Free Objections - District Court of Delaware - Delaware

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United States Patent
Kim et al.

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Patent NO.: US 6,498,718 B1 Date of Patent: Dec. 24,2002

(54)

PORTABLE COMPUTER AND METHOD FOR MOUNTING A FLAT PANEL DISPLAY DEVICE THEREON
Inventors: Jong Hwan Kim, Kyunggi-Do (KR); Young Woo Cho, Kyunggi-Do (KR) Assignee: LG. Philips LCD Co., Ltd., Seoul (KR) Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this patent is extended or adjusted under 35 U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days. OTHER PUBLICATIONS Korean Office Action dated Jan. 31, 2001 (with English translation). Japanese Office Action dated Feb. 13, 2002 (with English translation). GB Office Action dated May 31, 2000.

(75) (73)

( * ) Notice:

(21) (22)

Appl. No.: 091444,376 Filed:

Nov. 22, 1999 Related U.S. Application Data

(63) (30)

Continuation of application No. 091285,338, filed on Apr. 2, 1999.

Foreign Application Priority Data
(KR) (KR)

* cited by examiner
Primary ExaminerAynn D. Feild Assistant Examiner-Yean Hsi Chang (74) Attorney, Agent, or F i r m 4 c K e n n a Long & Aldridge LLP (57)

Oct. 23, 1998 Oct. 27, 1998

........................................ 98-44475 ........................................ 98-44973

(51) (52) (58) (56)

Int. CL7 .................................................. G06F 1/16 U.S. C1. ....................... 3611680; 3611683; 3611686;
349158

ABSTRACT

Field of Search ................................. 3611679-681,
3611683, 686; 349158

References Cited
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
5,268,816 5,379,182 5,423,605 5,835,139 5,946,061 A * 1211993 Abell, Jr. et al. ........... 3611729 A 111995 Fujmori et al. ............. 3611681 A 611995 Liu A * 1111998 Yun et al. ..................... 349158 A * 811999 Kurihara et al. .............. 349158

FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
GB 2170035 A * 711986

A portable computer including a housing having first and second sections, the first section having an information input device and the second section having a case having a first fastening element; a display panel including a second fastening element at a rear surface of the panel, the case and the display panel being attached through the first and second fastening elements; a hinge coupling the first and the second sections to each other; and a display panel support member having a third fastening element, the display panel support member being attached to the display panel through the third fastening element. 41 Claims, 16 Drawing Sheets

............. G09Fl7118

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(PRIOR ART)

FIG. 1

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FIG. 2

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( PR I OR ART)

FIG. 3A

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(PRIOR ART)

FIG. SB

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FIG. 4B

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FIG.

