Abstract:
A convertible workstation system is disclosed that may be retrofitted into an existing desktop/work surface for supporting and pivoting a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) from a closed position to an open, viewable/usable position in front of a user. The system includes an actuator to initiate movement of a support panel, and is configured such that further movement of the support panel toward the open position after initiation by the actuator is carried out independently of further movement or other manipulation or control of the actuator. A spring may be provided to assist in moving the support panel towards such open position after the actuator has initiated such movement.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is based upon and claims benefit of copending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/846,917 entitled “Computer Workstation”, filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Sep. 25, 2006 by the inventors herein, the specification of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to computer workstations and, more particularly, to a computer workstation equipped with a pivoting work surface that deploys a computer display, and more particularly a flat panel computer display, from an existing desk or other like structure. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    The advent of flat panel liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and plasma displays has changed the manner in which computer monitors must be mounted/supported and positioned for optimum “viewability.” A LCD transmits images in a manner that is quite different from that found in a traditional cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor. A user must position himself/herself directly in front of a LCD, viewing it “straight on”, to properly see the displayed images. A LCD&#39;s highly directional images and lower light emission levels make it difficult to position the unit on top of a traditional desk such that a user can view it straight on in an ergonomic manner, or to view the display&#39;s output through the glass surface found in the typical computer desk, as exemplified by that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. RE 34266 to Schairbaum. 
         [0004]    However, because LCDs offer many advantages over traditional CRT monitors, such as requiring less overall space and using less energy, there is a need for more functional, ergonomically correct, and convenient multi-use computer workstations designed to accommodate flat panel LCDs. While previous attempts have been made to provide a multi-use computer workstation accommodating a LCD that have achieved some measure of success, the actuation devices on such workstations have required relatively complex linkages between an input device support tray, such as a keyboard tray, and a pivotably mounted support panel. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 7,047,890 and its progeny describe a computer workstation having a work surface with a central aperture and a pivoting LCD support panel pivotably mounted within such aperture, with lever arms situated between the support panel and a keyboard tray such that movement of the keyboard tray toward the user causes the support panel to pivot toward an open position, while movement of the keyboard tray away from the user and toward the workstation causes the support panel to pivot toward a closed position. Unfortunately, this complex linkage between the keyboard tray and the support panel unnecessarily increases manufacturing expenses, requiring multiple linkage components and increased complexity in assembly. Moreover, such complex linkage increases potential points of failure, as the damage or loss of a member in that linkage can result in an inability to open the work surface, thus rendering the computer display functionality of the workstation useless in the event of such a failure. 
         [0005]    A need therefore remains to provide a multi-use computer workstation designed to accommodate flat panel LCDs that is of more simplistic construction and more easily convertible from a work surface to a computer display than has been offered by prior constructions. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention provides a convertible workstation converting from a generally flat, planar work surface to a computer display. With regard to one aspect of a particularly preferred embodiment, the convertible workstation provides a traditional desk work environment having a generally planar work surface that is convertible to a flat panel computer display that positions such flat panel computer display in an ergonomically appropriate orientation such that images on the display may be viewed by a user positioned in front of the workstation. 
         [0007]    With regard to another aspect of a particularly preferred embodiment, the convertible workstation includes a support panel having a top side and a bottom side, the support panel being pivotably mounted within a work surface from a closed position in which the top side is generally coplanar with the work surface to an open position. A spring is mounted between the support panel and the work surface and biases the support panel toward the open position. When the support panel holds a video display (such as a flat panel computer display) on its bottom side and is in the closed position, the biasing force is insufficient to move the support panel toward the open position. A pull cable is attached at a first end to the support panel, and a second end of the pull cable is engageable by a user such that pulling the pull cable in a direction away from the support panel when the support panel is in the closed position causes the support panel to begin to move toward the open position. Continued movement of the support panel after such motion toward the open position has begun then proceeds independent of movement of the pull cable. 
