Abstract:
A computer workstation having a desktop/work surface defined by a central aperture and a pivoting liquid crystal display (LCD) support panel mounted on pivot shafts in the aperture. In addition, a sliding input device platform is mounted on telescoping roller brackets underneath the front edge of the work surface. Lever arms are rotatably engaged with the pivot shafts and are linked to the roller brackets. The lever arms automatically pivot the LCD support panel to an upright position upon extension of the input device platform, and vice versa, and a hydraulic damper brings the LCD support panel to a safe, gentle stop. Aa mercury switch turns the LCD on and off automatically upon opening or closing. Two or more such LCD support panels and associated hardware can be included in a single desktop/work surface for a computer training and/or conferences.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    The present application derives priority from U.S. provisional application No. 60/436,515 for “INTEGRATED FLAT PANEL DESK SYSTEM; Filed: 27 Dec. 2002. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    The present invention relates to computer workstations and, more particularly, to a computer workstation having a pivoting working surface that exposes an integrated flat panel liquid crystal display (LCD).  
           [0004]    2. Description of the Background  
           [0005]    Of the many varieties of commercially-available computer workstations, some are designed to enclose the computer to offer a multi-use work surface, conserve space, provide data privacy, protect the equipment and wiring, and maintain aesthetics. Examples of typical applications include educational and medical institutions, commercial offices, and retail, hospitality, government, and military entities. In these and other situations, it is desirable to incorporate the computers into the desks.  
           [0006]    The are many exemplary patents for computer desks, most of which stow the CPU and monitor under the desk surface. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,766,422 to Wolters shows a desk with a standard computer system case and monitor. U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,608 to Clausen shows a desk with a standard computer system CPU and monitor. The desk is designed with an “L” shaped work area with two levels. The “L” shaped configuration limits the work area, as well as contributing to a setup problem for the student and teacher.  
           [0007]    There are also a number of computer desks in which the monitor is placed below the desk top, employing a glass window or removable cover placed above the monitor so that the monitor remains or can be made visible to the user. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. RE034266 to Schairbaum shows a work station with an underdesk display. U.S. Pat. No. 5,957,059 to Burhman depicts a desk with a work surface that retracts to expose a computer system case and monitor. A hinged panel is manipulated to enable the user to see the viewable surface of the monitor. The foregoing systems are acceptable for cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors because they generate a positive light image which can easily be viewed from any angle. However, with the advent of flat panel LCDs, the situation has changed. LCD flat panel displays transmit images in a different manner, requiring the user to view them straight on. The highly directional images and lower light emission levels make it difficult to view an LCD screen through a glass surface or to position the display so that the user can view it straight on in an ergonomic manner.  
           [0008]    LCDs offer many advantages over CRT monitors such as requiring less room and using less energy. There is, therefore, a need for a more functional, ergonomically correct, and convenient multi-use computer workstation accommodating LCDs in which the display may be pivoted from a closed secure position into an ergonomically appropriate open position in front of a user.  
           [0009]    Additionally, due to the increased energy management capabilities of LCDs, when combined with the advantages of a pivoting display mechanism, the workstation is able to provide convenient data security without shutting down the computer workstation or requiring a lengthy warm-up period before re-accessing the screen. The addition of automatic activation and brightness adjustment upon opening the LCD will increase the display&#39;s useful life and make LCD units more appropriate for use in a broad variety of situations such as darkened classroom presentations and work locations where screen brightness may be used to eliminate problems with glare.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0010]    It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a compact, functional, ergonomically correct and convenient multi-use computer workstation in which a pivoting flat panel integral to the work surface rotates a LCD into a vertical position in front of a user.  
           [0011]    It is another object to provide a computer workstation with an integral flat panel as described above in which the pivoting of the flat panel from a closed to an open position is triggered automatically by the user extending a sliding (i.e. pull-out) input device platform.  
           [0012]    It is another object to provide a computer workstation with an integral flat panel as described above with locking sliding (i.e. pull-out) input device platform, and in which the flat panel display (and optionally, integral personal computer) are securely stowed and locked in a closed position until the input device platform is unlocked and extended, thereby providing ample security of the hardware and data therein.  
           [0013]    It is another object to provide a computer workstation with an integral flat panel as described above in which the action of pivoting the flat panel, even when done abusively, from a closed to an open position is controlled so as to protect the delicate circuitry of the equipment prevent personal injury and/or damage to the workstation, as well as positioning the LCD and flat panel at the ideal angle when open and perfectly level to a work surface when closed.  