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FIG. 5

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FIG. 9

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FIG. 10

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FIG. 11

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FIG. 12

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PORTABLE COMPUTER AND METHOD FOR MOUNTING A FLAT PANEL DISPLAY DEVICE THEREON
This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 091285,338 filed Apr. 2, 1999. This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application Nos. 98-44475, filed on Oct. 23, 1998 and 98-44973, filed on Oct. 27, 1998, which are hereby incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to a flat panel display device, and more specifically, to a flat panel display device mounting structure and a method of mounting the flat panel display device to a computer. 2. Description of the Related Art Flat panel display devices include liquid crystal display devices (LCD) which are being used widely, plasma display panels (PDP), and field emission displays (FED) which have been studied recently and may be applied to computers in the near future, For convenience of explanation, the present invention will be discussed with respect to the LCD as an example of the flat screen type display devices and a portable computer mounted with the LCD. Referring to FIG. 1, a general portable computer such as a laptop or notebook computer typically includes a body 100, a flat panel display device assembly 110 coupled to the body 100 via a hinge mechanism 124, ~h~ flat panel type display device assembly 110 has a flat panel display device 1 1and a display case 122 supporting the flat panel display 1 device 111. The body 100 has an input device 102 such as a keyboard. As a flat panel type display device 111, the LCD is widely used in portable computers and flat screen monitors. Referring to FIG. 2 which shows conventional assembly structure of the LCD device applied to a conventional portable computer, the display case 122 has a rear case 123 and a front case or frame 121 for mounting the LCD device 130. The rear case or frame 123 has an outer surface and an inner surface and connecting ribs 123a are formed at the corners. The LCD device 130 has an LCD panel 132, a backlight device 134 fixed to the back of the LCD panel 132, and a supporting frame 136 for assembling the LCD panel 132 and the backlight device 134 along the edge. At the comers of the supporting frame 136, corresponding to the aositions of the ribs 123a of the rear case 123. a plurality of protrusions 136a having holes are formed. For mounting the LCD device 130 to the display case 122, the LCD device 130 is placed on the rear case 123 and the holes of the supporting frame 136 and the ribs 123a are fastened together preferably by screws 138. The front case 121 is coupled to the rear case 123. Hereinafter. the wav in which the LCD device is mounted to the case from the front toward the rear direction is defined as the front mounting method, and the assembled structure of the LCD device and the case formed through the front mounting method is defined as the front mounting structure. In the front mounting structure of the LCD device, since the protrusions 136a require additional space corresponding to the protruded width d, the display area of the LCD device is reduced in comparison to the fixed size of the display case 122.
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The front mounting structure may also include an additional feature to further support the LCD device as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, a conventional LCD device assembly 110 includes an LCD panel 112 and a backlight device (not shown) for the LCD panel 112 and display case 122 supporting the LCD device 111. The LCD panel 112 and the backlight device are assembled by a supporting frame 114 along the edges. The display case 122 is coupled to a body 120 via a hinge mechanism 124, which may extend from the body 120. The disvlav case 122 and the hinge mechanism 124 are assembled through a hinge arm 126, allowing the flat panel display device assembly 110 to pivotally move with respect to the body 120. Two opposite sides of the supporting frame 114 include flanges 114a for assembling the LCD device 1 1 to the 1 display case 122, and comers include flanges 114b for the LCD device to the hinge arm 12'. Hereinafter, the former is referred as a fixing flange and the latter is referred as a mounting flange in this specification for in 3B, the fixing flanges have a protruding width d2 and the mounting flanges 114b have a protruding width d l . A screw hole is formed in each of the flanges 114a and 114b. On the inner surface of the display case 122, ribs 122a are formed corresponding to the holes of the fixing flange 114a. mount the LCD device l 1 l 3 the hinge arm 126 and the and the fixing mounting flanges 114b are screwed flanges 114a and the ribs 122a are screwed together by bolts 12'. In the mounting structure shown in FIG. 3B, the supporting frame 114 requires side spaces for the flanges 114a and 114b. Therefore, the side space D (dl+d2) results in a reduction of the display area of the LCD panel 112 relative to the display case 122. Moreover, as the display size increases, the display case becomes undesirably large, especially for a portable computer such as a laptop computer. To solve the above problem and to provide a large display area with minimal display case size, a new mounting structure is needed for the LCD device.
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Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a portable computer and method for mounting a flat panel display device thereon that substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art. An object of the present invention is to minimize the non-display area of the LCD device. Another object of the present invention is to provide a computer having a flat panel display with a maximum display area and a minimal display case size. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings. To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described, a portable computer includes a body having an information input device; a case coupled to the body and having inner and outer surfaces; and a flat panel