         [0008]    With regard to yet another aspect of a particularly preferred embodiment, a workstation is provided that is convertible from a flat work surface and computer display storage device to a computer display. The workstation includes a support panel pivotably mounted within the flat work surface and moveable from a closed position in which the top side of the support panel is generally coplanar with the work surface to an open position. A computer display support bracket is affixed to the bottom side of the support panel, and is configured to hold a computer display in a stored position beneath the support panel when the support panel is in the closed position, and in a viewable position when the support panel is in the open position. A spring is mounted between the support panel and the flat work surface which exerts an opening force on the support panel when the support panel is in the closed position. A user accessible actuator engages the support panel and is configured to cause the support panel to begin to move toward the open position when actuated. Continued movement of the support panel toward the open position after such actuation is then independent of movement of the actuator. 
         [0009]    With regard to still yet another aspect of a particularly preferred embodiment, a work surface is provided that is convertible to a computer display. The work surface includes a frame configured for insertion into a work table. A support panel is pivotably mounted within the frame and is moveable from a closed position, in which the top side of the support panel is generally coplanar with a top edge of the frame, to an open position. A computer display support bracket is affixed to the bottom side of the support panel and is configured to hold a computer display. A spring is mounted between the support panel and the frame and exerts an opening force on the support panel when the support panel is in the closed position. A user accessible actuator engages the support panel and is configured to cause the support panel to begin to move toward the open position when actuated. Continued movement of the support panel toward the open position after such actuation is then independent of movement of the actuator. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    The above and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention are considered in more detail, in relation to the following description of embodiments thereof shown in the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a side, perspective view of a convertible computer display in an open position in accordance with a first particularly preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a side, perspective view of the convertible computer display of  FIG. 1  in a closed position. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the convertible computer display of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a side, perspective view of a convertible computer display according to a first alternate embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0015]    The invention summarized above and defined by the enumerated claims may be better understood by referring to the following description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numbers are used for like parts. This description of an embodiment, set out below to enable one to build and use an implementation of the invention, is not intended to limit the enumerated claims, but to serve as a particular example thereof. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the conception and specific embodiments disclosed as a basis for modifying or designing other methods and systems for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent assemblies do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form. 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a convertible workstation (shown generally at  10 ), according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, in an open position, and  FIG. 2  shows such convertible workstation in a closed position. In this first embodiment, the workstation system  10  generally includes a pivoting support panel  14  pivotably mounted within an opening in a work surface  100 . A frame  13  may be situated within such opening in work surface  100 , such that support panel  14  may be pivotably mounted within frame  13 . Support panel  14  is adapted to support an integrated flat panel computer display (e.g., an LCD, plasma display or other similarly configured computer display, not shown) mounted thereon via bracket  15 . Bracket  15  may comprise a VESA bracket. A spring member, such as a gas spring  170 , is situated between support panel  14  and frame  13  and biases support panel  14  to the open position shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0017]    Spring  170  is selected and positioned with respect to frame  13  and support panel  14  such that when support panel  14  is closed (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) and holding a flat panel computer display on bracket  15 , the opening force applied to support panel  14  (and particularly the vector component of such force that is perpendicular to the bottom side of support panel  14 ) is insufficient to overcome the combined weight of support panel  14  and such flat panel computer display, such that support panel  14  remains in the closed position shown in  FIG. 1 . However, as support panel  14  begins to pivot toward the open position shown in  FIG. 2 , the vector component of the force applied by spring  170  that is perpendicular to support panel  14  increases (as the direction of application of such force approaches 90° to the bottom side of support panel  14 ). As a result, the combination of the momentum of support panel  14  and the force applied by spring  170  (or alternately the force applied by spring  170  alone) becomes sufficient to continue such opening motion of support panel  14 , until support panel  14  comes to rest in the open position shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0018]    Thus, spring  170  is selected and positioned with respect to support panel  14  and work surface  100  so as to keep the support panel closed (i.e., the top of the support panel flush with the top of work surface  100  in which it is installed) when in its lowered position (and preferably when carrying a flat panel computer display on bracket  15 ), and to cause support panel  14  to tilt upward to a fully open position after a slight opening force is applied to support panel  14 . 
