and data cables needed for coupling the LCD screens and peripherals making up the system to the CPU. In this manner, the large number of data and power cables could be maintained out of the user&#39;s sight and out of the user&#39;s immediate work area.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0006]    In one preferred form the present invention provides a display screen support system which functions to support one or more video display screens, as well as to house a computer system and related electrical and power cabling. In one preferred form the display screens comprise liquid crystal display (LCD) screens. The screen support system includes a support, which in one preferred form comprise a base, having a central processing unit interface portion for selectively interconnecting with a central processing unit housed within the base. A column extends upwardly from the base. A laterally extending arm includes an engagement portion for selectively coupling to a complimentary engagement portion disposed in the column. At least one bracket is coupled to the arm and is operable to slidably traverse the arm. The bracket is configured to couple with an associated LCD screen.  
           [0007]    The present invention thus makes use of the structure that would ordinarily just be used to support the LCD screen(s) to also house the central processing unit (CPU), one or more power supplies, and various cables typically used to couple the LCD screen(s) with the CPU and also to provide power to the LCSs and other electronic components of the system. In this manner the numerous cables and power supplies that would typically be present on and around a user&#39;s work area are all hidden within the LCD support system. This makes for a very organized and aesthetically appealing support structure. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0008]    The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0009]    [0009]FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of the computer system according to a first embodiment shown with the dual arm in the installed portion;  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the computer system according to a first embodiment shown with the dual arm and cover detached from the computer system as well as engaged working peripherals;  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 3 is a view of the computer system of FIG. 1 shown with the cover removed for illustration;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the computer system of FIG. 1;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the computer system of FIG. 1 shown with a central processing unit in an installed position;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of a central processing unit and a standalone base shown in an uninstalled position;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the central processing unit installed to the standalone base shown with the door partially opened;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the computer system according to a second embodiment;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the computer system of FIG. 8 shown with the vertical arm and slider brackets in an uninstalled position;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the computer system of FIG. 8;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the computer system according to a third embodiment;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of the computer system according to a fourth embodiment;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of the computer system according to a fifth embodiment;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of the computer system according to a sixth embodiment;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 15 is a detailed view of a slider bracket and track incorporated on the dual arm;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 16 is a rear perspective view of the computer system according to a seventh embodiment;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view of the computer system of FIG. 16 having the elevator mechanism upwardly extending from a central portion of the base;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 18 is rear perspective view of the computer system according to an eighth embodiment; and  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 19 is a rear perspective view of the computer system according to a ninth embodiment.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 20 is a rear perspective view of the computer system according to a tenth embodiment.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 21 is a rear perspective view of the computer system according to an eleventh embodiment.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 22 is a rear perspective view of the computer system according to a twelfth embodiment having a selectively removable CPU module.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 23 is a rear perspective view of the computer system according to a thirteenth embodiment having a primary and secondary docking cradle.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0032]    The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.  
         [0033]    With initial reference to FIGS. 1 through 4, a support system  10  in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. In one preferred form the support system  10  forms an LCD support system, and will be referred throughout herein as such. The LCD support system  10  includes a support forming a base  12  having a central processing unit (CPU) interface portion  14  and a generally upright column  20  extending therefrom.  
         [0034]    A central portion  22  of the upright column  20  includes a mounting post  24  for slidably accepting a mounting bracket  30  (FIG. 2) extending from a dual arm LCD support  32 . The dual arm  32  extends generally parallel to base  12  and perpendicular to column  20  in a mounted position (FIG. 1). Slider brackets  28  (FIGS. 3 and 4), as will be described later in greater detail, include a first portion coupled for slidable engagement with dual arm  32  and a second portion configured for engaging a pivot bracket  38  coupled to an LCD viewing screen. A cover  40  (FIG. 3) includes ears  42  extending from opposite ends thereof for engaging complimentary slots (not specifically shown) incorporated along opposite sides of the central portion  22 . The cover  40  encloses the mounting post  24  and bracket  30  connection and creates a more uniform surface across the upper portion of column  20 .  