           [0014]    It is still another object to provide a computer workstation with a flat panel LCD as described above in which the LCD is automatically pivoted into a viewable position by extending the input device platform, is automatically turned on when it attains the viewing position, and is automatically adjusted for display brightness in accordance with the ambient light conditions in the room.  
           [0015]    According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the above-described and other objects are accomplished by providing a computer workstation having a desktop/work surface defined by a central aperture, and a pivoting, integral LCD support panel positioned in the aperture. A flat panel LCD is mounted on the support panel which is, in turn, affixed to two rotatable shafts. In addition, a sliding input device platform (e.g. keyboard shelf) is mounted on telescoping roller brackets underneath the front end of the work surface. Pivoting lever assemblies include lever arms coupled to the rotatable shafts and links coupled to the roller brackets. A hydraulic damper is coupled at one end to one of the lever arms and slidably attached at the other end in a slotted bracket affixed to the underside of the desktop/work surface. The lever assemblies serve to automatically pivot the LCD support panel to an upright position upon extension of the input device platform. The damper freely extends as the LCD support panel is opened to its upright position, but is engaged as the support panel is closed to bring the support panel and attached LCD to a safe and gentle stop. In this preferred embodiment, the LCD additionally includes a mercury switch for turning the LCD on once it has attained an upright position (i.e. the support panel is in the fully open position), and for turning it off when the support panel is in the closed position.  
           [0016]    As a preferred option, the sliding input device platform includes a locking device which prevents unauthorized access to the input device and to the LCD display to protect the hardware. In addition, it is contemplated that the computer workstation may be integrally incorporated with the display, in which case the locking device prevents unauthorized data access as well. While the locking device may be a simple keylock, the presently preferred embodiment includes a Dialock® system by which multiple computer desks all with pivoting LCD support panels may be centrally unlocked using a single transponder stick inserted in a wall receptacle. This intelligent key system is completely tamper-proof.  
           [0017]    An alternative multi-display embodiment of the present invention incorporates a large tabletop/work surface defined by multiple (i.e. two or more) apertures, with a pivoting, integral LCD support panel positioned in each of the apertures. A flat panel LCD is mounted on each of the support panels and a sliding input device platform is mounted on telescoping roller brackets underneath the edge of the work surface directly in front of each support panel and LCD. The pivoting mechanism for each LCD is as described above, and each LCD may be pivoted to an upright position, independently of the others, by extending the corresponding input device platform. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0018]    Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment and certain modifications thereof when taken together with the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a computer workstation  10 , shown with a LCD support panel  14  in the closed position and a sliding input device platform  30  in a fully retracted position, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the computer workstation  10  of FIG. 1, shown with the support panel  14  in a closed position.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the computer workstation  10  of FIGS. 1 and 2, shown with the support panel  14  in a partially open position.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the computer workstation  10  of FIGS.  1 - 3 , shown with the support panel  14  and integrated flat panel LCD  60  in a fully open position.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the computer workstation  10  of FIGS.  1 - 4 , shown with the support panel  14  and integrated flat panel LCD  60  in the fully open position, and the sliding input device platform  30  in a fully extended position.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the computer workstation  10  of FIGS.  1 - 5 , shown with the support panel  14  and integrated flat panel LCD  60  in the closed position.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a multi-station computer workstation/conference table  110  shown with two LCD support panels  114  in an open position, six support panels  115  in a closed position, and two sliding input device platforms  130  in a fully extended position, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 8 is a system diagram of a Dialock® system by which all of the pivoting LCD support panels  14 ,  114  in multiple computer workstation  10  or in multi-station computer workstations/conference tables  110 , as described above, may be centrally locked and/or unlocked using a single transponder stick inserted in a wall receptacle  90 .  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 9 is an exploded diagram of the Dialock® locking device which is installed at each of the sliding input device platforms  30 ,  130  to lock/unlock them. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0028]    [0028]FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a computer workstation  10  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The computer workstation  10  generally includes a sliding input device platform  30  and a pivoting support panel  14  in a work surface  12 , the support panel  14  being adapted to support an integrated flat panel LCD  60  (see FIG. 5) mounted thereon. In accordance with the present invention, a mechanism is provided (described below) by which extension of the input device platform  30  into a working position (see FIG. 5) automatically and gently rotates the flat panel LCD  60  to a viewable position in front of a user. Additionally, the rotation may automatically turn the LCD  60  on by means of a gravity switch.  