         [0019]    With particular regard to the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , in order to provide such opening force, a mechanical connection may be provided between a point on the bottom side of support panel  14  and an actuator device, such as pull handle  20 , such that pulling on the actuator device applies a slight opening force, starting movement of the support panel towards the open position shown in  FIG. 1 . After application of such force, the momentum of support panel  14  and the force applied by spring  170  (or alternately the force applied by spring  170  alone) causes support panel  14  to swing to the fully open position shown in  FIG. 1 , irrespective of further movement of the actuator device. As mentioned above, spring  170  may comprise a gas spring, thus simultaneously serving as a damping mechanism to dampen the movement of support panel  14  to allow it to gently approach its fully open, viewable position in front of a user. In order to return support platform  14  to the closed position, the user may simply push downward on the top side of support platform  14  to pivot it downward to the closed position of  FIG. 2 , again irrespective of any movement of the actuator device. 
         [0020]      FIG. 3  provides an exploded view of the convertible workstation of  FIG. 1 . Frame  13  is provided pivot pins  133  for pivotably mounting support panel  14 . Frame  13  may include a generally horizontal top lip  13   a  which engages the top surface of work surface  100 ; alternately, top lip  13   a  may be eliminated such that the entirety of frame  13  sits within the opening in work surface  100 , and in which case frame  13  is fastened to such opening by way of fasteners (e.g., screws, nails, etc.), adhesives, or the like, or may even be integrally formed (e.g., molded) with work surface  100 . Flanges  132  are preferably provided along each side of frame  13 , each extending down from the top lip  13   a  of frame  13 . A support panel stop  134  is preferably provided on a top edge of frame  13  facing the interior of the frame, providing a lower stop for support panel  14  as it moves towards the closed position of  FIG. 2 . Spring member  170 , such as a gas spring, is provided on an interior face of frame  13  and positioned between frame  13  (by way of pivotal spring connector  136 ) and support panel  14  (by way of pivotal spring connector  148  on pivot support  140 , discussed below). 
         [0021]    Support panel  14  is a generally rectangular panel having a bottom side (visible in  FIGS. 1 and 3 ) and a top side (visible in  FIG. 2 ), which top side preferably has a surface matching that of the top of work surface  100 . Support panel  14  is also preferably provided a series of threaded openings  142  allowing connection of pivot supports  140  and computer display bracket  15 . Alternately, pivot supports  140  and/or computer display bracket  15  may be formed integrally with support panel  14 . Pivot supports  140  provide an opening  142  configured to receive a pivot pin  133  on frame  13 , thus pivotably mounting support panel  14  with respect to frame  13  (and thus with respect to work surface  100 ). At least one of pivot supports  140  also preferably provides an extending arm  144  having a pin connection  146  receiving an end of a pull cable (shown generally at  200 ), as discussed in greater detail below. Likewise, at least one of pivot supports  140  provides a pivotal spring connector  148 , such that a spring member  170  may be connected between pivotal spring connector  148  affixed to support panel  14  (through pivot support  140 ) and a pivotal spring connector  136  on frame  13 , preferably biasing support panel  14  toward the open position of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0022]    Display bracket  15  is preferably a VESA bracket configured to releasably hold a flat panel computer display. A base unit  150  may be attached to support panel  14  using screws or similarly fashioned fasteners, base unit  150  having a pivoting flat panel computer display mount  152  pivotably connected to base unit  150  via pivot connection  154 . At least one opening  156  is provided in the face of mount  152  through which a locking finger (not shown) extends when support panel  14  is in the closed position shown in  FIG. 2 , which locking finger retracts when support panel  14  is raised to the open position shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . Display bracket  15  in turn is configured to slidably engage display mount  152 , and is provided holes  15   a  allowing threaded attachment to the back of a flat panel computer display. As with mount  152 , display bracket  15  likewise has at least one opening  158  extending therethrough and positioned to align with opening  156  in mount  152  such that the locking finger of base unit  150  may likewise extend through display bracket  15 , thus preventing removal of display bracket  15  (and thus removal of a flat panel computer display to which it is attached) when support panel  14  is in the closed position. 