         [0035]    With continued reference to FIGS. 1 through 4, base  12  will now be described in greater detail. It will be appreciated that the base  12  could take a variety of shapes and/or configurations. Accordingly, the illustration of the base  12  as a laterally extending component is merely for exemplary purposes. Base  12  includes a generally longitudinal central portion  50  having selectively removable foot portions  44  transversely extending on opposite ends thereof. The foot portions  44  may comprise non operative structural members (FIG. 1) or alternatively comprise working peripherals  46 ,  48  (FIG. 2) such as a digital video disk (DVD) or a compact disk readable writable (CDRW) module for example. In addition, one or both of the foot portions may include an alternative data storage drive such as a secondary hard drive or ZIP drive. The foot portions  44 ,  46  and  48  include pins and receivers configured on inboard surfaces thereof (not specifically shown) for mating with complimentary pins and receivers configured on outboard edge surfaces (not specifically shown) of central portion  50  for easy “plug and play” capability. CPU interface portion  14  is centrally configured along central portion  50  and, as with foot portions  46 ,  48 , includes pins and receivers for complimentarily mating with pins and receivers disposed on CPU  100  (FIG. 7) for easy “plug and play” capability. In this regard, CPU  100  (FIG. 4) may be easily detached from LCD support system  10  and relocated to a second computer system. As such, the portability allows the user to move from a first computer system configuration to an alternative computer system configuration which may employ different amounts of viewing screens having alternate orientations as will be discussed in the alternate embodiments herein. Also importantly, the inclusion of the CPU interface portion  14  in the base  12  eliminates the need for electrical cabling to be used exteriorly of the system  10 , which would clutter the user&#39;s work area. Likewise the attachment of working peripherals  46 ,  48  eliminates the need for external electrical cabling to connect with the CPU interface  14 . This further helps to provide a very uncluttered work area around the LCD support system  10 . In one preferred form the base  12  also houses the power supplies needed for powering one or more LCD screens.  
         [0036]    As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and  4 , LCD support system  10  includes two slider brackets  38  arranged on opposite ends of dual arm  32 . FIG. 3 is shown having a third slider bracket  38  centrally located along extended dual arm  26 . Dual arm  26  has a horizontal span sufficient to accommodate three adjacent LCD screens.  
         [0037]    Referencing now FIG. 5 the LCD support system  10  according to the first embodiment is shown with CPU  100  in an installed or docked position. CPU  100  includes vertically oriented connection ports  94  for suitably interfacing with an external pointing device, keyboard and the like. FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative configuration wherein a standalone base unit  112  is provided. The standalone base unit  112  may be used when viewing multiple screens is not required. While not specifically shown, a dual connection port arrangement may also be employed in a side-by-side relationship such that two CPU units  100  may be concurrently docked. Such a setup would provide further memory or processing capability when additional computing resources are desired. In each scenario, the pins and receivers incorporated on the CPU interface portion  14  are configured to mate with complimentary pins and receivers (not specifically shown) disposed on a bottom face of the CPU. As shown in FIG. 7, CPU  100  includes a hingedly attached door  102  for easy access to hard drive  104 .  
         [0038]    Turning now to FIGS.  8 - 10 , the present invention will be described according to a second embodiment wherein like reference numbers increased by  100  will be used to designate components corresponding to system  10 . In this regard, LCD support system  120  includes base  112  shown in cooperative engagement with vertical arm  160 . A pair of grooves (not specifically shown) are arranged along opposing inner walls  162  of column  120  to interface with a pair of tongues  164  extending along opposite sides of the arm  160 . First and second slider brackets  128  are coupled for slidable engagement with vertical arm  160 . First and second pivot brackets  138  selectively couple to first and second slider brackets  128  to provide pivotal movement for a mounted LCD viewing screen. Such a configuration provides for first and second LCD screens to be adjacently mounted in a vertical orientation.  
         [0039]    Turning now to FIG. 11, the present invention will be described according to a third embodiment wherein like reference numbers increased by  200  over those used in connection with system  10  will be used to designate like components. As shown, LCD support system  200  includes a vertical arm  260  mounted to the central portion  222  of upright column  220  as previously described. In addition, a slider bracket (not specifically shown) operably interconnects dual LCD support arm  232  to a lower portion of vertical arm  260 . This arrangement provides a pyramid configuration in which three LCD screens may be selectively mounted to pivot brackets  238  in a triangular relationship.  
         [0040]    Referring now to FIG. 12, LCD support structure  300  will be described according to a fourth embodiment. Like reference numbers increased by a factor of  300  over those used in connection with system  10  will be used to designate like components. Again, both the dual arm  332  and the vertical arm  360  are mounted to column  320 . In addition, a second dual arm  332  is slidably mounted on vertical arm  360  with mounting bracket  330 .  
