U.S. patent application number 10/618270 was filed with the patent office on 2005-01-13 for flat panel monitor support arm.
Invention is credited to Henning, Gerald W., Johnson, Bruce R..
Application Number | 20050006542 10/618270 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33565106 |
Filed Date | 2005-01-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050006542 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Henning, Gerald W. ; et
al. |
January 13, 2005 |
Flat panel monitor support arm
Abstract
A support arm for components such as flat screen monitors. In
one embodiment, the support arm includes rigid arm segment and a
flexible arm segment. The flexible arm segment may be mounted
adjacent to the supported component. The flexible arm segment
includes a plurality of flexible tubes, each having a core
surrounding by a filling material and a flexible coiled tube.
Preferably, at least one of the flexible tubes is fixed at both
ends while at least one of the flexible tubes includes a free
floating end that is permitted to move longitudinally with respect
to the fixed tube as the flexible arm is moved.
Inventors: |
Henning, Gerald W.; (Spring
Lake, MI) ; Johnson, Bruce R.; (Muskegon,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
David A. Rhem
Varnum, Riddening, Schmidt & Howiett LLP
Bridgewater Place, P.O. Box 352
Grand Rapids
MI
49501-0352
US
|
Family ID: |
33565106 |
Appl. No.: |
10/618270 |
Filed: |
July 11, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/274.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16M 11/40 20130101;
F16M 2200/024 20130101; F16M 13/022 20130101; F16M 11/2064
20130101; F16M 11/105 20130101; F16C 11/10 20130101; F16M 11/08
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/274.1 |
International
Class: |
E04G 003/00 |
Claims
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or
privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. A support arm comprising: a base having a mounting means for
mounting said base to a mounting structure; a rigid arm segment; a
flexible arm segment, said rigid arm segment and said flexible arm
segment being connected to one another, said interconnected
segments having a first end and a second end, said first end being
connected to said base; and a component mount connected to said
second end of said interconnected segments.
2. The support arm of claim 1 wherein said flexible arm segment
includes a plurality of discrete flexible tubes extending
substantially parallel to one another.
3. The support arm of claim 2 wherein each of said plurality of
flexible tubes includes a first end and a second end, at least one
of said flexible tubes including a fixed first end and a fixed
second end, at least one of said flexible tubes including a free
floating first end.
4. The support arm of claim 3 further comprising a joint
interconnecting said rigid arm segment and said flexible arm
segment.
5. The support arm of claim 4 wherein said joint includes a locking
mechanism for selectively locking said joint in a desired
position.
6. The support arm of claim 3 further comprising a joint disposed
between said interconnected segments and said component mount.
7. The support arm of claim 1 wherein said flexible arm segment
includes at least one flexible tube, said flexible tube including a
core, a flexible casing surrounding said core in a spaced apart
relationship to define a void, and a filler material substantially
filling said void.
8. The support arm of claim 7 wherein said core is a solid metal
round stock.
9. The support arm of claim 8 wherein said filling material is a
silicone caulk.
10. The support arm of claim 9 wherein said casing is a flexible
coiled steel tube.
11. The support arm of claim 5 wherein said rigid arm segment is
secured to said base and said flexible arm segment is secured to
said component mount.
12. The support arm of claim 1 further comprising a second rigid
arm segment, a second flexible arm segment and a second component
mount; and wherein said second rigid arm segment, said second
flexible arm segment and said second component mount are connected
to said base.
13. A support arm comprising: a mounting base; a first arm segment
mounted to said base; a second arm segment mounted to said first
arm segment opposite said base; and a component mount connected to
said second arm segment, wherein at least one of said first arm
segment and said second arm second is a flexible arm segment.
14. The support arm of claim 13 wherein said flexible arm segment
includes a plurality of discrete flexible tubes extending
substantially parallel to one another.
15. The support arm of claim 13 wherein each of said plurality of
flexible tubes includes a first end and a second end, at least one
of said flexible tubes is a fixed tube including a fixed first end
and a fixed second end, at least one of said flexible tubes is a
floating tube having at least one free floating end.
16. The support arm of claim 15 wherein at least one of said
plurality of flexible tubes includes a core, a casing surrounding
said core in a spaced relationship to define a void between said
core and said casing, and a filling material substantially filling
said void.
17. The support arm of claim 14 wherein said first arm segment is
connected to said second arm segment by a first joint, said first
joint permit pivotal movement between said first arm segment and
said second arm segment in at least one direction.