         [0023]    As best seen in  FIG. 3 , in order to move support panel  14  from its closed position to its open position, a pull cable (shown generally at  200 ) is provided (preferably attached to an underside of work surface  100 ) having a pull handle  20  accessible to a user and a flexible cord  202  pivotably mounted at a first end to an extending arm  144  of one of pivot supports  140  through pin connection  146 , and mounted at the opposite end to the pull handle  20 . Thus, pulling the handle results in pulling extending arm  144  outward, causing support panel  14  to begin to pivot towards its open position. 
         [0024]    It will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art that movement of pull handle  20  does not correlate to movement of support panel  14 . For instance, initiating outward movement of pull handle  20  a short distance outward from work surface  100  and then stopping such movement will still allow support panel  14  to swing from its closed position to its fully open position, again as a result of spring  170 . Likewise, inward movement of pull handle  20  back to its initial position does not result in opposite rotation of support panel  14  towards a closed position. Rather, closure of support platform  14  is carried out by simply pushing on a top edge of open support platform  14  towards the closed position, and guiding it by hand downward until it is fully closed and flush with the work surface  100 . 
         [0025]    With regard to a first alternate embodiment of the invention, as shown in  FIG. 4 , pull cable assembly  200  may include a link  204  having a central opening that rotatably and slidably receives arm  144  of pivot support  140 . Link  204  is attached to flexible cord  202 , which in turn is connected to pull handle  20 , such that pulling handle  20  results in pulling link  204  outward. When support platform  14  is closed and pull handle  20  is fully retracted, arm  144  of pivot support  140  is adjacent a back edge  204   a  of link  204 . Thus, as pull handle  20  is pulled outward, arm  144  of pivot support  140  is likewise pulled outward, causing support platform  14  to begin to pivot towards the open position. Thereafter, spring  170  continues to push support platform  14  through the rest of the opening swing to a fully opened position, regardless of the position of pull handle  20  or link  204 . Closure of support platform  14  is then again carried out by simply pushing on a top edge of open support platform  14  towards a closed position, and guiding it by hand downward until it is fully closed and flush with the work surface  100 . 
         [0026]    The flat panel workstation system  10  may be adapted for retrofit installation into an existing desk top/work surface  100 . Toward this end, the flat panel workstation system  10  may be provided in kit form including an assemblage of components, inclusive of a collar  13  for installation in an aperture cut into any substantially flat desk top/work surface  100 , and a pivoting support panel  14  for installation into collar  13  for pivotably supporting the flat panel computer display within the aperture. The collar  13  and support panel  14  preferably sit flush with the desk top/work surface  100  when the panel  14  is closed. A similar method for installing a workstation system  10  is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/971,571, the specification of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0027]    Having now fully set forth the preferred embodiments and certain modifications of the system and method concepts underlying the present invention, various other embodiments as well as certain variations and modifications of the embodiments herein shown and described will obviously occur to those skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with said underlying concept. For instance, while the above embodiments particularly describe a pull handle  20  used as an actuation device for initiating the opening movement of support panel  14 , those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that other devices could likewise be used as an actuation device to initiate such opening movement. For instance, a keyboard tray may be positioned below work surface  100  with flexible cord  202  or link  204  attached to the keyboard tray instead of pull handle  20 , so long as movement of the keyboard tray or other actuation device after causing initial movement of the support panel  14  toward the open position is independent of further movement of support panel  14 . It is to be understood, therefore, that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically set forth herein.