U.S. patent application number 11/445599 was filed with the patent office on 2007-12-06 for adjustable support arm for video monitor.
Invention is credited to Gordon G. May, Jesse A. May.
Application Number | 20070278361 11/445599 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38788985 |
Filed Date | 2007-12-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070278361 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
May; Gordon G. ; et
al. |
December 6, 2007 |
Adjustable support arm for video monitor
Abstract
An extension arm has an inner end mounted to a base plate for
rotation about a first vertical axis, and an outer end supporting a
head assembly. The head assembly has a lower disc fixed to the arm
and an upper disc mounted to the lower disc for rotation about a
second vertical axis. A first clevis is secured to the upper disc,
and includes a first clevis pin passing through the lower end of a
connection arm about a first horizontal axis. Adjustable locking
means are provided in the first clevis pin, to interlock the first
clevis with the connection arm in a selected rotational position
about the first horizontal axis. The upper end of the connection
arm is secured to a second clevis with a second clevis pin about a
second horizontal axis. The second clevis is mounted to a monitor
plate which supports the video monitor.
Inventors: |
May; Gordon G.; (Modesto,
CA) ; May; Jesse A.; (Modesto, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
R. MICHAEL WEST LAW OFFICES OF;R. MICHAEL WEST, A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
455 CAPITOL MALL; SUITE 405
SACRAMENTO
CA
95814-4603
US
|
Family ID: |
38788985 |
Appl. No.: |
11/445599 |
Filed: |
June 2, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/126 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16M 2200/068 20130101;
F16M 11/10 20130101; A47B 21/0314 20130101; F16M 13/02 20130101;
F16M 11/2064 20130101; F16M 11/2014 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/126 |
International
Class: |
A47G 29/00 20060101
A47G029/00 |
Claims
1. An adjustable support arm for a video monitor, comprising: a. a
base plate; b. an extension arm having an inner end and an outer
end, said inner end being mounted to said base plate for rotation
about a first vertical axis; c. a head assembly having a lower disc
fixed to said outer end of said extension arm and an upper disc
mounted to said lower disc for rotation about a second vertical
axis; d. a first clevis secured to said upper disc, said first
clevis including a first clevis pin; e. a connection arm having a
lower end and an upper end, said first clevis pin passing through a
bore in said lower end about a first horizontal axis. f. adjustable
locking means in the first clevis pin, to interlock the first
clevis with the connection arm in a selected rotational position
about said first horizontal axis; g. a video monitor plate; and, h.
a second clevis secured to said video mounting plate, said second
clevis including a second clevis pin passing through said upper end
of said connection arm about a second horizontal axis.
2. An apparatus as in claim 1 including a keyboard plate, said
keyboard plate being pivotally attached to an underside of said
lower disc about a third horizontal axis.
3. An apparatus as in claim 1 in which said first clevis includes a
first side plate and a second side plate and in which said
adjustable locking means comprises splines on one end of said first
clevis pin, and a spline receiver in said second side plate.
4. An apparatus as in claim 3 in which a clevis pin tube is
provided in said bore of said lower end of said connection arm,
said clevis pin tube including tube key to engage a connection arm
keyway.
5. An apparatus as in claim 4 in which said first clevis pin
slidably translates within said clevis pin tube, and in which said
first clevis pin includes a pin key to engage a second side plate
keyway.
6. An apparatus as in claim 5 further including resilient bias
means to urge said splines of said first clevis pin into engagement
with said spline receiver.
7. An apparatus as in claim 6 in which said resilient bias means
comprises a spring in coaxial relation with said first clevis
pin.
8. An apparatus as in claim 1 in which said video monitor plate is
planar and includes means for direct attachment to a flat screen
video monitor.
9. An apparatus as in claim 8 in which a loudspeaker is attached to
an upper end of said video monitor plate.
