U.S. patent application number 10/650092 was filed with the patent office on 2005-03-03 for mount for an input device.
Invention is credited to Mongeau, Adam David.
Application Number | 20050045788 10/650092 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34217074 |
Filed Date | 2005-03-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050045788 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mongeau, Adam David |
March 3, 2005 |
Mount for an input device
Abstract
A mount is coupled to a support member and is configured to
removably retain an input device, such as a computer keyboard. The
mount is configured to retain the input device in several different
orientations, including a substantially vertical orientation.
Additionally, the mount is configured to retain the input device
such that the input device does not separate from the mount when
the mount or the input device is accidentally bumped by a user. In
one embodiment, the mount may be used in conjunction with an arm to
retain a keyboard in several different positions, including a
standing position, a sitting position, and a supine position.
Inventors: |
Mongeau, Adam David;
(Laurel, MD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
COOLEY GODWARD LLP
ATTN: PATENT GROUP
11951 FREEDOM DRIVE, SUITE 1700
ONE FREEDOM SQUARE- RESTON TOWN CENTER
RESTON
VA
20190-5061
US
|
Family ID: |
34217074 |
Appl. No.: |
10/650092 |
Filed: |
August 28, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/276.1 ;
248/918 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16M 13/02 20130101;
F16M 2200/02 20130101; F16M 2200/068 20130101; F16M 11/10 20130101;
F16M 11/2021 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/276.1 ;
248/918 |
International
Class: |
E04G 003/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus, comprising: a support member; a first mount
coupled to the support member and configured to removably retain an
input device without modification to the input device, the first
mount having a first retention member and a second retention member
the second retention member being movable with respect to the first
retention member between a first position and a second position, a
distance between the first retention member and the second
retention member when the second retention member is in its first
position being greater than a distance between the first retention
member and the second retention member when the second retention
member is in its second position the second retention member being
biased to its second position; and a second mount coupled to the
support member and configured to couple to an output device.
2-4. (Canceled)
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first retention member is
fixedly coupled to the mount.
6. (Canceled)
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first mount is slideably
coupled to the support member in a first direction, a second
direction opposite from the first direction, and a third direction
different from the first direction and the second direction.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first mount is pivotally
coupled to the support member and is configured to pivot from a
first position to a second position substantially perpendicular to
the first position.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, the support member, the first mount,
and the second mount collectively defining an assembly, the
apparatus further comprising: an arm having a first portion coupled
to the support member and a second portion coupled to a base, the
first portion of the mount arm being movable with respect to the
second portion of the arm, the assembly and the arm collectively
having a range of motion including a first position, a second
position, and a third position, the assembly having a first height
and a first orientation when the assembly and the arm are in their
first position, the assembly having a second height and the first
orientation when the assembly and the arm are in their second
position, the assembly having a third height and a second
orientation when the assembly and the arm are in their third
position.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, the support member, the first mount,
and the second mount collectively defining an assembly, the
apparatus further comprising: an arm coupled to the assembly, the
assembly and the arm having a range of motion including a first
position, a second position, and a third position, the assembly
positionable and orientable to a standing position when the
assembly and the arm are in their first position, the assembly
positionable and orientable to a seated position when the assembly
and the arm are in their second position, the assembly positionable
and orientable to a supine position when the assembly and the arm
are in their third position.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first mount is configured
to removably retain an input device for a therapeutic
apparatus.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first mount is configured
to contact a first side of the input device and a second side of
the input device, the second side of the input device is parallel
to the first side of the input device.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first mount is configured
to contact a first side of the input device and a second side of
the input device, the second side of the input device is opposite
the first side of the input device.
14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second mount is
configured to couple to a visual output device, the visual output
being orientable to a position such that a user of the input device
may view the visual output device.
15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first mount is configured
to removably retain the keyboard such that a plurality of keys of
the keyboard are positioned to be used by a user.
16. An apparatus, comprising: a support member; a first mount
pivotally coupled to the support member and configured to retain an
input device such that the input device has a range of motion
including a first position and a second position, at least one of
the first position and the second position being substantially
vertical; and a second mount coupled to the support member and
configured to couple to an output device.
