U.S. patent application number 11/075073 was filed with the patent office on 2006-09-14 for adjustable support apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to Innovative Office Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Bradley A. Derry, Odd N. JR. Oddsen, Howard M. JR. Williams.
Application Number | 20060202091 11/075073 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36953951 |
Filed Date | 2006-09-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060202091 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Oddsen; Odd N. JR. ; et
al. |
September 14, 2006 |
Adjustable support apparatus
Abstract
An adjustable support apparatus including a pole having a
plurality of first elements exposed at an exterior surface of the
pole. The apparatus also including a clamping member having a top
surface, an outer surface and an inner surface having a second
element. The second element cooperating with one of the first
elements such that said clamping member is at least loosely affixed
to the pole. The apparatus further including a collar adapted to be
positioned about the clamping element. The clamping member affixing
the collar to the pole.
Inventors: |
Oddsen; Odd N. JR.; (Easton,
PA) ; Derry; Bradley A.; (Allentown, PA) ;
Williams; Howard M. JR.; (Emmaus, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LERNER, DAVID, LITTENBERG,;KRUMHOLZ & MENTLIK
600 SOUTH AVENUE WEST
WESTFIELD
NJ
07090
US
|
Assignee: |
Innovative Office Products,
Inc.
Easton
PA
18040
|
Family ID: |
36953951 |
Appl. No.: |
11/075073 |
Filed: |
March 8, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/122.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16M 11/24 20130101;
F16M 11/10 20130101; F16M 11/2014 20130101; F16M 2200/028
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/122.1 |
International
Class: |
A47F 5/00 20060101
A47F005/00 |
Claims
1. An adjustable support apparatus comprising: a pole having a
plurality of first elements exposed at an exterior surface of said
pole, said pole further including a longitudinal axis; a clamping
member having a top surface, an outer surface, and an inner surface
having a second element, said second element cooperating with one
of said plurality of first elements such that said clamping member
is at least loosely affixed to said pole with said inner surface of
said clamping member being juxtaposed to said exterior surface of
said pole; and a collar having an inner surface, a top surface, a
bottom surface and an aperture extending from said top surface to
said bottom surface, said inner surface of said collar including an
inwardly projecting ridge, said aperture of said collar adapted for
receiving said pole therein such that said collar is translatable
about said longitudinal axis of said pole, said collar being
positioned about said clamping member so that said aperture of said
collar receives said clamping member therein and said inwardly
projecting ridge abuts said top surface of said clamping member,
thereby retaining said collar on said clamping member in at least
one direction.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said clamping member
is C-shaped and includes a first end and a second end remote from
each other, said clamping member having a cavity defined by said
inner surface of said clamping element, said pole being received
within said cavity of said clamping element.
3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said clamping member
is flexible, and wherein a distance between said first end and said
second end may be increased or decreased.
4. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said top surface of
said clamping member includes a chamfered edge.
5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said inner surface
of said collar is circular and said inwardly projecting ridge
extends entirely around said inner surface of said collar.
6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said outer surface
of said clamping member has a first diameter when in an at rest
position and wherein said inner surface of said collar has a second
diameter, said second diameter being less than said first diameter
such that when said aperture of said collar receives said clamping
member therein said collar exerts an inwardly directed force
against said clamping member which subsequently causes said
clamping member to abut said pole.
7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first element
is an indent and said second element is a protrusion.
8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said plurality
indents of said pole and said protrusion of said clamping element,
both have a similar circular shape.
9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of
first elements is aligned in a straight line.
10. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an
adjustable arm connectable to said pole at a first end thereof.
11. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a
mounting stand connectable to said pole at a second end
thereof.
12. An adjustable support apparatus comprising; a pole having a
plurality of indents exposed at an exterior surface of said pole,
said pole further including a longitudinal axis; a collar having an
inner surface, a top surface, a bottom surface and an aperture
extending from said top surface to said bottom surface, said
aperture of said collar adapted for receiving said pole therein
such that said collar is translatable about said longitudinal axis
of said pole; and an engagement means positioned between said pole
and said collar for affixing said collar to said pole.
13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said collar
applies an inwardly directed force against said engagement means
such that said engagement means closely confronts said pole.
14. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein at least a portion
of said engagement means is disposed within one of said
indents.
15. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said inner surface
of said collar is circular and said collar includes an inwardly
projecting ridge extending around said inner surface of said
collar.