18. The support arm of claim 17 wherein said second arm segment is
connected to said component mount by a second joint, said second
joint permit pivotal movement between said first arm segment and
said second arm segment in at least one direction.
19. The support arm of claim 18 wherein said flexible arm segment
is further defined as said second arm segment.
20. The support arm of claim 19 wherein said fixed tube and said
floating tube are vertically offset from one another.
21. The support arm of claim 13 further comprising a third arm
segment, a fourth arm segment and a second component mount; and
wherein said second third arm segment, said fourth arm segment and
said second component mount are connected to said base and to one
another to provide a support for a second component.
22. A support arm comprising: a mounting base; a flexible arm
segment mounted to said base, said flexible arm segment including a
plurality of discrete flexible tubes extending substantially
parallel to one another; and a component mount connected to said
arm segment.
23. The support arm of claim 22 wherein each of said plurality of
flexible tubes includes a first end and a second end, at least one
of said flexible tubes is a fixed tube including a fixed first end
and a fixed second end, at least one of said flexible tubes is a
floating tube having at least one free floating end.
24. The support arm of claim 23 wherein at least one of said
plurality of flexible tubes includes a core, a casing surrounding
said core in a spaced relationship to define a void between said
core and said casing, and a filling material substantially filling
said void.
25. A support arm comprising: a mounting base; a flexible arm
segment mounted to said base, said flexible arm segment including a
core, a casing surrounding said core in a spaced relationship to
define a void between said core and said casing, and a filling
material substantially filling said void; and a component mount
connected to said arm segment.
26. The support arm of claim 25 wherein said flexible arm segment
includes a plurality of discrete flexible tubes extending
substantially parallel to one another.
27. The support arm of claim 26 wherein each of said plurality of
flexible tubes includes a first end and a second end, at least one
of said flexible tubes is a fixed tube including a fixed first end
and a fixed second end, at least one of said flexible tubes is a
floating tube having at least one free floating end.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to support arms, and more
particularly to an adjustable support arm for components such as
flat panel monitors.
[0002] Conventional CRT computer monitors suffer in that they are
large and relatively heavy. As a result of their weight,
conventional CRT monitors are typically placed directly on a desk
or other work surface. Although conventional CRT monitors are
mounted on support arms in some applications, this option in not
practical in many situations. Support arms for conventional CRT
monitors are relatively expensive and they must be mounted to a
strong and durable mounting structure. Accordingly, conventional
CRT monitors often occupy valuable desk space that could be better
used for other things.
[0003] As a result of these and other problems, there is a steady
increase in the use of flat panel monitors as a replacement for
conventional CRT computer monitors. Flat panel monitors occupy
dramatically less space and are significantly lighter in weight
than conventional CRT computer monitors. As a result of their
reduced weight, flat panel monitors are also more easily supported
above a desk or other work surface by a support arm. Although they
are lighter than conventional CRT monitors, flat panel monitors are
relatively heavy and still require strong and durable support arms.
Conventional support arms typically include large rigid arm
segments that are joined by complex durable joints. Although these
conventional joints provide a level of adjustability, they are
often difficult to operate and provide a limit range of
adjustability. With many conventional support arms, the joints must
be unlocked to make adjustments to the position of the monitor and
then relocked once the monitor is in place. Accordingly,
conventional support arms are typically relatively expensive,
provide limited range of motion and require significant effort to
adjust. As a result, there remains a continuing need for a flat
panel monitor support arm that is inexpensive, easy to operate and
highly adjustable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The aforementioned problems are overcome by the present
invention wherein a support arm for a component, such as a flat
panel monitor, is provided with a plurality of flexible support
members. The flexible support members are preferably mounted
adjacent to one another to cooperatively provide sufficient support
for the component. In one embodiment, one end of at least one of
the flexible support members is free floating to permit it to move
longitudinally with respect to the other flexible support members
as the arm is support arm moved.
[0005] In one embodiment, the support arm includes two flexible
support members, one disposed vertically above the other. The two
support members each include a first end that is fixed to a common
base at one end and a second end that terminates at a component
mount. The component mount is adapted to receive a component, such
as a flat panel monitor. The second end of one of the two support
members is fixed to the component mount while the second end of the
other support member is left free floating within a slide channel.
This permits the support members to move longitudinally with
respect to one another as the flexible support members are
moved.
