Patent Abstract:
Low side profile flat panel monitor/keyboard lift system for the storage of and the display of a flat panel monitor and keyboard in space restricted rooms or passageways. The flat panel monitor and keyboard tray are mounted in common to a vertically aligned transport assembly which is influenced by a linkage assembly.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS 
     None. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention is for a system for storage and use of a monitor and/or keyboard, and more particularly, pertains to a flat panel monitor/keyboard lift system which is vertically adjustable and which stores in a minimum profile. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Prior art devices have provided for the storage and display of monitors and keyboards but few have addressed providing vertically adjustable and low profile systems for use in space restricted areas or passageways such as areas where egress from such an area could be hampered by storage and display mechanisms due to a wide profile. 
     The present invention provides a flat panel monitor/keyboard lift system which is vertically adjustable and which stores in a minimum profile. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a flat panel monitor/keyboard lift system which is vertically adjustable and which stores in a minimum profile. The flat panel monitor/keyboard lift system preferably is mounted to a wall, but can be mounted to other surfaces or supports. 
     According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a transport assembly secured to a support panel which provides for simultaneous vertical positioning of a flat panel monitor and/or a keyboard. The transport assembly includes opposing extendable rails which align vertically and which extend vertically to adjust the height of the keyboard and/or flat panel monitor, with respect to the support panel, to that height desired by the user. A monitor mounting channel bridges the upper-mid portions of the extendable rails and includes a pivot mount for adjustable mounting of a flat panel display. A keyboard mounting channel bridges the lower regions of the extendable rails and includes a pivot mount and connected keyboard tray for mounting of a keyboard. The keyboard mounting channel pivot mount can be mounted in a plurality of holes in the keyboard mounting channel for vertical adjustment of the keyboard tray and mounted keyboard with respect to the flat panel display secured to the pivot mount on the monitor mounting channel. Vertical adjustment of the monitor mounting channel results in a corresponding vertical movement of the keyboard mounting channel as they are both mounted in common to the extendable rails. The keyboard tray pivots about the pivot mount on the keyboard mounting channel to position the keyboard to a minimum stowed profile. 
     A linkage assembly secures on one end to the support panel and the other end slideably engages an abutment assembly including a triangular plate and a wear bar which is connected to one of the extendable rails and to the monitor mounting channel. The linkage assembly, which includes a gas spring, provides for vertical support of the transport assembly which includes the extendable rails, the monitor mounting channel, the monitor mounting channel pivot mount, the abutment assembly, the keyboard mounting channel, the keyboard mounting channel pivot mount, a keyboard tray, and other associated components. An adjuster provides for adjustment of the gas spring of the linkage assembly and also provides for assisted positioning of the transport assembly and its payload. 
     One alternative embodiment of the vertical lift system includes a shortened support panel and shortened left and right extendable rails where structure for support of a flat panel monitor is needed but where keyboard support is not required. 
     Another alternative embodiment discloses a vertical lift system for support of a keyboard where support of a flat panel monitor is not required. 
     One significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a flat panel monitor/keyboard lift system having a minimum profile. 
     Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a flat panel monitor/keyboard lift system suitable for use in space restricted areas, passages or hallways or other areas where egress or passage shall not be hampered. 
     Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a flat panel monitor/keyboard lift system having vertically positionable components where such components are those of a transport assembly. 
     Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a flat panel monitor/keyboard lift system having a pivot mount for a flat panel display. 
     Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a flat panel monitor/keyboard lift system having a pivot mount for a keyboard tray and keyboard. 
     Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a flat panel monitor/keyboard lift system having a transport assembly where a monitor mounting channel and a keyboard mounting channel bridge opposing positionable rails. 
     Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a flat panel monitor/keyboard lift system having a transport assembly where a monitor mounting channel and a keyboard mounting channel are supported by a linkage assembly. 
     Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a flat panel monitor/keyboard lift system having a transport assembly which can be field adjusted to provide linear counterbalanced support over a range of payloads. 
     Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a flat panel monitor lift system for adjustable support of a flat panel monitor solely. 
     Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a keyboard lift system for adjustable support of a keyboard solely. 
     Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a flat panel monitor/keyboard lift system having a locking mechanism for vertical locking of the transport assembly where such locking is urged by positioning of the keyboard tray and/or by manual inputs to the keyboard. 