16. An adjustable arm apparatus comprising: a pole having a
receiving means exposed at an exterior surface of said pole, said
pole further including a longitudinal axis; a collar means
securable to said pole; and an engagement means positioned between
said pole and said collar means for affixing said collar means to
said pole, wherein at least a portion of said engagement means is
received within said receiving means of said pole.
17. A method of assembling an adjustable support apparatus, the
method comprising: placing a pole in an upright position, said pole
including a plurality of first elements exposed on an exterior
surface of said pole; positioning a clamping member about said
pole, said clamping member having a second element thereon;
translating said clamping member along a longitudinal axis of said
pole until reaching a desired position; affixing said clamping
member to said pole at said desired position by engaging said
second element of said clamping member with one of said plurality
of first elements of said pole; and placing a collar about said
clamping member, said collar being affixed to said clamping member
in at least one direction, said collar providing an inwardly
directed radial pressure against said clamping member, thereby
causing said clamping member to abut said exterior surface of said
pole.
18. The method according to claim 17, wherein said step of
positioning said clamping member about said pole includes forcing
said clamping member into an open position.
19. The method according to claim 17, wherein said first element is
an indent and said second element is a protrusion.
20. The method according to claim 19, wherein said plurality of
indents is exposed at said exterior surface of said pole in a
straight line.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a stand for mounting a
peripheral device and, more particularly, to a pole stand for
elevating and supporting a flat-screen peripheral device, such as a
computer monitor or television.
[0002] Adjustable stands for use with electronic or other equipment
are known in the prior art. Such stands are useful when it is
required to elevate a device off a floor, desk or other surface, in
order that the device meets eye-level or some other desired height.
Stands also serve to hold cumbersome objects that are not designed
to be placed directly on a surface due to ventilation requirements
or other concerns.
[0003] In conjunction with stands, it is known in the art to also
provide mechanical extension arms and/or tilters in order to
position the supported equipment. Typically, an extension arm is
attached to the stand and may then be attached to, among other
things, a computer monitor. The arm enables the user to linearly
position the device along one or more axis. Such extensions are
shown and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,726,167 and 6,854,698, the
disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference
herein.
[0004] In order that the device may be positioned with even greater
precision, a tilter or mounting structure is typically employed
that allows the device to be rotated about one or more axis. The
tilter or mounting structure may be attached to the extension arm
previously discussed or attached directly to the stand. Once such
tilter is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,505,988, the
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
[0005] Prior art adjustable stands generally include a connecting
element such as a clamp or ring which enables an adjustable arm to
be affixed to a support pole. The connecting element or clamp
includes a set-screw, which may be tightened against the pole so
that the clamp is securely affixed to the pole. The set-screw may
either engage an exterior surface of the pole or may be partially
driven into a recess or indent of the pole. Unfortunately, this
design has a disadvantage that after successive uses and
reconfiguration of the support assembly, the support pole may be
damaged, scratched or contain blemishes caused by the interaction
of the set-screw against the exterior surface of the pole.
[0006] It can also be difficult to properly line up the set-screw
with the recess to ensure a secure connection. Additionally, the
loosening and tightening of the set screw can cause the set screw
to become displaced from the clamp and subsequently lost, or can
cause the threads on the set-screw to be stripped, resulting on a
loose connection.
[0007] Thus, there is a need for a pole stand device that is
suitable for supporting an electronic peripheral device, such as a
flat screen computer monitor or television, that can accommodate
various extension arms and tilters, that are easily assembled, and
even after multiple uses does not mar the exterior surface of the
pole.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention is directed to an adjustable support
apparatus having a pole with a plurality of first elements exposed
at an exterior surface of the pole. The pole further includes a
longitudinal axis. The apparatus also includes a clamping member
having a top surface, an outer surface and an inner surface having
a second element. The second element cooperates with one of the
plurality of first elements such that the clamping member is at
least loosely affixed to the pole with the inner surface of the
clamping member being juxtaposed to the exterior surface of the
pole.
[0009] The apparatus further includes a collar having an inner
surface, a top surface, a bottom surface and an aperture extending
from said top surface to said bottom surface. The inner surface of
the collar preferably includes an inwardly-projecting ridge. The
aperture of the collar is adapted for receiving the pole therein
such that the collar is translatable about the longitudinal axis of
the pole. The collar is preferably positioned about the clamping
member so that the aperture of the collar receives the clamping
member therein and the inwardly-projecting ridge abuts the top
surface of the clamping member, thereby retaining the collar on the
clamping member in at least one direction.
