U.S. patent application number 11/510393 was filed with the patent office on 2008-06-12 for locking device for computer equipment extension arm.
This patent application is currently assigned to Innovative Office Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Bradley A. Derry, Odd N. Oddsen.
Application Number | 20080135707 11/510393 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38657867 |
Filed Date | 2008-06-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080135707 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Derry; Bradley A. ; et
al. |
June 12, 2008 |
Locking device for computer equipment extension arm
Abstract
The present invention provides a locking device for a computer
equipment extension arm. The locking device prevents theft of
electronic equipment by securely fastening an equipment extension
arm to another object, such as a piece of furniture, a wall, a
section of an office cubicle, etc. Specifically, a locking member
is provided, which prevents the equipment extension arm from being
removed from the mounting assembly. Additionally, uncommon or
specially shaped fastener heads may be provided to prevent
tampering.
Inventors: |
Derry; Bradley A.; (Easton,
PA) ; Oddsen; Odd N.; (Easton, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LERNER, DAVID, LITTENBERG,;KRUMHOLZ & MENTLIK
600 SOUTH AVENUE WEST
WESTFIELD
NJ
07090
US
|
Assignee: |
Innovative Office Products,
Inc.
|
Family ID: |
38657867 |
Appl. No.: |
11/510393 |
Filed: |
August 25, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/278.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16M 11/10 20130101;
F16M 2200/063 20130101; F16M 2200/028 20130101; F16M 11/2092
20130101; F16M 11/2014 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/278.1 |
International
Class: |
E04G 3/00 20060101
E04G003/00 |
Claims
1. A locking apparatus for supporting an extension arm which
positions a user device, the locking apparatus comprising: a
mounting member for supporting the extension arm, the mounting
member having a receptacle therein aligned along an axis; and a
locking member for securing the extension arm to the mounting
member, the locking member including a plurality of locking tabs
for securing the locking member to the mounting member, the locking
tabs being received within the receptacle of the mounting
member.
2. The locking apparatus of claim 1, further including a locking
surface disposed within the receptacle, the locking surface being
operable to engage the locking tabs to prevent removal of the
locking member from the receptacle.
3. The locking apparatus of claim 1, wherein each locking tab has a
first end disposed on a central portion of the locking member and a
second end remote therefrom.
4. The locking apparatus of claim 3, wherein each locking tab is
substantially arcuate from the first end to the second end.
5. The locking apparatus of claim 2, further including a bushing at
least partly disposed within the receptacle of the mounting member,
the bushing being operable to permit the extension arm to rotate
about the axis.
6. The locking apparatus of claim 5, wherein the bushing is secured
to the mounting member by a set screw.
7. The locking apparatus of claim 5, wherein the locking surface is
disposed on the bushing.
8. The locking apparatus of claim 7, wherein the bushing is
operable to receive a shaft of an endcap of the extension arm.
9. The locking apparatus of claim 7, wherein each locking tab has a
first end disposed on a central portion of the locking member and a
second end remote therefrom, and each locking tab is substantially
arcuate from the first end to the second end.
10. The locking apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mounting member
further includes a threaded opening disposed on a base surface
thereof for fastening the mounting member to a work surface.
11. The locking apparatus of claim 1, further including a
connecting member attachable to the mounting member, whereby the
mounting member may be fastened to a work surface with the
connecting member.
12. The locking apparatus of claim 1, further including a clamping
assembly attached to the mounting member, whereby the mounting
member may be clamped to a workspace object.
13. A locking apparatus for supporting an extension arm that
positions a user device relative to a workspace, the locking
apparatus comprising: a mounting member for supporting the
extension arm, the mounting member being operable to engage an
endcap of the extension arm; and means for locking the endcap of
the extension arm to the mounting member.
14. The locking apparatus of claim 13, wherein the locking means
includes a locking member secured to the endcap, the locking member
being at least partly received within a receptacle in the mounting
member, the locking member including a plurality of locking tabs
for securing the locking member to the mounting member, each
locking tab having a first end disposed on a central portion of the
locking member and a second end remote therefrom.
15. The locking apparatus of claim 14, wherein each locking tab is
substantially arcuate from the first end to the second end.
16. The locking apparatus of claim 14, wherein the first end and
the second end define a line therebetween, the line being at an
angle of between 259 and 452 relative to the central portion.
