Abstract:
A device for holding an LCD monitor and user input devices in an inverted position for operation while an operator thereof is in a supine position is provided which comprises at least an attachment for a reclinable display system, an attachment for one or more wireless user input devices, power connectors, a stand for bearing the panel above a surface suitable for a supine operator.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention is generally related to the field of display stands, and more particularly to an apparatus for adjustably supporting display and user input devices for operation in a supine or inclined position. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    People confined to a bed such as a hospital or sick bed have a need to use computers in a supine or inclined position. U.S. Pat. No. 2,193,647, was issued for a bed frame-mounted tray that may hold a book or magazine in an inverted position so that a bedridden person could read while lying in bed. Not only was this invention connected to the bed of the person using the tray, it did not provide for the attachment of a computer of any kind in any useful fashion. 
         [0003]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,848,710, is directed to a device for supporting a computer so that one may use the computer while lying on a bed. This device is on casters on top of the bed so that the entire device must be surrounding the person using the device and requires a considerable amount of work to situate. It does not allow the computer supported thereon to be inverted. 
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,630,566 was issued for a portable ergonomic workstation that articulates to a user&#39;s position. Although a disabled person confined to a bed is contemplated by the inventor of that invention, the patented invention does not allow for the utilization of a computer support apparatus. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat Application No. 20050263666 describes a device for holding a portable computer for operation in a supine position. This system does not fit a personal computer with monitor, user input devices and a PC unit. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat Application No. 20040233631 introduces a universal portable computer stand and high speed connectivity center. This patent does not address a personal computer with monitor, user input devices and a PC unit. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,796,536 introduces a computer support apparatus and method, but fails to address personal computers with independent PC unit, monitor, keyboard and mouse. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,918,841 describes a computer keyboard and flat panel display cart. This patent does not allow to remotely monitor a personal computer. 
         [0009]    What is needed, is a system for supportably mounting a computer monitor and input devices, so that the user can remotely operate a computer while in a supine position. 
         [0010]    Thus there is a need for a more convenient, effective, tamper proof method and apparatus for remotely operating a personal computer in a supine or inclined position. 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0011]    A unitary apparatus comprising: a mounting for attaching a computer LCD monitor, a stand and panel for holding the monitor above a surface suitable for a supine operator, a video connector for connecting said monitor to said stand, an integrated power connector for powering said LCD monitor. 
         [0012]    A unitary apparatus comprising: a mounting for holding a display device, a mounting for holding a digital video player, a stand and stand for holding the LCD monitor and a digital video player above a surface suitable for a supine operator, an embedded connector for connecting said digital video player to said display device, an embedded power connector for powering said digital video player. 
         [0013]    A unitary apparatus comprising: An embedded film display, a mounting for holding user input devices, a stand for holding the display and user input devices panel above a surface suitable for a supine operator, a power connector for powering said display. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    The present invention with be more clearly understood after reference to the following detailed specifications read in conjunction with the drawings wherein: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is a schematic illustrating an LCD display support apparatus 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a schematic illustrating a thin film display support apparatus 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a schematic illustrating an alternative thin film display support apparatus 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a schematic illustrating an alternative thin film display support apparatus 
       
    
    
       [0019]    Similar reference numerals are used in different figures to denote similar components. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0020]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a display support apparatus  14  comprises mountings  20  for attaching LCD monitor  24  and stand and support legs  12  for supporting the LCD monitor and holding it in a surface suitable for a supine operate. The surface suitable for a supine operator  10  is either horizontal facing down or slightly inclined and facing down. 
         [0021]    Display support apparatus  14  also comprises a wireless transceiver  18  for streaming video signals between the LCD monitor and a personal computer in its vicinity. Transceiver  18  can be Bluetooth, Wifi or Zigbee transceiver. 
         [0022]    Display support apparatus  14  comprises at least two integrated connectors  16  including a video connector and a power connector for plugging the LCD monitor video cord and the LCD monitor power cord. 
