Pop-up display

Abstract

An apparatus drives and guides movement of a display assembly that includes a display unit. At least one track extends along at least one side of the display assembly and defines a path along which the display assembly is driven. A plurality of pins extend from the display assembly to the at least one track. At least one constant force spring has at one end a coiled part that is rotatably coupled to the display assembly, and an opposing end fastened to a fixed mounting location, and an uncoiled part extending between the coiled part and the opposing end. The at least one constant force spring is configured to drive the display assembly from a lowered position to a raised position while the plurality of pins travels along the at least one track and guide movement of the display assembly.

Claims

1. A pop-up display device, comprising: a display assembly, including a display unit, and an electronics housing pivotably coupled at one end to an adjacent end of the display unit; a first track panel extending along, and disposed adjacent to, a first side of the display assembly and having formed therein, along at least a part of its length, a first track defining a path along which the display assembly is driven; a first pair of pins each extending from the first side of the display assembly into the first track, at least one pin of the first pair of pins extending from the display unit, each one of the first pair of pins having a same width as a width of the first track; and at least one constant force spring having at one end a coiled part that is rotatably coupled to the display assembly, an opposing end fastened to a fixed mounting location on the pop-up display device, and an uncoiled part extending between the coiled part and the opposing end; the at least one constant force spring being configured to drive the display assembly from a lowered position to a raised position while the first pair of pins slides along the first track which guides movement of the display assembly.

2. The pop-up display device of claim 1, further comprising a catch part coupled to the display assembly; and a movable hooking part configured to releasably hold the catch part; wherein upon the display assembly being driven manually to the lowered position, the hooking part catches the catch part and holds the display assembly in the lowered position.

3. The pop-up display device of claim 2, further comprising an electrically powered driving mechanism configured to move the hooking part from a holding position in which the hooking part holds the catch part to a released position in which the hooking part releases the catch part and permits the at least one constant force spring to drive the display assembly from the lowered position, and a power supply configured to supply electrical power to the driving mechanism.

4. The pop-up display device of claim 3, further comprising an electronic release switch configured to control the electrical power supplied to the driving mechanism in a manner that moves the hooking part from the holding position to the released position.

5. The pop-up display device of claim 1, further comprising a second track panel disposed adjacent to a second, opposing side of the display assembly and having formed therein, along at least a part of its length, a second track, and a second pair of pins extending from the second side of the display assembly into the second track, at least one pin of the second pair of pins extending from the display unit, each one of the second pair of pins having a same width as a width of the second track, the at least one constant force spring being configured to drive the display assembly from the lowered position to the raised position while the second pair of pins slides along the second track which further guides the movement of the display assembly.

6. The pop-up display device of claim 1, wherein the at least one constant force spring includes a pair of constant force springs, each having at one end a respective coiled part that is rotatably coupled to the display assembly, a respective opposing end fastened to a respective fixed mounting location on the pop-up display device, and a respective uncoiled part extending between the coiled part and the opposing end.

7. The pop-up display device of claim 1, further comprising a housing having a plurality of walls that enclose the at least one track, the plurality of pins, and the at least one constant force spring, wherein the display assembly is disposed entirely within the housing upon the display assembly being in the lowered position, the display assembly is partially disposed within the housing with the display unit at least partially disposed outside the housing upon the display assembly being in the raised position, and the fixed mounting location being located along a surface of one of the plurality of walls.

8. The pop-up display device of claim 1, further comprising a slider affixed to the display assembly, and at least one slide rail contacting the slider such that while the display assembly is moved from the lowered position to the raised position, the at least one slide rail slows the movement of the slider, thereby slowing the movement of the display assembly.

9. The pop-up display device of claim 1, further comprising a gear rotatably coupled to the display assembly, and a gear rack mated with the gear such that while the display assembly is moved from the lowered position to the raised position, the gear moves along the gear rack and slows the movement of the display assembly.

10. A pop-up display device, comprising: a display assembly, including a display unit, an electronics housing, and a pivotable coupling disposed between one end of the electronics housing and an adjacent end of the display unit; a housing having a plurality of walls that includes first and second side panels, and front and rear panels extending between the first and second side panels, the display assembly being disposed within the housing; a first track panel disposed within the housing between one side of the display unit and the first side panel and having formed therein, along at least a part of its length, a first track; a first pair of pins extending from the one side of the display unit into the first track, the first track defining a path along which the first pair of pins is moveable; and at least one constant force spring having at one end a coiled part that is rotatably coupled to another end of the electronics housing, the at least one constant force spring having an opposing end fastened to a fixed mounting location on the front panel, and an uncoiled part extending between the coiled part and the opposing end, the at least one constant force spring being configured to drive the display assembly from a lowered position to a raised position while the first pair of pins travels along the first track, the display unit being entirely disposed within the housing upon the display assembly being in the lowered position, and the display unit being at least partially disposed outside the housing upon the display assembly being in the raised position such that the display unit is rotated about the pivotable coupling and into a tilted orientation.

11. The pop-up display device of claim 10, wherein the housing includes a top panel having an opening formed therein, wherein upon the display assembly being in the raised position, the display unit at least partially extends through the opening in the top panel.

12. The pop-up display device of claim 10, wherein the at least one constant force spring includes a pair of constant force springs, each having at one end a respective coiled part that is rotatably coupled to the another end of the electronics housing, a respective opposing end fastened to a respective fixed mounting location on the front panel, and a respective uncoiled part extending between its respective coiled part and its respective opposing end.

13. The pop-up display device of claim 12, wherein the pair of constant force springs are configured to drive the display assembly from the lowered position to the raised position.

14. The pop-up display device of claim 10, further comprising a second track panel disposed within the housing between an opposing side of the display unit and the second side panel having formed therein, along at least a part of its length, a second track; and a second pair of pins extending from the opposing side of the display unit into the second track, the second track defining a path along which the second pair of pins are moveable, wherein the at least one constant force spring is further configured to drive the display assembly from the lowered position to the raised position while the second pair of pins travels along the second track.

15. The pop-up display device of claim 14, wherein upon the display assembly being in the lowered position in which the display unit is disposed entirely within the housing, the at least one constant force spring is configured to drive the display assembly such that the first pair of pins travel along the first track and the second pair of pins travels along the second track which guides movement of the display assembly until the display assembly is in the raised position in which the display unit is at least partially extends outside the housing through the opening formed in the top panel.

16. The pop-up display device of claim 10, wherein the pivotable coupling includes a connecting piece disposed between the one end of the electronics housing and the adjacent end of the display unit, a first rotatable coupling disposed between the one end of the electronics housing and the connecting piece, and a second rotatable coupling disposed between the connecting piece and the adjacent end of the display unit.

17. The pop-up display device of claim 16, wherein the first rotatable coupling includes a first connecting pin that extends into the one end of the electronics housing and into the connecting piece, and the second rotatable coupling includes a second connecting pin that extends into the connecting piece and into the adjacent end of the display unit.

18. The pop-up display device of claim 10, wherein a pair of pivotable couplings are disposed between the one end of the electronics housing and the adjacent end of the display unit, each including an associated connecting piece disposed between the one end of the electronics housing and the adjacent end of the display unit, an associated first rotatable coupling disposed between the one end of the electronics housing and the associated connecting piece, the associated first rotatable coupling including an associated first connecting pin that extends into the one end of the electronics housing and into the associated connecting piece, and an associated second rotatable coupling disposed between the associated connecting piece and the adjacent end of the display unit, the second rotatable coupling including an associated second connecting pin that extends into the associated connecting piece and into the adjacent end of the display unit.

19. A pop-up display device, comprising: a housing having a plurality of walls, including a first side panel, a second side panel opposing the first side panel, a front panel and a rear panel each extending between the first side panel and the second side panel, a bottom panel, and a top panel having an opening formed therein; a display assembly disposed within the housing, and including; a display unit, an electronics housing, and a pair of pivotable couplings each disposed between one end of the electronics housing and an adjacent end of the display unit, each including an associated connecting piece disposed between the one end of the electronics housing and the adjacent end of the display unit, an associated first rotatable coupling disposed between the one end of the electronics housing and the associated connecting piece, the associated first rotatable coupling including an associated first connecting pin that extends into the one end of the electronics housing and into the associated connecting piece, and an associated second rotatable coupling disposed between the associated connecting piece and the adjacent end of the display unit, the associated second rotatable coupling including an associated second connecting pin that extends into the connecting piece and into the adjacent end of the display unit; a first track panel disposed within the housing between one side of the display assembly and the first side panel and having formed therein, along at least a part of its length, a first track; a first pair of pins extending from the one side of the display unit into the first track, the first track defining a path along which the first pair of pins are moveable; a second track panel disposed within the housing between an opposing side of the display assembly and the second side panel and having formed therein, along at least a part of its length, a second track; a second pair of pins extending from the opposing side of the display unit into the second track, the second track defining a path along which the second pair of pins are moveable; and first and second constant force springs each having at one end a respective coiled part that is rotatably coupled to the another end of the electronics housing, a respective opposing end fastened to a respective fixed mounting location on the front panel, and a respective uncoiled part extending between its respective coiled part and its respective opposing end, wherein upon the display assembly being in the lowered position in which the display assembly is disposed entirely within the housing, the first and second constant force springs are each configured to drive the display assembly such that the first pair of pins travels along the first track and the second pair of pins travels along the second track which guide movement of the display assembly until the display assembly is in a raised position in which the display unit at least partially extends outside the housing through the opening formed in the top panel such that the display unit is rotated about the pair of pivotable couplings into a tilted orientation.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pop-up display device showing the display in a raised, tilted position in accordance with an embodiment.

(2) FIGS. 2A-2D are perspective views of the pop-up display device of FIG. 1 showing the display lowered, partially raised, near fully raised, and fully raised and tilted, respectively.

(3) FIGS. 3A-3D are side views of the pop-up display device of FIG. 1 with a side cover removed and showing the display lowered, near fully raised, fully raised and partially tilted, and fully raised and fully tilted, respectively.

(4) FIGS. 4A-4C are front perspective views of the pop-up display device of FIG. 1 with a front cover removed and showing the display lowered, partly raised, and fully raised and tilted, respectively.

(5) FIG. 5 is a side view of the pop-up display device of FIG. 1 with a side cover and side track removed and showing the display in fully raised and fully tilted position.

(6) FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective views of the pop-up display device of FIG. 1 mounted in an opening in a working surface and showing the display unit in the fully lowered position and in the fully raised, fully tilted position, respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(7) The present embodiments provide a pop-up display that can be set in an opening in a table or other working surface, and which can be stored below or raised above the table or working surface.

(8) Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words comprise, comprising, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of including, but not limited to.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS FOR THE MAJOR ELEMENTS IN THE DRAWINGS

(9) The following is a list of the major elements in the drawings in numerical order. 100 Pop-Up Display Device 102 Display Unit 104 Housing Top Panel 106 Release Switch 108 Housing Front Panel 110 Housing Side Panel 112 Display Top Cover 114 Housing Front Panel 120 Housing 300 Inner Side Panel 302 Side Track 303 Curved Upper Portion 304 Upper Pin 306 Lower Pin 402 Display Frame 404 Display Screen 406 Pin 408 Curved Part 410 Electronics Housing 414 Staple Catch 416 Pin 418 Curved Part 420 Connecting Piece 430 Constant Force Springs 432 Spring Mount Locations 434 Drum 436 Drum Pivot 440 Gear rack 442 Slide Rails 444 Slider 450 Movable Latch Hook 452 Latch Mechanism 454 Power Supply 456 Power Line 600 Working Surface

MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(10) The embodiment described herein in the context of displays and working surfaces, but is not limited thereto, except as may be set forth expressly in the appended claims.

(11) Referring first to FIG. 1, a pop-up display device 100 is shown. The pop-up display device 100 includes a display unit 102 and a housing 120 that includes an upper front panel 108, a lower front panel 114, and side panels 110. A housing top panel 104 is configured to rest atop a table or other working surface such that the rest of the housing 120 is concealed below the table or working surface. A release switch 106 is located in the top panel 104 and controls the release of the display unit 120. A display top cover 112 is located atop the display housing 102.

(12) FIGS. 2A-2D show the pop-up display device 100 with the display unit 102 in various positions.

(13) FIG. 2A shows the pop-up display device 100 with the display unit 102 hidden inside the housing 120 and, typically, disposed below a table surface or other working surface. Only the display top cover 112 and the housing top panel 104 are visible.

(14) FIG. 2B shows the pop-up display device 100 with the display unit 102 partially raised. FIG. 2C shows the pop-up display device 100 with the display unit 102 now fully raised but not tilted. FIG. 2D shows the pop-up display device 100 with the display unit 102 both fully raised and fully tilted. Typically, the display is fully tilted when tilted at an angle of about 20 from its initial fully raised orientation.

(15) FIGS. 3A-3D show how the display unit 102 is guided as it travels from the fully lowered position shown in FIG. 2A to the fully raised and fully tilted position shown in FIG. 2D. A side view of the pop-up display device 100 is shown with the side panel 110 of the housing 120 removed. An inner side panel 300 includes a side track 302 along which an upper pin 304 and a lower pin 306 traverse. The upper pin 304 and lower pin 306 are each coupled to the display unit 102 and guide the movement of the display unit 102 as it travels up or down.

(16) FIG. 3A shows the pop-up display device 100 with the display unit 102 in its fully lowered position corresponding to the position shown in FIG. 2A. The upper pin 304 and lower pin 306 are accordingly in their lowest positions along a straight portion of the track 302.

(17) FIG. 3B shows the pop-up display device 100 with the display unit 102 fully raised but not tilted, corresponding to the position shown in FIG. 2C. The upper pin 304 and lower pin 306 are accordingly in higher positions along the straight portion of the track 302.

(18) FIG. 3C shows the pop-up display device 100 with the display unit 102 now partially tilted. The upper pin 304 now travels the curved upper portion 303 of the track 302 while the lower pin 306 continues to travel along the straight portion of the track 302. The movement of the upper pin 304 along the curved portion of the track 302 directs the display unit 102 to tilt as shown.

(19) FIG. 3D shows the pop-up display device 100 with the display unit 102 in its fully tilted position, corresponding to the position shown in FIG. 2D. The upper pin 304 has traveled to the end of the curved upper portion 303 of the track 302, which prevents further upward movement of the upper pin 304 as well as prevents further upward movement the lower pin 306. The display unit 102 therefore remains fully tilted at a predefined angle, typically at about 20 from the vertical.

(20) FIGS. 3A-3D show the inner side panel 300, the side track 302, the upper pin 304, and the lower pin 306 of only one side of the housing 120. A corresponding inner side panel, side track, upper pin, and lower pin are provided on the opposing side of the housing 120, and similarly guide the display unit 102 as it moves between the fully lowered position and the fully raised, fully tilted position.

(21) FIGS. 4A-4C are front perspective views of the pop-up display device 100 showing the housing 120 with the lower front panel 108 removed.

(22) FIG. 4A shows the pop-up display device 100 with the display unit 102 in its fully lowered position and corresponds to the position shown in FIGS. 2A and 3A. The display unit 102 includes a display screen 404 and a display frame 402, from which the pins 304, 306, shown in FIGS. 3A-3D, extend. A pair of curved parts 408 are disposed at the bottom of the display frame 402, and a pair of pins 406 extend respectively through the curved parts 408. Each of the pins 406 also extends into an upper part of a connecting piece 420 so that the display unit 102 is rotatably coupled to the connecting piece 420 about the pins 406. Alternatively, a single pin 406 extends through both curved parts 408 as well as through the connecting piece 420 to provide the rotatable coupling about the single pin.

(23) An electronics housing 410 is located below the display unit 102 and comprises a display assembly together with the display unit 102. A pair of curved parts 418 are disposed at the top of the display frame 402, and a pair of pins 416 extend respectively through the curved parts 418. Each of the pins 416 also extends into a lower part of the connecting piece 420 so that the electronics housing 410 is rotatably coupled to the connecting piece 420 about the pins 416. Alternatively, a single pin 416 extends through both curved parts 418 as well as through the connecting piece 420 to provide the rotatable coupling about the single pin.

(24) The rotatable coupling between the display unit 102 and the connecting piece 420 and the rotatable coupling between the connecting piece 420 and the electronics housing 410 combine to allow the display unit 102 to have a sufficient degree of free movement such that it can travel from the fully vertical orientation to the fully tilted orientation.

(25) A pair of constant force springs 430 provides an upward force on the electronics housing 410 and the display unit 102. The constant force springs 430 are each coiled at one end around a corresponding one of a pair of drums 434. Each one of the pair of drums 434 is rotatably coupled to a lower part of the electronics housing 410 about a corresponding one of a pair of pins 436 (shown in FIG. 5). An opposing end of each constant force spring 430 is affixed to an inner surface of the upper front panel 114 at a spring mounting location 432. An uncoiled portion of each constant force spring 430 extends between coiled end at the drum 434 and the mounted end at the mounting location 432.

(26) A staple catch 414 extends from a bottom of the electronics housing 410. A latch hook 450 is movable between an engaged position where it hooks the staple catch 414, as shown in FIG. 4A, and a released position, shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C. A latch mechanism 452 a power supply 454 combine to hold the latch hook 450 in either the engaged position or the released position. A power line 456 supplies power to power supply 454 under the operation of the release switch 106 disposed in the housing top panel 104. Typically, operation of the release switch 106 causes the latch mechanism 452 to move from the engaged position to the released position. For example, when the release switch 106 includes a push-button, release of the latch hook 450 may be carried out by depressing the push-button.

(27) FIG. 4B shows the pop-up display device 100 shortly after operation of the release switch 106. The operation of the release switch 106 turns off or otherwise changes the power supplied to the power supply 454 in a manner that causes the latch hook 450 to move away from the staple catch 414, thereby releasing the staple catch 414 and allowing the display unit 102 and the electronics housing 410 to move. The force exerted by the constant force springs 430 then drives the display unit 102 and the electronics housing 410 upward and away from the fully lowered position shown in FIG. 4A. As shown in FIG. 4B, the staple catch 414 has separated from the latch hook 450 and, concurrently, the display unit 102 has begun to travel upward while the display top cover 112 begins to move away from the housing top panel 104.

(28) As the display unit 102 and the electronics housing 410 continue to travel upward, the pins 304, 306, shown in FIGS. 3A-3D, traverse along the side tracks 302 located on each side of the housing 120. At least one slider 444 (shown in FIG. 5) is attached to the electronics housing 410 and slides upward between the slide rails 442 which serve to further guide the movement of the display unit 102. Additionally, frictional engagement between the slider 444 and the slide rails 442 act a damper on the movement of the display unit 102 and the electronics housing 410 to slow down the upward movement. Also, at least one gear (not shown), such as a helical gear or other gear, is rotatably coupled to the electronics housing 410 and engages with a gear rack 440, shown in FIG. 4C, and rotates as the display unit 102 and the electronics housing 410 move upward. The engagement between the gear and the gear rack 440 also acts as a damper and further slows the upward movement.

(29) FIG. 4C also shows the display unit 102 and the electronics housing 410 in the fully raised position with the display unit 102 fully tilted, as also shown in FIGS. 1, 2D and 3D.

(30) FIG. 5 shows a side view of the pop-up display device 100 with both the side panel 110 and the inner side panel 300 of the housing 120 removed. FIG. 5 also shows the pop-up display device 100 with the display unit 102 and the electronics housing 410 in the fully raised position and the display unit 102 fully tilted. When the display unit 102 is in the fully raised position, the constant force spring 430 is almost entirely wound around the drum 434 except for a portion disposed between the drum 434 and the mount location 432.

(31) FIG. 6A shows the pop-up display device 100 mounted in an opening in a table top surface or other working surface 600, shown as a cutaway portion, with the display unit 102 in the fully lowered position. Only the display top cover 112 and the housing top panel 104 are visible. The remainder of the housing 120 is disposed below the working surface 600 and is hidden.

(32) To raise the display unit 102 from its fully lowered position, a user merely depresses or otherwise activates the release switch 106, causing the latch hook 450 to move and release the staple catch 414 so that the force always exerted by the constant force spring 430 on the electronics housing 410 can now drive the display unit 102 and the electronics housing 410 to travel upward. Because the constant force springs 430 are used, the display unit 102 travels upward at a constant speed. The slider 444, which is attached to the display unit 102, concurrently moves between the slide rails 442 to guide the upward movement of the display unit 102 while the friction between the slider 444 and the slide rails 442 dampens the force exerted by the constant force spring 430 to slow down this movement. Further, the gear (not shown) also travels with the display unit 102, and the interaction between the gear and the gear rack 440 also guides the upward movement of the display unit 102 while dampening the force exerted by the constant force spring 430 to slow down this upward movement. The upward movement of the display unit 102 is further guided by the movement of the pins 304, 306 along the side track 302 with the curved portion of 303 at the upper end of the side track 302 guiding pins 304, 306 to cause the display unit 102 to tilt.

(33) FIG. 6B shows the mounted pop-up display device 100 with the display unit 102 in the fully raised position. Only the display unit 102 and the housing top panel 104 are visible.

(34) Conversely, to lower the display unit 102 from its fully raised, fully tilted position to its fully lowered position, the user merely presses down on the display top cover 112 until the staple catch 414 is engaged by and held by the latch hook 450.

(35) In this manner, the display unit 102 of the pop-up display device 100 can be raised and lowered by simple operations.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

(36) To solve the aforementioned problems, the present embodiments provide a pop-up display that utilizes constant force springs and dampers to raise a touch panel display to above a surface.

ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS

(37) Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the embodiments.