17. The locking apparatus of claim 14, further including a bushing
at least partly disposed within the receptacle of the mounting
member, the bushing being operable to receive the shaft, the
bushing being operable to permit the extension arm to rotate about
an axis, the bushing having a locking surface disposed thereon, the
locking surface being operable to engage the second ends of the
locking tabs.
18. A system for securing and positioning a user device relative to
a workspace, comprising: an extension arm for positioning the user
device relative to the workspace, the extension arm having an
endcap at a first end thereof; a mounting member for supporting the
extension arm and for securing the extension arm to the workspace,
the mounting member having a receptacle therein aligned along an
axis, the receptacle being operable to receive a shaft of the
endcap; a locking member for securing the extension arm to the
mounting member, the locking member being secured to the shaft of
the endcap, the locking member including a plurality of locking
tabs for securing the locking member to the mounting member when
the locking tabs are received within the receptacle of the mounting
member; and a locking surface disposed within the receptacle, the
locking surface being operable to engage the locking tabs to
prevent removal of the locking member and the shaft of the endcap
from the receptacle.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the locking member is
integrally formed with the shaft on the endcap of the extension
arm.
20. The system of claim 18, wherein the locking member is affixedly
secured to the shaft on the endcap of the extension arm.
21. The system of claim 20, wherein the locking member is secured
to the shaft by a fastener.
22. The system of claim 18, further including an opening disposed
on a base surface of the mounting member for fastening the mounting
member to a surface of the workspace, the opening being operable to
provide access to a release mechanism of the locking member for
disengaging the locking tabs from the locking surface when the base
surface is not fastened to the workspace surface.
23. The system of claim 18, further including a clamping assembly
attached to the mounting member, whereby the mounting member may be
attached to a workspace object, the clamping assembly including a
clamping bolt for threadedly clamping onto the workspace
object.
24. The system of claim 18, further including a tilting device
secured to the user device and connecting the user device to the
extension arm.
25. A method of securing a user device to a workspace, comprising:
providing an extension arm for positioning the user device relative
to the workspace, the extension arm having an endcap at a first end
thereof; connecting the user device to a second end of the
extension arm; providing a mounting member for supporting the
extension arm, the mounting member having a receptacle therein
aligned along an axis, the receptacle being operable to receive a
shaft of the endcap; providing a locking member for securing the
extension arm to the mounting member, the locking member including
a plurality of locking tabs for securing the locking member to the
mounting member; inserting the locking member and the shaft of the
first endcap within the receptacle; and engaging the locking tabs
with a locking surface in the receptacle so that the locking
surface prevents disengagement of the locking member and the shaft
from the receptacle of the mounting member.
26. The method of claim 25, further including inserting a bushing
at least partly into the receptacle before inserting the shaft and
the locking member into the receptacle, the bushing permitting the
extension arm to rotate about the axis to enable positioning of the
user device about the workspace, the bushing having the locking
surface disposed thereon.
27. The method of claim 25, further including securing the mounting
member to the work surface so that access to the locking member in
the receptacle is prevented.
28. An apparatus for locking an extension arm to a mounting member,
the extension arm positioning a user device apart from the mounting
member, the extension arm having an endcap at a first end thereof,
the mounting member having a receptacle therein, the receptacle
including a locking surface disposed therein and the receptacle
being operable to receive the locking apparatus and a shaft of the
endcap therein, the apparatus comprising a locking member operable
to be connected to the shaft of the endcap, the locking member
being operable to be at least partly received within the receptacle
of the mounting member, the locking member having a central portion
and a plurality of locking tabs, each locking tab having a first
end disposed on the central portion and a second end remote
therefrom, the second end being operable to engage the locking
surface within the receptacle to prevent removal of the locking
member and the shaft of the endcap from the receptacle.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a device for securing
electronic equipment. More particularly, the present invention
relates to a locking device for use on a variety of versatile
equipment extension arms.
[0002] Currently, there exist different equipment extension arms.
One such extension arm is shown and described in pending U.S.
application Ser. No. 11/141,348, filed May 31, 2005, and entitled
"Angled Mini Arm Having a Clevis Assembly," the entire disclosure
of which is fully incorporated by reference herein. Such extension
arms are quite versatile and can be used to support a variety of
electronic devices, such as flat panel displays, keyboards, etc.
Many of these electronic devices can be quite expensive, and there
is, therefore, a need to protect these devices from theft, removal,
or falling.