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display device having a display surface and a rear surface, the rear surface being fixed to the inner surface of the case. According to another aspect of the present invention, a portable computer includes a body having an information input device; a flat panel display case coupled to the body; a flat panel display device a display surface and a rear surface; and a hinge mechanism having a hinge mount and a hinne arm fixed to the rear surface of the disvlav device. u According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of mounting a flat panel display device to a hinge mechanism having a hinge mount, a hinge arm, and a pin portion rotating in the hinge mount, the flat panel display device having a display surface and a rear surface, the method including a step of fixing the rear surface of the flat panel display device to the hinge arm. The fixing step is preferably carried out by attaching the hinge arm and the rear surface of the flat display device using a screw. According to a further aspect of the present invention, an LCD device coupled to an outer case includes an LCD panel having a display surface and a rear surface; a backlight device having a first surface facing the rear surface of the LCD panel and a second surface attached to the outer case; and a supporting frame for assembling the LCD panel and the backlight device. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

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FIG. 15 is a side view showing a back mounting structure of the LCD device according to a ninth embodiment of the Present invention; and FIG. 16 is a partial sectional view showing the assembled state of the structure in FIG. 15. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: FIG. 1is a perspective view showing a general portable computer; FIG. 2 shows a conventional mounting structure of the LCD device for a portable computer; FIGS. 3A and 3B are a perspective view and a front view, respectively, showing a mounting structure of the LCD device for a portable computer; FIGS. 4A-4C show the LCD device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 shows a mounting structure in accordance with a first embodiment in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 6 shows a mounting structure in accordance with a second embodiment in accordance with the present invention; FIG, 7 is a partial sectional view showing the assembled state of the structure in FIG. 6; FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a back mounting structure of the LCD device according to a third embodiment in accordance with the present invention; is a perspective view showing a back mounting structure of the LCD device according to a fourth embodiment in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 10 is a front view showing the structure of FIG. 9; FIG. 1 is a fifth embodiment in accordance with the 1 present invention which is an alternate embodiment to FIG. 10 where the hinge mount is fixed to the display case; FIGS. 12, 13, and 14 are sixth, seventh, and eighth embodiments in accordance with the present invention;

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Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The present invention provides a back mounting method and a back mounting structure for a display panel device in a portable computer. Moreover, the rear surface of the display panel device may be coupled to a hinge arm for further support of the display panel device. FIGS. 4 A 4 C show a first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 4Aand 4B, the LCD device 10 has an LCD panel 12, a backlight unit 14, and a supporting frame 16. FIG. 4C shows an example of a detailed structure of the LCD device 10 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Referring to FIG. 4C, the LCD device 10 has a first frame 14g, preferably made of plastic, a reflector 14f on the frame 14g, a light guide film 14e, a diffuser or protecting film 14d, a first prism sheet 1 4 ~ 2 second prism sheet 14b, another diffuser a 0' protecting film 1 4 4 and the LCD panel 12. The first frame 148 is coupled to a second frame or supporting frame 16. At each comer of the first frame 14g a screw hole 15 is preferably formed. Although FIG. 4C shows the first frame 14g as part of the backlight unit 14, the first frame 14g can act as the supporting frame 16. mount the LCD device loto the case 30 8)' the LCD device lois placed On the inner surface of the case 30. Then, the case 30 and the LCD device lo are attached to one another by bolts 18 (which may be referred to as fastening elements, fastening parts, or a similar conveniently descriptive term) into the screw-hole 15 (which may be referred to as a fastening hole or a similar conveniently descriptive term, and which together with the material defining the hole may be referred to as a fastening element or fastening part) from the back of the display case 30. As explained above, the structure shown in FIGS. 4 A 4 C has an advantage in that the side space such as width d2 for fixing flange 114a of FIG. 3B is not needed and the size ratio between the display area and the display case is improved. FIG. 5 shows the assembly of the LCD device 10 to the display case 2 1 of a portable computer according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The computer includes a body 20 or first section having an information input device and a second section including the case 21. The 21 may the 20 and is the through a hinge mechanism. Together, the case 2 1 and the body 20 may be referred to as a housing, or a similar conveniently descriptive term. Preferably at each corner of the case 21 a through-hole 21a (which may be referred to as a fastening hole or a similar conveniently descriptive term, and which together with the material defining the hole may be referred to as a fastening element or fastening part) is formed. To mount the LCD device 10 to the case 21, the LCD device 10 is placed on the inner surface of the case 21 such that the positions of the holes 21a and the holes 15 coincide with each other, and screws 18 (fastening elements or fastening parts) are inserted into the holes 21a and 15 (which may be referred to as fastening holes or a similar conve-