17. (Canceled)
18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first mount has a first
retention member and a second retention member, the first retention
member and the second retention member are configured to retain the
input device on the first mount without modification to the input
device.
19. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first mount has a first
retention member and a second retention member, the first retention
member is fixedly coupled to the first mount, the second retention
member is coupled to the first mount and is movable with respect to
the first retention member between a first position and a second
position, a distance between the first retention member and the
second retention member when the second retention member is in its
first position is greater than a distance between the first
retention member and the second retention member when the second
retention member is in its second position.
20. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first mount has a first
retention member and a second retention member, the first retention
member is fixedly coupled to the first mount, the second retention
member is coupled to the first mount and is movable with respect to
the first retention member between a first position and a second
position, a distance between the first retention member and the
second retention member when the second retention member is in its
first position is greater than a distance between the first
retention member and the second retention member when the second
retention member is in its second position, the second retention
member is biased to its second position.
21. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first mount has a first
elongate member and a second elongate member, the first elongate
member is slideably coupled to the first elongate member, at least
one of the first elongate member and the second elongate member
configured to retain the input device.
22. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first mount is slideably
coupled to the support member in a first direction, a second
direction opposite from the first direction, and a third direction
different from the first direction and the second direction.
23. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first mount is
configured to contact a first side of the input device and a second
side of the input device, the second side of the input device is
parallel to the fist side of the input device.
24-26. (Canceled)
27. An apparatus, comprising: a support member having a mount
configured to couple to a first device; and a clamp coupled to the
support member and configured to removably retain a second device,
the second device being an input device associated with the first
device, the clamp having a first retention member and a second
retention member, the second retention member being movable with
respect to the first retention member between a first position and
a second position, a distance between the first retention member
and the second retention member when the second retention member is
in its first position being greater than a distance between the
first retention member and the second retention member when the
second retention member is in its second position, the second
retention member being biased to its second position.
28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the mount is configured to
couple to an output device associated with the second device.
29.-30. (Canceled)
31. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the clamp has a first
elongate member and a second elongate member, the first elongate
member is slideably coupled to the second elongate member.
32. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the clamp is slideably
coupled to the support member in a first direction, a second
direction opposite from the first direction, and a third direction
different from the first direction and the second direction.
33. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the clamp is pivotally
coupled to the support member and is configured to pivot from a
first position to a second position, at least one of the first
position and the second position being substantially vertical.
34. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the mount is configured to
couple to an output device associated with a therapeutic apparatus,
the clamp is configured to removably retain an input device
associated with the therapeutic apparatus.
35. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the clamp is configured to
contact a first side of the input device and a second side of the
input device, the second side of the input device is opposite the
first side of the input device.
36. An apparatus, comprising: a support member; a first mount
coupled to the support member and configured to receive an input
device having a first side and a second side different from the
first side, the first mount being configured to generate a force on
the first side of the input device and on the second side of the
input device when the first mount receives the input device; and a
second mount coupled to the support member and configured to couple
to an output device.
37. (Canceled)
38. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the first mount has a first
retention member and a second retention member, the first retention
member and the second retention member are collectively configured
to generate the force on the first side of the input device and on
the second side of the input device when the mount receives the
input device.
39. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the first mount has a first
retention member and a second retention member, the first retention
member is fixedly coupled to the mount, the second retention member
is movable with respect to the first retention member between a
first position and a second position, a distance between the first
retention member and the second retention member when the second
retention member is in its first position is greater than a
distance between the first retention member and the second
retention member when the second retention member is in its second
position, the second retention member is biased to its second
position.
40. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the first mount is slideably
coupled to the support member in a first direction and a second
direction different from the first direction.
41. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the first mount is pivotally
coupled to the support member and is configured to pivot from a
first position to a second position substantially perpendicular to
the first position.
42.-43. (Canceled)
44. An apparatus, comprising: a support member having a mount
configured to couple to a first device; and a clamp coupled to the
support member and configured to removably retain a second device,
the second device being an input device associated with the first
device, the clamp being slideably coupled to the support member in
a first direction, a second direction opposite from the first
direction, and a third direction different from the first direction
and the second direction.
45. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the mount is configured to
couple to an output device associated with the second device.
46. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the clamp has a first
retention member and a second retention member, the first retention
member and the second retention member are collectively configured
to removably retain the input device.
47. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the clamp has a first
retention member and a second retention member, the second
retention member is movable with respect to the first retention
member between a first position and a second position, a distance
between the first retention member and the second retention member
when the second retention member is in its first position is
greater than a distance between the first retention member and the
second retention member when the second retention member is in its
second position, the second retention member is biased to its
second position.
48. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the clamp has a first
elongate member and a second elongate member, the first elongate
member is slideably coupled to the second elongate member.
49. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the clamp is pivotally
coupled to the support member and is configured to pivot from a
first position to a second position, at least one of the first
position and the second position being substantially vertical.
50. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the mount is configured to
couple to an output device associated with a therapeutic apparatus,
the clamp is configured to removably retain an input device
associated with the therapeutic apparatus.
51. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the clamp is configured to
contact a first side of the input device and a second side of the
input device, the second side of the input device is opposite the
first side of the input device.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The invention relates to a mount, and more particularly to a
mount for an input device, such as a computer keyboard.
[0002] Computers and their components, such as computer keyboards,
are often used with medical devices such as rehabilitation and
physical therapy devices. Known mounts have been provided for
coupling keyboards to such medical devices.
[0003] At times, however, persons who are in a supine position need
to interact with a computer that is being used in conjunction with
such a medical device. These known mounts are not configured to
retain keyboards in many different orientations. For example, known
mounts do not retain keyboards when the keyboards are placed in
vertical orientations. Therefore, it is difficult for a person who
is in a supine position to control the computer. Additionally,
known mounts are not configured to retain keyboards such that the
keyboards are prevented from separating from the mount when the
keyboard or the mount is accidentally bumped by a user.
[0004] Thus, a need exists for a keyboard mount that is configured
to retain a keyboard in many different positions, including a
vertical position. Additionally, a need exists for a keyboard mount
that retains the keyboard such that the keyboard is prevented
separating from the mount when the keyboard or the mount is
accidentally bumped by a user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A mount is coupled to a support member and is configured to
removably retain an input device, such as a computer keyboard. The
mount is configured to retain the input device in several different
orientations, including a substantially vertical orientation.
Additionally, the mount is configured to retain the input device
such that the input device does not separate from the mount when
the mount or the input device is accidentally bumped by a user. In
one embodiment, the mount may be used in conjunction with an arm to
retain a keyboard in several different positions, including a
standing position, a sitting position, and a supine position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a mount system
according to an embodiment of the invention retaining an input
device in a substantially horizontal orientation.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the mount system
illustrated in FIG. 1 retaining an input device in a substantially
vertical orientation.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a mount system according to
an embodiment of the invention.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the mount system of FIG. 3
retaining an input device.
[0010] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the mount system of FIG.
3.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a mount assembly according to an embodiment of the
invention in a first position.
[0012] FIG. 7 is the mount assembly of FIG. 6 in a second
position.
[0013] FIG. 8 is the mount assembly of FIG. 6 in a third
position.
[0014] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a mount system according to
another embodiment of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 10 is a top view of the mount system of FIG. 9.
[0016] FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the mount system of FIG. 9.
[0017] FIG. 12 is a front view of the mount system of FIG. 9.
[0018] FIG. 13 is a rear view of the mount system of FIG. 9.
[0019] FIGS. 14 and 15 are side views of the mount system of FIG.
9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] In some embodiments, a mount is configured to removably
retain or grip an input device without modification to the input
device. In other words, an input device, without modification to
the input device, may be removably retained or gripped by the
mount. The terms "retain" and "grip" as used herein mean that a
force is produced on the input device to couple the input device to
the mount. The term "modification" as used herein means a
post-manufacture change. Thus, an input device that has not been
modified is an input device in substantially the same state as it
was when it was manufactured. For example, an extra coupling
structure, such as hook-and-loop material, a mount-mating opening,
or other coupling member, has not been added to the input device
since the manufacture of the input device. Thus, the mount can
removably retain or grip a generic input device as it was
manufactured and any customization for use in a mount is
unnecessary.