         [0041]    [0041]FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate the invention according to fifth and sixth embodiments, respectively. As such, the LCD support system  400  of the fifth embodiment includes a vertical arm  460  having a dual arm  432  extending from an upper portion thereof. This configuration allows two LCD screens to be adjacently mounted in a side by side relationship as well as a third LCD screen mounted on a lower portion of the vertical arm  460 . While not specifically shown, the LCD screens are preferably mounted to pivot brackets which in turn attach to the slider brackets for slidable movement along dual arm  432 .  
         [0042]    Referring to FIG. 14, LCD support system  500  of the sixth embodiment, similar to the fifth embodiment, includes a vertical arm  560  having a dual LCD support arm  532  extending from an upper portion. The lower portion of the vertical arm  560 , however, includes a horizontal arm  566  mounted thereat. The horizontal arm  566  includes three mounting portions for coupling slider and pivot bracket combinations. This configuration provides two viewing screens adjacently mounted side-by-side on the dual arm  532  as well as three viewing screens adjacently mounted to each other and arranged along horizontal arm  566  under the dual arm  532 .  
         [0043]    Referencing now FIGS. 8 and 15, the slider bracket  28  and pivot bracket  38  will be described in greater detail. Pivot bracket  38 , will be described with reference to pivot bracket  138  of the second embodiment in FIG. 8. Likewise, while the description of pivot bracket  138  is described in relation to the second embodiment it is appreciated that the description applies to all pivot brackets referred to herein. In addition, while slider bracket  28  is shown operatively associated with dual arm  32  in FIG. 15, it will be apparent that the same slider bracket  28  configuration is employed for vertical arm  60  (FIGS. 8 and 9).  
         [0044]    Slider bracket  28  generally comprises a C-shaped member defined by outwardly extending fingers  70 . A front face portion  72  includes a recessed rectangular portion  74  for receiving a foot  176  of the pivot bracket  138 . The geometry of slider bracket  28  allows for slidable communication along track  80 . In this regard, oppositely extending rails  82  are formed along dual arm  32  for settling into arcuate portions  78  of slider bracket  28 . A quick connector or similar fastening member (not shown) extends through channel  84  for engaging bore  186  formed in foot  176 . Pivot bracket  138  generally comprises a ball  188  received in a socket  190  for pivotal rotation thereabout. Post  192  connects foot  176  to ball  188 . A front face  152  (FIG. 10) of pivot bracket  138  includes a groove channel  154  for receiving a mounting portion (not shown) of a viewing screen (not shown). The rail and track configuration explained herein with respect to dual arm  32  is similarly employed for mounting post  24  extending from central portion  22  of column  20 . It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that slider bracket  28  and pivot bracket  138  are merely exemplary and other brackets having different geometries may be similarly employed while reaching similar results.  
         [0045]    Turning now to FIGS. 16 and 17 an LCD support system  600  is provided according to a seventh embodiment wherein like reference numbers increased by  600  over these used in conjunction with system  10  will be used to designate like components. In this regard, an alternative base portion  612  and column  620  are shown having a CPU interface panel  614  operatively disposed on a vertical rear face  634 . A CPU unit having vertically oriented pins and receivers (not shown) would be used to mate with interface panel  614 . FIG. 17 also shows the computer system having an integrated elevator mechanism  654 . The elevator mechanism  654  provides a vertical mechanical assist for adjusting the vertical orientation of a dual or vertical arm such as those discussed herein. Elevator  654  generally includes a static tower having a movable bracket  656 . Bracket  656  is actuated by a rack and pinion configuration or other suitable mechanism. LCD support system  600  is also shown with foot portions  644  having an alternate geometry. It will be understood that foot portions  644  include pins and fasteners which mate with complimentary pins and fasteners disposed on base  612 . In this regard, foot portions  644  may comprise non-operative structural members or working peripherals as previously described. Although elevator mechanism  654  is shown operatively associated with the seventh embodiment, it will be understood that elevator mechanism  654  may similarly be employed with the other embodiments disclosed herein.  
         [0046]    Referencing FIG. 18 an LCD support system  700  according to an eighth embodiment is shown wherein like reference numbers increased by  700  over those used in conjunction with system  10  will be used to designate like components. Support system  700  includes integral base  712  and column  714 . As such, column  714  houses the main motherboard, CPU, hard drive and floppy drive. A sound card is also preferably integrated on the motherboard. Base  712  houses the main power supply and peripheral devices  744  which may include DVD, CD-ROM or ZIP drives for example. Peripherals  744  are built into base  712 .  