     Having thus described embodiments of the present invention, it is the principal object hereof to provide a flat panel monitor/keyboard lift system. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Other objects of the present invention and many of the attendant advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the figures thereof and wherein: 
     FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a flat panel monitor/keyboard lift system having a monitor or flat panel display and a keyboard attached thereto; 
     FIG. 2 illustrates the lift system with the monitor and the keyboard not shown; 
     FIG. 3 illustrates the lift system having right and left covers removed to reveal a transport assembly; 
     FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of the lift system of FIG. 3 showing the transport assembly positioned at its lowermost position; 
     FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of the lift system of FIG. 3 showing the transport assembly positioned at a mid position; 
     FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of the lift system of FIG. 3 showing the transport assembly positioned in the fully extended and upward position; 
     FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of the lift system; 
     FIG. 8 illustrates an isometric view of the keyboard mounting channel pivot mount; 
     FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the pivot mount of FIG. 8 along with parts associated therewith; 
     FIG. 10 illustrates side view of the flat panel monitor/keyboard lift system; 
     FIG. 11, a first alternative embodiment, illustrates an isometric view of a flat panel monitor lift system; and, 
     FIG. 12, a second alternative embodiment, illustrates an isometric view of a keyboard lift system. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a flat panel monitor/keyboard lift system, herein known as the vertical lift system  10 , having a monitor  12 , or flat panel display, and a keyboard  14  (shown generically as a block) attached thereto. Components fully or partially visible in the illustration include a vertically oriented planar support panel  16 , a horizontally oriented planar top  18  extending at a right angle from the upper region of the planar support panel  16 , a vertically oriented right planar panel side  20  (shown in FIG. 3) extending at a right angle from the right region of the rear planar support panel  16 , a vertically oriented left planar panel side  22  (shown in FIG. 3) extending at a right angle from the left region of the planar support panel  16 , a vertically oriented right cover  24  secured at the top to the planar top  18  and at the bottom to a horizontally aligned planar bottom  19  (shown in FIG. 4) and extending downwardly over and about and attached to the right planar panel side  20 , a vertically oriented left cover  26  secured at the top to the planar top  18  and at the bottom to the horizontally aligned planar bottom  19  (shown in FIG. 4) and extending downwardly over and about and attached to the left planar panel side  22 , a vertically positionable keyboard mounting channel  28 , a pivot mount  30  secured to the keyboard mounting channel  28 , and a keyboard tray  32  attached to the keyboard mounting channel  28  via the pivot mount  30 . 
     FIG. 2 illustrates the lift system  10 , where all numerals correspond to those elements previously or otherwise described. The monitor  12  and the keyboard  14  are not shown, thereby showing the lift system  10  prior to mounting of a monitor or keyboard, such as shown in FIG.  1 . Revealed in FIG. 2 is a positionable monitor mounting channel  34  and a pivot mount  36  secured thereto. The pivot mount  36  accommodates a monitor or flat panel display, shown previously. The monitor mounting channel  34  is connected for movement with the keyboard mounting channel  28 , as later described in detail. 
     FIG. 3 illustrates the lift system  10  having right and left covers  24  and  26  removed, where all numerals correspond to those elements previously or otherwise described. Removal of the right and left covers  24  and  26  reveals a transport assembly  39  including opposing vertically aligned extendable rails  40  and  42  slideable in respective extender channels  40   a  and  42   a  secured to the planar support panel  16  in positions adjacent to the right and left planar panel sides  20  and  22 , respectively, the monitor mounting channel  34 , and the keyboard mounting channel  28 . The monitor mounting channel  34  and the keyboard mounting channel  28  are suspended between the extendable rails  40  and  42 . The monitor mounting channel  34 , to which the pivot mount  36  is secured, includes a right tab  34   a  appropriately secured to the upper-mid portion of the extendable rail  40  and a left tab  34   b  appropriately secured to the upper-mid portion of the extendable rail  42 . In a somewhat similar fashion, the keyboard mounting channel  28 , to which the pivot mount  30  is secured, includes a right tab  28   a  appropriately secured to the lower portion of the extendable rail  40  and a left tab  28   b  appropriately secured to the lower portion of the extendable rail  42 . The monitor mounting channel  34 , being mounted on the extendable rails  40  and  42  above the keyboard mounting channel  28 , and the keyboard mounting channel  28 , being mounted at the lower region of the extendable rails  40  and  42 , are spaced at a suitable distance to provide optimum spacing between a monitor and a keyboard mounted to the appropriate members of the transport assembly  39 . Macro spacing between the keyboard mounting channel  28  and the monitor mounting channel  34 , which are secured in common to the extendable rails  40  and  42 , is provided by securing the keyboard mounting channel  28  and the monitor mounting channel  34  to appropriate pluralities of hole sets  46   a - 46   n  and  48   a - 48   n  located along the extendable rails  40  and  42 . Micro adjustment between the keyboard mounting channel  28  and the monitor mounting channel  34  is accomplished by utilization of a plurality of hole sets  35   a - 35   n  located central to the keyboard mounting channel  28  which accommodate the pivot mount  30 , which can be secured to any of the hole sets  35   a - 35   n.    