         [0029]    FIGS.  2 - 4  are side perspective views of the computer workstation  10  with the support panel  14  and integrated flat panel LCD  60  shown, respectively, in closed, partially open, and fully open positions, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The computer workstation  10  generally includes a desktop/work surface  12  defined by a central aperture  13  and a pivoting support panel  14  for supporting a flat panel LCD  60  positioned within the aperture  13 . The support panel  14  sits flush within the aperture  13  of the work surface  12  when it is closed. The desktop/work surface  12  sits atop a foundation  11  (see FIG. 1) which is a conventional computer workstation frame bounded on three sides by side walls and having a built-in power strip  19  (see FIG. 1) for powering the computer and other auxiliary/peripheral equipment. The computer CPU (not shown in the Figures) may be a separate component from the flat panel LCD  60 , in which case the CPU is stowed in a compartment  18  (see FIG. 1) inside the foundation  11 . Alternatively, the CPU may be integrally built into the flat panel LCD  60 .  
         [0030]    The support panel  14  is side-mounted by two, collinear, pivot shafts  46  (see FIG. 6) which extend into bearing blocks  44  (see FIG. 6) mounted to the support panel  14 . Lever assemblies  20 , attached to the blocks  44  and thereby engaged with the support panel  14 , rotate the panel  14  from a closed position to a fully open position. The lever assemblies  20  are manually-actuated by the input device platform  30  which is slidably suspended beneath the front edge of the work surface  12  (on roller brackets  26  which are affixed to the underside of the work surface  12  in a spaced relationship). Each lever assembly  20  further comprises a lever arm  22  and a link  24 . Each link  24  is pivotally attached at one end to a roller bracket  26  via, for example, a shoulder bolt  50 . A hydraulic, double-ended or uni-directional damper  170 , commercially available from AVM, Inc. of Marion, S.C. (i.e. as part/model no. sd200acjps006), is pivotally attached via a block/pin assembly  174  and a spring  175  to one of the lever arms  22  and slidably attached via a second block/pin assembly  176  to a slotted bracket  180  affixed to the underside of the desktop/work surface  12 . With the support panel  14  in the closed position of FIG. 2, the spring  175  is fully compressed and the damper&#39;s shaft  172  is fully retracted with the block/pin assembly  176  positioned at the back end of the slot  182  formed in the bracket  180 .  
         [0031]    The support panel  14  is pivoted to the partially open position of FIG. 3 by pulling the input device platform  30  out from under the front edge of the work surface  12 . This action extends (i.e. telescopes outward) the two roller brackets  26  simultaneously. Movement of the roller brackets  26  then begins to draw the links  24  outward. The other ends of links  24  are pivotally attached to one end of the lever arms  22 . Therefore, as links  24  move in response to the movement of the input device platform  30 , lever arms  22  are pulled forward and slightly downward. Lever arms  22  in turn, via fixed attachments to bearing blocks  44  (see FIG. 6), rotate the support panel  14  from the closed position of FIG. 2 to the partially open position of FIG. 3. As the lever arms  22  respond to the extension of the input device platform  30 , the spring  175  first begins to extend before eventually setting the damper  170  into motion. Movement of the damper  170  then causes the block/pin assembly  176  to traverse the slot  182  in the bracket  180 .  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 4 shows the computer workstation  10  with the support panel  14  in a fully open position due to the complete extension of the input device platform  30 . The lever assemblies  20  are fully engaged with the support panel  14  to rotate it to an approximately 80 degree vertical upright position (the angular position is a matter of design choice). It can now be seen that a flat panel LCD  60  is fixedly mounted to the underside of support panel  14 .  
         [0033]    As the support panel  14  opens (i.e. rotates between the partially open position of FIG. 3 and the fully open position of FIG. 4), the block/pin assembly  176  traverses (left to right) the slot  182  in the bracket  180 . However, the block/pin assembly  176  reaches the forward end of the slot  182  before the support panel  14  reaches its fully open position. When the motion of the block/pin assembly  176  is halted at the forward end of the slot  182 , the shaft  172  of the damper  170  is freely extended as the support panel  14  opening process is completed. The extension of the shaft  172  in this manner readies the damper  170  for operation during the closing of the support panel  14 . The damped movement of the support panel  14  during the closing process occurs in the following manner.  
         [0034]    As the support panel  14  is returned to the closed position of FIG. 2, the block/pin assembly  176  traverses (right to left) the slot  182  in the bracket  180  and reaches the back end of the slot  182  before the panel  14  reaches the closed position. When the motion of the block/pin assembly  176  is halted at the back end of the slot  182 , the shaft  172  of the damper  170  is pushed into the damper&#39;s body, thereby engaging the its internal, unidirectional motion damping system to bring the support panel  14  and attached LCD  60  to a safe and gentle stop in the closed position.  