[0003] Many of these extension arms are able to fasten the
equipment securely to the arm itself. However, such extension arms
often do not provide ways of sufficiently securing the extension
arms themselves to the workspaces on which they are mounted, such
as desks, walls, and cubical dividers. Therefore, such extension
arms may not prevent someone from disengaging the extension arm
itself from whatever workspace object it is secured to and removing
both the equipment and the extension arm together. This may be
particularly easy to do, since such extension arms can often be
rather compact and lightweight. Therefore, a need exists for better
securing such equipment extension arms to other workspace
objects.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] A typical equipment extension arm is mounted to a mounting
assembly by inserting the shaft on the lower endcap into a mounting
member. The present apparatus includes a locking member, which is
fastened to the bottom of the shaft. Such locking member includes a
plurality of flexible locking tabs.
[0005] In one example of the present invention, the locking member
may be secured to the bottom of the shaft by a threaded bolt.
Alternatively, the locking member may be incorporated into the
manufacture of the shaft as a single piece. In another alternative,
the locking member may be a separate piece, but may be welded onto
the bottom of the shaft.
[0006] One embodiment of the present invention includes a bushing,
which is inserted into the mounting member before the shaft is
inserted into such mounting member. The bushing may be secured to
the mounting member by sizing it so that it must be press fit into
the receptacle of the mounting member. Alternatively, an adhesive,
such as glue or cement, may be placed between the outer surface of
the bushing and the inner surface of the mounting member. In yet
another alternative, the bushing may be secured to mounting member
by means of a set screw or other fastener.
[0007] When inserting the shaft into the mounting member, the
locking tabs may be compressed inwards while passing through the
bushing. Preferably, once passing the bottom surface of the
bushing, the locking tabs may flex outwardly and such bottom
surface may become a locking surface, preventing the locking member
from moving up past the bushing. In this way, the extension arm may
not be easily separated from the mounting assembly, and the tabs of
the locking member will preferably be disposed within the
receptacle of the mounting member, where they may not be easily
tampered with. Additionally, the shaft and the extension arm will
preferably remain free to rotate. In order to allow the extension
arm to rotate more easily, the inner surface of the bushing may be
coated with polytetrafluoroethylene ("PTFE"), commonly sold under
the brand name TEFLON.RTM. by E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Company.
Grease or some other lubricating material may alternatively be
employed.
[0008] In another alternative, the bushing may or may not be
included, but a protruding rim may be included on the inner surface
of the mounting member. Such rim may act as a locking surface and
may similarly prevent the locking member from lifting up out of the
mounting member. Additionally, in order to permit the extension arm
to rotate more easily, the inner surface of the mounting member or
the inner surface of the bushing, if provided, may be coated with a
lubricating substance, as described above.
[0009] In another alternative, the bushing may or may not be
included, but the inner surface of the mounting member may be
provided with ratcheting teeth, which may act as a locking surface.
In this manner, the locking tabs on the locking member will
preferably be secured by such teeth, thus preventing the extension
arm from being lifted out of the mounting member. As in the
previously described embodiments, the inner surface of the mounting
member or the inner surface of the bushing, if provided, may be
coated with a lubricating substance.
[0010] Additional features may be provided in accordance with the
present invention, but such features may not be present in all of
the embodiments. Such features relate to the securing of the
mounting assembly to different workspace objects, including a piece
of furniture such as a desk, a wall such as a slat wall, a section
of an office cubicle, etc.
[0011] In one such embodiment, the extension arm may be mounted to
a desk. The mounting assembly may further provide a clamping
assembly, which includes a threaded bolt for threadedly clamping on
to the underside of the desk. Instead of providing a knob on the
head of the bolt, however, additional security may be provided by
including a specially shaped drive design on the head of such bolt,
which requires a specialized tool adapted to fit the particular
socket configuration in order to loosen the bolt.
[0012] An alternative embodiment for mounting the extension arm to
a desk may not include the clamping assembly. Instead, the mounting
member may be provided with a threaded opening on the bottom
surface thereof. In this manner, the mounting member may be mounted
directly onto the desk or other mounting surface by threadedly
fastening a bolt through a hole in the surface of such desk and
into the threaded opening. As in the previously described
embodiment, such bolt head may also include an uncommon or
nonstandard head, for additional security.
[0013] In other situations in which the extension arm is mounted to
a wall, a desk, or elsewhere, a connecting member or bracket may be
provided. Such bracket will preferably contain holes for screwing,
bolting, or otherwise fastening such bracket to the wall. In order
to provide additional security, in a similar manner to that
described in the previous embodiments, such bolts or fasteners may
contain uncommon or specially shaped heads requiring special tools
to loosen.
