U.S. patent application number 12/157028 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-02 for arm apparatus for mounting electronic devices.
This patent application is currently assigned to Innovative Office Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Odd N. Oddsen.
Application Number | 20080237439 12/157028 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43598272 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080237439 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Oddsen; Odd N. |
October 2, 2008 |
Arm apparatus for mounting electronic devices
Abstract
An extension arm suitable for mounting an electronic device. The
extension arm also includes a pair of end caps. The extension arm
also includes an upper channel and a lower channel. Each channel
has at opposite ends a pair of integrally cast rollers which are
pivotably attached to each of the end caps. The upper channel
includes an integrally formed boss for securing a ball stud. A
tensioning assembly is contained within the extension arm having
one end coupled to the ball stud and the other end coupled to one
of the end caps. The upper and lower channels and the end caps form
an adjustable parallelogram.
Inventors: |
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.
Easton
PA
|
Family ID: |
43598272 |
Appl. No.: |
12/157028 |
Filed: |
June 6, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10892799 |
Jul 16, 2004 |
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12157028 |
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10166419 |
Jun 10, 2002 |
6854698 |
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10892799 |
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09405628 |
Sep 24, 1999 |
6478274 |
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10166419 |
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60133378 |
May 10, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
248/631 ;
248/281.11; 29/428 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16M 2200/063 20130101;
F16M 11/2014 20130101; Y10T 29/49826 20150115; Y10T 403/5741
20150115; F16M 11/2092 20130101; F16M 2200/044 20130101; F16M 11/24
20130101; Y10T 29/49988 20150115; A47B 2200/0088 20130101; Y10T
403/57 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/631 ;
248/281.11; 29/428 |
International
Class: |
F16M 13/02 20060101
F16M013/02; B23P 11/00 20060101 B23P011/00 |
Claims
1. An extension arm for adjustably mounting a device to a support
mount, said extension arm comprising: a forearm extension having a
first end for attachment to the device and a second end having an
opening; a first end cap including a first end cap body and a first
end cap shaft, said first end cap shaft adapted for pivotable
attachment to the support mount; a second end cap including a
second end cap body and a second end cap shaft extending outwardly
therefrom, said second end cap shaft pivotably received within said
opening within said second end of said forearm extension whereby
said forearm extension is pivotable about said second end cap shaft
between a plurality of radial positions; an upper channel having a
first end, a second end, a first roller disposed on the first end
and configured to be pivotably attached to said first end cap, and
a second roller disposed on the second end and configured to be
pivotally attached to the second end cap, wherein the upper channel
includes a pair of spaced apart sidewalls and a bottom wall
therebetween, wherein the bottom wall has a top surface and a
bottom surface and is of a non-uniform thickness therebetween
adapted for reinforcing the upper channel; a lower channel having a
first end, a second end, a third roller disposed on the first end
and configured to be pivotably attached to the first end cap, and a
fourth roller disposed on the second end and configured to be
pivotally attached to said second end cap; and a gas spring
attached at a first end to said upper channel and adjustably
attached at a second end to said first end cap, wherein said gas
spring is configured to retain said upper channel, said lower
channel, said first end cap and said second end cap in a
parallelogram shape when the device is positioned.
2. The extension arm of claim 1, wherein the sidewalls are
integrally cast with the bottom wall of the upper channel.
3. The extension arm of claim 1, wherein a portion of the top
surface of the bottom wall is angled with respect to the sidewalls
and spaced a greater distance from the bottom surface of the bottom
wall than another portion of the top surface of the bottom
wall.
4. The extension arm of claim 1, wherein the top surface of the
bottom wall is selectively spaced at a plurality of distances from
the bottom surface of the bottom wall.
5. The extension arm of claim 1, wherein a first portion of the top
surface of the bottom wall is spaced at least a first distance from
the bottom surface of the bottom wall and a second portion of the
top surface of the bottom wall is spaced not more than a second
distance from the bottom surface of the bottom wall, wherein the
first distance exceeds the second distance and wherein the first
portion of the top surface of the bottom has a surface area
exceeding the surface area of the second portion of the top surface
of the bottom wall.
6. The extension arm of claim 1, wherein the upper channel is
U-shaped.