         [0047]    Arm  726  is laterally mounted using the aforementioned slider bracket configuration. Arm  726  accepts multiple displays  702  by way of pivot brackets  738 . The necessary wiring to run power and signals from the graphics card to the displays  702  is channeled through arm  726 . Speakers  704  are coupled at opposite ends of arm  726 . Likewise, the necessary wiring for speakers  704  is routed through arm  726 .  
         [0048]    Column  714 , which operably houses the motherboard and CPU, includes vent ports  734  integrated thereon. Connection panel  794  includes parallel and serial ports, USB, NIC, audio interface ports, AC and PS2 connectors. A multi-output graphics adapter is preferably integrated on the motherboard (within column  714 ) or may also be mounted as a separate card within arm  726 . A power supply vent  756  is incorporated on base  712 .  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 19 illustrates an LCD support system  800  according to a ninth embodiment wherein like components in common with system  700  are designated by reference numbers increased by  100  over those used in connection with system  700 . As with eighth embodiment  700 , the base  812  and column  814  are an integral unit. LCD support structure  800  includes arm  826  having an arched contour. All necessary wiring for displays  802  is channeled through arm  826 . Column  814  is tapered toward an upper edge and extends a sufficient amount to accommodate the vertical displacement of arm  826 .  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 20 illustrates an LCD support system  900  according to a ninth embodiment wherein like components in common with system  800  are designated by reference numbers increased by  100  over those used in connection with system  800 . Support system  900  includes integral base  912  and column  914 . Three displays are horizontally arranged across arm  926 . Display  906  incorporating transmitter  964  is arranged together with two displays  902 . Transmitter  964  is integrated with CPU module  966  and provides wireless networking capability to system  900 . Interface panel  968  includes parallel and serial ports, USB, NIC, audio, AC and PS2 connections. Arm  926  includes an internal passage for housing all necessary cables and wires.  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 21 illustrates an LCD support system  1000  according to a tenth embodiment wherein like components in common with system  900  are designated by reference numbers increased by  100  over those used in connection with system  900 . Three LCD displays are arranged in a triangular relationship. Display  1006  has a transmitter  1064  coupled to column  1014  by way of pivot bracket  1038  and is disposed above adjacent displays  1002 .  
         [0052]    Turning now to FIG. 22 an LCD support system  1100  including removable CPU  1166  is shown. Like components in common with system  1000  are designated by reference numbers increased by  100  over those used in connection with system  1000 . Display  1108  includes cradle  1110  for selectively receiving CPU  1166 . In this way, CPU  1166  may be transferred from one support system to another. It should be noted that the central placement of display  1108  is merely exemplary and display  1108  may alternatively be placed on either end of arm  1126 . In addition, it will be appreciated that display  1108  incorporating removable CPU  1166  may be used in conjunction with any support system described herein.  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 23 shows LCD support system  1200 . Like components in common with system  1100  are designated by reference numbers increased by  100  over those used in connection with system  1100 . Support system  1200  includes a multiport docking system  1296 . Docking system  1296  includes a cradle  1210  integrated with display  1208  as well as a secondary cradle  1258 . Secondary cradle  1258  is coupled to base  1212 . Interface panel  1268  includes parallel and serial ports, USB, NIC, audio interface ports, AC and PS2 connectors.  
         [0054]    It will be appreciated that all of the preferred embodiments described herein completely eliminate or substantially reduce the need for any external electrical cabling for coupling various subcomponents making up the various LCD support systems, as well as the need for external power supplies. The preferred embodiments thus all serve to provide a very uncluttered LCD support system which has built in to it all the connectors necessary to effect coupling of the various subcomponents to one another. Also, while reference has been made throughout to LCD screens, it will be appreciated that the support system disclosed herein is equally well suited to be used with virtually any type of flat panel-type display screen, or other form of display screen.  
         [0055]    While the invention has been described in the specification and illustrated in the drawings with reference to various preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. For example, the integral base and column may be incorporated with any of the computer systems disclosed herein. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments illustrated by the drawings and described in the specification as the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the invention, but that the invention will include any embodiments falling within the present description and the appended claims.