Flat panel display including a hinge assembly

Abstract

An apparatus for a flat panel is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a flat panel assembly and a hinge mechanism coupled to the flat panel assembly. The hinge mechanism is adaptable to an industry standard mount and a non-industry standard mount. A system and method in accordance with the present invention allows for the replacement of a non-VESA standard compatible display mount with a display mount that is compatible with the VESA standard. Utilizing the system and method in accordance with the present invention, such a replacement can be accomplished with minimal effort, and in an efficient manner.

1 . An apparatus comprising: 
 a flat panel assembly; and    a hinge mechanism, coupled to the flat panel assembly; wherein the hinge mechanism is adaptable to an industry standard mount and a non-industry standard mount.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the industry standard mount comprises a Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) mount.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the hinge mechanism is completely external to the flat panel assembly.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the hinge mechanism includes a fastening mechanism for removing and/or attaching a VESA mount and the non industry-standard mount thereto.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 4  wherein the fastening mechanism is two screws.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the hinge mechanism is partially internal and partially external to the flat panel assembly.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 6  wherein the flat panel assembly comprises: 
 a metal shield for protecting electrical components therein;    a front cover coupled to the metal shield and to the hinge mechanism; and    a back cover over the front cover and the metal shield; wherein the back cover includes a slot therein for allowing an attachment portion of the hinge mechanism to protrude therethrough.    
   
   
       8 . An apparatus comprising: 
 a flat panel assembly; and    a hinge mechanism coupled to the flat panel assembly, wherein the hinge mechanism is adaptable to a Video Electronic Standards Association (VESA) mount and a non industry standard mount.    
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 8  wherein the hinge mechanism is completely external to the flat panel assembly.  
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 8  wherein the hinge mechanism includes a fastening mechanism for removing and/or attaching the VESA mount and the non industry-standard mount thereto.  
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein the fastening mechanism is two screws.  
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 8  wherein the hinge mechanism is partially internal and partially external to the flat panel assembly.  
   
   
       13 . The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the flat panel assembly comprises: 
 a metal shield for protecting electrical components therein;    a front cover coupled to the metal shield and to the hinge mechanism; and    a back cover over the front cover and the metal shield; wherein the back cover includes a slot therein for allowing an attachment portion of the hinge mechanism to protrude therethrough.    
   
   
       14 . An apparatus comprising: 
 a hinge mechanism; wherein the hinge mechanism is adaptable to an industry standard mount and a Video Electronics Standards Association mount; and    a flat panel assembly, wherein the flat panel assembly comprises a metal shield for protecting electrical components therein a front cover coupled to the metal shield and to the hinge mechanism; and a back cover over the front cover and the metal shield;    wherein the back cover includes a slot therein for allowing an attachment portion of the hinge mechanism to protrude therethrough.