         [0035]    The spring  175  creates a minimal amount of shaft  172  extension just as the opening process commences (see FIG. 3). This minimal amount of shaft  172  extension, generating a small amount of motion damping capability in the damper  170 , is a safety feature designed to prevent the support panel  14  from slamming shut should the opening process be accidentally aborted prior to completion (e.g. a user inadvertently letting go of the input device platform  30  when the support panel is in the position shown in FIG. 3, whereupon gravity would act to return the panel to the closed position of FIG. 2).  
         [0036]    A stop bracket  42  is secured by, for example, a plurality of screws to the underside of the work surface  12  along the front edge of the aperture  13 . The stop bracket  42  extends into the aperture  13  a short distance to limit the rotation of the support panel  14  and attached LCD  60 , thereby ensuring that support panel  14  comes to rest flush with the work surface  12  when the desk  10  is closed (as in FIG. 2).  
         [0037]    The LCD  60  is preferably a 15″-20″ flat panel LCD with a power cord that plugs into the power strip resident in the computer workstation  10 . The LCD  60  is conventional in most respects, but also includes an OEM-supplied and retrofitted mercury switch  62  (see FIG. 5) for selectively applying power to the unit dependant on its orientation. The mercury switch  62  is mounted such that power is supplied to the LCD  60  when it is positioned at approximately an 80 degree upright angular orientation.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIGS. 1 and 5 are front perspective views of the computer workstation  10  shown with the support panel  14  in the closed and fully open positions, respectively, and the input device platform  30  in the fully retracted and extended positions, respectively.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the computer workstation  10 , shown with the support panel  14  and integrated flat panel LCD  60  in the closed position, which further illustrates the lever assemblies  20 . The lever assemblies  20  on either side are identical, and only one need be explained in detail. As explained previously, the support panel  14  is side-mounted by a shaft  46 . Each shaft  46  extends into a bearing block  44  at one end and a mounting block  48  at the other end. The bearing block  44  is rotatably engaged with the shaft  46  and is anchored to the support panel  14  by, for example, a plurality of screws. The mounting block  48  is fixedly attached to the shaft  46  and is mounted to the underside of the work surface  12  by, for example, a plurality of screws. At a point between the two blocks  44 ,  48 , one end of lever arm  22  is fixedly attached to the bearing block  44  and extends rearwardly and slightly downwardly therefrom. The other end of lever arm  22  is pivotally attached at hinge  40  to one end of link  24  as shown. The other end of link  24  is, in turn, pivotally attached to a roller bracket  26  via a hinge  50  (i.e. shoulder bolt) such that inward or outward movement of the input device platform  30  telescopes the roller bracket  26  and operates the lever arm  22  and link  24 , thereby pivoting the support panel  14 . The commercially-available hydraulic damper  170  is, via its shaft  172 , pivotally attached by a block/pin assembly  174  and a spring  175  to one of the lever arms  22  and slidably attached via a second block/pin assembly  176  to a slotted bracket  180  affixed to the underside of the desktop/work surface  12 .  
         [0040]    The foregoing computer workstation  10  serves to automatically pivot the support panel  14 , positioned in the work surface  12 , and the attached flat panel LCD  60  into a vertical position in front of a user. The flat panel LCD  60  moves from a closed to an exposed position and is powered automatically when the user extends the sliding keyboard shelf  30 . The mercury switch  62  in the LCD  60  closes upon attaining a substantially upright position, thereby ensuring that the LCD  60  is on only when desired.  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. A multi-station computer workstation  110 , or conference table, incorporates a tabletop/work surface  112  defined by two or more apertures  113 , with a pivoting, integral LCD support panel  114 ,  115  positioned in each of the apertures  113 . The eight-station embodiment of FIG. 7 shows two LCD support panels  114  in an open position and six support panels  115  in a closed position. Each support panel  115  sits flush within the aperture  113  of the work surface  112  when it is closed.  
         [0042]    The work surface  112  sits atop a conventional conference table foundation  111 . A plurality of built-in power strips (not shown in FIG. 7) for powering multiple computers and other auxiliary/peripheral equipment are affixed to the foundation  111 . The computer CPUs (not shown in FIG. 7) may be separate components from the flat panel LCDs  160 , in which case the CPUs are stowed in compartments (not shown in FIG. 7) inside the foundation  111 . Alternatively, the CPU may be integrally built into the flat panel LCD  160 .  