         [0023]    Connector  16  may also comprise USB to transceiver adapter modules (Bluetooth, Wifi or Zigbee). The transceiver adapter modules are used to connect input devices such as USB mouse, USB track ball, USB keyboard, USB display wirelessly to a remote personal computer. 
         [0024]    Power cord  22  allows connecting the display support apparatus  14  to a power jack. 
         [0025]    In an alternative embodiment, support apparatus  14  comprises a rechargeable battery. 
         [0026]    In another alternative embodiment, support stand  14  comprises a surface for holding user input devices such as keyboard device, mouse and/or track ball. 
         [0027]    In another alternative embodiment, support stand  14  comprises a metallic surface for holding user input devices fitted with magnets such as keyboard, mouse and/or track ball. 
         [0028]    In another alternative embodiment, support stand  14  comprises magnets for holding user input devices fitted with metallic surfaces such as keyboard, mouse and/or track ball. 
         [0029]    In another alternative embodiment, support stand  14  comprises connectors  16  for mounting a digital video player and for connecting it to the display device as well as to the power supply. 
         [0030]    In another embodiment, display support stand  14  comprises a thin film display such as e-ink or polymer light emitting diode (PLED). 
         [0031]    E-ink is a material that is processed into a film for integration into electronic displays. It contains millions of tiny capsules, about the diameter of a human hair. Each microcapsule contains positively charged white particles and negatively charged black particles suspended in a clear fluid. When a negative electric field is applied, the white particles move to the top of the microcapsule where they become visible to the user. This makes the surface appear white at that spot. At the same time, an opposite electric field pulls the black particles to the bottom of the microcapsules where they are hidden. By reversing this process, the black particles appear to the top of the capsule, which now makes the surface appear dark at that spot. 
         [0032]    Current devices using E Ink® Imaging Film have rigid backplane electronics, however, the Imaging Film itself is plastic and can be flexed and rolled, combining the complete look and feel of a paper document. E-Ink is commercialized by E Ink Corporation. 
         [0033]    PLED is another think film technology developed by Cambridge Display Technology (CDT). It uses a polymer sandwiched between a pair of electrodes to generate to emit their own light. It permits the creation of ultra-thin plastic lighting displays that operate at low voltages. 
         [0034]      FIG. 2  illustrates a thin film display support system. Thin film  240  is mounted on panel  140  and held into position suitable for a supine operator  10  by support legs  120 . Thin film  240  can be flexible plastic film. Panel  140  can also be a flexible panel. 
         [0035]    Wireless transceiver  180  allows to stream video to/from a wireless computer in the vicinity. 
         [0036]    Connectors  160  may be used to connect USB keyboard/mouse/track ball so that they can communicate with the wireless computer through transceiver  180 . 
         [0037]    Power cord  220  may be used to recharge rechargeable battery  260 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 3  illustrates an alternative embodiment for a thin film support system. 
         [0039]    Thin film  240  is mounted on panel  140  and held into position suitable for a supine operator  10  by support legs  120 . Thin film  240  can be flexible plastic film. Panel  140  can also be a flexible panel. 
         [0040]    In an alternative embodiment, thin film  240  is replaced with an LCD monitor. 
         [0041]      FIG. 4  illustrates an alternative embodiment for a thin film support system. 
         [0042]    Thin film  240  is mounted on panel  140  and held into position suitable for a supine operator  10  by support legs  120 . 
         [0043]    Thin film  240  can be a flexible plastic film. Panel  140  can also be a flexible panel. 
         [0044]    In an alternative embodiment, thin film  240  is replaced with an LCD monitor. 
         [0045]    Numerous other modifications, variations, and adaptations may be made to the particular embodiment of the invention described above without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the claims. Hence, while exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been set forth above, it is to be understood that the pioneer inventions disclosed herein may be constructed or used otherwise than as specifically described.