[0010] In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
clamping member is C-shaped and includes a first end and a second
end remote from each other. The clamping member preferably has a
cavity defined by the inner surface of the clamping member, wherein
the pole is received within the cavity of the clamping member. The
clamping member is preferably flexible such that a distance between
the first end of the second end may be increased or decreased. The
top surface of the clamping member preferably includes a chamfered
edge.
[0011] The inner surface of the collar is preferably circular and
in one embodiment, the inwardly-projecting ridge extends entirely
around the inner surface of the collar.
[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the outer
surface of the clamping member has a first diameter when in an
at-rest position and the inner surface of the collar has a second
diameter. The second diameter is less than the first diameter such
that when the aperture of the collar receives the clamping member
therein, the collar exerts an inwardly-directed force against the
clamping member which subsequently causes the clamping member to
abut the pole.
[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first
elements may be an indent and the second element may be a
protrusion. In one embodiment of the present invention, the indents
are aligned in a straight line along the exterior of the pole.
Additionally, the indents and protrusion may have similar
corresponding shapes and may be circular.
[0014] The apparatus may also include an adjustable arm connectable
to the pole at a first end thereof. Additionally, the apparatus may
also include a mounting stand connected to the pole at a second end
thereof.
[0015] In another aspect of the present invention, the adjustable
support apparatus may include an engagement means positioned
between the pole and the collar for affixing the collar to the
pole. Additionally, in an alternate embodiment of the present
invention, the collar means may be provided securable to the pole.
Additionally, an engagement means is positioned between the pole
and the collar means for affixing the collar means to the pole. At
least a portion of the engagement means is received within a
receiving means of the pole.
[0016] In a method of assembling an adjustable support apparatus
according to the present invention, a pole is placed in an upright
position. Next a clamping member is placed in a position about the
pole with the clamping member having a second element thereon while
the pole has a first element exposed thereon. The clamping member
may be translated along the longitudinal axis of the pole until
reaching the desired position. The clamping member is then affixed
to the pole at the desired position by engaging the second element
of the clamping member with one of the plurality of first elements
of the pole. A collar is then placed about the clamping member. The
collar being affixed to the clamping member in at least one
direction. Additionally, the collar may provide an
inwardly-directed radial pressure against the clamping member,
thereby causing the clamping member to abut the exterior surface of
the pole.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] In the drawings in which relatively like characters denote
similar elements throughout the several views:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pole stand having a pole,
a collar and a clamping element according to one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pole of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 3a is a perspective view of the clamping element of
FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 3b is a top view of the clamping element of FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 4a is a top perspective view of the collar of FIG.
1;
[0023] FIG. 4b is a bottom perspective view of the collar of FIG.
1;
[0024] FIG. 5 illustrates one method of assembly of the adjustable
support apparatus support illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 6 illustrates an assembled adjustable support apparatus
according to one embodiment of the present invention; and
[0026] FIG. 7 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a pole used in
conjunction with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] The present invention relates to an adjustable support
apparatus suitable for mounting various components such as
flat-screen electronic devices, such as computer monitors,
televisions and the like, and a method of mounting the same.
[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, the adjustable support apparatus 1
includes a pole 10, a clamping element 12 and a collar 14.
Adjustable support apparatus 1 may include varying numbers of each
element as will be described below. Clamping element 12 and collar
14, as shown in FIG. 1 are positioned about pole 10, and although
not shown in FIG. 1 are designed to engage one another. Specific
features and aspects of the individual elements will now be
described with reference to the figures.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, pole 10 preferably includes at least one
indent 20 but more preferably a plurality of indents 20 exposed at
an exterior surface 22 of the pole. The pole preferably also
includes a proximal end 24 and a distal end 26. Pole 10 may be a
hollow cylinder as shown in FIG. 2 or may also be a solid cylinder
with indents 20. Of course, pole 10 may also have various other
geometric shapes without deviating from the scope of the present
invention, e.g., square, polygonal, oval and the like.