[0006] In one embodiment, each flexible support member includes a
spiral-wrapped, flexible steel tube, a solid core disposed
coaxially within the flexible tube and a filler material filling
the space between the tube and the core. The filler material may be
a conventional silicone caulking.
[0007] In another embodiment, the support arm includes a rigid
lower arm segment and a flexible upper arm segment. By locating the
flexible arm segment adjacent to the component, the moment arm
applied to the flexible arm segment is reduced. In heavier
applications, this can eliminate or dramatically reduce any creep
that may occur in the flexible arm segment.
[0008] The present invention provides an inexpensive and highly
adjustable support arm. The flexible support members provide
essentially infinite adjustability without the need to operate the
locking and release mechanisms incorporated into conventional rigid
joints. The use of a flexible tube with one free-floating end
facilitates movement of the flexible arms, maintaining support
while making it easier to move the arm through a wider range of
motion. The flexible arm segments are inexpensive and easily
manufacture from conventional components. The combination of a
solid core, coiled steel tube and silicone filling material provide
the desired strength, while still permitting easy adjustment of the
supported structure. The precise strength of the flexible support
members can be easily controlled by varying the characteristics of
the various components, for example, by varying the material or
diameter of the core. Further, by providing a rigid lower arm
segment and a flexible upper arm segment, the present invention is
easily adapted for use in supporting heavier objects.
[0009] These and other objects, advantages, and features of the
invention will be readily understood and appreciated by reference
to the detailed description of the preferred embodiment and the
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a support arm in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 2A is an exploded perspective view of the support
arm;
[0012] FIG. 2B is a cut away view of a flexible support member;
[0013] FIG. 3A is a side elevational view of a portion of the
support arm showing the base, lower arm segment and coupling in a
first position;
[0014] FIG. 3B is a side elevational view of a portion of the
support arm showing the base, lower arm segment and coupling in a
second position;
[0015] FIG. 4A is a side elevational view of a portion of the
support arm showing the upper arm segment and joint assembly;
[0016] FIG. 4B is an exploded view of a portion of the support arm
showing the upper arm segment and joint assembly;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a first alternative
embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the first
alternative embodiment;
[0019] FIG. 7A is a side elevational view of a portion of the first
alternative embodiment showing a portion of the lower arm segment,
the coupling and the joint assembly in a first position;
[0020] FIG. 7B is a side elevational view of a portion of the first
alternative embodiment showing a portion of the lower arm segment,
the coupling and the joint assembly in a second position;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the upper joint
assembly of the first alternative embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the upper joint
assembly of the first alternative embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of the second alternative
embodiment; and
[0024] FIG. 10B is an exploded perspective view of portions of the
second alternative.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0025] A flat panel monitor support arm in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1,
and generally designated 10. Although the present invention is
described in connection with a flat panel monitor support arm, the
present invention is well suite for use with in support arms for
other objects, such as flat screen televisions, touch screen, etc.
Referring now to FIG. 2, the support arm 10 generally includes a
base assembly 12 that permits the support arm 10 to clamp to a
mounting surface, such as a desk top (not shown), a flexible lower
arm segment 14 that is mounted to the base assembly 12, a rigid
upper arm segment 16 mounted to the lower arm segment 14 and an
upper joint assembly 18 mounted to the upper arm segment 16. The
lower arm segment 14 is flexible to provide easy adjust of the flat
panel monitor 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower arm
segment 14 includes three flexible tubes 52a-c that are easily bent
to vary the position of the flat panel monitor 200 (See FIG. 3A).
All three of the tubes 52a-c are fixed to the base assembly 12,
while at least one of the tubes 52a-c is free floating at its
opposite end to flexing movement of the lower arm segment 14.
[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, the base assembly 12
generally includes a clamp 20, a lower swivel mount 22 and an upper
swivel mount 24 (See FIG. 2A). The clamp 20 includes a generally
C-shaped bracket 26 and a threaded clamp post 28 that is threadedly
engaged with the bracket 26. A conventional hand knob 30 and a
clamp foot 32 are affixed to opposite ends of the clamp post 28.
Manual rotation of the hand knob 30 permits the support arm 10 to
be easily mounted to a support structure, such as a desk top (not
shown). Although the present invention is described in connection
with a generally conventional screw-actuated clamp assembly, the
present invention may include alternative mounting mechanisms. For
example, the screw-actuated clamp assembly may be replaced by
conventional cam-actuated or spring-actuated clamp assemblies. In
other alternatives, the clamp 20 may be eliminated and the support
arm 10 may be attached to the support structure by adhesive,
screws, bolts or other fasteners. In this embodiment, the lower
swivel mount 22 is fixedly secured to the bracket 26, for example,
by a screw 38 and lock-nut 40. Alternatively, the lower swivel
mount 22 and bracket 26 can be integrally formed or secured by
welding, adhesives or other conventional methods. As perhaps best
shown in FIGS. 2A, 3A and 3B, the lower swivel mount 22 is
generally cylindrical and defines an internal bore 34. The internal
bore 34 is adapted to receive the pivot post 42 of the upper swivel
mount 24. The lower swivel mount 22 also defines a threaded hole 44
to receive a set screw 46 for pivotally securing the pivot post 42
in the internal bore 34.
[0027] The upper swivel mount 24 is rotatably mounted to the lower
swivel mount 22 to permit the support arm 10 to rotate in through a
generally horizontal plane. Referring again to FIG. 2A, the upper
swivel mount 24 is generally cylindrical with a rounded head 36. A
pivot post 42 protrudes from the undersurface of the lower swivel
mount 22. As noted above, the pivot post 42 is fitted within the
internal bore 34 of the lower swivel mount 22. The pivot post 42
has an outer diameter that is only slightly smaller than the
internal diameter of the internal bore 34 of the lower swivel mount
22. The pivot post 42 defines an annular recess 48 that loosely
receives set screw 46 to interconnect the lower swivel mount 22 and
the upper swivel mount 24. The upper swivel mount 24 also defines a
plurality of arm mounting bores 50a-c, one to receive each of the
flexible tubes 52a-c. The upper swivel mount 24 further includes a
plurality of set screw holes 54a-c, each to receive a set screw
56a-c for securing each of the flexible tubes 52a-c in the
corresponding arm mounting bore 50a-c.
[0028] As noted above, the lower arm segment 14 includes a
plurality of flexible tubes 52a-c (See FIGS. 2B-3B). In the
illustrated embodiment, the lower arm segment 14 includes three
flexible tubes 52a-c, but the number of flexible tubes can vary
from application to application. Referring now to FIG. 2B, each
flexible tube 52a-c generally includes a core 58, a filler 60
surrounding the core 58, a casing 62 surrounding the core 58 and
filler 60 and a flexible sleeve 64 surrounding the casing 62. The
core 58 is preferably manufactured from solid metal, for example,
one-quarter inch copper round stock or 0.156 inch annealed steel or
annealed aluminum round stock. The size, shape and configuration of
the core 58 may vary from application to application. For example,
the core 58 may be manufactured from a hollow core material or from
other flexible materials. In this embodiment, the casing 62 is a
generally conventional flexible steel tube formed from helically
wound spring steel. The flexible steel tube can be replaced by
other flexible casing materials depending primarily on the desired
strength of the flexible tubes 52a-c. For example, in some
applications it may be desirable to replace the flexible steel tube
with a flexible plastic tube, such as a conventional
"accordion-style" plastic tube. The inner diameter of the casing 62
is preferably substantially greater than the outer diameter of the
core 58 so that an internal void 66 is disposed between the core 58
and the casing 62. The void 66 is preferably filled with a filler
60, such as generally conventional silicone caulking. Other filler
materials may be used in place of the silicone caulking. The filler
60 may be selected to increase or decrease the strength (e.g.
flexibility or resistance to bending) of the flexible tubes
52a-c.
[0029] It is desirable to match the strength (e.g. flexibility or
resistance to bending) of the lower arm segment 14 to the weight of
the component to be support, such as a flat panel monitor 200. As
the force required to bend the lower arm segment 14 increases, so
does the effort required to adjust the position of the monitor 200.
On the other hand, if the force required to bend the lower arm
segment 14 is too low, the support arm 10 may creep or fall under
the weight of the monitor 200. With a conventional 15" flat panel
monitor weighing approximately 7 to 9 pounds, the desired balance
can be achieved by providing a core 58 of conventional annealed
steel or annealed aluminum round stock with a diameter of 0.156
inches, a filler 60 of 100 percent silicone caulking, a casing 62
of conventional five eighth inch outer diameter flexible steel tube
and a sleeve 64 of heat-shrink plastic.
[0030] Referring again to FIGS. 2A and 3A-B, the support arm 10
includes a coupling 68 that mounts to the free end of the lower arm
segment 14. In this embodiment, two of the flexible tubes 52a-b are
fixedly secured to the coupling 68, while the third flexible tube
52c is free floating with respect to the coupling 68. More
specifically, the coupling 68 defines three lower arm mounting
bores 70a-c, which preferably extend parallel to one another and to
the central axis of the coupling 68 (See FIG. 2A). Set screw holes
72a-b are defined in communication with lower arm mounting bores
70a-b for securing the corresponding flexible tubes 52a-b within
the bores 70a-b by set screws 71a-b. The third lower arm mounting
bore 70c receives the free end 53 of the third flexible tube 52c.
As perhaps best shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, the free end of the third
flexible tube 52c terminates within the third lower arm mounting
bore 70c. The flexible tube 52c is not, however, fixed within the
third bore 70c. Instead, the third flexible tube 52c is permitted
to move freely within the third lower arm mounting bore 70c as the
lower arm segment 14 is bent in one direction or another. The free
floating nature is perhaps best understood by comparison of the
position of the free end 53 of flexible tube 52c within the third
bore 70c in FIGS. 3A and 3B. This improves the flexibility and
increases the available range of motion of the lower arm segment
14. Alternatively, the flexible tube 52c can be fixed to the
coupling 68 and free floating with respect to the base 12 to
provide similar functional benefits. The coupling 68 also defines a
pair of upper arm bores 73a-b for receiving the upper arm segment
16. The upper arm bores 73a-b closely receives the two tube
segments 84a-b (described below) of the upper arm segment 16. The
coupling 68 may also define set screw holes 76a-b for securing the
two tube segments 84a-b to the coupling 68 by set screws 74a-b. The
upper arm bores 73a-b and lower arm bores 70a-b may be continuous
with one another if desired. More specifically, upper arm bore 73a
and lower arm bore 70a may be opposite ends of a single bore
extending entirely through the coupling 68 and, likewise, upper arm
bore 73b and lower arm bore 70b may be opposite ends of a single
bore extending entirely through the coupling 68.
[0031] The upper arm segment 16 of the described embodiment extends
from the coupling 68 to support the upper joint assembly 18. In
this embodiment, the upper arm segment 16 includes two adjacent
segments of rigid tube 84a-b, for example, 0.720 inch diameter
steel tube (See FIGS. 2A and 3A-B). The size, shape and
configuration of the upper arm segment 16 may vary from application
to application depending primarily on the desired strength and
aesthetic characteristics. For example, the rigid tube segments
84a-b may be replaced by other rigid materials or by a flexible
upper arm segment 16, such as the three flexible tubes 52a-c of the
lower arm segment 14.
[0032] An upper joint assembly 18 is mounted to the free end of the
upper arm segment 16. The upper joint assembly 18 mounts to the
flat panel monitor 200 and is adjustable in various directions to
control the position of the flat panel monitor 200. As perhaps best
shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the upper joint assembly 18 generally
includes a head 78, a first joint member 80 pivotally mounted to
the head 78, a second joint member 82 pivotally mounted to the
first joint member 80 and a panel mounting bracket 112 secured to
the second joint member 82. The head 78 mounts to the upper arm
segment 14. In the described embodiment, the head 78 defines two
arm mounting bores 86a-b that receive the ends of the two tube
segments 84a-b. The head 78 defines two set screw holes 88a-b for
securing the tube segments 84a-b to the head 78 by set screws
90a-b. The head 78 may also define a threaded through bore 94 for
securing the head 78 to the first joint member 80 and a plurality
of spring seats 92a-d for seating bearing plunger springs 96a-d and
plunger balls 104a-d as described in more detail below. The first
joint member 80 is pivotally mounted to the head 78 to permit
adjustment of the joint assembly 18 along a single plane, for
example, a vertical plane in the illustrated embodiment. The first
joint member 80 defines a through bore 98 for attaching the first
joint member 80 to the head 78 by a conventional fastener 100. The
through bore 98 may be counter-bore to provide a recess for the
head of the fastener 100. To permit pivotal movement between the
head 78 and the first joint member 80, the mounting fastener 100 is
tightened only to the point where the desired resistance to pivotal
movement is achieved. A jam screw (not shown) is threadedly
inserted into threaded through bore 94 to abut and jam-lock the
fastener 100 in place. The first joint member 80 also defines a
plurality of plunger ball detents 102 adapted to receive plunger
balls 104a-d. The plunger balls 104a-d are spring biased by springs
96a-d to bias the first joint member 80 in the positions dictated
by the pattern of the detents 102. The strength of the springs
96a-d or the number of spring/ball assemblies can be selected to
provide the desired biasing force. In some applications, it may be
desirable to eliminate the spring/ball assemblies or replace them
with conventional alternative biasing mechanisms. The first joint
member 80 also defines a threaded through bore 106. The second
joint member 82 defines a corresponding through bore 108 for
pivotally interconnecting the first and second joint members 80 and
82 by a conventional fastener 110. The through bore 108 may be
counter-bore to provide a recess for the head of the fastener 110.
To permit pivotal movement between the first joint member 80 and
the second joint member 82, the mounting fastener 110 is tightened
only to the point where the desired resistance to pivotal movement
is achieved. A jam screw 146 is threadedly inserted into through
bore 106 to abut and jam-lock the fastener 110 in place (See FIG.
4A). The second joint member 82 also defines a pair of bracket
mounting holes 114a-b for mounting the bracket 112 to the second
joint member 82. The bracket 112 is a generally planar steel plate
that defines a pair of mounting holes 116a-b for mounting the
bracket 112 to the second joint member 82 by fasteners 118a-b. The
bracket 112 can be mounted to the second joint member 82 by other
conventional mechanisms, such as welding, adhesives or other
fasteners. Alternatively, the bracket 112 and second joint member
82 can be integrally formed as a single unit. The bracket 112 also
defines a plurality of mounting holes 120a-d arranged in a pattern
that matches the mounting pattern of the product to be supported,
such as flat panel monitor 200. As a result, the flat panel monitor
200 can be mounted to the bracket 112 by conventional fasteners
(not shown). The support arm 10 can be configured to support
various products by varying the mounting hole pattern or by
replacing the mounting hole pattern with other conventional
mounting mechanisms.
[0033] The various components of the support arm 10 are
manufactured using conventional techniques and apparatus. In one
embodiment, the lower swivel mount 22, upper swivel mount 24,
coupling 68, head 78, first joint member 80 and second joint member
82 are machined from nylon (e.g. nylon 616) round stock having a
diameter of approximately 2 inches. The nylon may be reinforced,
for example, with glass fibers if desired. These components may,
however, be manufactured using other conventional techniques and
apparatus, such as injection molding or die casting, and using
other conventional materials, such as metal, thermoplastic.
[0034] To provide a mechanism for routing power cords and other
wires, the support arm 10 may includes a plurality of cord clips
170 (See FIGS. 1 and 2A). The cord clips 170 are intended to
snap-fit over the flexible tubes 52a-c of the lower arm segment 14
and the rigid tubes 84a-b of the upper arm segment 16. This allows
the user to place the cord clips 170 as desired. Each cord clip 170
includes a pair of flexible, resilient legs 172 that are curved
along a diameter that is slightly smaller than the outer diameter
of the flexible tubes 52a-c and the rigid tubes 84a-b. The cord
clip 170 includes a curved body 176 that defines a cord space 174
for receiving the desired power cord and other wires. The size and
shape of the cord space 174 can be easily adjusted as desired by
varying the size and shape of the body 176. Although two cord clips
170 are shown, the number of cord clips can vary as desired.
Alternative Embodiments
[0035] The present invention is described above in connection with
a support arm 10 intended to support a conventional 13-15 inch flat
panel monitor. The design and configuration of the support arm can
be varied to adapt the support arm to other uses. For example, the
strength of the flexible lower arm segment 14 can be increased to
support heavier objects or reduced to support lighter objects.
Further, the size or material types of the various support arm
components can be changed to provide increased or decreased
strength as desired. The configuration of the support arm may also
be varied, for example, by reversing the position of the lower arm
segment and upper arm segment so the flexible arm segment is
located adjacent to the joint assembly. In some application, the
rigid arm segment may be eliminated all together to provide an arm
that is flexible along its entire length. Further, in some
applications it may be desirable to vary the number of flexible
tubes that are free floating at one end.
[0036] To illustrate the adaptability of the present invention, a
first alternative embodiment is described in connection with FIGS.
5-9. This alternative embodiment is intended for use with larger
flat panel monitors, such as 17-19 inch monitors. In this
embodiment, the base assembly 12' is generally identical to the
base assembly 12 described above including a clamp 20', lower
swivel mount 22', upper swivel mount 24', C-shaped bracket 26' and
a clamp post 28' with a knob 30' and foot 32' on opposite ends (See
FIGS. 5 and 6). The various elements of the base 12' may be
increased in size or manufactured from stronger materials to
provide increased strength.
[0037] In this embodiment, the lower arm segment 14' is rigid and
the upper arm segment 16' is flexible. As perhaps best shown in
FIG. 6, the lower arm segment 14' generally includes three rigid
tubes 86a-c' similar to the rigid tubes 86a-b. The rigid tubes
86a-c preferably extend parallel to one another through a gentle
arc. The rigid tubes 86a-c' are preferably manufactured from one
half inch steel conduit.
[0038] The support arm 10' includes a coupling 68' interconnecting
the lower arm segment 14' and the upper arm segment 16'. In this
embodiment, the coupling 68' provides a joint that permits pivot
movement of the upper arm segment 16'. The coupling 68' generally
includes a lower half 122' and an upper half 124'. The lower half
122' defines three lower arm mounting bores 70a-c' that are fitted
over the upper ends of the rigid tubes 86a-c'. The lower half 122'
preferably defines three set screw holes 160a-c' for securing the
coupling to the lower arm segment 14' by set screws 162a-c'. The
lower half 122' also defines a through bore 126' for pivotally
mounting the lower half 122' to the upper half 124'. The through
bore 126' is preferably threaded to receive a mounting fastener
128'. To permit pivotal movement in the coupling 68' the mounting
fastener 128' is tightened only to the point where the desired
resistance to pivotal movement is achieved. A jam screw 146' is
threadedly inserted into through bore 126' to jam-lock the fastener
128' in place. The upper half 124' is similar to the lower half
122', being configured to mount to upper arm segment 16'. The upper
half 124' defines three upper arm mounting bores 72a-c'. The upper
half 124' preferably defines two set screw holes 164a-b' for
securing the coupling to the upper arm segment 16' by set screws
166a-b'. The upper half 124' also defines a through bore 130' for
pivotally mounting the lower half 122' to the upper half 124'. The
through bore 130' is counter-bored to seat the head of fastener
128'. In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling 68' also includes
a plunger assembly for locking the coupling 68' in one of a variety
of positions. The plunger assembly generally includes a plunger pin
136 mounted in the upper half 124' that interacts with a plurality
of spaced locking holes 142 defined in the lower half 122'. The
plunger pin 136 is mounted in a through bore 144 defined in the
upper half 124'. The plunger pin bore 144 is counter-bored to seat
a plunger spring 138 around the plunger pin 126 for biasing the
plunger pin 136 into engagement with the locking holes 142. The
plunger pin 136 protrudes from the upper half 124' and includes a
knob 140 to facilitate its actuation. In operation, the user simply
disengages the plunger pin 136 by pulling on the knob 140 and then
pivots the coupling 68' to the desired position. When the plunger
pin 136 is released, the spring 138 will push the plunger pin 136
into engagement with any aligned locking hole 142. The plunger
assembly 134 can be incorporated into one or more of the other
pivot locations on the support arm 10' as desired.
[0039] The upper arm segment 16' includes three flexible tubes
52a-c'. The flexible tubes 52a-c' are generally identical to
flexible tubes 52a-c', each including a core (not shown) of
conventional 0.156 inch annealed steel or annealed aluminum round
stock, a filler (not shown) of conventional 100 percent silicone
caulking, a casing (not shown) of conventional five eighth inch
outer diameter flexible steel tube and a sleeve (not numbered) of
heat shrink plastic. As in support arm 10, flexible tubes 52a-b'
are fixed at both ends, while flexible tube 52c' has at least one
free end. In the illustrated alternative embodiment, flexible tube
52c' is fixed at one end to the upper swivel mount 24' and its
other end is free floating with respect to the coupling 68'.
Movement of flexible tube 52c' is perhaps best seen by comparing
the position of the free end 53' of tube 52c' in FIGS. 7A and 7B.
Alternatively, the third flexible tube 52c' can be fixed to the
coupling 68' and free floating with respect to the upper swivel
mount 24'.