[0014] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, a locking apparatus for supporting an extension arm
which positions a user device is provided. The locking apparatus
comprises a mounting member and a locking member. The mounting
member supports the extension arm. The mounting member has a
receptacle therein aligned along an axis. The locking member is for
securing the extension arm to the mounting member. The locking
member includes a plurality of locking tabs for securing the
locking member to the mounting member. The locking tabs are
received within the receptacle of the mounting member.
[0015] In one alternative, the locking apparatus further includes a
locking surface disposed within the receptacle. The locking surface
is operable to engage the locking tabs to prevent removal of the
locking member from the receptacle. In another alternative, each
locking tab has a first end disposed on a central portion of the
locking member and a second end remote therefrom. In this case,
each locking tab is preferably substantially arcuate from the first
end to the second end.
[0016] In a further alternative, the locking apparatus desirably
further includes a bushing at least partly disposed within the
receptacle of the mounting member, with the bushing being operable
to permit the extension arm to rotate about the axis. In one
example, the bushing is secured to the mounting member by a set
screw. In another example, the locking surface is disposed on the
bushing. Here, the bushing is preferably operable to receive a
shaft of an endcap of the extension arm. Optionally, each locking
tab has a first end disposed on a central portion of the locking
member and a second end remote therefrom, and each locking tab is
substantially arcuate from the first end to the second end.
[0017] In yet another example, the mounting member further includes
a threaded opening disposed on a base surface thereof for fastening
the mounting member to a work surface. In another example, the
locking apparatus further includes a connecting member attachable
to the mounting member, whereby the mounting member may be fastened
to a work surface with the connecting member. The locking apparatus
may further include a clamping assembly attached to the mounting
member, whereby the mounting member may be clamped to a workspace
object.
[0018] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention, a locking apparatus for supporting an extension
arm that positions a user device relative to a workspace is
provided. The locking apparatus comprises a mounting member for
supporting the extension arm. The mounting member is operable to
engage an endcap of the extension arm. The locking apparatus also
comprises means for locking the endcap of the extension arm to the
mounting member.
[0019] In one alternative, the locking means includes a locking
member secured to the endcap. Here, the locking member is at least
partly received within a receptacle in the mounting member. The
locking member includes a plurality of locking tabs for securing
the locking member to the mounting member. Each locking tab has a
first end disposed on a central portion of the locking member and a
second end remote therefrom. In a preferred example, each locking
tab is substantially arcuate from the first end to the second end.
In another preferred example, the first end and the second end
define a line therebetween, with the line being at an angle of
between 25.degree. and 45.degree. relative to the central portion.
Optionally, the locking apparatus further includes a bushing at
least partly disposed within the receptacle of the mounting member.
The bushing is operable to receive the shaft. The bushing is
operable to permit the extension arm to rotate about an axis. Here,
the bushing has a locking surface disposed thereon, with the
locking surface being operable to engage the second ends of the
locking tabs.
[0020] In accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the
present invention, a system for securing and positioning a user
device relative to a workspace comprises an extension arm, a
mounting member, a locking member and a locking surface. The
extension arm is for positioning the user device relative to the
workspace. The extension arm has an endcap at a first end thereof.
The mounting member supports the extension arm and secures the
extension arm to the workspace. The mounting member has a
receptacle therein aligned along an axis. The receptacle is
operable to receive a shaft of the endcap. The locking member is
for securing the extension arm to the mounting member. The locking
member is secured to the shaft of the endcap. The locking member
includes a plurality of locking tabs for securing the locking
member to the mounting member when the locking tabs are received
within the receptacle of the mounting member. The locking surface
is disposed within the receptacle. The locking surface is operable
to engage the locking tabs to prevent removal of the locking member
and the shaft of the endcap from the receptacle.
[0021] In one example, the locking member is integrally formed with
the shaft on the endcap of the extension arm. In another example,
the locking member is affixedly secured to the shaft on the endcap
of the extension arm. In a further example, the locking member is
secured to the shaft by a fastener.
[0022] Optionally, the system further includes an opening disposed
on a base surface of the mounting member for fastening the mounting
member to a surface of the workspace. Here, the opening is operable
to provide access to a release mechanism of the locking member for
disengaging the locking tabs from the locking surface when the base
surface is not fastened to the workspace surface. For instance, a
user may insert a tool to remove a fastener which secures the
locking mechanism to the endcap of the extension arm. Upon removal
of the fastener, the tabs of the locking mechanism can disengage
from the locking surface, allowing the user to remove the shaft of
the endcap from the mounting member. In this manner, the user may
remove the extension arm, and any attached user device, from the
mounting member.
[0023] In another alternative, the system further includes a
clamping assembly attached to the mounting member, whereby the
mounting member may be attached to a workspace object. The clamping
assembly includes a clamping bolt for threadedly clamping onto the
workspace object. In a further alternative, the system desirably
further includes a tilting device secured to the user device and
connecting the user device to the extension arm. Thus, the user
device may be tilted to a desired orientation with the tilting
device, providing an ergonomic configuration for the user.
[0024] In accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the
present invention, a method of securing a user device to a
workspace is provided. The method comprises providing an extension
arm for positioning the user device relative to the workspace, the
extension arm having an endcap at a first end thereof; connecting
the user device to a second end of the extension arm; providing a
mounting member for supporting the extension arm, the mounting
member having a receptacle therein aligned along an axis, the
receptacle being operable to receive a shaft of the endcap;
providing a locking member for securing the extension arm to the
mounting member, the locking member including a plurality of
locking tabs for securing the locking member to the mounting
member; inserting the locking member and the shaft of the first
endcap within the receptacle; and engaging the locking tabs with a
locking surface in the receptacle so that the locking surface
prevents disengagement of the locking member and the shaft from the
receptacle of the mounting member.
[0025] In one alternative, the method further includes inserting a
bushing at least partly into the receptacle before inserting the
shaft and the locking member into the receptacle. The bushing
permits the extension arm to rotate about the axis to enable
positioning of the user device about the workspace. Here, the
bushing desirably has the locking surface disposed thereon. In
another alternative, the method further includes securing the
mounting member to the work surface so that access to the locking
member in the receptacle is prevented.
[0026] In accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the
present invention, an apparatus for locking an extension arm to a
mounting member is provided. The extension arm positions a user
device in a spaced-apart relationship from the mounting member. The
extension arm has an endcap at a first end thereof. The mounting
member has a receptacle therein. The receptacle includes a locking
surface disposed therein and the receptacle is operable to receive
the locking apparatus and a shaft of the endcap therein. The
apparatus comprises a locking member operable to be connected to
the shaft of the endcap. The locking member is operable to be at
least partly received within the receptacle of the mounting member.
The locking member has a central portion and a plurality of locking
tabs. Each locking tab has a first end disposed on the central
portion and a second end remote therefrom. The second end is
operable to engage the locking surface within the receptacle to
prevent removal of the locking member and the shaft of the endcap
from the receptacle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] FIGS. 1a-b illustrate views of an assembled extension arm
and locking system in accordance with aspects of the present
invention.
[0028] FIGS. 2a-b illustrate exploded and partly assembled views of
portions of the extension arm and locking system of FIGS. 1a-b,
illustrating a method of assembling such components in accordance
with aspects of the present invention.
[0029] FIGS. 3a-c illustrate several views of a locking member in
accordance with aspects of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates components of the extension arm and the
locking system in accordance with aspects of the present
invention.
[0031] FIGS. 4a-b illustrate sectional views of portions of the
extension arm and locking system of FIGS. 1a-b and FIG. 4 in
accordance with aspects of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 5a illustrates a sectional view of the assembled
extension arm and locking system illustrated in FIGS. 1a-b.
[0033] FIG. 5b illustrates an enlarged sectional view of the
assembled extension arm and locking system illustrated in FIG.
5a.
[0034] FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative locking system in
accordance with aspects of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] In describing the preferred embodiments of the invention
illustrated in the appended drawings, specific terminology will be
used for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not
intended to be limited to the specific terms used, and it is to be
understood that each specific term includes all technical
equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a
similar purpose.
[0036] FIGS. 1a-b illustrate a computer equipment extension arm 100
utilizing a locking system which will be explained in detail below.
Features of the extension arm 100 are more fully described in
above-referenced U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/141,348, for
example as shown in FIGS. 8-29 and the accompanying description
thereof. The extension arm 100 is connectable at one end to a
computer monitor or other electronic device via a tilting device
178 and to a mounting assembly 102 at the other end. The mounting
assembly 102 may be affixed to various workspace objects, including
a piece of furniture such as a desk, a wall such as a slat wall, a
section of an office cubicle, etc. The specific configuration of
the mounting assembly 102 may be selected depending upon the
particular type of workspace object it will connect to. For
example, the mounting assembly 102 may be employed when connecting
to a desk or other horizontal surface. In contrast, wall mounting
assemblies such as those shown and described in U.S. Pat. No.
7,066,435, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by
reference, can be employed to connect to slat wall or other
vertical surfaces.
[0037] FIGS. 2a and 2b illustrate exploded and partly assembled
views of part of the mounting assembly 102 and locking system 103,
which desirably includes a locking member 120 and one or more of a
bushing 112, a fastener, a portion of shaft 106, and a portion of
the mounting member 108. The extension arm 100 is connectable to
the mounting assembly 102 by means of inserting the shaft 106 of
the endcap 104 into the receptacle 110 in the mounting member
108.
[0038] The receptacle 110 is preferably aligned along an axis 111
of the mounting member 108. A bushing 112 is preferably disposed in
the receptacle 110 between the shaft 106 and the inner surface 118
of the mounting member 108 in order to allow the shaft 106, and
consequently the extension arm 100, to rotate easily about axis
111.
[0039] In order to allow the shaft 106 to rotate more easily, the
inner surface 114 of the bushing 112 may be coated with PTFE,
grease, or some other similar lubricating material. Additionally,
in order to secure the bushing 112 to the mounting member 108, the
bushing 112 may be sized so as to be press-fit into the receptacle
110, such that friction between the outer surface 116 of the
bushing 112 and the inner surface 118 of the mounting member 108
may secure the bushing 112 in place. Alternatively, the outer
surface 116 of the bushing may be coated with glue, cement, or some
other adhesive substance.
[0040] In another alternative embodiment, the bushing 112 may be
fastened to the mounting member 108 by means of a set screw (not
shown). The set screw may fit through a hole 119 disposed through
the mounting member 108 (see FIG. 4b), where such screw may engage
the outer surface 116 of the bushing 112. The bushing 112 may also
include a series of teeth or ridges on the outer surface 116 for
engaging the inner surface 118 of the mounting member 108.
[0041] A locking member 120 may be disposed on the shaft 106 and
attached by a fastener, such as a threaded bolt 122. FIGS. 3a-c
illustrate several views of the locking member 120 in detail. As
shown, the locking member 120 preferably includes a central portion
124 and a plurality of locking tabs 126 disposed on the outer
surface 128 of the central portion 124. Such locking tabs 126
preferably have a first end 130, which is disposed on the outer
surface 128 of the central portion 124, and a second end 132 remote
from the first end 130.
[0042] The locking tabs 126 are preferably flexible in a direction
inwards towards the central axis 136. The locking tabs 126 may have
an arcuate profile, as shown, or the profile of the tabs 126 may
form a straight line from the first end 130 to the second end 132.
A reference line 134 connecting the first end 130 and the second
end 132 preferably forms an angle .alpha. with central axis 136,
which angle may be between 0.degree. and 90.degree.. In one
embodiment, the angle .alpha. is between 25.degree. and 45.degree..
Most preferably the angle .alpha. is on the order of 35.degree.,
for instance between 30.degree. and 40.degree.. The angle .alpha.
may be selected so that the locking tabs 126 flex inward upon
insertion and resist such flexing to prevent removal of the locking
member 120 from the mounting member 108.
[0043] The central portion 124 may be adapted to receive a
fastener, such as threaded bolt 122 (see FIG. 2a) . In order to
receive the fastener, the central portion 124 preferably includes a
through hole 137, which may be aligned with axis 136. The fastener
may then be used to attach the locking member 120 to the shaft 106
so that the central axis 136 of the locking member 120 may be
aligned with the axis 111 of the mounting member 108.
[0044] FIG. 4 presents a top view of the endcap 104. FIGS. 4a-b
present cross-sectional views of taken along the 4A-4A line of FIG.
4. As shown in the cross-sectional views, the central portion 124
may be comprised of a first cylindrical portion 138 and a second
cylindrical portion 140. The first cylindrical portion 138 may be
adapted to receive the threaded portion 142 of threaded bolt 122,
and may therefore have a smaller diameter than the second
cylindrical portion 140, which may be adapted to receive the head
144 of threaded bolt 122.
[0045] After being received by the central portion 124 of the
locking member 120, the threaded bolt 122 may be threadedly
received by a receptacle such as recess disposed within surface 148
of the shaft 106, thereby fastening the locking member 120 to the
shaft 106. By fastening the locking member 120 to the shaft 106,
the locking member 120 will preferably rotate with the shaft
106.
[0046] In an alternative embodiment, the second cylindrical portion
140 may not be provided, leaving the head 144 of threaded bolt 122
exposed. Alternatively, other fasteners may be used, as would be
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, the
central portion 124 may not be comprised of cylindrical portions,
but may instead have other configurations and shapes, depending on
the geometries of the alternative fasteners.
[0047] In yet another alternative, a separate fastener may not be
included, and the central portion 124 may instead be secured
directly to the shaft 106. For instance, the recess 146 may be
adapted to receive the central portion 124 of the locking member
120. In this embodiment, the central portion 124 may include
threads on the outer surface 128 thereof, and the locking member
120 may be thus threadedly secured to the shaft 106. Alternatively,
the locking member 120 may be welded onto the exterior surface 148
of the shaft 106. In a further alternative, the shaft 106 may be
manufactured as a single component which includes the locking
member 120 integrally formed thereon. In this case, the locking
member 120 may be cast as part of the shaft 106.
[0048] The shaft 106 and the locking member 120, depending on
whether manufactured as a single component or as separate
components, may be manufactured of different materials or of the
same material. Various different materials may be used, including,
but not limited to, metals such as aluminum, plastics such as
polymers, or combinations thereof. Additionally, depending on the
materials used, such components may be manufactured in a variety of
different ways, including, but not limited to, casting, molding, or
machining.
[0049] FIGS. 4a-b illustrate sectional views of the mounting member
108 and the endcap 104 assembled together. As the shaft 106 is
inserted into the receptacle 110 and the locking member 120 moves
beyond the bushing 112 toward the base of the mounting member 108,
the locking tabs 126 preferably flex away from the central portion
124. In this manner, the first surface 150 of the bushing 112
becomes a locking surface.
[0050] Consequently, when a longitudinal force is applied to the
endcap 104, the second ends 132 of the locking tabs 126 may engage
the locking surface and such surface may prevent the locking member
120 from continuing past the locking surface in the direction of
the applied force. This, in turn, may preferably prevent the
extension arm 100 from becoming disconnected from the mounting
assembly 102. Additionally, this arrangement may substantially
prevent tampering with the locking member 120, as the locking
member 120 is disposed within the receptacle 110, where it may be
difficult to access.
[0051] In an alternative embodiment, the bushing 112 may not be
included. Instead, a locking surface may be disposed on the inner
surface 118 of the mounting member 108. In this case, the locking
surface is desirably integrally formed with the inner surface 118.
Such a locking surface may have various different configurations,
as would be as would be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art. For instance, the locking surface may be configured as a
protruding lip or a set of ratcheting teeth, which surfaces are
operable to engage the second ends 132 of the locking tabs 126 in a
manner similar to that described above with regard to the first
surface 150 of the bushing 112.
[0052] In a further alternative embodiment, the apparatus described
above may be substantially inverted, as illustrated in FIG. 6. In
this embodiment, a receptacle 110.sub.1 may instead be disposed
within the endcap 104.sub.1, for example within a shaft 105
thereof, and the mounting member 108.sub.1 or a shaft 106.sub.1, on
the mounting member 108.sub.1 may be operable to fit within such
receptacle 110.sub.1. The locking member 120, in this orientation,
may instead be disposed on the mounting member 108.sub.1.
[0053] In this way, disengagement of the extension arm 100 from the
mounting member may be prevented in substantially the same manner
as that described above in other embodiments. Disposing the locking
member 120 within a receptacle on the endcap may make such locking
member 120 more accessible than in the configuration where the
receptacle is in the mounting member. Depending on the
configuration of the endcap, this may result in the locking member
120 being less tamper resistant than when the locking member 120 is
disposed within the solid and unitary construction of the mounting
member 108.
[0054] The mounting member 108 may be of any desired configuration,
as would be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art,
provided that it is operable to support the extension arm 100 by
securely engaging the shaft 106 of the endcap 104 within the
receptacle 110. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4a-b, the
mounting member 108 may be a single manufactured piece having a
substantially cup-shaped configuration.
[0055] The mounting member 108 may also include a base surface 154
operable to engage a work surface, such as a desk or a base member
(not shown), and an opening 152 may be provided in such base
surface 154. Such opening 152 is preferably aligned with the
threaded bolt 122 and is preferably adapted to allow a screwdriver,
or other tool, to access such bolt 122. The opening 152 may also
include a threaded portion 156, such as a threaded nut. In order to
detach the extension arm 100 from the mounting member 108, a tool
may be inserted through the opening 152 and may loosen the bolt 122
until the locking member 120 disengages from the shaft 106.
[0056] FIG. 5a illustrates a sectional view showing the extension
arm 100, mounting member 108 and locking system 103 mounted to base
member 158. FIG. 5b is an enlarged view of section 5A-5A of FIG.
5a. The base member 158 preferably provides stability to the
mounting member 108, and it also prevents disengagement of the
locking member 120 by covering up the opening 152, thus preventing
easy access to the receptacle 110 via such opening 152.
[0057] In order to mount the mounting member 108 onto the base
member 158, a fastener, such as a threaded bolt 160, may pass
through an opening 162 in the base member 158 and be threadedly
fastened into the threaded portion 156 of the opening 152. In an
alternative embodiment, this same threaded bolt 160 may also pass
through an opening 163 in a connecting member 164 in order to
secure such connecting member 164 to the mounting member 108 and
the base member 158.
[0058] In an alternative embodiment, the threaded bolt 160 may
extend through the locking member 120, and the threaded bolt 160
may thus secure the locking member 120 to the shaft 106, instead of
threaded bolt 122. In order to prevent the mounting member 108 from
rotating independently of the base member 158, a recess 166 may be
provided on the base surface 154 of the mounting member 108, as
shown in FIG. 4a. Such recess 166 may correspond to a protrusion
168 disposed on the base member 158 which may be insertable
therein.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 5a, the base member 158 may be a
substantially flat member which is operable to engage a work
surface such as a desk surface. The connecting member 164 may be
comprised of a single L-shaped piece which is operable to secure
the extension arm 100 to a surface, such as a wall or the side of a
desk. Preferably, the connecting member 164 includes a plurality of
holes, which may be operable to receive fasteners, such as screws
or bolts, so that the connecting member 164 may be fastened to any
of the aforementioned surfaces. Alternatively, the connecting
member 164 or the base member 158 may be of any desired
configuration, as would be apparent to those of ordinary skill in
the art.
[0060] The mounting member 108 may also be connected to a clamping
assembly 166. Such clamping assembly 166 may include the connecting
member 164, a second connecting member 168, a clamping bolt 170,
and a clamping pad 172. The second connecting member 162 may
include a hole 174, into which the clamping bolt 170 may be
insertable. The clamping pad 172 may be disposed on the tip 176 of
the clamping bolt 170. The clamping assembly 166 may then be used
to secure the extension arm 100 to a desk, or other piece of
furniture, by tightening the clamping bolt 170 until the clamping
pad 172 contacts the underside of such desk.
[0061] Alternatively, the mounting member 108 may be mounted
directly onto a desk by inserting a hole in the surface of such
desk. In this manner, the threaded bolt 160 may secure the mounting
member 108 by passing through such hole in the surface of the desk
and into the threaded portion 156 of the opening 152. In any of the
previous alternatives, either the threaded bolt 160 or the clamping
bolt 170 or both may include heads having specially shaped drive
designs which require a specialized tool to loosen, thereby
providing additional security from theft. Examples of such
preferred drive designs include hexagonal socket ("Allen") head,
TORX.RTM. brand by Textron Innovations, Inc., TRI-WING.RTM. or
TORQ-SET.RTM. brands by Phillips Screw Company, or spanner drives.
For extra security, tamper resistant forms of the drive designs may
be provided, which typically include a pin protruding in the center
of the fastener head, such as with a pin and hex combination.
Alternatively, the drive designs may be specifically created for
use with this invention.
[0062] The user device (not shown) may be secured directly to the
extension arm 100, or it may be secured to a tilting device 178,
which is attached to the extension arm 100. In order to further
secure the user device, such device may be fastened to the
extension arm 100 or to the tilting device 178 by fasteners having
specially shaped drive designs. Additionally, a quick release
mechanism may be provided, such as that disclosed in pending U.S.
application Ser. No. 11/058,820, filed Feb. 16, 2005, and entitled
"Quick Release Assembly for an Electronic Device," the entire
disclosure of which is fully incorporated by reference herein. If
such a mechanism is included, additional security may be provided
by including the threaded fastener described in the above
referenced application, which fastener may prevent the user device
from being quickly released from the extension arm. For further
security, such threaded fastener may include a specially shaped
drive design which requires a specialized tool to loosen.
[0063] Although the 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.
* * * * *