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niently descriptive term, and which together with the material defining the holes each may be referred to as a fastening element or fastening part) from the back of the case 21. The through-hole 21a is preferably a stepped hole so that the head of the screw 18 will not protrude from the outer surface of the case 21. Although not shown in FIG. 5, a front case such as shown in FIG. 2 is preferably assembled with the display case 21 for covering the edges of the LCD device 10. FIG, 6 shows a back mounting structure of the LCD device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a detailed partial sectional view showing the assembled state of the LCD device 10 and the case 21 in accordance with the second embodiment. At the rear surface of the backlight device 14 of the LCD device 10, fasteners 17 (fastening elements or fastening parts) such as hooks made of plastic are formed, and the case 21 has corresponding ribs 23 (also fastening elements or fastening parts). Preferably, the ribs 23 do not protrude over the width of the supporting frame 16, A rib 23 has a stepped hole 21b. The fastener 17 is supported and latched by the stepped portion of the hole 21b. To facilitate the disassembly or release of the fastener 17 from the hole 21 b, the hole is preferably a through-hole extending all the way to the outer surface of the case 21. The hole 21 b may be covered by a cover 21c. me fastener 17 has a compressible head which presses into a small diameter to allow the fastener to enter and slide through the hole 21b. once head reaches the the stepped portion, the head returns to its original diameter and snaps or latches onto the stepped portion of the rib 23, order to dissemble or release the LCD device 10 from the case 21, a pair of tweezers or similar tool can be adapted for compressing the head of the fastener 17 from the back of the case 21 through the hole 21b. The fastener 17 is unlatched and can freely slide out of the hole, 21b. As an alternative embodiment, the fastener 17 can be formed on the case 21 and the stepped hole can be formed at the rear face of the LCD device 10 to achieve similar results. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a mounting structure of the LCD device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. There may be one or more hinge mechanisms for the LCD device; however, for convenience of explanation, only one hinge mechanism will be explained. ~ ~ FIG, 8, a body 20 includes a hinge ~ to f ~ ~ mount 22, i where a hinge arm 24 is connected. The hinge arm 24 has a pin portion 24a and a flat or extended portion 24b. ~h~ former is for being mounted to the hinge mount 22, and the latter is for being coupled to the rear surface of the LCD device 10, ~h~ various hinge components may be separate pieces of attached members or a single structure. The flat portion 24b can be elongated in various directions and by various methods. FIG. 8 shows one example of the flat portion 24b which is in the shape of an inverted UF" having a first support member extending in one direction and a second support member extending in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. At each end of the flat portion 24b, a hole such as a through-hole 24c (which may be referred to as a fastening hole or a similar conveniently descriptive term, and which together with the material defining the hole may be referred to as a fastening element or fastening part) is preferably formed. At the back surface of the LCD device 10, pegs 15a having mounting holes formed therein are formed corresponding to the positions of the through-holes 24c. The pegs 15a together with the mounting holes formed therein may be referred to as a