[0040] The upper joint assembly 18' is largely identical to upper
joint assembly 18 except as described below. As perhaps best shown
in FIG. 8, the upper joint assembly 18' generally includes a head
78', a first joint member 80', a second joint member 82' and a
bracket 112'. The head 78', first joint member 80' and second joint
member 82' are pivotally interconnected to provide two axes of
pivotal motion. Unlike the head 78 described above, the head 78'
defines three arm mounting bores 86a-c' to mount the three flexible
tubes 52a-c' of the upper arm segment 16'. The head 78' includes
three set screw holes 88a-c' for locking flexible tubes 52a-c' in
place within the corresponding mounting bores 86a-c' by set screw
90a-c'.
[0041] In this alternative embodiment, the bracket 112' is
pivotally mounted to the upper joint assembly 18' to permit
rotational movement of the flat panel monitor 200. As shown in
FIGS. 6 and 9, the bracket 112' includes a central bracket mounting
hole 114' for securing the bracket 112' to the second joint member
82' by a threaded fastener 118'. To permit rotational movement of
the bracket 112' the fastener 118' is tightened only to the point
where the desired resistance to movement is achieved. A set screw
150 is threadedly inserted into set screw hole 152 defined in the
second joint member 82' to lock the fastener 118' in place. To
limit rotational movement of the bracket 112', the second joint
member 82' includes a limit pin 154 that interacts with an arcuate
slot 148 defined in the bracket 112' (See FIGS. 6 and 9). More
specifically, a limit pin 154 protrudes from the second joint
member 82' into the arcuate slot 148 in the bracket 112'. The limit
pin 154 may be threaded or frictionally fitted into a bore (not
shown) in the second joint member 82'. Alternatively, the limit pin
154 may be integrally formed with second joint member 82'. As the
bracket 112' is rotated, the limit pin 154 moves along the arcuate
slot 148. Movement of the bracket 112' is permitted until the limit
pin 154 reaches either end of the slot 148. In this way, the
arcuate slot 148 defines the range of motion of the bracket
112'.
[0042] A second alternative embodiment is shown in FIGS. 10A and
10B. In this embodiment, the support arm 10" is configured to mount
two separate objects, such as two flat panel monitors. As shown,
the support arm 10" includes two arms 132a and 132b mounted to a
common base assembly 12". The arms 132a and 132b may be of any
construction disclosed herein, however, in the illustrated
embodiment, each arm 132a and 132b has essentially the same
construction as support arm 10. Referring now to FIG. 10, the base
12" includes a lower swivel mount 22" and an upper swivel mount 24"
that are generally identical to the lower swivel mount 22 and upper
swivel mount 24 described above. In addition, the base 12" includes
a central swivel mount 156 that is interposed between the lower
swivel mount 22" and the upper swivel mount 24". The central swivel
mount 156 includes a pivot post 180 that is pivotally fitted into
the bore 34" of the lower swivel 22". The pivot post 180 is
generally identical to pivot post 42 and it includes an annular
recess 182 for securing the central swivel mount 156 by set screw
46". The central swivel mount 156 defines an internal bore 184
adapted to receive the pivot post 42" of the upper swivel mount
24". The central swivel mount 156 also defines a threaded set screw
hole 186 to receive a set screw 188 for pivotally securing the
pivot post 42" of the upper swivel mount 24" in the internal bore
184. The arm 132a is mounted to the central swivel mount 156. In
this embodiment, the central swivel mount 156 defines a plurality
of bores 190a-c for mounting the flexible tubes 52a-c" of the lower
arm segment 14" of arm 132a. More specifically, the central swivel
mount 156 defines three bores 190a-c, each adapted to receive the
ends of the flexible tubes 52a-c". The central swivel mount 156
preferably includes set screws for securing the flexible tubes
52a-c to the base 12". The second arm 132b is mounted to the upper
swivel mount 24" in the same manner described above in connection
with support arm 10. Accordingly, that structure will not be again
described here. As can be seen, the central swivel mount 156
provides a simple structure for permitting multiple components to
be supported by the same base.
[0043] The above description is that of various preferred
embodiments of the invention. Various alterations and changes can
be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of
the invention as defined in the appended claims, which are to be
interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law
including the doctrine of equivalents. Any reference to claim
elements in the singular, for example, using the articles "a,"
"an," "the" or "said," is not to be construed as limiting the
element to the singular.
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