[0030] In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
plurality of indents 20 is exposed at an exterior surface 22 of
pole 10. For ease and efficiency of manufacturing, a straight-line
arrangement is preferred as shown in FIG. 2. However, indents 20
may be exposed at exterior surface 22 in various other patterns and
arrays. For example, indents 20 may present a spiral pattern, a
Peg-Board pattern, be aligned in adjacent rows or the like. Indents
20 may also be dispersed about pole 10 in a random array. In
addition, the present invention contemplates various numbers of
indents 20 being dispersed about pole 10, including only a single
indent. Indents 20 are preferably spaced at least one inch apart.
The spacing between adjacent indents 20 may be enlarged or lessened
in order to provide the desired position ranges required, as will
be described below. Indents 20 may extend substantially along an
entire longitudinal axis 28 of pole 10 from proximal end 24 to
distal end 26 or only along a portion thereof.
[0031] Indents 20 may be dimples or recesses exposed about exterior
surface 22. In an alternate embodiment, indents 20 may actually be
apertures extending to a center or hollow chamber of pole 10.
Indents 20 may also extend entirely through pole 10 so that
openings of indents 20 are exposed at both sides of the pole.
Indents 20 are preferable circular although this is not required.
Pole 10 is preferably constructed from a metal such as steel,
aluminum or the like.
[0032] As shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, in one preferred embodiment,
clamping element 12 includes an inner surface 30 and an outer
surface 32. Although the inner and outer surfaces are substantially
arc-shaped, various other geometric shapes may be used without
deviating from the scope of the present invention. Desirably, inner
surface 30 has substantially the same shape as exterior surface 22
of pole 10. Clamping element 12 further includes a top surface 34
and a bottom surface 36. Clamping element 12 is preferably
substantially U-shaped or C-shaped and includes a first end 37 and
a second end 39 remote from one another. Opening 43 leads into a
cavity 45 and separates first end 37 and second end 39 from one
another. The distance of opening 43 when clamping element 12 is in
its at rest position is preferably less than a diameter of pole 10,
so that the clamping element 12 can surround at least 50% of the
circumference of pole 10. More preferably, in the at rest position,
clamping element 12 surrounds at least 67% of the circumference of
pole 10. Clamping element 12 is preferably flexible so as to permit
the increase and decrease in the size of opening 43 and is
preferably constructed from a plastic, spring steel or the like.
The at rest position of the clamping element corresponds to the
shape of the clamping element that is when it is not subjected to a
radially directed inward or outward force.
[0033] Clamping element 12 may also include a chamfered edge 40
positioned adjacent and between top surface 34 and inner surface
30, the purpose of which will be described below.
[0034] Clamping element 12 preferably further includes a protrusion
52 extending radially inwardly from inner spherical surface 30.
Protrusion 52 preferably includes cylindrical sidewall 54 in
communication with inner surface 30 and cap 56. Cap 56 is adjacent
to cylindrical sidewall 54 and remote from inner surface 30. Cap 56
is preferably circular. More preferably, cap 56 has substantially
the same geometry as an indent 20.
[0035] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
cylindrical sidewall 54 may include a decline or chamfered edge 58
remote from inner surface 30 and adjacent to cap 56.
[0036] In a preferred embodiment, as described below, cylindrical
sidewall 54 preferably has a radius substantially the same or
slightly less than a radius of indents 20. Chamfered edge 58
enables cap 56 and thus a first end of protrusion 52, to have a
smaller diameter than cylindrical sidewall 54.
[0037] As illustrated in FIGS. 4a and 4b, collar 14 includes a top
surface 60, a bottom surface 62 and an aperture 64 extending
therethrough. Collar 14 preferably has a cylindrical shape and
includes a radially-extending sidewall 66 extending downwardly from
top surface 60 and adjacent thereto. As with clamping element 12,
collar 14 may have alternate geometric shapes. Collar 14 also
preferably includes radially-extending decline wall 68 extending
between and adjacent to sidewall 66 and bottom surface 62. Decline
wall 68 is preferably included for aesthetic purposes and allows
for a smooth transition between pole 10 and sidewall 66 of collar
14, when the collar is affixed to the pole, as will be described
below. Decline wall 68 has a downward slope from sidewall 66 to
bottom surface 62.
[0038] As shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b, collar 14 also preferably
includes circumferential wall 70 extending downwardly from top
surface 60 and partially defining aperture 64. Desirably, adjacent
to circumferential wall 70 is shoulder 72, best shown in FIG. 4b.