     Means composed of a linkage assembly  44  is utilized to provide supported vertical linear motion and positioning of the transport assembly  39  with respect to the planar support panel  16 . The linkage assembly  44  secures to the planar support panel  16  in close proximity to the extendable rail  40  and is aligned between the extendable rails  40  and  42 . The linkage assembly  44  also aligns between the keyboard mounting channel  28  and the monitor mounting channel  34 , and is parallel to the planar support panel  16 . Included in the linkage assembly  44  is an angle bracket  50  secured to the planar support panel  16 , a variable and adjustable length adjuster  52  secured to the angle bracket  50 , and a gas spring  54  having one end pivotally secured by a pivot  55  to the adjustable end of the adjuster  52  and the other end pivotally secured near one end of an arm  56  by a pivot assembly  58 . The central axis of the gas spring  54  is offset at an angle from the central axis of the arm  56 . A pivot assembly  60  pivotally secures one end of the arm  56  to the planar support panel  16  at a point near the extendable rail  40 . The arm  56  includes continuous sections  56   a ,  56   b ,  56   c  and a cam  56   d . Arm section  56   a , the longest of the continuous sections, has a short section  56   b  extending from one end at a right angle. Another section  56   c  extends from the short section  56   b  at a right angle. A cam  56   d  is located at one end of section  56   c . An abutment assembly which includes a substantially triangular plate  62  secures along a vertically oriented edge  62   a  to the extendable rail  42  and along an angled edge  62   b  to the lower side of the monitor mounting channel  34 . The abutment assembly also includes a bracket  62   c  formed at the lower region of the triangular plate  62  and an ultra high molecular weight (UHMW) polyethylene wear bar  64  secured thereto to accommodate intimate sliding contact with the cam  56   d  of the arm  56 . 
     FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of the lift system  10  of FIG. 3 showing the transport assembly  39  positioned at its lowermost position, where all numerals correspond to those elements previously or otherwise described. The transport assembly  39  is free to move upwardly from the position shown, whereby the extendable rails  40  and  42  are free to slideably position upwardly in the extender channels  40   a  and  42   a , as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. As shown, the extendable rails  40  and  42  are fully retracted and limited in downward movement by stops internal to the extendable rails  40  and  42 . Movement of the transport assembly  39  is initiated by grasping the flat panel display  12  or the keyboard tray  32  and then applying a slight upward pressure to cause upward movement of the components of the transport assembly  39  and the attached payload (flat panel display  12 , keyboard  14 ) along the extender channels  40   a  and  42   a . Vertical movement of the extendable rails  40  and  42  along the extender channels  40   a  and  42   a  is assisted by the linkage assembly  44 . The angular relationship between pivot  55  and pivots in pivot assemblies  58  and  60  is determined by the adjuster  52 . The angle of the angle bracket  50  is determined by computer algorithms to provide a linear counterbalance moving force over a range of transport assembly ( 39 ) payloads. Adjuster screw  53  is used to position the adjuster  52  along the angle bracket  50  to provide counterbalance for a given load. As the transport assembly  39  is positioned upwardly, the cam  56   d  maintains sliding contact with the wear bar  64  at the lower portion of the triangular plate  62  to support the transport assembly  39  and payload. Once a desired vertical height of the flat panel display  12  and keyboard  14  is achieved, the linkage assembly  44  provides sufficient force to maintain the transport assembly and payload at the desired height. 
     FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of the lift system  10  of FIG. 3 showing the transport assembly  39  positioned at a mid position, where all numerals correspond to those elements previously or otherwise described. 
     FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of the lift system  10  of FIG. 3 showing the transport assembly  39  positioned in the fully extended and upward position, where all numerals correspond to those elements previously or otherwise described. Support is provided by the linkage assembly  44  to maintain the monitor mounting channel  34  and keyboard tray, i.e., the transport assembly  39 , in the upwardly extended position. 
     FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of the lift system  10  of FIG. 4, where all numerals correspond to those elements previously or otherwise described. The planar top  18  is not shown for purpose of brevity and clarity. 
     FIG. 8 illustrates an isometric view of the pivot mount  30 , where all numerals correspond to those elements previously or otherwise described. The pivot mount  30  secures to the keyboard mounting channel  28  and is incorporated as an attachment point for the keyboard tray  32 . The keyboard tray  32  and an attached keyboard can be pivoted about the horizontal axis of the pivot mount  30  for vertical and non-obtrusive storage of the keyboard when not in use. The pivot mount  30  is related to the subject matter of U.S. Pat. No. 4,453,687 assigned to Applicant. The pivot mount  30  is a pivot (tilt) friction control mechanism including frictional brake members having coefficients of static and dynamic friction that are substantially equal. Employing such material enables the user to initiate a forward or rearward adjustable tilting movement simply by grasping and moving the top or bottom of the monitor  12  inwardly or outwardly to the desired position. When forward or rearward pivot force ceases, the pivot mount resistably restrains the monitor in the desired position. 
     The pivot mount  30  includes a U-shaped bracket  37  having a rear panel  37   a  and right and left panels  37   b  and  37   c  extending at right angles from the rear panel  37   a . Right and left pivotable mounting brackets  66  and  68 , respectively, are utilized for mounting of the keyboard tray  32 . The right and left pivotable mounting brackets  66  and  68  are frictionally captured to the right and left panels  37   b  and  37   c , respectively, of the U-shaped bracket  37 . The right pivotable mounting bracket  66  secures to the right panel  37   b  by a stud  70 , a nut  72 , a spring washer  74 , and a UHMW polyethylene washer  76  which serves in part as a frictional brake member. The left pivotable mounting bracket  68  secures to the left panel  37   c  in a similar fashion, but is not described in detail for the purpose of brevity. Also included in the pivot mount  30  is a locking mechanism  80  which can be incorporated to positively lock the transport assembly  39  in a vertical position should a keyboard operator engage in vigorous keyboard inputs. The locking mechanism  80  is self-locking and is automatically engaged when the keyboard tray  32  is deployed to a horizontal position for keyboard input, as described in relation to FIG.  9 . Another U-shaped bracket  82  secures to the rear panel  37   a  and serves as a mount for a pushrod  84 . The pushrod  84  aligns through a hole  86  in the bracket  82  as well as aligning with another hole  88  in the rear panel  37   a  of the U-shaped bracket  37 . Thence, the pushrod  84  extends through a hole  29  in the keyboard mounting channel  28  to engage in one of a plurality of holes  96   a - 96   n  in a position locking bar  96  secured to the planar support panel  16 , as shown in FIG. 9. A resilient rubber or plastic cap  90  is included at one end of the pushrod  84  for interaction with the vertical panel  32   a  of the keyboard tray  32 , as shown in FIG.  9 . 
     FIG. 9 is a cross sectional showing of the pivot mount  30  associated with the keyboard tray  32 , the keyboard mounting channel  28 , and a portion of the planar support panel  16 , where all numerals correspond to those elements previously or otherwise described. A return spring  92  is captured on the pushrod  84  between the rear panel  37   a  of the U-shaped bracket  37  and a pin  94  through the pushrod  84 . The weight of the keyboard tray  32  and keyboard pivot downwardly and about the pivotal axis of the pivot mount  30  until the vertical panel  32   a  contacts and forces the pushrod  84  rearwardly towards the planar support panel  16  for frictional engagement therewith. Vigorous keyboard input increases force applied to the pushrod, thereby increasing and/or sustaining additional locking force applied along the length of the pushrod  84 , which is applied to the planar support panel  16 . Frictional engagement can be in various forms. For example, frictional engagement can be simple force engagement of the pushrod to the surface of the planar support panel  16 , or the near side of the planar support panel  16  can be coated with a suitable frictional surface such as, but not limited to, rubber, a gritty material, or some other geometrically configured attachment which would promote frictional engagement. Optionally shown in FIG. 9 is a plurality of holes  96   a - 96   n  in a position locking bar  96  secured to the planar support panel  16  which can be engaged by the pushrod  84 . 
     FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of the flat panel monitor/keyboard lift system  10 , where all numerals correspond to those elements previously or otherwise described, where the keyboard tray  32  is pivoted about the pivot mount  30  to the stowed position parallel to the planar support panel  16  to present a minimum horizontal profile. 
     FIG. 11, a first alternative embodiment, illustrates an isometric view of a flat panel monitor lift system  100 , where all numerals correspond to those elements previously and otherwise described. The flat panel monitor lift system  100  incorporates the elements previously described for the flat panel monitor/keyboard lift system  10 , with the exception of those elements required for the mounting and operation of the keyboard tray  32 , such as the keyboard mounting channel  28  and the pivot mount  30  and associated elements. Also, the planar support panel  16 , left and right planar panel sides  22  and  20 , the extendable rails  40  and  42 , and the extender channels  40   a  and  42   a , previously illustrated, may be shortened in the region below the two-bar linkage assembly  44 , as their full length may not be required due to the absence of the keyboard tray  32 , keyboard mounting channel  28 , and the pivot mount  30  and associated elements. The vertical lift system  100  is utilized where a vertically positionable flat monitor is required for purpose of display without the use of a system mounted keyboard. 
     FIG. 12, a second alternative embodiment, illustrates an isometric view of a keyboard lift system  200 , where all numerals correspond to those elements previously or otherwise described. The keyboard lift system  200  incorporates the elements previously described for the flat panel monitor/keyboard lift system  10  with the exception of pivot mount  36  which is required for mounting of a flat panel display. The vertical lift system is utilized where use of a vertically positionable keyboard tray is required without the use of a flat panel display. 
     LIFT SYSTEM 
     PARTS LIST 
       10  flat panel monitor/keyboard lift system 
       12  monitor or flat panel display 
       14  keyboard 
       16  planar support panel 
       18  planar top 
       19  planar bottom 
       20  right planar panel side 
       22  left planar panel side 
       24  right cover 
       26  left cover 
       28  keyboard mounting channel 
       28   a  right tab 
       28   b  left tab 
       29  hole 
       30  pivot mount 
       32  keyboard tray 
       32   a  vertical panel 
       34  monitor mounting channel 
       34   a  right tab 
       34   b  left tab 
       35   a-n  hole sets 
       36  pivot mount 
       37  U-shaped bracket 
       37   a  rear panel 
       37   b  right panel 
       37   c  left panel 
       39  transport assembly 
       40  extendable rail 
       42  extendable rail 
       40   a  extender channel 
       42   a  extender channel 
       44  linkage assembly 
       46   a-n  hole sets 
       48   a-n  hole sets 
       50  angle bracket 
       52  adjuster 
       53  screw 
       54  gas spring 
       55  pivot 
       56  arm 
       56   a  arm section 
       56   b  arm section 
       56   c  arm section 
       56   d  cam 
       58  pivot assembly 
       60  pivot assembly 
       62  triangular plate 
       62   a  vertically oriented edge 
       62   b  angled edge 
       62   c  bracket 
       64  wear bar 
       66  right pivotable mounting bracket 
       68  left pivotable mounting bracket 
       70  stud 
       72  nut 
       74  spring washer 
       76  UHMW polyethylene washer 
       80  locking mechanism 
       82  U-shaped bracket 
       84  pushrod 
       86  hole 
       88  hole 
       90  cap 
       92  return spring 
       94  pin 
       96  position locking bar 
       96   a-n  holes 
       100  flat panel monitor lift system 
       200  keyboard lift system 
     Various modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the apparent scope hereof.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5