[0021] In some embodiments, the mount is configured to place the
input device in several different orientations, including a
substantially vertical orientation. The term "substantially
vertical" as used herein means the orientations ranging from a
vertical orientation with respect to a ground or a floor to
30.degree. in either direction from such vertical orientation.
Because the mount retains or grips the input device, gravity does
not cause the input device to separate from the mount when the
input device is placed in a substantially vertical orientation.
Additionally, the input device does not separate from the mount
when the mount and/or the input device are accidentally bumped by a
user.
[0022] In one embodiment, the mount is configured to be used in
conjunction with an placement device, such as an extension arm. In
such an embodiment, the mount/placement device combination is
configured to retain an input device in a standing position, a
sitting position, and a supine position. Thus, a user in a standing
position, a user in a sitting position, and a user in a supine
position may use the input device without the input device becoming
separated from the mount.
[0023] FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematic illustrations of a mount system
20 according to an embodiment of the invention. The mount system 20
includes a support member 30 that is pivotally coupled to a mount
40. The mount 40 is configured to removably retain or grip an input
device K in several different orientations. The term "input device"
is used herein to mean any type of input device, including, but not
limited to, a computer keyboard, a numeric keypad, and a touch
pad.
[0024] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the mount 40 is configured to
retain the input device K in a substantially horizontal
orientation. In other words, an input side KS of the input device
K, or the face of the input device that includes input components
such as keys or buttons, extends in a substantially horizontal
plane. The term "substantially horizontal" as used herein means the
orientations ranging from a horizontal orientation with respect to
a ground or a floor to 30.degree. in either direction from such
horizontal orientation. Additionally, the term "horizontal" is
sometimes used herein as a convenient abbreviation for the term
"substantially horizontal."
[0025] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the mount 40 is configured to
retain the input device K in a substantially vertical orientation.
In other words, the input side KS of the input device K extends in
a substantially vertical plane. As defined above, the term
"substantially vertical" as used herein means the orientations
ranging from a vertical orientation with respect to a ground or a
floor to 30.degree. in either direction from such vertical
orientation. Additionally, the term "vertical" is sometimes used
herein as a convenient abbreviation for the term "substantially
vertical."
[0026] FIGS. 3 through 5 illustrate an embodiment of a mount system
120 according to an embodiment of the invention. The mount system
120 includes a support member 130, a first mount 140, and a second
mount 190.
[0027] In one embodiment the support member 130 is an elongated
member. The support member 130 has a first end portion 132 and a
second end portion 134. The second end portion 134 of the support
member 130 is coupled to a first end portion 142 of the first mount
140 such that the first mount 140 can slide with respect to the
support member 130 in four different directions. Specifically, the
first mount 140 can slide along the support member 130 in a first
direction towards the first end portion 132 of the support member
130 and in a second direction towards the second end portion 134 of
the support member 130. Additionally, the first mount 140 can slide
with respect to the support member 130 in a third direction towards
the support member 130 and in a fourth direction away from the
support member 130. In other words, the first mount 140 can slide
with respect to the support member 130 such that a center portion
141 of the first mount 140 moves in a direction toward the support
member 130 and in a direction away from the support member 130. The
first mount 140 is also coupled to the support member 130 such that
the first mount 140 can pivot with respect to the support member
130.
[0028] In one embodiment, the first mount 140 includes a slot 146
disposed at the first end 142 of the first mount 140. The support
member 130 is slidably received within the slot 146 of the first
mount 140. In this embodiment, the support member 130 slides and
pivots with respect to the first mount 140 within the slot 146 of
the first mount 140.
[0029] In alternative embodiments, the first mount is slidably or
pivotally coupled to the support member. In a further alternative
embodiment, the first mount is fixedly coupled to the support
member. Said another way, in this further embodiment, the first
mount is neither slidably nor pivotally coupled to the support
member.
[0030] In one embodiment, the mount system 120 includes a collar
148. The collar 148 is disposed within the slot 146 of the first
mount 140. The collar 148 is pivotally and slidably coupled to the
first mount 140, and is slidably coupled to the support member 130.
In one embodiment, the collar 148 defines an opening (not
illustrated) through which support member 130 is slidably received.
In other words, the support member 130 extends though the opening
of the collar 148 and slides within the opening with respect to the
collar 148.
[0031] The mount system 120 includes a lock 150 that is configured
to lock the first mount 140 with respect to the support member 130.
In one embodiment, the lock 150 includes a first lock knob 152
disposed on a first side 122 of the mount system 120 and a second
lock knob 154 disposed on a second and opposite side 124 of the
mount system 120. A pin 156 extends through elongated openings 126
and 128 disposed on a first side 158 of the first mount 140 and a
second side 160 of the first mount 140, respectively. The pin 156
also extends through the collar 148 of the mount system 120.
[0032] The first lock knob 152 is coupled to a first end portion
158 of the pin 156. Similarly, the second lock knob 154 is coupled
to a second end portion (not illustrated) of the pin 156. The lock
knobs 152 and 154 are coupled to the pin 156 such that rotation of
the lock knobs 152 and 154 in a first direction loosens the
connection between the first mount 140 and the support member 130.
Additionally, rotation of the lock knobs 152 and 154 in a second
direction opposite of the first direction of rotation tightens the
connection between the first mount 140 and the support member
130.
[0033] Thus, the lock knobs 152 and 154 may be rotated to loosen
the first mount 140 with respect to the support member 130. When
the first mount 140 is loose with respect to the support member
130, a user may slide the first mount 140 with respect to the
support member 130 and/or pivot the first mount 140 with respect to
the support member 130 to place the first mount 140 in a desired
position with respect to the support member 130. A user may then
rotate the lock knobs 152 and 154 to fix the first mount 140 with
respect to the support member 130 at the desired position. In one
embodiment, the lock knobs 152 and 154 may be rotated individually,
one knob at a time. In an alternative embodiment, only one of the
lock knobs needs to be rotated to fix the first mount with respect
to the support member.
[0034] In an alternative embodiment, the connection mechanism does
not include a pair of lock knobs, rather the connection mechanism
is a device such as a lock pin or screw that is configured to lock
the first mount into a fixed position with respect to the support
member.
[0035] The mount system 120 includes an end pin 121 that is
configured to prevent the first mount 140 from uncoupling or
separating from the support member 130. In one embodiment, the end
pin 121 is disposed proximate the second end portion 134 of the
support member 130 and extends from a first side 131 of the support
member 130 to a second side 133 of the support member 130. In this
embodiment, the end pin 121 protrudes from the first side 131 of
the support member 130 and the second side 133 of the support
member 130 such that the end pin 121 is configured to contact the
first mount 140 to prevent the first mount 140 from becoming
uncoupled or separating from the support member 130.
[0036] The first mount 140 is configured to removably retain or
grip an input device D without modification to the input device D.
In other words, an input device, without modification to the input
device, may be removably retained or gripped by the first mount
140. It should be understood that because the first mount 140
retains or grips the input device D, gravity does not cause the
input device D to separate from the first mount 140 when the input
device D is placed in a vertical orientation. Additionally, the
input device D does not separate from the first mount 140 when the
first mount 140 and/or the input device D are accidentally bumped
by a user.
[0037] The first mount 140 includes a first elongate member 162 and
a second elongate member 164. In one embodiment, the first elongate
member 162 includes a first end 166 disposed proximate the support
member 130 and a second end 168.
[0038] The first elongate member 162 includes a plate 170 fixedly
coupled to a top side 172 of the first elongate member 162, for
example, via a pair of screws or rivets. The plate 170 has a first
retention member 174 that extends from a top side 172 of the plate
170. In one embodiment, the first retention member 174 includes a
first protrusion portion 176 and a second protrusion portion 178.
The first protrusion portion 176 and the second protrusion portion
178 of the first retention member 174 are configured to contact a
side of an input device D. In one embodiment, covers 163 and 165,
such as rubber covers, are coupled to the first protrusion portion
176 and the second protrusion portion 178, respectively.
[0039] In one embodiment, the first retention member is
monolithically formed with the plate. In an alternative embodiment,
the first retention member is fixedly coupled to the plate via
screws, rivets, or any other conventional coupling mechanism. In a
further alternative embodiment, the first retention member is
coupled directly to the first elongate member of the first mount.
In such an embodiment, the plate is not present.
[0040] Although the first retention member is illustrated as having
two protrusion portions, it is not necessary that the first
retention member have two protrusion portions. In alternative
embodiments, the first retention member has one, three, or any
other number of protrusion portions.
[0041] The mount system includes an "L" shaped bracket 180. The "L"
shaped bracket 180 is fixedly coupled to a bottom side (not
illustrated) of the first elongate member 162. In one embodiment, a
first portion 181 the "L" shaped bracket 180 may be coupled to the
first elongate member 162 at any one of several different
locations. As will be discussed in more detail below, the different
locations allow the second elongate member 164 of the first mount
140 to be coupled to the first elongate member 162 at different
locations to therefore allow input devices of different sizes to be
coupled to the first mount.
[0042] In one embodiment, the "L" shaped bracket 180 is coupled to
the first elongate member via screws or rivets. In an alternative
embodiment, the "L" shaped bracket is coupled to the first elongate
member via another coupling mechanisms, such as a brad, an
adhesive, such as glue, or any other conventional coupling
mechanism 140.
[0043] Turning to the second elongate member 164 of the first mount
140, the second elongate member 164 of the first mount 140 includes
a first end portion 182 and a second end portion 184. A second
retention member 186 is coupled to the second elongate member 164
proximate the second end portion 184 of the second elongate member
164. The second retention member 186 includes a protrusion portion
188 that is configured to extend above a top side 189 of the second
elongate member 164. The protrusion portion 188 of the second
retention member 164 is configured to contact a side of an input
device D.
[0044] In one embodiment, the second retention member 188 is
coupled to the second elongate member 164 via a screw or a rivet.
In an alternative embodiment, the second retention member is
coupled to the second elongate member via a brad, an adhesive, or
any other conventional coupling mechanism. In a further alternative
embodiment, the retention member is monolithically formed with the
second elongate member.
[0045] The first mount 140 includes a handle 187 that is configured
to be grasped by a user of the mount system 120. The handle 187 is
coupled to the second elongate member 164 proximate the second end
portion 184 of the second elongate member 164. In one embodiment,
the handle 187 is coupled to the second elongate member 164 via a
screw or a rivet. In an alternative embodiment, the handle is
coupled to the second elongate member via another conventional
coupling mechanism.
[0046] The second elongate member 164 of the first mount 140 is
slidably coupled to the first elongate member 162 of the first
mount 140. In one embodiment, the first end portion 182 of the
second elongate member 164 is telescopically coupled to the second
end portion 168 of the first elongate member 162. In other words,
the first elongate member 162 includes an opening or a cavity 185
that slidably receives at least a portion of the second elongate
member 164. In an alternative embodiment, the second elongate
member is slidably coupled to a top, a bottom or a side of the
first elongate member.
[0047] In one embodiment, the first end portion 182 of the second
elongate member 164 extends through the opening 185 disposed at the
second end 168 of the first elongate member 162 and is coupled to a
second portion 183 of the "L" shaped bracket 180. The second
elongate member 164 is coupled to the second portion 183 of the "L"
shaped bracket 180 via a screw 179. A tubular spring 177 is
disposed around a shaft 173 of the screw between the second portion
183 of the "L" shaped bracket 180 and a head 175 of the screw.
Thus, the second elongate member 164 is movably coupled to the "L"
shaped bracket 180.
[0048] The spring 177 is configured to bias the second elongate
member 164 towards and into an abutting relationship with the
second portion 183 of the "L" shaped bracket 180. A force, such as
a force in the direction of the arrow A illustrated in FIG. 3,
however, may be applied by a user to the second elongate member 164
to move (against the bias of the spring 177) the second elongate
member 164 a distance away from the "L" shaped bracket 180 and the
first elongate member 162. When the force is removed from the
second elongate member 164 the spring 177 again biases the second
elongate member 164 into an abutting relationship with the second
portion 183 of the "L" shaped bracket 180.
[0049] In an alternative embodiment, the second elongate member is
not spring biased into an abutting relationship with the "L" shaped
bracket, rather another type of biasing force is used to bias the
second elongate towards the first elongate member, such as a
gravity force, a magnetic force, or any other force conventionally
used to provide a bias. In a further alternative embodiment, the
second elongate member is not biased towards the first elongate
member, rather a lock system, such as a detent system or a lock
pin, secures the second elongate member in a fixed position with
respect to the first elongate member.
[0050] In use, a user of the mount system 120 may removably couple
an input device to the first mount 140. To mount an input device to
the first mount 140, a user may apply a force to the second
elongate member 164, such as by grasping the handle 187 of the
first mount 164 and pulling the second elongate member 164 away
from the first elongate member 162 (in the direction of the arrow A
illustrated in FIG. 3). Assuming that the force applied by the user
is greater than the force of the spring 177 that biases the second
elongate member 164 towards the first elongate member 162, the
second elongate member 164 will move away from the first elongate
member 162. Thus, the second retention member 186 will move from a
first position to a second position. It should be understood that
the distance between the first retention member 174 and the second
retention member 186 when the second retention member 186 is at its
second position is greater than the distance between the first
retention member 174 and the second retention member 186 when the
second retention member 186 is at its first position.
[0051] A user may then place an input device on the first mount 140
between the second retention member 186 and the first retention
member 174. Once the input device is placed on the first mount 140,
the user may remove the force applied to the second elongate member
164 The spring biasing force will move the second elongate member
164, including the second retention member 168, towards the first
elongate member 162 and the first retention member 174. In other
words, the second retention member 168 will be placed into a third
position between the first position and the second position
relating to an edge of the input device. It should be understood
that the distance between the first retention member 174 and the
second retention member 186 when the second retention member 186 is
at its second position is greater than the distance between the
first retention member 174 and the second retention member 186 when
the second retention member 186 is at its third position. In one
embodiment, the distance between the first retention member and the
second retention member when the second retention member is at its
first position is the same as the distance between the first
retention member and the second retention member when the second
retention member is at its third position. In this embodiment, the
third position corresponds to the first position.
[0052] The spring biasing will cause a force to be applied to two
sides of the input device D. Specifically, the first retention
member 174 applies a force in a first direction to a first side
(not illustrated) of the input device D. Similarly, the second
retention member 186 applies a force in a second direction to a
second side DS of the input device D. In one embodiment, the first
side of the input device is opposite to the second side of the
input device.
[0053] As briefly discussed above, the "L" shaped bracket 180 may
be coupled to the first elongate member 162 of the first mount 140
at several different locations. Depending on where the "L" shaped
bracket 180 is coupled to the first elongate member 162, the second
end portion 184 of the second elongate member 164 will be disposed
closer to or further from the first elongate member 162. Thus, it
should be understood that a user may couple the "L" shaped bracket
180 to different locations on the first elongate member 162 to
allow input devices of different sizes to be coupled to the first
mount 140. For example, a user may couple the "L" shaped bracket
180 at a first location on the first elongate member 162 to allow
an input device that is eight inches wide to be coupled to the
first mount 140. Similarly, the user may couple the "L" shaped
bracket 180 at a second location on the first elongate member 162
to allow an input device that is six inches wide to be coupled to
the first mount 140.
[0054] Turning to the second mount 190 of the mount system 120. The
second mount 190 of the mount system is configured to couple an
output device (not illustrated) to the support member 130. The term
"output device" is used herein to mean any type of output device,
including, but not limited to, a computer monitor, a sound speaker,
and a television monitor. The second mount 190 is fixedly coupled
to the support member 130 via screws or rivets. In an alternative
embodiment, the second mount is fixedly coupled to the support
member via another coupling means, such as an adhesive or
brads.
[0055] In one embodiment, the second mount 190 includes several
screws 192 that extend through the second mount 190. The screws 192
are configured to extend into and couple an output device to the
second mount 190. In an alternative embodiment, the second mount
includes brads, an adhesive, or another conventional coupling
mechanism to couple an output device to the second mount.
[0056] As illustrated in FIGS. 6 through 8, a mount system 220
including a support member 230 and a mount 240 that is configured
to retain or grip an input device M may be used in conjunction with
an arm 270 (the mount system 220 and the arm 270 are collectively
referred to as the "mount assembly 280"). The mount assembly 280
may be placed in several different configurations.
[0057] The arm 270 includes a first portion 272 that is pivotally
coupled to a second portion 274 of the arm 270. The first portion
272 of the arm 270 is pivotally coupled to a base 250. Similarly,
the second portion 274 of the arm 270 is pivotally coupled to the
mount system 220, such as to the support member 230. In one
embodiment, all of the couplings between the base 250, arm 270, and
mount system 220 are movable couplings such as pivotal couplings or
slidable couplings. In another embodiment, less than all of the
couplings between the base, arm, and mount system are movable
couplings. In other words, in an alternative embodiment not all of
the couplings between the base, arm, and mount system allow for
movement of one item with respect to another item coupled
thereto.
[0058] Known coupling devices may be used to couple the base 250,
arm 270, and mount system 220. For example, a pivotal hinge (not
illustrated) may be coupled between the base 250 and the arm 270 to
allow the arm 270 to pivot with respect to the base 250.
[0059] The base 250 supports the mount assembly 280. In one
embodiment, the base is a wall of a room. In an alternative
embodiment, the base is a ceiling of a room, a floor of a room, a
medical device, such as a muscular rehabilitation device, or any
other object that provides support to the mount assembly.
[0060] FIG. 6 illustrates the mount assembly 280 in a first
configuration. In the first configuration, the mount assembly 280
disposes and retains an input device M at a first position and in a
horizontal orientation. At the first position, the input device M
and the mount 240 are disposed at a height such that a user U in a
standing position may use the input device M. The horizontal
orientation of the input device M facilitates a standing user to
use the input device M.
[0061] FIG. 7 illustrates the mount assembly 280 in a second
configuration. In the second configuration, the mount assembly 280
disposes and retains the input device M at a second position and in
a horizontal orientation. At the second position, the input device
M and the mount 240 are disposed at a height such that a user U in
a seated position may use the input device M. The horizontal
orientation of the input device M facilitates the use of the input
device M by a user U in a seated position.
[0062] FIG. 8 illustrates the mount assembly 280 in a third
configuration. In the third configuration, the mount assembly 280
disposes and retains the input device M at a third position and in
a vertical orientation. At the third position, the input device M
and the mount 240 are disposed at a height such that a user in a
supine position may use the input device M. The vertical
orientation of the input device M facilitates the use of the input
device by the user U in a supine position.
[0063] FIGS. 9 through 15 illustrate another embodiment of a mount
system 320 according to the invention. The mount system 320
includes a support member 330 and a mount 340 configured to retain
or grip an input device, such as a keyboard.
[0064] While the invention has been described in detail and with
references to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to
one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can
be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope
thereof. For example, although the mount is generally illustrated
and described as applying force to a front side and a rear sides of
the input device, the mount can instead be configured to contact
and apply force to any two sides of an input device, including, for
example, a top side and a bottom side, or a left side and a right
side. In further embodiments, the mount is configured to contact
and apply a force to a different number of sides of the input
device.
[0065] In one embodiment, the mount is configured to contact and
apply force to only one side of an input device. In such an
embodiment, another portion of the mount system, such as the
support member, is configured to contact and apply force to at
least one side of the input device. In this embodiment, the contact
portions of the mount system are defined as portions of the
mount.
* * * * *