U.S. patent application number 10/184307 was filed with the patent office on 2003-01-02 for pivot assembly and support system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Ergotron, Inc.. Invention is credited to Nistler, Steve A., Scheller, Dennis M., Sweere, Harry C., Voeller, Donald M..
Application Number | 20030001057 10/184307 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24649384 |
Filed Date | 2003-01-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030001057 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sweere, Harry C. ; et
al. |
January 2, 2003 |
Pivot assembly and support system
Abstract
Multi-jointed and pivoted mounting systems for support of a flat
panel video display and/or keyboard tray, incorporating a plurality
of pivot points providing for pivotal motion of one or more
components about a plurality of vertical and horizontal axes.
Support arms having elevational pivot assemblies, including plastic
friction washers and gas springs, offer elevational arm control
requiring constant and predetermined positioning effort on the part
of the video display operator and keyboard operator.
Inventors: |
Sweere, Harry C.;
(Minneapolis, MN) ; Nistler, Steve A.; (Rosemount,
MN) ; Voeller, Donald M.; (Eagan, MN) ;
Scheller, Dennis M.; (Burnsville, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SCHWEGMAN, LUNDBERG, WOESSNER & KLUTH, P.A.
P.O. BOX 2938
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402
US
|
Assignee: |
Ergotron, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
24649384 |
Appl. No.: |
10/184307 |
Filed: |
June 27, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10184307 |
Jun 27, 2002 |
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09487611 |
Jan 20, 2000 |
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6419196 |
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09487611 |
Jan 20, 2000 |
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08869873 |
Jun 2, 1997 |
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6019332 |
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08869873 |
Jun 2, 1997 |
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08660397 |
Jun 7, 1996 |
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5842672 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
248/276.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10S 248/923 20130101;
Y10S 248/921 20130101; Y10S 248/92 20130101; F16M 2200/024
20130101; G06F 1/1601 20130101; F16M 11/22 20130101; F16M 11/2021
20130101; F16M 2200/021 20130101; Y10S 248/918 20130101; F16M
11/2064 20130101; F16M 13/02 20130101; F16M 2200/068 20130101; A47B
2200/0069 20130101; F16M 11/10 20130101; F16M 2200/044 20130101;
F16M 13/00 20130101; F16M 11/24 20130101; F16M 11/42 20130101; F16M
11/105 20130101; G06F 2200/1612 20130101; A47B 21/00 20130101; A47B
21/0314 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/276.1 |
International
Class: |
E04G 003/00 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A component support system comprising: an arm having a first
end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis; a surface mounting
portion coupled to the first end of the arm; a component mounting
portion coupled to the second end of the arm; an elevational pivot
joint coupled to the arm, the elevational pivot joint having a
range of motion that includes a position wherein the longitudinal
axis of the arm is substantially parallel to a wall surface; an
adjustable spring mount coupled to the elevational pivot joint, the
spring mount having an adjustable load counterbalance mechanism
that determines an adjustable counterbalance force in the range of
motion; and a spring having a first spring and a second spring end,
the first spring end attached to the adjustable spring mount, and
the second spring end attached to the arm, the spring providing a
countering force to rotation of the arm.
2. The component support system of claim 1, wherein the spring
includes a gas spring.
3. The component support system of claim 1, wherein the adjustable
spring mount includes a threaded adjusting member.
4. The component support system of claim 1, wherein the threaded
member is mounted in an orientation with respect to a wall surface
that provides a uniform counterbalancing force through the range of
motion.
5. The component support system of claim 4, wherein the orientation
includes an angle greater than zero degrees with respect to the
wall surface.
6. The component support system of claim 1, wherein the elevational
pivot joint includes a polymer friction washer.
7. The component support system of claim 6, wherein the polymer
friction washer includes a number of material properties including:
a static coefficient of friction; and a dynamic coefficient of
friction substantially the same as the static coefficient of
friction.
8. The component support system of claim 6, wherein the polymer
friction washer includes a high molecular weight polymer.
9. The component support system of claim 8, wherein the high
molecular weight polymer includes ultra high molecular weight
polyethylene (UHMWPE).
10. The component support system of claim 10, wherein the component
mounting portion includes a computer monitor mounting portion.
11. The component support system of claim 10, wherein the computer
monitor mounting portion includes a flat panel display mounting
portion.
12. A component support system comprising: an arm having a first
end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis; a surface mounting
portion coupled to the first end of the arm; a component mounting
portion coupled to the second end of the arm; an elevational pivot
joint coupled to the arm, the elevational pivot joint having a
range of motion of substantially 180 degrees; an adjustable spring
mount coupled to the elevational pivot joint, the spring mount
having an adjustable load counterbalance mechanism that determines
an adjustable counterbalance force in the range of motion; and a
spring attached at a first spring end to the adjustable spring
mount, and a second spring end attached to the arm, the spring
providing a countering force to rotation of the arm.
13. The component support system of claim 12, wherein the surface
mounting portion is adapted to mount to a vertical surface.
14. The component support system of claim 12, wherein the surface
mounting portion is adapted to mount to a horizontal surface.
15. The component support system of claim 12, wherein the spring
includes a gas spring.
16. The component support system of claim 12, wherein the
adjustable spring mount includes a threaded adjusting member.
17. The component support system of claim 12, wherein the threaded
member is mounted in an orientation with respect to a wall surface
that provides a uniform counterbalancing force through the entire
range of motion.
18. A method of manufacturing a component support system
comprising: forming an arm having a first end, a second end, and a
longitudinal axis; coupling a surface mounting portion to the first
end of the arm; coupling a component mounting portion to the second
end of the arm; coupling an elevational pivot joint to the arm, the
elevational pivot joint having a range of motion that includes a
position wherein the longitudinal axis of the arm is substantially
parallel to a wall surface; coupling an adjustable spring mount to
the elevational pivot joint, the spring mount having an adjustable
load counterbalance mechanism that determines an adjustable
counterbalance force in the range of motion; and attaching a spring
to the adjustable spring mount at a first spring end, and to the
arm at a second spring end, the spring providing a countering force
to rotation of the arm.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein coupling the adjustable spring
mount to the elevational pivot joint includes coupling a threaded
adjusting member to the elevational pivot joint.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein attaching the spring to the
adjustable spring mount includes attaching a gas spring to the
adjustable spring mount.
21. The method of claim 18, wherein coupling the elevational pivot
joint to the arm includes coupling a polymer friction washer to the
arm with the elevational pivot joint.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein coupling the polymer friction
washer to the arm includes coupling a polymer friction washer to
the arm that provides a static coefficient of friction and a
dynamic coefficient of friction that are substantially the
same.
23. The method of claim 21, wherein coupling the polymer friction
washer to the arm includes coupling a high molecular weight polymer
friction washer to the arm.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein coupling the high molecular
weight polymer friction washer to the arm includes coupling an
ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) friction washer
to the arm.
25. A method of supporting a component, the component coupled to an
arm at a component end, the arm coupled to a surface at a mounting
end, comprising: pivoting an end of the arm about an elevational
pivot joint to a desired pivot position, the elevational pivot
joint having a range of motion that includes a position wherein a
longitudinal axis of the arm is substantially parallel to a wall
surface; and adjusting an adjustable spring mount that is coupled
to the elevational pivot joint, the adjustment of the adjustable
spring mount achieving a load counterbalance force in the range of
motion that substantially offsets a downward component force.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein adjusting the adjustable spring
mount includes adjusting a threaded adjusting member.
Description
CROSS REFERENCES TO CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of
U.S. Ser. No. 08/660,397 filed Jun. 7, 1996, entitled "Mounting
System for Flat Panel Display, Keyboard, and Stand" by the same
inventors.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention is for mounting systems incorporating
a positionable support arm, and more particularly pertains to
mounting systems used for supporting a flat panel display in
position for viewing or a keyboard in position for operating.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Prior art mounting systems with positionable support arms
have incorporated ball gimbals, simple knob operated pivot mounts,
angular slots, and control arms or spring devices which were
adjusted to maintain position of a flat panel display supported
thereby while offering pivotable capabilities about a small number
of pivot centers Often the lack of a sufficient amount of pivots
limited the positionable capabilities of the support arm and the
flat panel display about a sufficient number of pivotal axes. Lack
of friction control and dynamic lift capability made adjustment of
the flat panel display difficult and required the use of two hands
to accomplish an adjustment. Additionally, movement of the support
arm and flat panel display payload in a downward accomplished
easily, as the weight of the flat panel display acted in
conjunction with gravitational forces and readily overcame the
frictional qualities of the friction pivot style joint. However,
movement in an upward direction was not so easily and readily
accomplished, as the upward force required to raise the flat panel
display had to overcome the friction of the friction style joint as
well as the force of gravity. In addition, two-handed adjustments
added to the complexity of adjusting the flat panel display.
Clearly what is needed is a positional flat panel display mounting
system which is positionable over a multitude of axes, which can be
repositioned without secondary controls, which incorporates an
adjustable counterbalance or lifting system to provide "co-equal"
movement force in either the upward or downward direction, which
incorporates frictional systems which can be used to establish
pre-determined moving forces within OSHA guidelines, and which
provides stability for touch screen applications.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The general purpose of the present invention is a
multi-jointed and pivoted mounting system for support and
positioning of a flat panel display or a keyboard.
[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there
is provided a multi-jointed and pivoted mounting system for
positioning of a flat panel display including: a pivotal support
bracket, a support arm, an arm azimuthal pivot, an arm elevational
pivot, an adjustable load counterbalance system, a display roll
pivot, a display tilt pivot, a display rotation pivot, and an
interface coupling, all acting in concert to support and provide
positioning for a flat panel display or any other desired object,
such as a keyboard.