10. An adjustable support arm for a video monitor, comprising: a. a
base plate; b. an extension arm having an inner end and an outer
end, said inner end being mounted to said base plate for rotation
about a first vertical axis; c. a head assembly having a lower disc
fixed to said outer end of said extension arm and an upper disc
mounted to said lower disc for rotation about a second vertical
axis; d. a connection arm having a lower end and an upper end; e.
first means for rotatably attaching said lower end of said
connection arm to said upper disc about a first horizontal axis,
and for selectively locking said connection arm in a selected
rotational position; f. a video monitor plate; and, g. second means
for rotatably attaching said upper end of said connection arm to
said video monitor plate about a second horizontal axis.
11. An apparatus as in claim 10 in which said base plate is mounted
to an arm of a chair.
12. An apparatus as in claim 10 including a keyboard plate, said
keyboard plate being pivotally attached to an underside of said
lower disc.
13. An apparatus as in claim 10 in which said first means for
rotatably attaching said lower end of said connection arm to said
upper disc comprises a first clevis and a first clevis pin.
14. An apparatus as in claim 13 in which said means for selectively
locking said connection arm in a selected rotational position
comprises splines on one end of said first clevis pin, and a spline
receiver in a side plate of said first clevis.
15. An apparatus as in claim 14 further including resilient bias
means to urge said splines of said first clevis pin into engagement
with said spline receiver.
16. An apparatus as in claim 10 in which said video monitor plate
is planar and includes means for direct attachment to a flat screen
video monitor.
17. An apparatus as in claim 10 in which said second means for
rotatably attaching said upper end of said connection arm to said
video monitor plate comprises a second clevis and a second clevis
pin.
18. An adjustable support arm for a video monitor, comprising: a. a
base plate; b. an extension arm having an inner end and an outer
end, said inner end being mounted to said base plate for rotation
about a first vertical axis; c. a head assembly having a lower disc
fixed to said outer end of said extension arm and an upper disc
mounted to said lower disc for rotation about a second vertical
axis; d. a first clevis secured to said upper disc, said first
clevis including a first clevis pin; e. a connection arm having a
lower end and an upper end, said first clevis pin passing through
said lower end about a first horizontal axis. f. adjustable locking
means in the first clevis pin, to interlock the first clevis with
the connection arm in a selected rotational position about said
first horizontal axis; g. a video monitor plate; and, h. a flange
on said upper end of said connection arm for attachment to said
video monitor plate.
19. An apparatus as in claim 18 in which said video monitor plate
includes an upper planar surface for the support of a CRT video
monitor.
20. An apparatus as in claim 19 including a keyboard plate, said
keyboard plate being pivotally attached to an underside of said
lower disc.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO A RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The subject matter of this Application relates generally to
the article disclosed in U.S. Design patent application Ser. No.
29/244,753, filed by Applicants on Dec. 13, 2005.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates generally to apparatus for supporting
computer video monitors above a chair, desk, or table. More
particularly, the invention pertains to a support arm for video
monitors and related accessories, providing adjustable positioning
through multiple planes and about multiple axes of rotation for the
convenience and comfort of the user.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Computer video monitors have been supported by a variety of
base mounts typically allowing rotational adjustment about a
vertical axis and forward and backward tilting adjustment of the
viewing plane of the monitor. These base mounts include a foot
portion, designed to rest on a support surface such as a computer
cabinet or a desktop. Such simple mounts have proven adequate for
most desktop computer applications where the base mount is
maintained in a fixed position on a support surface. The user is
typically sitting in a chair adjacent the desk upon which the video
monitor is supported, so there is no necessity to move the monitor
out of the way to facilitate ingress or egress of the user. An
example of such an adjustable monitor base mount is the Tilt/Swivel
Support For Personal Computer Monitor, shown in U.S. Pat. No.
5,683,068, issued to Chase et al.
[0006] Other arrangements for supporting video monitors either for
use with computers or for other purposes, rely upon a base and an
extension arm to support the monitor. Different connections between
the base and a support surface or structure are shown in the prior
art. For example, Des. No. 314,505, granted to Chen for a Support
For A Computer Monitor, appears to include a base clamp for
attachment to a desk or table. Similarly, Des. No. 325,868, issued
to Bartok, shows a Computer Monitor Support Arm having a "C" clamp
base. And, Des. No. 366,254, granted to Lynch et al., illustrates a
Computer Monitor Support Arm employing a base having downwardly
extending ears or fingers for attachment to a housing or other
structure.