Although shoulder 72 and circumferential wall 70 are shown
extending 360 degrees about aperture 64, in an alternate embodiment
circumferential wall 70 and shoulder 72 may have gaps dispersed
between their lengths so that they resemble a plurality of flanges
extending inwardly towards a center of aperture 64.
[0039] Extending downwardly and adjacent to shoulder 72 is
circumferential wall 74. Circumferential wall 74 preferably extends
to and is adjacent with bottom surface 62 as well as shoulder
72.
[0040] In one method of assembly, as shown in FIG. 5, first end 37
and second end 39 of clamping element 12 may be stretched apart
from the at rest position, such that opening 43 is increased in
size until the opening is large enough to place the clamping
element about pole 10. With first end 37 and second end 39 spread
wide so that clamping element 12 is in an open position, pole 10 is
received within cavity 45. First end 37 and second end 39 are
released and spring back to at least partially retain pole 10
within clamping element 12. In such an arrangement, inner surface
30 of clamping element 12 is juxtaposed against exterior surface 22
of pole 10.
[0041] Preferably, clamping element 12 is loosely secured to pole
10 in such a manner that the clamping element may be translated
along exterior surface 22 of pole 10 along the direction of
longitudinal axis 28. Clamping element 12 preferably translated
about pole 10 until a desired position or height is obtained. In
order to affix clamping element 12 to pole 10, protrusion 52 of the
clamping element is received within one of the indents 20 of the
pole. Clamping element 12, or more specifically protrusion 52, is
received within an indent 20, which best corresponds to the desired
positioning of the clamping element. Since chamfered edge 58 is
located adjacent cap 56 of protrusion 52, and the cap desirably has
a diameter at least slightly less than indent 20, the protrusion is
easily received within the indent. As previously mentioned, since
cylindrical sidewall 54 has a diameter substantially equal to the
diameter of indent 20, the friction between the two elements
retains the protrusion within the indent.
[0042] With clamping element 12 correctly in place, proximal end 24
of pole 10 is received within aperture 64 of collar 14. Of course,
collar 14 may be placed about pole 10 prior to clamping element 12
engaging the pole. Collar 14 is than translated along longitudinal
axis 28 in a direction of arrow A, as shown in FIG. 1, until coming
in contact with clamping element 12. Collar 14 is push downwardly
onto clamping member 12 until shoulder 72 abuts top surface 34 of
the clamping element, thereby affixing the two elements together at
least relative to the direction of arrow A.
[0043] In a preferred embodiment, circumferential wall 74 of collar
14 has a radius that is slightly smaller than a radius of outer
surface 32 of clamping element 12, at least when the clamping
element is in its at rest position. Thus, when collar 14 is placed
over clamping element 12, the collar squeezes the clamping element
12, such that the clamping element tightly grips pole 10.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 6, once collar 14 and clamping element 12
are positioned on pole 10, an adjustable arm bracket 80 and tilt
structure 82 may be attached to pole 10. Adjustable arm 80 includes
an aperture 84 at a first end 86 thereof. Pole 10 is slidably
received within aperture 80 of adjustable arm 80, which is
translated downward until a bottom surface 88 of first end 86 abuts
and/or rests upon top surface 60 of the collar. Once adjustable arm
80 and tilt structure 82, which is attached to a second end of the
adjustable arm, are correctly assembled, in relation to pole 10, an
electronic device such as flat panel monitor 90 may be mounted to
the assembly via tilt structure 82. Adjustable arm 80 may be
rotatable about longitudinal axis 28 of pole 10. Although an
embodiment of the adjustable arm has been described herein,
alternate adjustable arms may be used without deviating from the
scope of the present invention such as that described in U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/418,233, the disclosure of which is
hereby incorporated by reference herein.
[0045] Also as shown in FIG. 6, a completed assembly may include a
mounting stand 92. Mounting stand 92 includes an aperture (not
shown), which receives distal end 28 of pole 10 and enables the
pole to stand upright. Mounting stand 92 may also include a collar
or other receptacle 93 to receive the distal end 28 of pole 10.
Mounting stand 92 in conjunction with the rest of adjustable
support apparatus 1, preferably enables the assembly to be placed
on a desk or similar tabletop so that the flat panel monitor 90 can
be positioned correctly relative to a user such as a typist.