[0008] A frictional pivot mount forms the basis of each pivot and
is an unique tilt resistive or tilt restraining device that relies
on the unique properties of a family of polymer materials having
static and dynamic coefficients of friction which are substantially
identical, such as Delrin or other ultra high molecular weight
polyethylene (UHMWPE) materials. The result provided by the static
and dynamic coefficients of friction of UHMWPE materials, such as
utilized in disks or washers of the unique frictional pivot tilt
restraining device, is that a flat panel display remains in any
tilt position selected by the user. If the user wishes to tiltingly
reposition the flat panel display upwardly or downwardly, or any
other position, the flat panel display must be manually
repositioned to overcome the frictional pivot tilt restraining
device. Once the flat panel display is tilted to a different
selected position, the unique frictional pivot tilt restraining
device resistably restrains the flat panel display in the new
position as selected. Sufficient friction to maintain position of
the flat panel display during use is provided, and yet easy
"breakaway" release to reposition the flat panel display to a new
operating position or to the storage position is afforded. The
unique characteristics of the polymer material allow smooth tilt
adjustment of the frictional pivot tilt mechanism, and yet provide
a constant frictional memory for the preset position of the flat
panel display. A predetermined poise is required of the operator to
reposition the flat panel display, at which time it remains in the
new position.
[0009] One significant aspect and feature of the present invention
is a multi-jointed and pivoted mounting system for a flat panel
display.
[0010] Another significant aspect and feature of the present
invention is a multi-jointed and pivoted mounting system for a flat
panel display which is positionable at any point within the given
range of travel of a support arm.
[0011] Yet another significant aspect and feature of the present
invention is a plurality of pivots incorporating ultra high
molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) disks or washers (the
subject of a pending patent application).
[0012] Still another significant aspect and feature of the present
invention is a plurality of pivots including an arm azimuthal
pivot, an arm elevational pivot, a display roll pivot, a display
tilt pivot and a display rotation pivot.
[0013] A further significant aspect and feature of the present
invention is an interface connecting the display rotation pivot to
the display tilt pivot.
[0014] A still further significant aspect and feature of the
present invention is a load counterbalance mechanism adjuster whose
location and angle of adjustment in respect to the arm elevational
pivot is derived through the use of a computerized mathematical
algorithm for each mounting option offered in the system, to
provide a user adjustable counterbalance pivot point for a broad
range of display or payload weights.
[0015] A still further significant aspect and feature of the
present invention is a load counterbalance mechanism which provides
a dynamically increasing counterbalance moment which corresponds to
the increasing moment load on the support arm as the support arm
traverses from 0.degree. vertical to 90.degree. horizontal and
which provides a dynamically decreasing counterbalance moment which
corresponds to the decreasing moment load on the support arm as the
support arm moves downward from 90.degree. horizontal to
180.degree. vertical to provide a linear counterbalance force
throughout the total adjustable range of the support arm.
[0016] A still further significant aspect and feature of the
present invention is a nitrogen gas spring counterbalance mechanism
which operates physically within the pivot point of the support
arm, allowing 180.degree. (.+-.90.degree.) rotation of the flat
panel display or other load.
[0017] A still further significant aspect and feature of the
present invention is an arm elevation frictional pivot, independent
of the arm counterbalance system, which provides for establishment
of a predetermined, bi-directional frictional moving force which
allows single-handed movement of the flat panel display within OSHA
guidelines and yet provides a stable viewing or operating platform
for touch screen or keyboard applications.
[0018] Another significant aspect and feature of the present
invention is a pivot/ratchet assembly which attaches a keyboard
tray to the outer end of a support arm. The pivot/ratchet assembly
offers incremental pivotal positioning in an upward direction about
arrays of ratchet teeth and includes a release lever assembly which
is utilized to bypass the ratcheting feature to allow manual
repositioning for downward positioning of the keyboard tray. The
pivot/ratchet assembly can also be incorporated to support a flat
panel display.
[0019] Having thus described significant aspects and features of
the present invention, it is the principal object of the present
invention to provide a multi-jointed and pivotable mounting system
for a flat panel video display or a keyboard.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] Other objects of the present invention and many of the
attendant advantages of the present invention will be readily
appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to
the following detailed description when considered in connection
with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals
designate like parts throughout the figures thereof and
wherein:
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a mounting system
embodiment according to the present invention in the form of a
vertical surface mount for supporting a flat panel display, and
also illustrates a flat panel display supported thereby;
[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the elements illustrated
in FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates a rotated isometric view of the pivotal
support bracket of the vertical surface mount of FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of the elements illustrated
in FIG. 1 with the support arm of the vertical surface mount in the
fully lowered position;
[0025] FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of the pivotal support
bracket of FIG. 3 secured to the wall mount track plates of the
vertical surface mount of FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom view in partial cross section of
the elements illustrated in FIG. 5;
[0027] FIG. 7 illustrates a partial cutaway side view of the
vertical surface mount of FIG. 1 with the support arm in a downward
position along its 180.degree. pivot range about a horizontal
axis;
[0028] FIG. 8 illustrates a partial cutaway side view of the
vertical surface mount of FIG. 1 with the support arm in the
90.degree. or horizontal position along its 180.degree. pivot range
about a horizontal axis;
[0029] FIG. 9 illustrates a partial cutaway side view of the
vertical surface mount of FIG. 1 with the support arm in an upward
position along its 180.degree. pivot range about a horizontal
axis;
[0030] FIG. 10 illustrates a partial cutaway side view of the
vertical surface mount of FIG. 1 with the support arm in its
uppermost position along its 180.degree. pivot range about a
horizontal axis;
[0031] FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of the elements of FIG. 1 and
the pivot arc along which the support arm is capable of moving
about a vertical axis;
[0032] FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a first
alternative mounting system embodiment of the present invention in
the form of another vertical surface mount for supporting a flat
panel display, and also illustrates a flat panel display supported
thereby;
[0033] FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of the elements of FIG.
12;
[0034] FIG. 14 illustrates a rotated isometric view of the pivotal
support bracket of the vertical surface mount of FIG. 12;
[0035] FIG. 15 illustrates a front view of the elements with the
support arm of the vertical surface mount of FIG. 12 in the fully
lowered position;
[0036] FIG. 16 illustrates a front view of the pivotal support
bracket of FIG. 14;
[0037] FIG. 17 illustrates a bottom view in partial cross section
of the pivotal support bracket of FIG. 14;
[0038] FIG. 18 illustrates a partial cutaway side view of the
vertical surface mount of FIG. 12 with the support arm in one
position of various possible positionings along its 180.degree.
pivot range about a horizontal axis;
[0039] FIG. 19 illustrates in partial cutaway and partial cross
section a side view of a second alternative mounting system
embodiment of the present invention in the form of horizontal
surface or ceiling track mount for supporting a flat panel display,
and also illustrates a flat panel display supported thereby;
[0040] FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective view of a third
alternative mounting system embodiment of the present invention in
the form of a tabletop mount incorporating a gas spring for
supporting a flat panel display, and also illustrates a flat panel
display supported thereby;
[0041] FIG. 21 illustrates a side view of the elements illustrated
in FIG. 20;
[0042] FIG. 22 illustrates a top view of the elements illustrated
in FIG. 20;
[0043] FIG. 23 illustrates in partial cross section and partial
cutaway a side view of the elements illustrated in FIG. 20.
[0044] FIG. 24 illustrates in partial cutaway a side view of a
fourth alternative mounting system embodiment of the present
invention in the form of a tabletop mount incorporating a steel
coil spring for supporting a flat panel display, and also
illustrates a flat panel display supported thereby;
[0045] FIG. 25 illustrates a perspective view of a fifth
alternative mounting system embodiment of the present invention in
the form of a keyboard support system for supporting a
keyboard;
[0046] FIG. 26 illustrates a perspective view of the keyboard tray
pivot/brake assembly of the keyboard support system of FIG. 25;
[0047] FIG. 27 illustrates a top view of the keyboard tray
pivot/brake assembly illustrated in FIG. 26;
[0048] FIG. 28 illustrates a side view of the keyboard support
system of FIG. 25;
[0049] FIG. 29 illustrates a perspective view of a sixth
alternative mounting system embodiment of the present invention in
the form of a rolling cart assembly which incorporates a vertical
surface mount for supporting a flat panel display, a keyboard
support system for supporting a keyboard, and various mounting
brackets for supporting other equipment, and also illustrates a
flat panel display supported by the vertical surface mount;
[0050] FIG. 30 illustrates an isometric view of a pivot/ratchet
assembly useful as an alternative to certain ones of the pivoting
structures of the various mounting systems illustrated in FIGS. 1,
12, 19, 20, 24, 25 and 29;
[0051] FIG. 31 illustrates an exploded isometric view of the
pivot/ratchet assembly of FIG. 30;
[0052] FIG. 32 illustrates an isometric view of the pivot/ratchet
assembly of FIG. 30 in a partially assembled state;
[0053] FIG. 33 illustrates a top view of the pivot/ratchet assembly
of FIG. 30;
[0054] FIG. 34 illustrates a cross sectional view of the
pivot/ratchet assembly taken along the line 34-34 of FIG. 33;
and,
[0055] FIG. 35 illustrates in detail the shape of the individual
teeth of an array of smoothed ratchet teeth of the pivot/ratchet
assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0056] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a mounting system
embodiment according to the present invention in the form of a
vertical surface mount 10 supporting a flat panel display 16.