         [0043]    Each of the support panels  114 ,  115  is mounted and cycled between its open and closed positions in the manner described above with respect to FIGS.  1 - 6  (i.e. utilizing the combination of two lever assemblies  20  and a hydraulic damper  170 ). Flat panel LCDs  160  are fixedly mounted to the underside of support panels  114 ,  115  and a sliding input device platform  130  is mounted on telescoping roller brackets  126  underneath the edge of the work surface  112  directly in front of each support panel  114 ,  115  and LCD  160 . FIG. 7 shows the computer workstation  110  with the two support panels  114  in a fully open position (i.e. an 80 degree vertical upright position) due to the complete extension of the corresponding input device platforms  130  (supporting computer keyboards- 132 ). Stop brackets (not shown in FIG. 7) secured by, for example, a plurality of screws to the underside of the work surface  112  along the front edge of the aperture  113 . Each stop bracket extends into the corresponding aperture  113  a short distance to limit the rotation of the support panel  114 ,  115  and attached LCD  160 , thereby ensuring that support panel  114 ,  115  comes to rest flush with the work surface  112  when the desk  110  is closed (see specifically, support panels  115 ).  
         [0044]    As above, each LCD  160  is preferably a 15″-20″ flat panel LCD with a power cord that plugs into one of the power strips resident in the computer desk  110 . The LCD  160  is conventional in most respects, but also includes an OEM-supplied, or retrofitted, mercury switch (not shown in FIG. 7) for selectively applying power to the unit dependant on its orientation. The mercury switch is mounted such that power is supplied to the LCD  160  when it is positioned at approximately an 80 degree upright angular orientation.  
         [0045]    The foregoing alternative computer workstation/conference table  110  allows one or more users to automatically pivot a support panel  114 ,  115  and the attached flat panel LCD  160  into a vertical, viewable position. Each LCD  160  may be pivoted from a closed to an exposed position and be powered automatically, independently of the others, by extending the corresponding input device platform  130 . The mercury switch in each LCD  160  closes upon attaining a substantially upright position, thereby ensuring that an LCD  160  is on only when desired.  
         [0046]    As a preferred option, the sliding input device platforms  30 ,  130 , in the embodiments described above with respect to FIGS.  1 - 7 , are each equipped with a locking device, which prevents unauthorized access to the keyboard and the LCD  60 ,  160 , when protection of either the hardware and/or data is desired (as set forth previously, it is contemplated that the computer CPU may be integral to the display  60 ,  160 , in which case the locking device prevents unauthorized data access as well). While the locking device may be a simple keylock, the presently preferred embodiment includes a Dialock® system by which multiple computer workstations  10  all with pivoting LCD support panels  14  may be centrally unlocked using a single transponder stick inserted in a wall receptacle. This particular intelligent key system is commercially-available and completely tamper-proof. The Dialock® system is incorporated as follows.  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 8 is a system diagram of a Dialock® system by which all of the pivoting LCD support panels  14 ,  114  in multiple computer workstations  10  or in multi-station computer workstations/conference tables  110 , as described above, may be centrally locked and/or unlocked using a single transponder stick inserted in a wall receptacle  90 . The system generally includes a programmable central controller  70 , a wall-mount receptacle  90  connected to the central controller  70  for insertion of a key-transponder, and multiple remote lock assemblies  80   a - d  connected to the central controller  70 . The lock assemblies  80   a - d  are installed proximate each of the sliding input device platforms  30 ,  130  to lock them and the corresponding LCDs  60 ,  160  in the closed position, subject to authorized key access via receptacle  90 . All of the foregoing components are commercially available from The Häfele Group.  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 9 is an exploded diagram of one of the Dialock® remote lock assemblies  80   a - d  (see FIG. 8) installed at each of the sliding input device platforms  30 ,  130  to lock/unlock them. Each remote lock assembly  80   a - d  further comprises a locking shaft  92  which is secured to the inside edge of the sliding input device platform  30 ,  130  (by screws), a reinforcing receptacle plate  93  which is secured inside a computer workstation  10 , or a multi-station computer workstation/conference table  110 , in a position corresponding to the closed position of the sliding input device platforms  30 ,  130  and an electronic lock  94  which is secured to and behind receptacle plate  93 . When the locking shaft  92  is inserted into the electronic lock  94  by closure of the sliding input device platforms  30 ,  130  (and commensurate closure of the corresponding LCDs  60 ,  160 ), the electronic lock  94  locks it in the closed position subject to keyed access at receptacle  90  (see FIG. 8). This option allows multiple computer workstations  10  all with pivoting LCD support panels  14  to be centrally unlocked using a single transponder stick inserted in wall receptacle  90 , and renders the enclosed keyboard and LCD completely tamper-proof.  
         [0049]    Having now fully set forth the preferred embodiments and certain modifications of the concept 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. It is to be understood, therefore, that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically set forth herein.