Anti-Glare, Anti-Static Video Monitor Visor

The following invention relates generally to instrumentalities which are adapted to reduce glare from unwanted light sources that adversely affects viewability of a cathode ray tube. In addition, the device reduces the affinity for such a tube to attract dust on its surface by electrostatic attraction. Moreover, the device restricts visual access to the CRT.

Television sets, computer monitors, oscilloscopes or the like frequently rely upon luminescence of a target screen which is then excited by an electron gun producing a visual image on the screen. Since the envelope of the cathode ray tube relies in part on electrical stimulation, an electrostatic bias exists on the display surface of the screen. As a result, the exterior surface of such a screen displays an affinity for dust.

In addition, because the efficiency of a CRT relies upon the electrical discharge that exists when the screen is stimulated, brightness of the screen can be degraded by other light sources and reflection from brighter light which manifests a form of glare on the screen, all of which creates eye strain. To the extent possible, one tends to divert strong light from direct contact with the screen when it is being viewed in order to provide maximum contrast.

Once such a screen has been sufficiently "tuned" such that it is relatively dust-free and ambient light has been controlled, the clarity of the depiction on the screen will have been enhanced. Sometimes, however, this is undesirable since confidential or sensitive material may be displayed on the screen which is not to be viewed by passers-by.

To date, no known instrumentality exists which has addressed all of these needs and yet provides an attractive display upon which indicia or some form of advertising can be displayed.

The instant invention provides solutions to all of the above mentioned short comings by providing a device which readily retrofits on an existing cathode ray tube (CRT). In its essence, the device is formed as a blank having top and bottom surfaces, with the bottom surface closest to the CRT. The blank is oriented such that a leading edge projects over a top wall adjacent a top edge of the CRT display, thereby providing a projection or overhang extending beyond the plane defined by the screen of the CRT. The blank is provided with scorelines which allow side portions of the blank to be folded down on side walls of the CRT thereby providing a further form of barrier protecting the CRT. A surface of the device closest to the CRT is provided with an anti-static coating which alters the path of dust and other light debris heretofore deposited on the screen due to electrostatic attraction. A further form of barrier is afforded by the blank being interposed between the screen and distracting light sources, such as overhead fluorescent systems or light coming in from windows on any side of the CRT.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a novel and useful anti-glare, anti-static video monitor visor according to the present invention.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a device as characterized above which is extremely easy to install, lends itself to mass production techniques and is extremely effective in use.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a device of the character described above which enhances the privacy of a person using the CRT with the visor installed by providing a visual barrier making access by third parties more difficult.

Viewed from one vantage point, it is an object of the present invention to provide a visor for a video monitor having an output screen, comprising in combination: a blank of material having a top and bottom surface and a leading edge, the bottom surface configured to rest on a portion of the monitor and include a shelf-like projection extending forward of the monitor defined by the plane of the video screen.

A further object, when viewed from a second vantage point, is to provide a visor for a display screen of a cathode ray tube (CRT) which screen electrostatically attracts dust, comprising in combination: a planar blank having a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface provided with means to minimize electrostatic attraction of dust to the screen, and means on the blank to allow deformation of the blank to conform to the profile of the CRT.

Viewed from yet another vantage point, an object of the present invention is to provide a method for blocking dust and glare from a viewing surface of a CRT, or the like, comprising the steps of: treating a blank with anti-static means on a surface adjacent the CRT, forming the blank to conform to a top wall and side walls of the CRT, and placing the blank on the CRT such that a portion projects over the viewing surface.

These and other objects will be made manifest when considering the following detailed specification when taking in conjunction with the appended drawing figures.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus according to the present invention shown in its intended environment.

FIG. 2 is a side view of that which is shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the apparatus in an undeployed, stored configuration.

FIG. 4 is a side view of that which is shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a front view of that which is shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the apparatus shown in an orientation about to be placed on a video CRT.

FIG. 7 is a side view of that which is shown in FIG. 6.

Referring to the drawings now, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts, reference numeral 10 is directed to the visor according to the present invention. In general the antiglare, anti-static video monitor visor 10 is formed from a blank of corrugated cardboard having one surface treated with a coating which alters that surface's ability to attract or repel electrostatically sensitive dust particles to thereby define an anti-static coating. In essence, the coating can operate in one of several ways.