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fastening element or fastening part and as shown in FIG. 8 protrude away from the LCD device 10. The through-holes 24c are preferably screw holes. In the display case 30, a hole such as a through-hole 30 (which may be referred to as a fastening hole or a similar conveniently descriptive term, and which together with the material defining the hole may be referred to as a fastening element or fastening part) may be formed. Moreover, although hole 30a may be formed at the corresponding position of the through-hole 24c of the flat portion 24b, alternatively, the flat portion may be in an inverted "L" shape. To mount the LCD device 10, the body 20 (first portion) and the display case 30 (second portion) (collectively referred to as a housing)are connected by the pin portion 24a 0" the hinge mount 22. The display case 30, the hinge arm 24 (referred to as a display device support member), and the LCD device l o are preferably attached screws (fastening Or fastening parts) the mounting the Pegs and the screw 24c. Alternatively, nails or other similar known fastening elements or fastening Parts can be adopted for this Purpose. Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10 which show a fourth embodiment of the hinge arm 24, the flat portion 24b of the hinge arm 24 is extended upwards and preferably extended to almost the entire height of the LCD device 10. In the flat portion 24b according to this embodiment, it is preferable to form a mounting hole 24c and the through-hole 30a at the Same position. It is also possible to form the holes 24c and 30a at different positions relative to the display case. Thus, additional mounting hole 1% may not be necessary for this embodiment. The mounting structure of this embodiment may be Stronger than that of the second anbodiment. The LCD device 10, the elongated hinge arm 24, and the display Case 30 are fastened together by screws 18, for example. FIG. 11 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention, where the hinge mount 22 is preferably fixed to the display case 30, but a fixed flange 26 is secured to the body 20. The structure of the hinge arm 24 and other elements are similar to those shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. FIGS. 12-14 show three alternative embodiments of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 9 and 11. In FIG. 12, the sixth embodiment of the present invention, the hinge arm 24 has a shape of the letter "E." In FIG. 13, the seventh embodiment of the present invention, the hinge arm 24 has the shape of the~ letter "C." In FIG. 14, the eighth embodiment of the ~ Present invention, the hinge arm 24 has the shape of the letter "H." The fastening holes may be formed at various positions on the hinge arm 24 as desired to secure the hinge arm to the display case 30. omb bin at ions and other variations of these different embodiments are contemplated in the present invention with the purpose of supporting the LCD panel, preferably the back the LCD panel and the case. the seventh and eighth may be combined to provide a stronger support of the LCD panel. Moreover, the hinge may be fixed the 20 lo)Or the case 30 11) in these embOdiments. The present invention contemplates the use of fastening devices other than screws. One such alternative embodiment is shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. FIGS. 15 and 16 show the mounting structure according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. At the rear surface of the LCD device 10, at least one fastener (fastening element or fastening part) such as a hook 19, preferably made of plastic or other suitable material, is formed. As can be seen from FIGS. 15 and 16, the hook 19 protrudes away