[0007] Articulated arms, allowing selective positioning and
adjustment of a video monitor for viewing and/or storage, are also
shown in the prior art. Exemplary is U.S. Pat. No. 5,876,008 issued
to Sweere et al., for a Suspension System For Video Monitor Or
Other Equipment. A four bar linkage system including a weight
counterbalance and gas springs, is shown. And, U.S. Pat. No.
6,104,443, granted to Adcock et al., shows a Suspended Television
And Video Monitor. This construction relies upon a scissor gimbal
mounted on a wall in combination with a ball-and-socket assembly at
its remote end to support the television receiver in the desired
location.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention includes a horizontal extension arm
having a vertically oriented inner end. The inner end is mounted to
a base plate for rotation about a first vertical axis. The base
plate is conveniently secured to a support structure, such as an
armchair, a desk, or other room furniture. The extension arm also
has an outer end which is remote from the inner end. As the inner
end is rotated about its axis, the extension arm may be adjustably
located through an arc lying in a horizontal plane.
[0009] A head assembly, comprised of a lower disc and an upper
disc, is also provided. The lower disc is attached to the outer end
of the extension arm. The lower disc includes an upper surface,
having a centrally positioned, circular raised portion. The upper
disc includes a lower surface having an outer ring and an inner
circular recess adapted for mating engagement with the upper
surface of the lower disc. The upper disc is mounted to the lower
disc for rotation about a second vertical axis, with their
respective surfaces in rotatable sliding engagement.
[0010] A first clevis is secured to the top side of the upper disc.
The first clevis includes a first clevis pin assembly passing
through the lower end of a connection arm about a first horizontal
axis. Adjustable locking means are provided in the first clevis pin
assembly to interlock the first clevis with the connection arm in a
selected rotational position about the first horizontal axis.
[0011] The upper end of the connection arm is secured to a second
clevis with a second clevis pin about a second horizontal axis. The
second clevis is mounted to a monitor plate which supports the
video monitor and other accessories, such as a loudspeaker.
[0012] A keyboard plate is attached to the movable portion of a
pivot bracket about a third horizontal axis. The fixed portion of
the bracket, in turn, is attached to the underside of the lower
disc. The angle of the keyboard plate determines the angular
disposition of a computer keyboard resting upon the plate.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the adjustable support arm
for a computer video monitor of the present invention being used in
conjunction with a reclining chair;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view taken from the rear, showing
the video monitor plate attached to a flat screen video monitor and
a loudspeaker, and a keyboard plate depending from the underside of
the support arm;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view taken from the front, with the
video monitor, loudspeaker, and keyboard plate being removed for
clarity;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the support arm,
showing the connection arm and video monitor plate being rotatably
adjustable through an arc about a first horizontal axis;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of the head
assembly, showing the first clevis pin assembly being translated
into a disengaged position in preparation for adjustment of the
connection arm;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a view as in FIG. 5, but with the first clevis pin
assembly disengaged and the connection arm being rotatable through
an arc;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the support
arm, showing the video monitor plate independently being rotatably
adjustable through an arc about a second horizontal axis;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a top plan view, showing the extension arm being
rotated about the first vertical axis into a selected position;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a fragmentary top plan view of the head assembly
showing the video monitor plate being rotated about the second
vertical axis into a selected position;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view, taken along
the line I 0- 10, shown in FIG. 3;
[0023] FIG. 11 is a fragmentary, exploded perspective view of the
head assembly and the lower end of the connection arm;
[0024] FIG. 12 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional detail view of the
first clevis pin and clevis pin sleeve showing two keys and the
accommodating recesses;
[0025] FIG. 13 is a transverse, cross-sectional view taken through
the head assembly, with the first clevis pin in a locked
position;
[0026] FIG. 14 is a view as in FIG. 13, but with the first clevis
pin in an unlocked position;
[0027] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of the adjustable support arm provided with a short connection arm
and a circular flange attached to a CRT video monitor support
plate; and,
[0028] FIG. 16 is a fragmentary perspective of the head assembly,
the short connection arm, and the circular flange used in the
alternative embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0029] Making particular reference to FIG. 1, the adjustable
support arm 11 for a computer video monitor 12 is shown mounted to
the arm 13 of a reclining chair 14. A computer, DVD player, or
video game apparatus (not shown), may be located within the body or
the arms of the reclining chair, with hinged panels allowing easy
access for loading software or making wire interconnections
therewith. This use for support arm 11 is only exemplary, as the
apparatus of the present invention may also be mounted to a desk,
table, bench, or other piece of home or office furniture as needed.
Video monitor 12 may be of any design, including plasma, LCD, or
TFT, but the monitor is preferably thin, has a flat screen, and is
lightweight.
[0030] The adjustable support arm 11 includes a horizontal
extension arm 16 having a vertically oriented inner end 17. The
inner end 17 is journalled through a base plate 18 for rotation
about a first vertical axis 19. Base plate 18 is secured to arm 13
by a plurality of bolts 21. Extension arm 16 also includes an outer
end 22, remote from inner end 17. As inner end 17 is rotated about
its axis 19, the extension arm 16 may be adjustably located through
an arc lying in a horizontal plane (See, e.g., FIG. 8).
[0031] A head assembly 23, comprised of a lower disc 24 and an
upper disc 26, is also provided. The lower disc 24 is attached to
the outer end 22 of the extension arm. The lower disc includes an
upper surface 27, having an outer ring 28 and a centrally
positioned, circular raised portion 28. The upper disc includes a
lower surface 31 having an outer ring 32 and an centrally
positioned, circular recess 33 adapted for mating engagement with
the upper surface 27 of the lower disc 24. To provide a slight
degree of spacing between the ring surfaces, a circular plate 34 is
provided.
[0032] A connection shaft 36, having opposing threaded ends, is
included to secure lower disc 24 to upper disc 26. For the purpose
of passing shaft 36, a bore 37 is provided through disc 24 and a
bore 38 is provided in plate 34. An internally threaded bolt 39
secures the lower end of shaft 36 within lower disc 24. An
internally threaded plug 41 passes through a bore 42, and secures
the upper end of shaft 36 within upper disc 26. In this manner, the
upper disc 26 is mounted to the lower disc 24 for rotation about a
second vertical axis 43, with their respective mating surfaces in
rotatable sliding engagement through circular plate 34.
[0033] A first clevis 44, having opposing side plates 46 and 47,
extends from the top side of upper disc 26. Side plate 46 includes
a bore 48, and side plate 47 includes a bore 49. A keyway 51 is
provided in the lower sidewall of bore 48, and a keyway 52 is
provided in the lower sidewall of bore 49. A circular spline
receiver 53 is press-fitted into bore 52 within side plate 47. A
connection arm 54 includes an upper end 56 and a lower end 57. A
bore 58 is provided within the lower end 57, and washers 59 and 61
are included on either end of the bore 58, abutting the sides of
end 57. A keyway 62 is provided in the lower sidewall of bore 58.
As assembled, the combination of lower end 57, washer 59, and
washer 61, fits snugly between side plates 46 and 47.
[0034] For the purpose of securing the connection arm within first
clevis 44, a first clevis pin assembly 63 is provided. Pin assembly
includes a knob 64 which is threadably attached to the externally
threaded end 66 of a first clevis pin 67. The other end of pin 67
includes a threaded bore 68 and a keyway 69. A splined collar 71
having a keyway 72 nests over the other end of pin 67 and is
restrained against rotation by key 73. Collar 71 is axially secured
against pin 67 by means of a frusto-conical retainer 74 and a screw
76 threaded into bore 68.
[0035] Clevis pin 67 passes through and is coaxial with a pin tube
77. A keyway 78 is provided in the lower sidewall of tube 77. A key
slot 79 is provided in the sidewall of pin 67. A key 81 secures
clevis pin 67 within pin tube 77, allowing pin 67 to slide in axial
relation within tube 77, but preventing relative rotation between
the two. In addition, tube 77 includes a key cutout 82 which
extends through its sidewall. A key 83 fits both within cutout 82
and within keyway 62 of bore 58. In that manner, when tube 77 is
inserted into bore 58 of lower end 57, tube 77 is effectively
secured to connection arm 54, and the two rotate together.
[0036] An annular flange 84 is provided within tube 77. (See, FIG.
12). A spring 86 fits over first clevis pin 67, between the inner
end of knob 64 and the annular flange 84. Spring 86 thereby
provides a resilient axial bias to pin 67, urging pin 67 into a
nested position, as shown in FIG. 13. In the nested position,
splined collar 71 is fully engaged with spline receiver 53, and the
connector arm 54 is secured against rotation with respect to first
clevis 44.
[0037] In the event the user desires to reposition connector arm 54
within first clevis 44, knob 64 is pushed inwardly toward first
clevis 44. As shown in FIG. 14, this causes collar 71 to disengage
from spline receiver 53, allowing connector arm 54 to be rotated
freely into the desired position about a first horizontal axis 87
(See, FIG. 4). Then, knob 64 is released, and spring 86 causes
first clevis pin 67 to translate into a nested position, and collar
71 and receiver 53 are once again fully engaged.
[0038] The upper end 56 of the connection arm 54 is secured within
a second clevis 88 by means of a second clevis pin 89. The axis of
second clevis pin 89 is coincident with a second horizontal axis
91, shown in FIG. 8. The second clevis 88 extends from a monitor
plate 92, which is typically directly secured to the back side of
the video monitor 12 by means of screws. Accessories such as a
loudspeaker 93 and a video camera 94, may be mounted to the upper
end of monitor plate 92. Second clevis pin 89 provides selectively
adjustable compressive forces against second clevis 88 and
contained upper end 56. Once appropriately adjusted to provide a
certain degree of resistance against gravitational rotation, the
monitor plate, monitor, and any attached accessories may be
manually rotated around the second horizontal axis 91 into the
desired position, as shown in FIG. 7.
[0039] A keyboard plate 96 is attached to the movable portion of a
conventional pivot bracket 97 about a third horizontal axis 98. The
fixed portion of bracket 97 is attached to the underside of the
lower disc 24. The angle of the keyboard plate 96 determines the
angular disposition of a computer keyboard (not shown) which rests
upon the plate.
[0040] In use, the adjustable support arm 11 may be swung out of
the way about inner end 17, to allow the user ingress to and egress
from the reclining chair 14. Owing to the adjustability features of
the head assembly 23 in conjunction with the first and second
clevis arrangements, the video monitor 12 may be positioned
precisely as desired. Once the video monitor 12 is positioned, the
angle of the computer keyboard (if used), may be adjusted for the
greatest user comfort as well.
[0041] FIGS. 15 and 16 show an alternative embodiment of an
adjustable support arm 99, designed for use with a CRT video
monitor 100. This alternative embodiment is identical to the first
embodiment, except that a short connection arm 101 extends upwardly
from the first clevis 44. As is evident from FIG. 16, connection
arm 101 is considerably shorter than connection arm 54, discussed
above. In addition, a circular flange 102 is provided at the upper
end of connection arm 101. Flange 102 is screw-attached to a CRT
video monitor support plate 103.
[0042] In this arrangement, there is no second clevis and no second
horizontal axis about which adjustments to the viewed plane of the
video monitor are made. Rather, all adjustments to the viewed plane
of the video monitor 100 are made through selective translation of
the first clevis pin assembly with the knob 64, and rotation of the
connection arm 101 into the desired locked position. Nevertheless,
in all other respects, the construction and operation of the
adjustable support arm 99 and the adjustable support arm 11, are
identical.
* * * * *