[0046] In an alternate embodiment, a clamp or other fixation
element that enables the adjustable support apparatus 1 to be
secured to a fixture, such as a desk or even a wall, may replace
mounting stand 92.
[0047] The adjustable arm assembly as described herein enables a
person to mount a monitor or other device at a desired height for
optimum work and enjoyment conditions.
[0048] If placement of the flat panel monitor 90 needs to be
adjusted, the adjustable arm assembly may simply be disassembled
and re-assembled with clamping element 12 moved to a more desired
position relative to pole 10. Since, clamping element 12 is only
loosely secured to pole 10, prior to collar 14 squeezing it about
the pole, the clamping element may be translated along longitudinal
axis 28 of the pole without inflicting scratches and unsightly
damage to the pole.
[0049] With regard to the present disclosure, terms such as
"downwardly" or "upwardly" are used to describe directions that are
opposed to each other without regard to any gravitational frame of
reference. Similarly, terms such as "top" and "bottom" "over" and
"under," or "above" and "below" are used to describe the relative
position to elements or assemblies within the frame of reference of
the assembly itself.
[0050] For instance, in an alternate embodiment as shown in FIG. 6,
pole 10 may be mounted within a hole (not shown in the figures) of
desk 94. In order that the pole does not slip entirely through the
hole and under the desk, an additional clamping element or second
clamping element 12' may be affixed against the pole with
protrusion 52 being received within a desired indent 20.
Subsequently, or prior to pole 10 being placed within the hole,
second collar 14' is placed over the distal end 26. Similarly, as
discussed with reference to clamping element 12, the top surface
and bottom surface of clamping element 12' engages shoulder 72 of
collar 14' such that the collar and the clamping element are
affixed to one another in a direction of arrow B. Therefore, since
the engagement element 12' is positioned between and affixes collar
14' to pole 10, the pole is unable to slide through the hole of
desk 94. Of course, in this situation, it is required that collar
14' has a larger diameter than the diameter of the hole in desk 94.
Additionally, as shown in FIG. 6, mounting structure 92 may be
placed over the hole so as to provide a more pleasingly aesthetic
look.
[0051] In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a shown
in FIG. 7, pole 110 may include at least a single elongate slot
102, with a plurality of grooves 104 being disposed along side. As
shown in FIG. 7, grooves 104 are preferably slanted downward to
provide enhanced stability. Elongate slot 102 preferably includes
at least one open end 106 located at either the proximal end 124 or
the distal end 126 of pole 110. Open end 106 is capable of
receiving protrusion 52 of clamping element 12. Once received
therein, clamping element 12 may translate within elongate slot 102
until a desired position is achieved. In order to loosely affix
clamping element 12 to pole 10, the clamping element can be rotated
so that protrusion 52 is received within a groove 104, which best
approximates the desired positioning.
[0052] Once clamping element 12 is in position, as before, collar
14 may be placed about the clamping element.
[0053] In yet another alternate embodiment, although not shown in
the figures, pole 10 may include at least two adjacent rows of
indents 20 exposed on the exterior surface 22 of the pole.
Similarly, clamping element 12 may be provided with two protrusions
projecting inwardly from inner surface 30. The distance between the
two protrusions 52 is equivalent to the distance between adjacent
rows of indents 20 such that when the clamping element is
juxtaposed against the pole; both protrusions may be received
within adjacent indents.
[0054] In an alternate embodiment, although not shown in the
figures, indents 20 on pole 10 may be replaced with a plurality of
protrusions, and protrusion 52 of clamping element 12 may be
replaced with an indent or aperture. Thus, the clamping element may
engage the pole, with a portion of the pole i.e., a protrusion,
being received within the clamping element i.e., as contrasted with
embodiments earlier described.
[0055] Therefore, since clamping element 12 is only loosely
attached to pole 10, prior to collar 14 being positioned about the
clamping element, the clamping element may be translated along
longitudinal axis 28 of the pole without damaging or scarring the
pole. Additionally, by eliminating the need of a set-screw to
connect collar 14 to pole 10, the chore of having to try and align
the set-screw with an indent of a pole, while translating the
set-screw into contact with the pole is eliminated. This greatly
reduces the "fiddle factor" of assembling the support
apparatus.
[0056] Although the present invention herein has been described
with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood
that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles
and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be
understood that numerous modifications may be made to the
illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *