Abstract:
A notebook computer with an adjustable screen intended to improve the ergonomic usability of the notebook computer is herein disclosed. A screen portion, while folding up from a keyboard portion, can also be extended in an upward position away from the keyboard with a sliding track hinge located on the rear surface of the screen that connects to the notebook computer body. The functionality of the extended screen allows it to be lifted up from the work surface offering a more comfortable, ergonomic user&#39;s position. When not in use it slides back down and folds against the keyboard for a compact overall configuration suitable for storage and transport. The angle and height is fully adjustable to accommodate for any size user, seating configuration, or individual preference.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/248,913 filed Oct. 6, 2009, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to portable computers, and in particular, to an adjustable screen for laptop type computers. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     As computer technology continues to develop and prices come down, laptop or notebook computers continue to become more prevalent at the office, home, and school. The portability of such computers and the capacity for computing power similar to many desktop computers make them very popular. 
     One (1) problem commonly associated with portable laptop computers is that the fixed configuration of a notebook screen to the keyboard often forces ergonomic compromises. Many times, a user is forced to hunch over the screen in order to view it at a low elevation. On the other hand, raising the notebook computer by placing it upon a stack of books or the like can make it very uncomfortable and difficult to type on the keyboard. When the computer is actually used in a mobile environment by placing it on one&#39;s lap, it becomes very difficult to achieve an angle by which to adequately see the screen, forcing frequent adjustments on the part of the user. 
     Various attempts have been made to provide adjustable displays for portable computers. Examples of these attempts can be seen by reference to several U.S. patents. U.S. Pat. No. 5,168,426, issued in the name of Hoving et al., describes a hinge mechanism for a portable computer which provides additional range for upward angling of the screen. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,255,214, issued in the name of Ma, describes a portable computer with a level and angular position adjustable display assembly rotatable via a pair of perpendicular supports. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,729,429, issued in the name of Margaritis et al., describes a laptop computer with a plurality of collapsible display positioning supports which provide a large range of height and positioning configurations. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,229,693, issued in the name of Karidis et al., describes an articulated notebook computer display with locking vertical adjustment and full rotational positioning adjustment capabilities. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,665,175, issued in the name of deBoer et al., describes a computer and a monitor that is adjustable in multiple planes via pivoting stanchions attached to the base of the computer. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffer from one (1) or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. Many such devices are tedious to adjust. Also, many such devices put undue strain on electrical connections between the computer and the display. Furthermore, many such devices provide an unnecessary range of adjustability which can lead to time wasted while attempting to achieve a desired positioning of the display. Accordingly, there exists a need for a portable computer with an adjustable display without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for an adjustable display for portable computers which provides a minimum range of discrete adjustability while maintaining existing features of collapsibility, convenience, and durability. Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to enable a user to adjust the height and angle of a personal computer display to improve visibility of the display during use. The system comprises a base, a monitor, a monitor back cover, and an adjusting mechanism assembly. 
     Another object of the present invention is to allow a user to vary the distance between the display and the base of the computer via the adjusting mechanism assembly. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide selectable angling of the display relative to the base. The monitor is connected to the base via a bracket and a hinge which provide variable rotation to the display. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide secure, durable connection of the electronic connectors between the base and monitor via a ribbon cable contained within hollow configuration of the bracket. The ends of the cable comprise male and female connectors which provide connection to necessary electronic portions of the base and monitor. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide discrete incremental adjustment of the elevation of the monitor relative to the base. The adjustment mechanism assembly comprises a pair of parallel racks located within the monitor. Each rack comprises a plurality of ball notches and an upper portion of the bracket comprises a pair of ball detents which correspondingly engage the ball notches of the parallel racks. A user may motion the monitor up or down in order to cause the detents to compress and adjust to an adjacent pair of ball notches. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to allow a user to fold the monitor against the base of the computer in a corresponding manner by placing the monitor in its lowest elevation and rotating the hinge forward as far as possible. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the device that provides a unique means of obtaining an instance of the system, placing the system in a desired location, placing one hand on the base and utilizing the other hand to rotate the monitor away from the base, grasping the monitor and pulling upwards to adjust the elevation of the monitor to a desired configuration, continuing to adjust the angle and elevation of the monitor relative to the base via the hinge and adjusting mechanism assembly respectively, and folding the system into a collapsed transporting configuration by placing the monitor in its lowest elevation and rotating the hinge forward as far as possible. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an adjustable monitor for a portable computer system  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective cut-away view of the adjustable monitor for a portable computer  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3   a  is a close-up perspective view of an adjustment mechanism assembly  20 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3   b  is a close-up perspective view of a bracket  24  of the adjustment mechanism  20 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective top view of the adjustable monitor for a portable computer system  10  in a folded state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
       
         
           
                 
               
                 
                 
               
             
                 
                     
                 
                 
                   DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
                 
                 
                     
                 
               
               
                 
                     
                 
               
            
             
                 
                   10 
                   portable computer with adjustable monitor assembly 
                 
                 
                   11 
                   base 
                 
                 
                   12 
                   monitor 
                 
                 
                   13 
                   monitor back cover 
                 
                 
                   14 
                   keyboard 
                 
                 
                   15 
                   monitor male connector 
                 
                 
                   16 
                   base male connector 
                 
                 
                   17 
                   base female connector 
                 
                 
                   18 
                   monitor female connector 
                 
                 
                   19 
                   ribbon cable 
                 
                 
                   20 
                   adjusting mechanism 
                 
                 
                   21 
                   rack 
                 
                 
                   22 
                   ball notch 
                 
                 
                   24 
                   bracket 
                 
                 
                   25 
                   hinge 
                 
                 
                   26 
                   hinge pin 
                 
                 
                   27 
                   pivot 
                 
                 
                   29 
                   ball detent 
                 
                 
                   31 
                   brace 
                 
                 
                   38 
                   socket 
                 
                 
                     
                 
               
            
           
         
       
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 4 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes an adjustable monitor for a portable computer system (herein described as the “system”)  10 , which provides a means for a personal computer with enhanced features. The system  10  enables an operator to adjust the height and attitude of a monitor  12  to an ergonomically optimal position which improves said operator&#39;s comfort and usability of the personal computer. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of the system  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The system  10  is shown in an assembled operational state and comprises a base  11 , a monitor  12 , and a monitor back cover  13 . The system  10  further comprises an adjusting mechanism assembly  20  which adjusts the monitor  12  away from the base  11  (see  FIG. 2 ). The content of the base  11  is similar to that of a standard notebook-style personal computer further comprises a standard keyboard  14  including a common QWERTY and numerical functions and is to be provided with a sufficient structural thickness and integrity to support an assembly comprising the monitor  12 , the monitor back cover  13  and an entire adjusting mechanism assembly  20 . The monitor  12  is a standard size which provides the operator with a display device which is preferably a thin filmed liquid crystal display and comprises dimensions preferably measuring seventeen (17) inches in diagonal length, yet other dimensions may be utilized without limiting the scope of the system  10 . The monitor back cover  13  encloses the internal circuitry within the monitor  12  via a common snap fitting means and is to be of a similar structural material and integrity as the base  11 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a perspective cut-away view of the system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The adjusting mechanism assembly  20  comprises a bracket  24 , a hinge  25 , and a brace  31  which enable the monitor  12  to be oriented at a desired height and attitude away from the base  11 . The hinge  25  is mounted to the base  11  and integrally molded to the bracket  24  to provide the desired pivoting angle of the monitor  12 . Also depicted herein are a monitor male connector  15 , a base male connector  16 , a base female connector  17 , a monitor female connector  18 , and a ribbon cable  19 . The assembly of the connectors  15 ,  16 ,  17  and  18 , provide the electronic connections between the base  11  and the monitor  12  by means of the ribbon cable  19 . The monitor male connector  15  connects to the monitor female connector  18  to provide current to the monitor  12  and the base male connector  16  connects to the base female connector  17  to provide current to the base  11 . Further depicted herein is the brace  31  which includes a pair of opposing racks  21  and a plurality of ball notches  22  which adjust the height of the monitor  12  to a desired location. The adjusting mechanism  20  is explained in further detail within  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b  (see below). The portion of the mechanism assembly  20  housed within the monitor  12  is oriented so as to not interfere with normal operation of said monitor  12  and display. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3   a , a close-up perspective view of the adjusting mechanism assembly  20  of the system  10  and  FIG. 3   b , a perspective detail view of the bracket portion  24  of the system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The adjusting mechanism assembly  20  is located within an interior space of the monitor  12  being securely affixed to an inwardly facing surface of a rear panel portion of said monitor  12  preferably using common adhesives; however, other equivalent joining methods may be utilized such as, but not limited to: screws, rivets, plastic welding, or the like, and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the system  10 . Each of the parallel racks  21  included in the adjusting mechanism assembly  20  comprise a plurality of ball notches  22 , whereby each notch  22  of one (1) rack  21  faces a corresponding notch  22  of the opposite rack  21 . An upper portion of the bracket  24  comprises a pivot  27  wherein a pair of ball detents  29  engages a corresponding pair of ball notches  22  within the facing portions of the racks  21  which provides an incremental means of adjusting the elevation of the monitor  12 . The racks  21  are fixed in a parallel configuration by an interconnecting and integrally-molded brace portion  31 . The racks  21  and brace  31  comprise a one-piece injection-molded part; however, for purposes of manufacturing economics, said portions may also comprise separate portions being joined together using a variety of joining methods such as, but not limited to: screws, rivets, plastic welding, or the like, and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the system  10 . A lower portion of a bracket  24  comprises an integral hinge  25 , wherein a pair of integral hinge pins  26  assembled within a pair of sockets  38  provide a friction hinge component intended to allow the attitude of the monitor  12  to be adjusted and held within an appropriate attitude. 
     The ribbon cable  19  is made of a length sufficient to accommodate the vertical adjustment travel transmitted to the monitor  12  by means of the rack  21 , to be contained within a hollow configuration of the bracket  24 , the integral hinge  25 , and the integral pivot  27 , and to have its ends permanently affixed onto the male connectors  15  and  16 . The male connectors  15  and  16  extend outwardly from the ends of the ribbon cable  19 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a perspective top view of the portable computer system  10  in a folded state, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. To achieve the state depicted herein, the monitor  12  is lowered to the lowest elevation and hinged forward until said monitor  12  is folded onto the base  11 . This state is utilized during transportation or storage of the system  10  as desired by the operator. 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the system  10 , envisioned to be received in the folded status as depicted within  FIG. 4  it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The method of utilizing the system  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the system  10 ; placing the system  10  onto a desired level location; placing one hand on the base  11  and use the other hand to lift the monitor  12  away from said base  11 ; placing a hand on the base  11  adjacent to the hinge  25  while using the other hand to raise the monitor  12  by grasping said monitor  12  at a top center portion of its frame; performing final elevation and tilt adjustments by gently moving the monitor  12  into an ergonomically comfortable position; after usage, restoring the monitor  12  to its upright position; lowering the monitor  12  onto its lowest elevation along the bracket  24  by pushing the top edge of the monitor  12  downward with one (1) hand; folding the monitor  12  forward and downward until folded onto the base  11 ; storing the folded system  10  or inserting it into a travel case as desired; and, utilizing the system  10  to provide an overall ergonomically correct position regardless of the work environment. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.