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fastening a display device support member, having a third from the LCD device 10 and includes a first part and a second part where the first part is larger than the second part. fastening element, to the case; and In the flat portion 24b of the hinge arm 24 (referred to as a fastening the rear mountable display device to the display display device support member), at least one corresponding device support member by the third fastening element. through-hole (which may be referred to as a fastening hole S 2 , The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first or a similar conveniently descriptive term, and which and second fastening elements includes a fastening hole, together with the material defining the hole may be referred 3 , The method of claim wherein the second fastening to as a fastening element or fastening part) is formed. In the element includes a fastening hole. display case, at least one stepped hole 30b (which may be wherein the first and second 4 . The method of 'laim referred to as a fastening hole or a similar conveniently descriptive term, and which together with the material fastening each a screw wherein fastening the rear 5 . The defining the hole may be referred to as a fastening element mountable display device to the case further or fastening part) corresponding to the through-hole in the inserting a screw from a rear of the case through the screw hinge arm 24 is formed to support and/or latch the fastener holes of the first and second fastening elements; and 19. To facilitate the disassembly or release of the fastener 19 from the hole 30b through the rear of the case 30, the hole l5 attaching the rear mountable display device to the case by 30b is preferably a through-hole. the screw. To assemble the LCD device to the hinge arm 24 and 6 . The method of claim 1, wherein fastening the rear display case 30, the hinge arm 24 is mounted to the hinge mountable display device to the display panel support mem22 (as in l o and 11) and the ber comprises fastening the rear mountable display device to 24c (see 12-14) the hinge arm 24 and the 20 the display device support member by the first and third 30b (see FIGS. 15-16) are coincidentally placed. Then, the fastening elements, LCD device 10 with at least one fastener 19 is pressed into The method of claim 6 , wherein the third fastening the hole 30b and latched onto the display case 30, as shown element includes a fastening hole, in detail in FIG. 16. Here, the fastener 19 will slide through The method of 'laim 6 2 wherein the first and third the hole 30b and snap into place by the protruding or wing 25 portions of the head of the fastener 19. To dissemble the fastening each a screw 9. The method of claim 8, wherein fastening the rear LCD device 10 from the display case 30, a device such as tweezers or other suitable tool can be adapted for squeezing mountable display device the device the head or top portion of the fastener 19 from the back of member further comprises: inserting a screw through the screw holes of the first and the case 30 through the hole 30b. The fastener 19 is 30 unlatched and can freely slide out of the hole 30b. The hole third fastening elements; and 30b can be covered by a cover 30c. attaching the rear mountable display device to the case by Alternatively, the fastener 19 can be formed on the case the screw. 30 and the stepped hole can be formed at the rear face of the 10. The method of claim 6, wherein the first, second and LCD device 10 to achieve similar results. 3s third fastening elements each include a screw hole. As explained above, the mounting method according to 11. The method of claim 10, wherein fastening the rear the present invention does not require unnecessary side mountable display device to the display device support space for mounting the LCD device on the computer. Thus, member further comprises: the ratio of the display area of the LCD device to the display inserting a screw from a rear of the case through the screw case can be improved and maximized. holes of the first, second and third fastening elements; 40 In the above embodiments of the present invention, and although the LCD device has been used as one type of flat attaching the rear mountable display device to the case by panel display device, other flat panel display devices such as the screw. plasma display panels (PDP) and field emission displays 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the first fastening (FED) may be used in ac~ordance with the Present inven- 4s element includes a stepped hole, the second fastening eletion. Moreover, in the above embodiments, other hinge ment includes a compressible head, and wherein fastening mechanisms may be used such as a gear hinge as disclosed, the rear mountable display device to the case comprises for example, in U.S. application Ser. No. 081937,801 filed on inserting the compressible head through the stepped hole. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the first fastening Sep. 25, 1997 entitled, "DISPLAY WITH GEAR TYPE so element includes a fastening hole, the second fastening HINGE," which is incorporated herein by reference. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various element comprises a hook, and wherein fastening the rear modifications and variation can be made in the portable mountable display device to the case comprises pressing the computer and method for mounting a flat panel display hook through the fastening hole to snap the hook into place. device thereon of the present invention without departing 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the first fastening from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended ss element includes a stepped hole, the second fastening elethat the present invention cover the modifications and variament includes a compressible head, and the third fastening tions of this invention provided they come within the scope element includes a fastening hole, and wherein fastening the of the appended claims and their equivalents. rear mountable display device to the case comprises insertWhat is claimed is: ing the compressible head through the fastening hole and the 1. A method of attaching a rear mountable display device 60 stepped hole. to a housing for a portable computer, said housing compris15. The method of claim 1, wherein the first fastening ing a first section having an information input device and a element includes a first fastening hole, the second fastening second section having a case including a first fastening element includes a hook, and the third fastening element element, the method comprising: includes a second fastening hole, and wherein fastening the fastening the display panel to the case by the first fasten- 65 rear mountable display device to the case comprises pressing the hook through the first and second fastening holes to snap ing element and a second fastening element on a rear the hook into place. surface of the rear mountable display device;