Angled bracket assemblies 18 and 20 secure suitably to surface
mount track plates 12 and 14 to support a pivotal support bracket
or arm elevation bracket 22 and its associated components. Pivotal
support bracket 22 serves as a pivotal mount for support arm 24 and
other associated components including a gas (e.g., nitrogen) spring
25 and left and right support arm members 112 and 114,
respectively. Gas spring 25 secures between the pivotal support
bracket 22 and the support arm 24, as later described in detail.
The pivotal support bracket 22 pivots about vertical axis 26 to
carry the support arm 24, a three-axis pivot 30, and the flat panel
display 16 as a unit about the vertical axis 26. Support arm 24
pivotally secures to the pivotal support bracket 22 to offer
movement of the support arm 24, the three-axis pivot 30, and the
flat panel display 16 as a unit about the horizontal axis 28. The
three-axis pivot 30, as described later in detail, secures at the
outboard end 24b of the support arm 24 to support the flat panel
display 16.
[0057] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the elements of FIG. 1.
Illustrated in particular is the three-axis pivot 30 including
pivot assemblies 32, 34 and 36 suitably secured between the
outboard end 24b of support arm 24 and a component mount or bracket
38 on the rear surface of the flat panel display 16. The inboard
end 24a of the support arm is pivotally secured to the pivotal
support bracket 22 to provide elevational pivotal positioning of
the support arm 24 and its payload about the horizontal axis 28
illustrated in FIG. 1. The three-axis pivot 30 and the flat panel
display 16 can be elevationally positioned about the horizontal
axis 28 in conjunction with and by the action of the support arm
24. As viewed in FIG. 2, pivot assembly 32 offers rotation of the
members outboard of the pivot assembly 32, that is to say, pivot
assemblies 34, 36 and flat panel display 16, about the vertical
axis 40 extending through the pivot assembly 32. Pivot assembly 34
offers tilt of the members outboard of the pivot assembly 34, that
is to say, pivot assembly 36 and flat panel display 16, about a
horizontally aligned axis 42 extending through the pivot assembly
34, as illustrated in FIG. 4. Pivot assembly 36 offers tilt of the
members outboard of the pivot assembly 36, that is to say, flat
panel display 16, about a roll axis 44 extending through the pivot
assembly 36.
[0058] The pivot assembly 32, of the three-axis pivot 30, secures
to vertically oriented flanges 46 and 48 extending from members of
the support arm 24.
[0059] Now, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 4 the three-axis pivot 30
is described. Pivot assembly 32 includes angle brackets 50 and 52
secured to support arm flanges 46 and 48 at end 24b of the support
arm 24, UHMWPE (ultra high molecular weight polyethylene) disks 54
and 56 aligned to the inner planar surfaces of angle brackets 50
and 52, respectively, and a bolt 58 having two Belleville washers
59 and 60 and nut 62. Aligned to the interior surfaces of the
UHMWPE disks 54 and 56 are the horizontally aligned portions of
angle brackets 64 and 66 which extend outwardly to present the
flanged portions for mating to pivot assembly 34. Bolt 58 extends
through the brackets 50, 52, 64 and 66, UHMWPE disks 54 and 56,
Belleville washers 59 and 60 and nut 62. Bolt 58 is tensioned
across the assembly to provide suitable friction to stabilize pivot
assemblies 34 and 36 and flat panel display 16. Pivot assembly 34,
constructed in the same manner and fashion as pivot assembly 32,
includes angle brackets 68 and 70 secured to the vertical portions
of angle brackets 64 and 66 of the pivot assembly 32, UHMWPE disks
72 and 74 aligned to the inner surfaces of angle brackets 68 and
70, respectively, and a bolt 76 having two Belleville washers 77
and 78 and nut 80. Aligned to the interior surfaces of the UHMWPE
disks 72 and 74 are the vertically aligned portions of angle
brackets 82 and 84 which extend outwardly to present the flanged
portions for mating to pivot assembly 36. Bolt 76 extends through
the brackets 68, 70, 82 and 84, UHMWPE disks 72 and 74, Belleville
washers 77 and 78 and nut 80. Bolt 76 is tensioned across the
assembly to provide suitable friction to stabilize pivot assembly
36 and flat panel display 16, preventing the pivot assembly 36 from
falling due to its weight. The frictional tension is adjustable to
accommodate various weights of flat panel displays. Pivot assembly
36 includes a plate 86 suitably secured to the flanges of the angle
brackets 82 and 84, a UHMWPE disk 88, a planar portion 38a of
bracket 38, a bolt 90, a Belleville washer 92 and a nut 94. Bolt 90
extends through the plate 86, UHMWPE washer 88, planar portion 38a,
Belleville washer 92 and nut 94, and is adjusted to provide tension
across the assembly to provide suitable friction.
[0060] It can be appreciated that an almost infinitesimal number of
positionings of the flat panel display 16 are available
incorporating the three-axis swiveling of the flat panel display 16
at the three-axis pivot 30 and the horizontal and elevational
positionability provided by the pivotal support bracket 22. In each
case it can be appreciated that the flat panel display 16 must be
adjustable and yet stay in the position selected by the user. If
the user wishes to tiltingly reposition the flat panel display 16
upwardly, downwardly, left to right or in a circular plane, the
flat panel display 16 must be manually repositioned to overcome the
friction imposed by pivot assemblies 32, 34 and 36. Once the flat
panel display 16 is moved to a different selected position, the
unique tilt restraining devices inherent in pivot assemblies 32, 34
and 36 will resistably restrain the flat panel display 16 in the
new position as selected. Sufficient friction to maintain position
of the flat panel display 16 during use is provided but easy
"breakaway" release to reposition the flat panel display 16 to a
new operating position or to a storage position is afforded. The
unique characteristics of the polymer material UHMWPE disks 54, 56,
72, 74 and 88 combined with pressure supplied by Belleville washers
59, 60, 77, 78 and 92 allow smooth adjustment of the flat panel
display 16 and yet provide a constant frictional memory for the
present position of the flat panel display 16. A predetermined
poise is required of the operator to reposition the flat panel
display 16, at which time it remains in the new position. Each
pivot point is also adjustable to accommodate various flat panel
displays and different length arms.
[0061] FIG. 3 illustrates a rotated isometric view of the pivotal
support bracket 22, FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of the pivotal
support bracket 22 secured to the track plates 12 and 14, and FIG.
6 illustrates a bottom view in partial cross section of the pivotal
support bracket 22 secured to the track plates 12 and 14. With
reference to FIGS. 3, 5 and 6, the pivotal support bracket 22 is
now described. The pivotal support bracket 22 includes a central
bracket 96 pivotally suspended between angled support brackets 98
and 100, which are part of angled bracket assemblies 18 and 20.
Angled support brackets 98 and 100 include planar portions 98a and
100a, respectively, for mounting to the track plates 12 and 14,
illustrated in FIG. 1. Planar portions 98a and 100a may be
manufactured with extra length, as illustrated by dashed lines in
FIG. 3, for mounting to a wall, a plate, a machine or other such
surface. Planar portions 98b and 100b, each having a rounded edge,
extend at right angles from the planar portions 98a and 100a and
pivotally secure to the central bracket 96, as later described in
detail.
[0062] The central bracket 96 includes a central planar area 102
having planar members 104 and 106 extending at right angles
therefrom. Extending further from the planar members 104 and 106
are contiguous semi-circular members 104a and 106a, respectively,
which align to UHMWPE disks 108 and 110 in concert with planar
members 104 and 106. Support arm 24, illustrated in FIG. 1,
includes a left support arm member 112 and a right support arm
member 114. Referring to FIG. 3, left support arm member 112
includes a disk-like portion 112a corresponding to the size of the
UHMWPE disk 108. A planar member 112b having a flange 112c extends
from the disk-like portion 112a to form part of the support arm 24.
Right support arm member 114 is not shown in FIG. 3 for purposes of
brevity and clarity. However, as can be seen from FIGS. 4 and 6,
right support arm member 114 is similar to left support arm member
112 and includes a disk-like portion 114a corresponding to the size
of UHMWPE disk 110 and a planar member 114b having a flange 114c
and extending from the disk-like portion 114a to form the other
part of the support arm 24. Flanges 112c and 114c also act as stops
on pivot tabs 162 and 164, stopping the support arm 24 at a
.+-.90.degree. rotation. FIG. 5 illustrates disk-like portions 112a
and 114a of left and right support arm members 112 and 114 in
dashed lines. FIG. 6 illustrates the left and right support arm
members 112 and 114 in the down position, but shows the full
disk-like portion 112a (partially in cross section) and a cutaway
view of the disk-like portion 114a for purposes of brevity and
clarity. A captive stud 116 secures in the disk-like portion 112a
of the left support arm member 112 and extends through an oilite
bearing 118 and accompanying oilite washer 120 assembly centered
about and along holes 121 and 123 in the UHMWPE disk 108 and the
planar member 104, respectively, through a steel washer 122, a
Belleville washer 124 and a nut 126. Nut 126 is adjusted to provide
tension across the assembly to provide a predetermined suitable
friction to stabilize the left support arm member 112, pivot
assembly, and the flat panel display 16 (not shown). The weight of
the flat panel display 16 is counterbalanced by gas spring 25. In a
similar fashion, a captive stud 128 secures in the disk-like
portion 114a of the right support arm member 114 and extends
through an oilite bearing (not shown, but similar to oilite bearing
118) and accompanying oilite washer 119 assembly centered about and
along holes in the UHMWPE disk 110 and the planar member 106,
through a steel washer 132, a Belleville washer 134, and a nut 136.
A nut 136 is adjusted to provide tension across the assembly to
provide a predetermined suitable friction to stabilize the right
support arm member 114, pivot assembly, and the flat panel display
16 (not shown).
[0063] A predetermined frictional force is thus established to
ensure that the vertical motion of support arm 24 remains in any
position selected by the user. If the user wishes to reposition the
flat panel display 16 upwardly or downwardly, the flat panel
display 16 must be manually repositioned to overcome the support
arm rotational friction established above. Once the flat panel
display 16 is moved to a different selected position, the unique
friction devices will resistably restrain the flat panel display 16
in its new position as selected. Sufficient friction to maintain
position of the flat panel display 16 during use is provided but
easy "breakaway" release to reposition the flat panel display 16 to
a new operating position or to a storage position is afforded.
[0064] The unique characteristics of the polymer UHMWPE disks 108
and 110 in combination with a spring force supplied by Belleville
washers 124 and 134 allow smooth adjustment of the flat panel
display 16 and yet provide a constant frictional memory for the
preset position of the flat panel display 16. A predetermined poise
is required of the operator to move the flat panel display 16, at
which time it remains in the new position. This predetermined
vertical positioning force is established and functions
independently of the support arm 24 payload counterbalance, which
is performed by an adjustable gas spring assembly described
below.
[0065] A positionable and adjustable gas spring mount 140 is
adjustably mounted to adjustably slide along the central planar
area 102 as positioned by a threaded shaft 142 having nuts 144 and
146 affixed at opposing ends. A slot 148 at the lower end of the
threaded shaft 142 provides for rotational adjustability of the
threaded shaft 142 and thus the gas spring mount 140 along the
central planar area 102. The angle of central planar area 102 and
thus the angle of threaded adjustment shaft 142 in relation to the
support arm 24 horizontal pivot axis 28, as shown in FIG. 1, is
predetermined by a computerized mathematical algorithm for each
mounting option or weight to provide a user adjustable optimum
counterbalance force pivot position corresponding to the specific
weight of the flat panel display 16 mounted on support arm 24. See
FIGS. 18, 19 and 23 for examples of threaded shafts 342, 424 and
642 (each corresponding to threaded shaft 142) set at different
adjustment angles for each mounting option. It should be noted that
positionable and adjustable gas spring mount 140 is positionable in
the space between left support arm member 112 and right support arm
member 114 up to and intersecting with the support arm 24
horizontal axis 28, as shown in FIG. 1, allowing the support arm 24
to rotate and counterbalance a variable payload in a range of
0.degree. to 180.degree.. Tabs 150 and 152 extend outwardly from
the central planar area 102 to support the ends of the threaded
shaft 142 by means of holes located in the tabs 150 and 152 through
which the threaded shaft 142 passes. A threaded hole 154 central to
the gas spring mount 140 accommodates the threaded shaft 142 for
purposes of adjustment of the gas spring mount 140. Gas spring
mount 140 also includes opposed tabs 156 and 158. A pivot bolt 160
passes through the opposed tabs 156 and 158 to serve as a mount for
one end of the gas spring 25. The outboard end 183 of the gas
spring 25 secures to a pivot pin 184 passing through left and right
support arm members 112 and 114 and plastic spacers 186 and 188, as
illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0066] The load counterbalance mechanism provides a dynamically
increasing counterbalance moment which corresponds to the
increasing moment load on the support arm 24 as the support arm 24
traverses from 0.degree. vertical to 90.degree. horizontal and
provides a dynamically decreasing counterbalance moment which
corresponds to the decreasing moment load on the support arm 24 as
the support arm 24 moves downward from 90.degree. horizontal to
180.degree. vertical to provide a linear counterbalance force
throughout the total adjustable range of the support arm 24.
[0067] Pivot tabs 162 and 164 extend at right angles from the
planar members 104 and 106, respectively, to form a portion of
angled bracket assemblies 20 and 18. At angled bracket assembly 20
a bolt 166 passes through a Belleville washer 168, through planar
portion 100b of angled support bracket 100, through a UHMWPE washer
170, and through pivot tab 162, and secures into a threaded insert
172 secured to the inner wall of the pivot tab 162. Bolt 166 is
adjusted to provide desirable frictional properties across the
assembly. In a similar fashion, and at angled bracket assembly 18,
a bolt 174 passes through a Belleville washer 176, through planar
portion 98b of angled support bracket 98, through a UHMWPE washer
178, and through pivot tab 164, and secures into a threaded insert
180 (directly below nut 146 in FIG. 4) secured to the inner wall of
the pivot tab 164. Bolt 174 is adjusted to provide desirable
frictional properties across the assembly. This friction stabilizes
the entire assembly as it pivots about vertical axis 26 shown in
FIG. 1. A semi-circular slot 182 passes through the planar portion
100b of angled support bracket 100, UHMWPE washer 170, and pivot
tab 162 for adjustability access to the slot 148 in the end of the
threaded shaft 142. UHMWPE washer 170 is positioned and secured
with respect to the angled support bracket 100 by means of mutually
engaged interlock tabs (not illustrated) to prevent washer rotation
and secure alignment of the semi-circular slot 182 common to the
UHMWPE washer 170, pivot tab 162, and planar portion 100b of angled
support bracket 100.
[0068] FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of the support arm 24 in the
fully lowered position with attached three-axis pivot 30 and flat
panel display 16. Illustrated in particular is a view of the
three-axis pivot 30 and of the gas spring 25 secured between the
gas spring mount 140 and the pivot pin 184, with plastic spacers
186 and 188, in the support arm 24.
[0069] FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of the pivotal support
bracket 22 secured to the track plates 12 and 14.
[0070] FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom view in partial cross section of
the pivotal support bracket 22 secured to the track plates 12 and
14.
Mode of Operation
[0071] FIGS. 7-10 are side views in partial cutaway of the vertical
surface mount 10 showing various positionings of the support arm 24
along its 180.degree. pivot range 191 about horizontal axis 28
shown in FIG. 1. The three-axis pivot 30 and the flat panel display
16 are not illustrated for purposes of brevity and clarity. In
these particular examples the gas spring mount 140 is adjusted to
the maximum load position, thus providing the greatest offset from
horizontal pivot axis 28, providing the greatest gas spring
assistance. As adjustable gas spring mount 140 is adjusted closer
to the horizontal axis 28, the counterbalance pivot point is
lessened, which is desirable with smaller, lighter loads. Infinite
adjustability within a range of payloads is desirable and
attainable with this design. Also illustrated is the ability of the
support arm 24 to travel from +90.degree. (vertical up position) to
-90.degree. (vertical down position).
[0072] It should be noted that for each and every various monitor
weight there is an optimum position for the gas spring mount 140.
And, even further, it should be noted that at each adjustment point
(weight of monitor), the support arm 24 will, by design,
dynamically adjust the counterbalance moment as the support arm 24
is moved through the 180.degree. range of travel.
[0073] The load moment increases as the support arm 24 travels from
0.degree. to 90.degree., reaching its maximum at 900. It then
decreases as the support arm 24 is moved from 90.degree. to
180.degree.. The load moment is at its minimum (zero) when the
support arm 24 is vertical, 0.degree. or 180.degree..
[0074] The counterbalance moment increases and decreases
essentially to cancel the load moment as the support arm 24 travels
from 0.degree. to 90.degree. to 180.degree.. The dynamic aspect of
the counterbalance is created by the relationship of the three
pivot points in the system. Point B is the pivot of the support arm
24 through the horizontal axis 28. Point A is the gas spring pivot
bolt 160 on the pivotal support bracket 22. Point C is the gas
spring pivot at pivot pin 184 away from the support arm 24 pivot at
B. At 0.degree. and 180.degree. the three pivot points B, A and C
are all in line, thus providing zero counterbalance moment. As the
support arm 24 pivots about the pivot at B, the angle A-C-B
increases to its maximum at 90.degree. and then decreases back to
zero at 180.degree.. This dynamic angle exactly corresponds with
the load moment. The angle created about these pivot points puts
the gas spring 25 in the correct position to counterbalance the
load moment for each position of the support arm 24.
[0075] FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of the elements of FIG. 1 and
the pivot arc 190 of the support arm 24 about vertical axis 26, as
shown in FIG. 1, where bolt 174 secures angled bracket assembly 18
to the pivotal support bracket 22. The pivot arc 190 is capable of
.+-.90.degree. range, or greater, depending on the mounting
configuration. The limit would normally be set by the width of the
flat panel display 16 when it contacts the wall, plate, machine or
other such surface, prior to the 90.degree. pivot. Pivot assembly
32 allows the flat panel display 16 to be pivoted about vertical
axis 40, shown in FIG. 2, allowing the flat panel display 16 to be
positioned parallel to the wall, plate, machine or other such
surface.
[0076] FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of another vertical
surface mount 210, the first alternative mounting system
embodiment, supporting a flat panel display 216. Pivotal support
bracket or arm elevation bracket 222 serves as a pivotal mount for
support arm 224 and other associated components including a gas
(e.g., nitrogen) spring 225. Gas spring 225 secures between the
pivotal support bracket 222 and the support arm 224, as later
described in detail. Support arm 224 pivotally secures to the
pivotal support bracket 222 to offer movement of the support arm
224, the single-axis pivot 230, as shown in FIG. 13, and the flat
panel display 216 as a unit about the horizontal axis 228.
Alternately, the three-axis pivot 30, such as previously described
in detail, can be secured at the outboard end 224b of the support
arm 224 to support the flat panel display 216.
[0077] FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of the elements of FIG. 12.
Illustrated in particular is the single-axis pivot 230 suitably
secured between the outboard end 224b of support arm 224 and a
component mount or bracket 238 on the rear surface of the flat
panel display 216. The inboard end 224a of the support arm 224 is
pivotally secured to the pivotal support bracket 222 to provide
elevational pivotal positioning of the support arm 224 and its flat
panel display 216 payload about the horizontal axis 228 illustrated
in FIG. 12. The single-axis pivot 230 and the flat panel display
216 can be elevationally positioned about the horizontal axis 228
in conjunction with and by the action of the pivoted support arm
224. As viewed in FIG. 13, the single-axis pivot 230 offers tilt of
the flat panel display 216 about the horizontal axis 240, as shown
in FIG. 15, extending through the single-axis pivot 230.
[0078] The single-axis pivot 230 secures to vertically oriented
flanges 246 and 248 extending from members of the support arm
224.
[0079] Now, with reference to FIGS. 13 and 15 the single-axis pivot
230 is further described. The single-axis pivot 230 includes angle
brackets 250 and 252 secured to support arm flanges 246 and 248 at
outboard end 224b of the support arm 224, UHMWPE disks 254 and 256
aligned to the inner planar surfaces of angle brackets 250 and 252,
respectively, and a bolt 258 having two Belleville washers 259 and
260 and nut 262. Aligned to the interior surfaces of the UHMWPE
disks 254 and 256 are the vertically aligned juxtaposed portions of
angle brackets 264 and 266 which extend outwardly to present
flanged portions for mating to bracket 238, which mounts the flat
panel display 216 to the single-axis pivot 230. Bolt 258 extends
through the angle brackets 250, 252, 264 and 266, UHMWPE disks 254
and 256, Belleville washers 259 and 260, and nut 262. Bolt 258 is
tensioned across the assembly to provide suitable friction to
support the flat panel display weight at all positions as the flat
panel display 216 is tilted about horizontal axis 240, of FIG. 15,
and moved vertically about horizontal axis 228, of FIG. 12, with
support arm 224.
[0080] FIG. 14 illustrates a rotated isometric view of the pivotal
support bracket 222, FIG. 16 illustrates a front view of the
pivotal support bracket 222, and FIG. 17 illustrates a bottom view
in partial cross section of the pivotal support bracket 222. With
reference to FIGS. 14, 16 and 17, the pivotal support bracket 222
is now described. The pivotal support bracket 222 includes a
central bracket 296 having a central planar area 302 and planar
members 304 and 306 extending at right angles therefrom. Extending
further from the planar members 304 and 306 are contiguous
semi-circular members 304a and 306a, respectively, which align to
UHMWPE disks 308 and 310 in concert with planar members 304 and
306. Support arm 224, illustrated in FIG. 12, includes a left
support arm member 312 and a right support arm member 314.
Referring to FIG. 14, left support arm member 312 includes a
disk-like portion 312a corresponding to the size of the UHMWPE disk
308. A planar member 312b having a flange 312c extends from the
disk-like portion 312a to form part of the support arm 224. Right
support arm member 314 is not shown in FIG. 14 for purposes of
brevity and clarity. However, as can be seen from FIGS. 15 and 17,
right support arm member 314 is similar to left support arm member
312 and includes a disk-like portion 314a corresponding to the size
of the UHMWPE disk 310 and a planar member 314b having a flange
314c and extending from the disk-like portion 314a to form the
other part of the support arm 224. Flanges 312c and 314c of FIG. 15
also act as stops on bracket tabs 304b and 306b, stopping the
support arm 224 at a .+-.90.degree. rotation. FIG. 16 illustrates
disk-like portions 312a and 314a of left and right support arm
members 312 and 314 in dashed lines. FIG. 17 illustrates the left
and right support arm members 312 and 314 in the down position, but
shows the full disk-like portion 312a (partially in cross section)
and a cutaway view of the disk-like portion 314a for purposes of
brevity and clarity. A captive stud 316 secures in the disk-like
portion 312a of the left support arm member 312 and extends through
an oilite bearing 318 and accompanying oilite washer 320 assembly
centered about and along holes 321 and 323 in the UHMWPE disk 308
and the planar member 304, respectively, through a steel washer
322, a Belleville washer 324, and a nut 326. Nut 326 is adjusted to
provide tension across the assembly to provide suitable friction to
stabilize the left support arm member 312. In a similar fashion, a
captive stud 328 secures in the disk-like portion 314a of the right
support arm member 314 and extends through an oilite bearing (not
shown, but similar to oilite bearing 318) and accompanying oilite
washer 319 assembly centered about and along holes in the UHMWPE
disk 310 and the planar member 306, through a steel washer 332, a
Belleville washer 334, and a nut 336. Nut 326 is adjusted to
provide tension across the assembly to provide suitable friction to
stabilize the right support arm member 314.
[0081] A positionable and adjustable gas spring mount 340 is
adjustably mounted to adjustably slide along the central planar
area 302 as positioned by a threaded shaft 342 having nuts 344 and
346 affixed at opposing ends. A slot 348 at the lower end of the
threaded shaft 342 provides for rotational adjustability of the
threaded shaft 342 and thus the gas spring mount 340 along the
central planar area 302. The angle of central planar area 302 and
thus the angle of threaded adjustment shaft 342 in relation to the
support arm 224 horizontal pivot axis 228, as shown in FIG. 12, is
predetermined by a computerized mathematical algorithm for each
mounting option or weight to provide a user adjustable
counterbalance force pivot position throughout the support arm 224
operating range. See FIGS. 18, 19 and 23 for examples of threaded
shafts 342, 424 and 642 set at different adjustment angles for each
mounting option. It should be noted that positionable and
adjustable gas spring mount 340 is positionable in the space
between left support arm member 312 and right support arm member
314 up to and intersecting with the support arm 224 horizontal axis
228, as shown in FIG. 12, allowing the support arm 224 to rotate
and counterbalance a variable payload in a range of 0.degree. to
180.degree.. Tabs 350 and 352 extend outwardly from the central
planar area 302 to support the ends of the threaded shaft 342 by
means of holes located in the tabs 350 and 352 through which the
threaded shaft 342 passes. A threaded hole 354 central to the gas
spring mount 340 accommodates the threaded shaft 342 for purposes
of adjustment of the gas spring mount 340. Gas spring mount 340
also includes opposed tabs 356 and 358. A pivot bolt 360 passes
through the opposed tabs 356 and 358 to serve as a mount for one
end of the gas spring 225. The outboard end 383 of the gas spring
225 secures to a pivot pin 384 passing through left and right
support arm members 312 and 314 and plastic spacers 386 and 388, as
illustrated in FIG. 15.
[0082] The load counterbalance mechanism provides a dynamically
increasing counterbalance moment which corresponds to the
increasing moment load on the support arm 224 as the support arm
224 traverses from 0.degree. vertical to 90.degree. horizontal and
provides a dynamically decreasing counterbalance moment which
corresponds to the decreasing moment load on the support arm 224 as
the support arm 224 moves downward from 90.degree. horizontal to
180.degree. vertical to provide a linear counterbalance force
throughout the total adjustment range of the support arm 224.
[0083] FIG. 15 illustrates a front view of the elements of FIG. 12
with the support arm 224 in the fully lowered position with
attached single-axis pivot 230 and flat panel display 216.
Illustrated in particular is a view of the single-axis pivot 230
and of the gas spring 225 secured between the gas spring mount 340
and the pivot pin 384, with plastic spacers 386 and 388, in the
support arm 224.
[0084] FIG. 16 illustrates a front view of the pivotal support
bracket 222.
[0085] FIG. 17 illustrates a bottom view in partial cross section
of the pivotal support bracket 222.
[0086] FIG. 18 illustrates a partial cutaway side view of the
vertical surface mount 210 with the support arm 224 in one position
of various possible positionings along its 180.degree. pivot range
about horizontal axis 228 shown in FIG. 12. Arc 390 further
illustrates the 180.degree. range of motion of the pivot
positionings. The single-axis pivot 230 and the flat panel display
216 are not illustrated for purposes of brevity and clarity.
[0087] FIG. 19 illustrates, in partial cutaway and partial cross
section, a side view of a horizontal surface or ceiling track mount
400, the second alternate mounting system embodiment, supporting a
flat panel display. The horizontal surface or ceiling track mount
400 is comprised of a support bracket 402 and four track wheels
404, 405, 406 and 407, a support arm 432, a single-axis pivot 430,
and a pivotal support bracket or arm elevation bracket 408
constructed according to the same principles as pivotal support
bracket 222 illustrated in FIG. 14. The support arm 432 and the
single-axis pivot 430 are constructed identically to the support
arm 224 and single-axis pivot 230, respectively, illustrated in
FIG. 15. The pivotal support bracket 408 rotates around vertical
axis 410 providing an infinitesimal number of azimuthal
positionings. The horizontal surface or ceiling track mount 400 is
designed according to the same principles taught in the vertical
surface mount embodiments, having a pivotal support bracket 408,
bolt 412, Belleville washers 413 and 418, steel washer 414, UHMWPE
disk 416, nuts 420, 426 and 428, an adjustable gas spring mount
422, and threaded shaft 424. Threaded shaft 424 is at a 3.degree.
offset to the vertical axis 410.
[0088] Track wheels 404, 405, 406 and 407 are captured by a ceiling
mounted track 401 which allows the horizontal surface or ceiling
track mount 400 and supported flat panel display to be easily
rolled to any location along the ceiling mounted track. In the
alternative, eliminating the ceiling mounted track 401 provides the
option of incorporation of a fixed, rotational overhead mount.
[0089] FIGS. 20-21 illustrate two views of a tabletop (or desktop)
mount 510, the third alternative mounting system embodiment of the
present invention, supporting a flat panel display 516. The
tabletop mount 510 is comprised of an angled base 512 with a recess
514, a pivotal support bracket or arm elevation bracket assembly
522, and a support arm 524 having a gas (e.g., nitrogen) spring
525. The pivotal support bracket assembly 522 is designed and
constructed according to the same principles taught in the previous
embodiments and rotates about vertical axis 523 providing azimuthal
rotation of the support arm 524 and the flat panel display 516. A
single-axis pivot 530 connects the support arm 524 to the flat
panel display 516. The single-axis pivot 530 is designed and
constructed according to the concept of the single-axis pivot 230
described in relation to FIG. 15.
[0090] FIG. 22 illustrates a top view of the tabletop mount 510.
Specifically, the pivotal support bracket assembly 522, the support
arm 524, and the single-axis pivot 530 will now be described in
detail.
[0091] The pivotal support bracket assembly 522, designed and
constructed using the same principles taught in the previous
embodiments, is comprised of nuts 626 and 636, Belleville washers
624 and 634, steel washers 622 and 632, oilite washers 619 and 620,
bracket planar members 604 and 606, UHMWPE disks 608 and 610, left
and right support arm members 612 and 614, respectively, with
disk-like portions 612a and 614a, respectively, captive studs 616
and 628, an adjustable gas spring mount 640 movable along a
threaded shaft 642, and a pivot bolt 660.
[0092] The support arm 524 is comprised of a left support arm
member 612, designed and constructed using the same principles
taught in the previous embodiments, a right support arm member 614,
a gas spring 525, plastic spacers 686 and 688, a pivot pin 684, and
flanges 546 and 548.
[0093] The single-axis pivot 530, designed and constructed using
the same principles taught in the first alternative embodiment, is
comprised of angle brackets 550, 552, 564 and 566, UHMWPE disks 554
and 556, Belleville washers 559 and 560, component mount or bracket
538, and bolt 558 and nut 562.
[0094] FIG. 23 illustrates in partial cross section and in partial
cutaway a side view of the third alternative mounting system
embodiment. The pivotal support bracket assembly 522, which rotates
about its vertical axis 523, is now described in detail,
specifically the mounting of the pivotal support bracket assembly
522 to the angled base 512. The pivotal support bracket assembly
522 is secured to angled base 512 in the recess 514 where bolt 694
passes downwardly through Belleville washer 696, pivotal support
bracket assembly 522, UHMWPE disk 700, planar member 512a of angled
base 512, steel washer 698, and Belleville washer 702, and is
frictionally secured via nut 704. Removal of the angled base 512
allows the pivotal support bracket assembly 522 to be mounted in a
pivotal application to a table, desk or countertop, or other
mounting surface. Threaded shaft 642, secured by nuts 690 and 692,
is offset 10.degree. to the vertical axis 523.
[0095] FIG. 24, a fourth alternative mounting system embodiment,
illustrates in partial cutaway a side view of a tabletop (or
desktop) mount 800 similar in construction and concept to the
tabletop mount illustrated in FIGS. 20-23 and incorporating a
support arm 802 having a steel coil spring 810. The tabletop mount
800, with a steel coil spring 810, is designed and constructed
using the same principles taught in the previous embodiments, with
the substitution of a steel coil spring 810 for the gas spring 525,
and provides a pulling counterbalance force in lieu of the lifting
force provided by gas spring 525, shown in FIG. 23. Since the steel
coil spring is providing a pulling force, the positionable and
adjustable gas spring mount 640 is mounted above the support arm
horizontal pivot axis, such as axis 28 as shown in FIG. 1, instead
of below. The support arm 802 with a steel coil spring 810 is
mounted to angled base 512 in the same fashion using the same
hardware as shown and described in FIG. 23.
[0096] FIG. 25 illustrates a perspective view of a keyboard support
system 1000, the fifth alternative mounting system embodiment. The
keyboard support system 1000 consists of a keyboard tray 1010, a
mouse pad tray 1012, a pivot/brake assembly 1072 and a support arm
1014. The keyboard tray 1010 includes a fixed portion 1016 with
mounting lip 1018 which extends perpendicular to the fixed portion
1016. Cable access holes 1022, 1024 and 1026 are located at the
junction of the fixed portion 1016 and the mounting lip 1018. The
mounting lip 1018 also has a plurality of mounting holes
1020a-1020n for securing the keyboard tray 1010 to the pivot/brake
assembly 1072 and connected support arm 1014. Support arm 1014 is
designed and constructed similarly to support arm 224 of FIG. 15.
The pivot/brake assembly 1072 attaches to support arm 1014 with a
plurality of screw and nut combinations 1021a-1021n. The keyboard
tray 1010 also includes a slide plate 1028 having a right extended
member 1030, a left extended member 1032, slots 1034 and 1036,
machine screws 1040 and 1042, and a front lip 1038. The right and
left extended members 1030 and 1032 accommodate various lengths of
keyboard wrist rests. The slide plate 1028 slidingly secures to the
fixed portion 1016 via slots 1034 and 1036 where machine screws
1040 and 1042 frictionally secure mutually thereto. Mounting lip
1018 and front lip 1038, when properly adjusted, capture and secure
the keyboard and keyboard wrist rest to the keyboard tray 1010.
[0097] The mouse pad tray 1012 consists of a contiguous slide plate
1054 having an upper planar member 1056 and a lower planar member
1058, which are vertically offset and joined by an intermediate
portion 1060. Mouse pad tray 1012, having a planar surface 1044 and
lips 1046, 1048, 1050 and 1052, secures to the lower planar member
1058 of the contiguous slide plate 1054 via hook and loop material,
double-sided tape or like materials. The upper planar member 1056
slidingly engages slide channels 1068 and 1070, shown in FIG. 28,
where a machine screw 1064, having a knob 1064a, extends through a
threaded hole in contiguous slide plate 1054 and upward into slot
1062. Machine screw 1066, having a knob 1066a, extends through a
threaded hole in the contiguous slide plate 1054 to lock or stop
all movement of the mouse pad tray 1012. Machine screw 1064 is a
stop to limit lateral travel of the mouse pad tray 1012. The
machine screw 1064 can be loosened by the knob 1064a to back the
machine screw 1064 out of slot 1062 to allow the mouse pad tray
1012 to be removed and reinserted on the other side of the keyboard
tray fixed portion 1016.
[0098] FIG. 26 illustrates a perspective view of the pivot/brake
assembly 1072. Support arm 1014 is not shown for purposes of
brevity and clarity. The pivot/brake assembly 1072 includes a
U-shaped bracket 1074 with a left member 1074a and a right member
1074b which support friction assembly 1100 and brake assembly 1102,
respectively.
[0099] The friction assembly 1100 is now described. Bolt 1084
extends through angled bracket 1076, UHMWPE disk 1088, the left
member 1074a of U-shaped bracket 1074, UHMWPE disk 1090, angled
bracket 1078, and Belleville washer 1104, all of which are
collectively frictionally secured via nut 1096, as shown in FIG.
27. A predetermined frictional force is thus established to ensure
that the tilting motion of keyboard tray 1010, shown in FIG. 25,
remains in any position selected by the user. If the user wishes to
reposition the tilt of the keyboard tray 1010, the keyboard tray
1010 must be manually repositioned to overcome the keyboard tray
1010 tilting friction established above. Once the keyboard tray
1010 is moved to a different selected position, the unique friction
devices will resistably restrain the keyboard tray 1010 in its new
position as selected. Sufficient friction to maintain position of
the keyboard tray 1010 during preparation for use is provided, but
easy "breakaway" release to reposition the keyboard tray 1010 to a
new operating position or to a storage position is afforded. The
keyboard tray 1010 is locked into any position to provide increased
stability using brake assembly 1102, which will be described in
detail later, before the keyboard tray 1010 is used for mouse or
keyboard input.
[0100] The unique characteristics of the UHMWPE disks 1088 and 1090
in combination with a spring force supplied by Belleville washer
1104 allow smooth adjustment of the keyboard tray and yet provide a
constant frictional memory for the preset position of the keyboard
tray. A predetermined poise is required of the operator to move the
keyboard tray, at which time it remains in the new position.
[0101] The brake assembly 1102 is now described. Brake assembly
1102 has a brake handle 1108 having a threaded shaft 1086 which
extends from the lower portion of the brake handle 1108 at a
90.degree. angle, and extends through washer 1106, shown in FIG.
27, angled bracket 1082, steel washer 1094, the right member 1074b
of U-shaped bracket 1074, steel washer 1092, and angled bracket
1080, all of which are collectively frictionally secured via nut
1098, which is welded to angled bracket 1080. Rotating brake handle
1108 will cause threaded shaft 1086 to turn in either direction,
either lessening the frictional tension, allowing for a new tilt
position to be selected, or increasing the frictional tension,
which will act as a brake mechanism, locking the keyboard tray 1010
into position.
[0102] FIG. 27 illustrates a top view of the pivot/brake assembly
1072.
[0103] FIG. 28 illustrates a side view of the keyboard support
system 1000. Illustrated in particular are the slide channels 1068
and 1070 where the contiguous slide plate 1054 of the mouse pad
tray 1012 slidingly engages the keyboard tray 1010. The upper
planar member 1056 of the mouse pad tray 1012 is captured by the
slide channels 1068 and 1070.
[0104] Also illustrated in FIG. 28 is a plurality of mounting bolts
1112a-1112n and nuts 1110a-1110n which secure the mounting lip 1018
of the keyboard tray 1010 to the pivot/brake assembly 1072.
[0105] FIG. 29 illustrates a perspective view of a sixth
alternative mounting system embodiment in the form of a rolling
cart assembly 1200. The rolling cart assembly 1200 includes a base
1210 with a plurality of dual wheel casters 1212a-1212n which
supports a mounting pole 1214. Secured to the mounting pole 1214,
via a plurality of pole mounting brackets 1216a-1216n, are the
pivotal support bracket 222 and the support arm 224 of a vertical
surface mount 210 which supports flat panel display 216, and the
support arm 1014 in connection with pivot/brake assembly 1072 of a
keyboard support system 1000. Also supported by the mounting pole
1214 is a CPU mounting bracket 1218. A mail tray bracket 1220 is
secured to the-base 1210 of the mounting pole 1214. The combination
of these elements creates a mobile, easily adjustable, computer
work station. The adjustability features of the rolling cart
assembly 1200 allow the mobile work station to be easily adjusted
for standing and sitting work applications, providing the ability
to maintain a 16-inch or other desired separation between the
monitor and keyboard in any position. The support arm 224 and
support arm 1014 may be positioned vertically for easy storage,
ease of mobility and other considerations.
[0106] FIG. 30 illustrates an isometric view of a pivot/ratchet
assembly 1300 which can be incorporated and utilized as an
alternative for (a) the pivot assembly 34 for support of the flat
panel display 16 of FIG. 2; (b) the single-axis pivot 230 for
support of the flat panel display 216 of FIG. 13; (c) the
single-axis pivot 430 for support of a flat panel display of FIG.
19; (d) the single-axis pivot 530 for support of the flat panel
display 516 of FIG. 21; (e) pivot/brake assembly 1072 for support
of the keyboard tray 1010 of FIG. 25; and (f) the support of any
keyboard or keyboard tray, keyboard/mouse/trackball tray, flat
panel or other display or any other device requiring pivotal
support.
[0107] With reference to FIGS. 30, 31 and 32 the structure of the
pivot/ratchet assembly 1300 is now described where FIG. 31
illustrates an isometric exploded view and FIG. 32 illustrates an
isometric view of a partially assembled pivot/ratchet assembly
1300. A U-shaped bracket 1302 is central to the pivot/ratchet
assembly 1300 and includes a planar portion 1302a having a
plurality of mounting holes 1304a-1304n. A left planar member 1302b
and a right planar member 1302c extend at right angles from the
planar portion 1302a. Threaded pivot studs 1306 and 1308 extend
through and frictionally engage the left planar member 1302b and
the right planar member 1302c, respectively. A semi-circular array
of smoothed ratchet teeth 1310, whose radius center is co-located
with the center of the pivot stud 1306, is located at one end of
the left planar member 1302b. Another semi-circular array of
smoothed ratchet teeth 1312, whose radius center is co-located with
the center of the pivot stud 1308, is located at one end of the
right planar member 1302c. In order, and with reference to FIG. 31,
a UHMWPE washer 1314, an angle bracket 1316 having a large pivot
hole 1318, a Belleville washer 1320, a thrust washer 1322, and a
Nylock nut 1324 align and secure over and about the threaded pivot
stud 1306. In the same fashion, a UHMWPE washer 1326, an angle
bracket 1328 having a large pivot hole 1330, a Belleville washer
1332, a thrust washer 1334, and a Nylock nut 1336 align and secure
over and about the threaded pivot stud 1308. Angle bracket 1316
includes a large planar member 1316a, one end of which is rounded,
having an upper pivot hole 1338 and a lower hole 1340 in addition
to the large pivot hole 1318 and also includes a small planar
member 1316b extending perpendicular to the large planar member
1316a. Angle bracket 1328 includes a large planar member 1328a, one
end of which is rounded, having an upper pivot hole 1342 and a
lower hole 1344 in addition to the large pivot hole 1330 and also
includes a small planar member 1328b extending perpendicular to the
large planar member 1328a. Mounting holes 1319a and 1319b and
mounting holes 1329a and 1329b are included in angle bracket small
planar members 1316b and 1328b, respectively, for mounting to a
keyboard tray such as keyboard tray 1010, previously illustrated,
or, in the alternative, to a flat panel display.
[0108] A release lever assembly 1346 pivotally secures and aligns
between the left angle bracket 1316 and the right angle bracket
1328 and interfaces with the semi-circular arrays of smoothed
ratchet teeth 1310 and 1312. The release lever assembly 1346
includes a configured body member 1348 formed from a planar member
and having a plurality of tabs extending at right angles from a
lower central planar portion 1357 for the mounting of a pivot pin
1350 and roll pins 1352 and 1354. The substantially vertically
aligned configured body member 1348 includes, coplanar with the
central planar portion 1357, a release tab 1356 for manual release
from the ratcheting feature which is described later in detail. A
vertically aligned outer left tab 1358 and an opposing vertically
aligned outer right tab 1360 extend at right angles from the
central planar portion 1357. Pivot holes 1362 and 1364 are located
in the upper regions of the outer left tab 1358 and the outer right
tab 1360, respectively. Holes 1366 and 1368 are located in the
lower region of the outer left tab 1358 and the outer right tab
1360, respectively. Pivot pin 1350 aligns through pivot holes 1362
and 1364 located in the upper regions of the outer left tab 1358
and the outer right tab 1360, respectively, as well as through
respective holes 1338 and 1342 in the upper regions of angle
brackets 1316 and 1328. Press-on nuts 1370 and 1372 frictionally
engage the ends of the pivot pin 1350 to positionally fix the pivot
pin 1350 in position. opposing vertically aligned left and right
inner tabs 1374 and 1376 extend at right angles from the lower
central planar portion 1357 and include holes 1378 and 1380,
respectively. Roll pin 1352 aligns in and frictionally engages
holes 1366 and 1378 in the outer left tab 1358 and the inner left
tab 1374, respectively. Roll pin 1354 aligns in and frictionally
engages holes 1368 and 1380 in the outer right tab 1360 and the
inner right tab 1376, respectively. Roll pins 1352 and 1354 engage
the arrays of smooth ratchet teeth 1310 and 1312, respectively, the
operation of which is described later in detail. Blocks of rubber,
foam, plastic or other suitable resilient material 1382 and 1384,
secure in a suitable fashion to the rearward lower planar surface
of the central planar portion 1357 of the release lever assembly
1346 to provide positive spring-like pressure for forced engagement
of the roll pins 1352 and 1354 with the semi-circular arrays of
smoothed ratchet teeth 1310 and 1312, as later described in detail.
Any suitable spring-like arrangement can be utilized for this
function and shall not be construed to be limiting to the scope of
the invention.
[0109] FIG. 33 illustrates a top view of the pivot/ratchet assembly
1300. Illustrated in particular is the alignment of the roll pins
1352 and 1354 in the release lever assembly 1346 with the smoothed
ratchet teeth arrays 1310 and 1312 on the U-shaped bracket
1302.
[0110] FIG. 34 illustrates a cross sectional view of the
pivot/ratchet assembly 1300 along line 34-34 of FIG. 33. The
relationship between the release lever assembly 1346 and the
smoothed ratchet teeth array 1312 is described herein. The
relationship between the release lever assembly 1346 and the
smoothed ratchet teeth array 1310 is similar and is not described
for purpose of brevity and clarity. The release lever assembly 1346
and an attached keyboard tray 1010 are supported by and pivot about
pivot stud 1308 (and 1306) and are positionally held by interaction
of the smoothed ratchet teeth array 1312 (and 1310) and roll pin
1354 (and 1352). The release lever assembly 1346 pivots either
clockwise or counterclockwise about pivot pin 1350 to position the
roll pin 1354 with respect to the smoothed ratchet teeth array
1312. Roll pin 1354, being part of the release lever assembly 1346,
is forced and held in engagement between an angled and non-angled
portion of ratchet teeth of the smoothed ratchet teeth array 1312,
as shown in FIG. 35, by the spring-like action of the resilient
rubber block 1382 and holds in position and prevents rotation of
the release lever assembly 1346 and the attached keyboard tray 1010
and the angle bracket 1328 in a clockwise direction about the pivot
stud 1308. Cantilever forces force the roll pin 1354 against the
non-angled portion of a ratchet tooth of the smoothed ratchet teeth
array 1312 for support of the release lever assembly 1346, the
attached keyboard tray 1010, and angle bracket 1328.
[0111] Counterclockwise rotation of the release lever assembly
1346, the attached keyboard tray 1010, and the angle bracket 1328
about the pivot stud 1308 for upward angular displacemental
adjustment of the keyboard tray 1010 is allowed and effected by
manually grasping the outer end of the keyboard tray 1010 and
lifting, thereby causing the roll pin 1354 to be forced, against
the spring-like pressure exerted by the resilient rubber block
1382, along the angled portion of a ratchet tooth of the smoothed
ratchet teeth array 1312, along and about the smoothed tooth end,
and into a position between successive angled and non-angled teeth
surfaces to a desired position.
[0112] Clockwise rotation about pivot stud 1308 to angularly
displace the keyboard tray 1010 downwardly is effected by
depressing the release tab 1356 to the left, against the
spring-like pressure exerted by the resilient rubber block 1382, to
pivot the release lever assembly 1346 about the pivot pin 1350 to
remove the roll pin 1354 from influence of the smoothed ratchet
teeth array 1312 to allow rotational freedom of the release lever
assembly 1346, the attached keyboard tray 1010, and the angle
bracket 1328 in a clockwise direction about the pivot stud 1308.
Releasing of the release tab 1356 then causes the roll pin 1354 to
again engage a position between adjacent angled and non-angled
teeth surfaces to secure the release lever assembly 1346, the
attached keyboard tray 1010, and angle bracket 1328 against further
clockwise rotation.
[0113] Elevational rotation of the support arm 1014 about a pivot
support bracket, such as pivotal support bracket 222, in
combination with the pivotal positioning of the keyboard tray 1010
about the pivot/ratchet assembly 1300, as just previously
described, offers a great degree of elevational and angular
adjustment.
[0114] FIG. 35 illustrates in detail the shape of the teeth in the
smoothed ratchet teeth array 1312. With reference to a horizontally
aligned radius line 1386 the shape of the teeth is now described.
Tooth 1388 includes a flat surface 1392 which is parallel to radius
line 1386 upon which vertical forces from the keyboard tray 1010
are brought to bear through roll pin 1354 during static operation.
Also, lateral forces caused by the resilient rubber block 1382
force the roll pin 1354 into the arced portion 1394 between teeth
1388 and 1390 during static operation. During upward keyboard
adjustment, as previously described, the spring force of the
resilient rubber block 1382 is overcome as roll pin 1354 is forced
along and about the flat tooth surface 1396, which is angled or
ramped with respect to the radius line 1386. The roll pin 1354 then
traverses the arc surface 1398 at the end of tooth 1390 to be
forced by the resilient rubber block 1382 between teeth 1390 and
1400. Smooth and quieted transition of a roll pin, such as roll pin
1354, between tooth ends is promoted by the use of an arced
surface, such as arc surface 1398, instead of abrupt angled
surfaces such as are found in other ratcheting devices. Also, less
deflection of the roll pin 1354 and shorter actuation of the
release lever assembly 1346 is required to transit between rounded
teeth as opposed to using non-rounded teeth whose surfaces form a
sharp angle.
[0115] Various modifications can be made to the present invention
without departing from the apparent scope hereof.
1 MOUNTING SYSTEMS FOR FLAT PANEL DISPLAY OR KEYBOARD PARTS LIST 10
vertical surface 36 pivot assembly mount 38 component mount or 12
track plate bracket 14 track plate 38a planar portion 16 flat panel
display 40 vertical axis 18 angled bracket 42 horizontal axis
assembly 44 roll axis 20 angled bracket assembly 46 vertical
oriented flange 22 pivotal support bracket or arm 48 vertical
oriented elevation bracket flange 50 angle bracket 24 support arm
52 angle bracket 24a inboard end 54 UHMWPE disk 56 UHMWPE disk 24b
outboard end 58 bolt 25 gas spring 59 Belleville washer 26 vertical
axis 60 Belleville washer 28 horizontal axis 62 nut 30 three-axis
pivot 64 angle bracket 66 angle bracket 32 pivot assembly 68 angle
bracket 34 pivot assembly 70 angle bracket 104a semi-circular
member 72 UHMWPE disk 74 UHMWPE disk 106 planar member 76 bolt 106a
semi-circular member 77 Belleville washer 108 UHMWPE disk 78
Belleville washer 110 UHMWPE disk 80 nut 112 left support arm
member 82 angle bracket 84 angle bracket 112a disk-like portion 86
plate 112b planar member 88 UHMWPE disk 112c flange 90 bolt 114
right support arm member 92 Belleville washer 114a disk-like
portion 94 nut 114b planar member 96 central bracket 114c flange 98
angled support bracket 116 captive stud 98a planar portion 118
oilite bearing 98b planar portion 119 oilite washer 100 angled
support 120 oilite washer bracket 121 hole 100a planar portion 100b
planar portion 122 steel washer 102 central planar 123 hole area
124 Belleville washer 104 planar member 126 nut 178 UHMWPE washer
128 captive stud 180 threaded insert 132 steel washer 182
semi-circular slot 134 Belleville washer 183 outboard end 136 nut
184 pivot pin 140 gas spring mount 186 plastic spacer 142 threaded
shaft 188 plastic spacer 144 nut 190 pivot arc 146 nut 191 pivot
range 148 slot 210 vertical surface mount 150 tab 152 tab 216 flat
panel display 154 threaded hole 222 pivotal support bracket 156 tab
158 tab 224 support arm 160 pivot bolt 224a inboard end 162 pivot
tab 224b outboard end 164 pivot tab 225 gas spring 166 bolt 228
horizontal axis 168 Belleville washer 230 single-axis pivot 170
UHMWPE washer 238 component mount or 172 threaded insert bracket
174 bolt 240 horizontal axis 176 Belleville washer 246 vertically
oriented flange 312 left support arm 248 vertically member oriented
flange 312a disk-like portion 250 angle bracket 252 angle bracket
312b planar member 254 UHMWPE disk 312c flange 256 UHMWPE disk 314
right support arm 258 bolt member 259 Belleville washer 314a
disk-like portion 260 Belleville washer 314b planar member 262 nut
314c flange 264 angle bracket 266 angle bracket 316 captive stud
296 central bracket 318 oilite bearing 302 central planar 319
oilite washer area 320 oilite washer 304 planar member 321 hole
304a semi-circular 322 steel washer member 323 hole 304b bracket
tab 324 Belleville washer 306 planar member 326 nut 306a
semi-circular member 328 captive stud 306b bracket tab 332 steel
washer 308 UHMWPE disk 334 Belleville washer 310 UHMWPE disk 336
nut 340 gas spring mount 408 pivotal support bracket or arm 342
threaded shaft elevation bracket 344 nut 410 vertical axis 346 nut
412 bolt 348 slot 413 Belleville washer 350 tab 352 tab 414 steel
washer 354 threaded hole 416 UHMWPE disk 356 tab 418 Belleville
washer 358 tab 420 nut 360 pivot bolt 422 gas spring mount 383
outboard end 424 threaded shaft 384 pivot pin 426 nut 386 plastic
spacer 428 nut 388 plastic spacer 430 single-axis pivot 390 arc 432
support arm 400 horizontal surface or 510 tabletop mount ceiling
track mount 512 angled base 401 ceiling mounted 512a planar member
track 514 recessed hole 402 support bracket 516 flat panel display
404 track wheel 405 track wheel 522 pivotal support 406 track wheel
bracket or arm 407 track wheel elevation bracket assembly 612a
disk-like portion 523 vertical axis 614 right support arm 524
support arm member 525 gas spring 614a disk-like portion 530
single-axis pivot 616 captive stud 538 component mount 619 oilite
washer or bracket 620 oilite washer 546 flange 622 steel washer 548
flange 624 Belleville washer 550 angle bracket 552 angle bracket
626 nut 554 UHMWPE disk 628 captive stud 556 UHMWPE disk 632 steel
washer 558 bolt 634 Belleville washer 559 Belleville washer 560
Belleville washer 636 nut 562 nut 640 gas spring mount 564 angle
bracket 642 threaded shaft 566 angle bracket 660 pivot bolt 604
bracket planar member 684 pivot pin 606 bracket planar 686 plastic
spacer member 688 plastic spacer 608 UHMWPE disk 690 nut 610 UHMWPE
disk 692 nut 612 left support arm 694 bolt member 696 Belleville
washer 1032 left extended member 698 steel washer 1034 slot 1036
slot 700 UHMWPE disk 1038 front lip 702 Belleville washer 1040
machine screw 704 nut 1042 machine screw 800 tabletop mount 1044
planar surface 802 support arm 1046 lip 1048 lip 810 steel coil
spring 1050 lip 1052 lip 1000 keyboard support system 1054
contiguous slide plate 1010 keyboard tray 1056 upper planar member
1012 mouse pad tray 1058 lower planar member 1014 support arm 1060
intermediate portion 1016 fixed portion 1062 slot 1018 mounting lip
1064 machine screw 1020a-n mounting holes 1064a knob 1021a-n nut
and screw combinations 1066 machine screw 1022 cable access hole
1066a knob 1024 cable access hole 1026 cable access hole 1068 slide
channel 1070 slide channel 1028 slide plate 1072 pivot/brake
assembly 1030 right extended member 1074 U-shaped bracket 1074a
left member 1074b right member 1216a-n pole mounting brackets 1076
angled bracket 1078 angled bracket 1218 mail tray bracket 1080
angled bracket 1082 angled bracket 1220 UPS mounting bracket 1084
bolt 1300 pivot/ratchet assembly 1086 threaded shaft 1302 U-shaped
bracket 1088 UHMWPE disk 1090 UHMWPE disk 1302a planar portion
1302b left planar member 1092 steel washer 1094 steel washer 1302c
right planar member 1096 nut 1304a-n mounting holes 1098 nut 1306
pivot stud 1100 friction assembly 1308 pivot stud 1102 brake
assembly 1310 smoothed ratchet teeth array 1104 Belleville washer
1312 smoothed ratchet teeth array 1106 washer 1314 UHMWPE washer
1108 brake handle 1316 angle bracket 1110a-n nuts 1316a large
planar member 1112a-n mounting bolts 1316b small planar member 1200
rolling cart assembly 1318 large pivot hole 1210 base 1319a-b
mounting holes 1212a-n casters 1320 Belleville washer 1214 mounting
pole 1322 thrust washer 1357 central planar 1324 Nylock nut portion
1326 UHMWPE washer 1358 outer left tab 1328 angle bracket 1360
outer right tab 1328a large planar 1362 pivot hole member 1364
pivot hole 1328b small planar 1366 hole member 1368 hole 1329a-b
mounting holes 1370 press-on nut 1372 press-on nut 1330 large pivot
hole 1374 inner left tab 1332 Belleville washer 1376 inner right
tab 1334 thrust washer 1378 hole 1336 Nylock nut 1380 hole 1338
upper pivot hole 1382 rubber block 1384 rubber block 1340 lower
hole 1386 radius line 1342 upper pivot hole 1388 tooth 1344 lower
hole 1390 tooth 1346 release lever 1392 flat surface assembly 1394
arced portion 1348 body member 1396 flat surface 1350 pivot pin
1398 arc surface 1352 roll pin 1354 roll pin 1400 tooth 1356
release tab
* * * * *