In one form of the invention, the coating can "cancel" the effect of an ion population on the CRT viewing screen which serves as a dust attractant. Thus, the coating can be a polarity opposite from the static charge on the CRT screen. This provides a net effect of electrostatic "neutrality" when considering the zone circumscribing the visor and screen. No influence would be exerted upon dust passing in the immediate vicinity.

A second way in which the coating can keep the screen relatively dust-free is to provide a strong attraction for the dust which is greater than the attraction provided by the screen. This would entail providing the coating with an ionic charge of the same sign but of greater magnitude than the condition of the screen when it has been stimulated.

In a preferred form of the invention, the coating applied to the device 10 is characterized as a conductive coating. To be effective it must provide a surface resistance of 10.sup.10 -10.sup.13 ohms per square meter when applied, and must have a static decay rate under 120 seconds. Typically, the coating appears as a black colored emulsion having acrylic solids contained therewithin and a pH of 8.5-9.5. One such coating is called "Resisto-coats", available from Michelman, Inc., of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Referring to the drawing figures, the visor 10 includes a blank formed with a top surface 12 and a bottom surface 14. It is the bottom surface that receives the coating mentioned above. It is found that conventional corrugated cardboard is an adequate substrate upon which this coating can be placed.

The blank includes a trailing rear edge 4, a front leading edge 2, and side edges 6 extending therebetween. As thus far described, the device would be a substantially rectangular blank. But the side edges 6 as they extend from the rear edge 4 to the front edge 2 are provided with a truncated edge 8 cut at a 45 degree angle at about a distance 1/3 the entire width of the blank, as measured along a centerline between the rear and leading edges. Thus, the side edges 6 are approximately 1/3 the maximum width. Note the corners between the side and rear edges have been radiused. In addition, a plurality of scorelines 16 are provided parallel to side edges 6 and just inboard from where the truncated edge 8 connects with the leading edge 2. Pairs of scorelines 16 are on opposite sides of and equidistant from a centerline CL of the blank so that when configured such as shown in FIG. 1 by bending along a scoreline, a pair of downwardly depending wings 22 are formed. It is intended that when deployed the visor evolves into a three-sided structure having a top panel 23, and a pair of depending side wings 22 extending from the score lines. These side wings and top panel respectively overlap upon side walls S and a top wall T of a video display terminal.

When deployed in a stable position on the video monitor, a major portion of the blank is intended to project forwardly, above the video screen. This provides an overhang or shroud which effectively limits access or exposure of the screen to a plurality of distracting phenomena heretofore afflicting video display terminals. In order to reliably fasten the visor 10 to the monitor, a plurality of fasteners 20 are placed just inboard of the rear edge 4 and on the wings 22 of the visor. Thus these fasteners 20 will connect with side walls S of the monitor for reliable fastening. In one form of the invention, an adhesive can be the means for attachment. In another embodiment, a mechanical hook and loop fastener manufactured under the trademark Velcro can be utilized.

In use and operation, a major portion of the visor, approximately 50%-65%, projects forwardly, over the top and side walls of the monitor. The thus-formed shelf, which overhangs and projects thereover, provides a barrier against distracting sources of ambient light. The visor also provides a physical barrier making it difficult for dust to migrate under the projection towards the screen. This effect is further enhanced by placing the coating mentioned above on the bottom visor surface 14 which repels dust particles away from the screen. In addition, the contour of the sidewings including the truncated edge 8 can be modified for more severe angles than that which has been shown in the drawings so that an observer cannot discern what is on the screen from looking along a side thereof. This would have particular utility in classroom or examination environments.

Thus, a device has been provided which can fit monitors with screens having different diameters because of its adaptability via the scorelines. In addition, the overhanging projection reduces monitor glare when used in a room that is illuminated thereby reducing eyestrain. The top and side surfaces of the visor are appropriately configured to support indicia such as advertising thereon.

In addition, a support means can be provided to carry other articles. Thus, a pocket 26 and a pen holder 28 are shown in FIG. 1 to further enhance the flexibility of the system. The pocket 26 can be used to retain computer diskettes or other material.

Moreover, having thus described the invention, it should be apparent that numerous structural modifications and adaptations may be resorted to without departing from the scope and fair meaning of the instant application as defined here and below by the claims and as defined generally here and above.