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16. The method of claim 1, wherein the display device mountable display device to the case comprises pressing the support member extends substantially from a bottom portion hook through the fastening hole to snap the hook into place. of the second to a top portion of the second section. 30. The method of claim 17, wherein the first fastening 17. A method of assembling a portable computer having element includes a stepped hole, the second fastening elea rear mountable display device and a housing comprising a s ment includes a compressible head, and the third fastening first section having an information input device and a second element includes a fastening hole, and wherein attaching the section having a case including a first fastening element, the rear mountable display device to the case comprises insertmethod comprising: ing the compressible head through the fastening hole and the stepped hole. attaching the rear mountable display device to the case by the first fastening element and a second fastening 10 31. The method of claim 17, wherein the first fastening element includes a first fastening hole, the second fastening element on a rear surface of the rear mountable display element includes a hook, and the third fastening element device; includes a second fastening hole, and wherein attaching the coupling the first and second sections of the housing with rear mountable display device to the case comprises pressing a hinge; and attaching a display device support member to the rear mountable display device by a third fasten- IS the hook through the first and second fastening holes to snap the hook into place. ing element on the display device support member. 32. The method of claim 17, wherein the display device 18, The method of claim 17, wherein at least one of the first and second fastening elements includes a fastening member extends a portion of the second section to a top portion of the second section. hole. 33. A method of assembling a rear mountable flat panel 19, ~h~ method of claim 17, wherein the second fastening 20 display device capable of being mounted to a housing, element includes a fastening hole. comprising: 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the first and second placing a flat display panel on a top surface of a backlight fastening elements each include a screw hole. unit having a first frame, the first frame having a 21. The method of claim 20, wherein attaching the rear 25 fastening element for fastening the first frame to the mountable display device to the case further comprises: housing, said fastening element being located on a rear inserting a screw from a rear of the case through the screw surface opposite the top surface of the backlight unit holes of the first and second fastening elements; and where the flat display panel is placed; fastening the rear mountable display device to the case by placing a second frame on the flat display panel; and the screw. 30 fixing the flat display panel between the first frame of the 22. The method of claim 17, wherein attaching the rear backlight unit and the second frame. mountable display device to the display device support 3 4 The method of claim 33, wherein the fastening elemember comprises fastening the rear mountable display ment comprises a fastening hole. device to the display device support member by the first and 35. The method of claim 33, wherein the fastening elethird fastening elements. 3s ment comprises a screw hole. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the third fastening 36. The method of claim 33, wherein the fastening eleelement includes a fastening hole. ment comprises a stepped hole. 24. The method of claim 22, wherein the first and third 37. The method of claim 33, wherein the fastening elefastening elements each include a screw hole. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein attaching the rear 40 ment comprises a compressible head. 3% The method of claim 33, wherein the fastening elemountable display device to the display device support ment comprises a hook. member further comprises: 39. A rear method of a liquid inserting a screw through the screw holes of the first and crysta1 (LCD) device comprising: third fastening elements; and fastening the rear mountarranging a first frame on a light guide, the first frame able display device to the case by the screw. 45 having holes for coupling a a LCD panel to a support26. The method of claim 22, wherein the first, second and ing frame, the supporting frame having a front surface third fastening elements each include a screw hole. and a rear surface; and 27. The method of claim 26, wherein attaching the rear mountable display device to the display device support coupling the LCD panel, the light guide to the first frame so from the rear surface of the supporting frame. member further comprises: 40. A rear mountable method of assembling a liquid inserting a screw from a rear of the case through the screw crystal display (LCD) device comprising: holes of the first, second and third fastening elements; and arranging the LCD device on a inner surface of a display case, wherein the display case has an inner surface and fastening the rear mountable display device to the case by 5s back; the screw. 28. The method of claim 17, wherein the first fastening attaching the LCD device to the display case from the back of the display case. element includes a stepped hole, the second fastening element includes a compressible head, and wherein attaching 41. The rear mountable method of assembling a liquid the rear mountable display device to the case comprises crystal display (LCD) device of claim 40, wherein the LCD inserting the compressible head through the stepped hole. 60 device is attached to the display case by bolts inserted into 29. The method of claim 17, wherein the first fastening the holes from the back of the display case. element includes a fastening hole, the second fastening * * * * * element comprises a hook, and wherein attaching the rear