# US 2017/0255232 A1 · Multiple Monitor Display Apparatus > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2017/0255232 A1 - Document ID: US20170255232A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 15/409,645 - Filed: 2017-01-19 - Published: 2017-09-07 - Earliest claimed: 2004-10-19 - Inventors: PRANIL RAM - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20170255232A1 ## CPC - G06F 1/1616: {with folding flat displays, e.g. laptop computers or notebooks having a clamshell configuration, with body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis parallel to the plane they define in closed position} - G06F 1/1601: {Constructional details related to the housing of computer displays, e.g. of CRT monitors, of flat displays (constructional details related to flat displays integrated in a portable computer, e.g. laptop, handheld computer G06F1/1637; constructional details related to television receivers H04N5/64)} - G06F 1/162: {changing, e.g. reversing, the face orientation of the screen with a two degrees of freedom mechanism, e.g. for folding into tablet PC like position or orienting towards the direction opposite to the user to show to a second user} - G06F 1/1624: {with sliding enclosures, e.g. sliding keyboard or display} - G06F 1/1635: {Details related to the integration of battery packs and other power supplies such as fuel cells or integrated AC adapter} - G06F 1/1647: {including at least an additional display (G06F1/1692 takes precedence)} - G06F 1/1649: {the additional display being independently orientable, e.g. for presenting information to a second user} - G06F 1/1654: {the display being detachable, e.g. for remote use} - G06F 1/1662: {Details related to the integrated keyboard} - G06F 1/1666: {Arrangements for reducing the size of the integrated keyboard for transport, e.g. foldable keyboards, keyboards with collapsible keys (G06F1/1664 takes precedence)} - G06F 1/1675: {Miscellaneous details related to the relative movement between the different enclosures or enclosure parts} - G06F 1/1679: {for locking or maintaining the movable parts of the enclosure in a fixed position, e.g. latching mechanism at the edge of the display in a laptop or for the screen protective cover of a PDA (G06F1/1681 takes precedence)} - G06F 1/1681: {Details related solely to hinges (hinge details related to the transmission of signals or power are classified in G06F1/1683)} - G06F 1/1683: {for the transmission of signal or power between the different housings, e.g. details of wired or wireless communication, passage of cabling} - G06F 1/1696: {the I/O peripheral being a printing or scanning device} - G06F 3/1446: {display composed of modules, e.g. video walls} - H04M 1/0266: {for a display module assembly} - G06F 2200/1612: Flat panel monitor - G06F 2200/1614: Image rotation following screen orientation, e.g. switching from landscape to portrait mode - H04M 1/0235: {Slidable or telescopic telephones, i.e. with a relative translation movement of the body parts; Telephones using a combination of translation and other relative motions of the body parts} - H04M 2250/16: including more than one display unit - G06F: ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING (computer systems based on specific computational models G06N) - H04M: TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION (circuits for controlling other apparatus via a telephone cable and not involving telephone switching apparatus G08) ## Abstract A multiple monitor apparatus in the form or a laptop PC, a desktop monitor, a mobile device, and the like. In dual screen mode, the additional monitor is typically presented displaying different content and centered to the user. In single screen mode, the additional display enclosures are retracted and stored in such a manner that they do not present themselves to the user. A guiderail assembly is used to center both display enclosures relative to the user. The guiderail assembly may be motorized or manually effected and may be located above or below the primary enclosure hinge. The secondary enclosure may be extended and retracted from the primary enclosure by the use of slider arms. The secondary enclosure may also be hinged to the primary enclosure, utilize pegs, ride on its own guiderail, and detach from the primary enclosure or the apparatus. Independent guiderails may also be employed to center two or more displays relative to a user. In one embodiment, the monitor may be rotated from landscape to portrait view. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A multiple monitor display apparatus comprising a primary enclosure and its associated display screen, a secondary enclosure and its associated display screen, a guiderail assembly for electively centering said primary enclosure and said secondary enclosure with respect to a user, swivel means to rotate the secondary enclosure with respect to the primary enclosure and with respect to the user, and cabling means to supply power to the secondary enclosure and its display screen. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The multiple monitor display apparatus of claim 1 wherein said secondary enclosure is stored within said primary enclosure in single screen mode. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The multiple monitor display apparatus of claim 1 wherein said secondary enclosure extends from said primary enclosure in dual screen mode. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The multiple monitor display apparatus of claim 1 wherein said secondary enclosure is secured to said primary enclosure by one or more slider arms. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The multiple monitor display apparatus of claim 1 wherein said secondary enclosure is stored adjacent to said primary enclosure in single screen mode. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The multiple monitor display apparatus of claim 1 wherein said secondary enclosure is rotated about a secondary enclosure hinge in dual screen mode to face a user. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The multiple monitor display apparatus of claim 1 wherein said secondary enclosure and said primary enclosure move along adjacent guiderail assemblies to effect dual screen mode. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The multiple monitor display apparatus of claim 1 wherein said guiderail assembly is motorized. ### Claim 9 A notebook computer, comprising: a primary enclosure having a primary display screen; a secondary enclosure having a secondary display screen; wherein said primary enclosure and said secondary enclosure are slidably attached to one another; wherein the secondary enclosure is stored in the primary enclosure in a closed configuration; wherein in an open configuration, the secondary enclosure is capable of being extended from the primary enclosure; wherein both primary and secondary display screens from both enclosures are visible in operation and may function as a single integrated display; and wherein said secondary enclosure attachment is comprised of a swivel means to rotate the secondary enclosure with respect to the primary enclosure and with respect to the user. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The notebook computer of claim 9, wherein the secondary enclosure can slide horizontally with respect to the primary enclosure to allow the primary display screen and the secondary display screen to be substantially adjacent with each other in the open configuration. ### Claim 11 (depends on 9) The notebook computer of claim 9, wherein the primary enclosure and the secondary enclosure are centered with respect to the user using a guiderail assembly. ### Claim 12 (depends on 9) The notebook computer of claim 9, wherein the guiderail assembly is integrated into the primary enclosure. ### Claim 13 (depends on 9) The notebook computer of claim 9, wherein the guiderail assembly is integrated into the base electronics housing. ### Claim 14 A swivel mechanism for supporting and extending a secondary or tertiary display enclosure of a multiple monitor laptop, and its associated secondary or tertiary display comprising: an upper slider arm, a lower slider arm, and cabling means to supply power to the secondary or tertiary display enclosure.