7. A method of forming an extension arm that adjustably mounts a
device to a support comprising: forming an upper channel having
rollers at each end thereof, wherein the upper channel further
includes a pair of spaced apart sidewalls and a bottom wall
therebetween, wherein the bottom wall has a top surface and a
bottom surface and is of a non-uniform thickness therebetween
adapted for reinforcing the upper channel; forming a lower channel
having rollers at each end thereof; forming first and second end
caps; forming a clevis having a fastening member; forming a forearm
extension having a first end for connecting to the second end cap
and a second end adapted for connecting to the device; connecting
one end of a gas spring to the upper channel and a second end of
the gas spring to the fastening member of the clevis; attaching the
upper channel, the lower channel, the first end cap and the second
end cap together to form a parallelogram; and connecting the first
end of the forearm extension to the second end cap.
8. The method of claim 7 further comprising: integrally casting the
upper channel as one piece.
9. The method of claim 7, wherein a portion of the top surface of
the bottom wall is angled with respect to the sidewalls and spaced
a greater distance from the bottom surface of the bottom wall than
another portion of the top surface of the bottom wall.
10. The method claim 7, wherein the top surface of the bottom wall
is selectively spaced at a plurality of distances from the bottom
surface of the bottom wall.
11. The method of claim 7, wherein a first portion of the top
surface of the bottom wall is spaced at least a first distance from
the bottom surface of the bottom wall and a second portion of the
top surface of the bottom wall is spaced not more than a second
distance from the bottom surface of the bottom wall, wherein the
first distance exceeds the second distance and wherein the first
portion of the top surface of the bottom has a surface area
exceeding the surface area of the second portion of the top surface
of the bottom wall.
12. The method of claim 7, wherein the upper channel is
U-shaped.
13. A method of forming an extension arm that adjustably mounts a
device to a support comprising: providing an upper channel having
rollers at each end thereof, wherein the upper channel further
includes a pair of spaced apart sidewalls and a bottom wall
therebetween, wherein the bottom wall has a top surface and a
bottom surface and is of a non-uniform thickness adapted
therebetween for reinforcing the upper channel; providing a lower
channel having rollers at each end thereof; providing first and
second end caps; providing a clevis having a fastening member;
providing a forearm extension having a first end for connecting to
the second end cap and a second end adapted for connecting to the
device; connecting one end of a gas spring to the upper channel and
a second end of the gas spring to the fastening member of the
clevis; attaching the upper channel, the lower channel, the first
end cap and the second end cap together to form a parallelogram;
and connecting the first end of the forearm extension to the second
end cap.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the upper channel is integrally
cast as one piece.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein a portion of the top surface of
the bottom wall is angled with respect to the sidewalls and spaced
a greater distance from the bottom surface of the bottom wall than
another portion of the top surface of the bottom wall.
16. The method claim 13, wherein the top surface of the bottom wall
is selectively spaced at a plurality of distances from the bottom
surface of the bottom wall.
17. The method of claim 13, wherein a first portion of the top
surface of the bottom wall is spaced at least a first distance from
the bottom surface of the bottom wall and a second portion of the
top surface of the bottom wall is spaced not more than a second
distance from the bottom surface of the bottom wall, wherein the
first distance exceeds the second distance and wherein the first
portion of the top surface of the bottom has a surface area
exceeding the surface area of the second portion of the top surface
of the bottom wall.
18. A reinforced channel for use in an extension arm that mounts a
device to a support comprising: a U-shaped body having first and
second spaced apart ends, wherein the body includes a pair of
spaced apart sidewalls and a bottom wall therebetween, wherein the
bottom wall has a top surface and a bottom surface and is of a
non-uniform thickness therebetween adapted for reinforcing the
channel.
19. The reinforced channel of claim 18 further comprising: a first
roller at said first end of said body and a second roller at said
second end of the said body.
20. The reinforced channel of claim 18, wherein the sidewalls are
integrally cast with the bottom wall of the upper channel.
21. The reinforced channel of claim 18, wherein a portion of the
top surface of the bottom wall is angled with respect to the
sidewalls and spaced a greater distance from the bottom surface of
the bottom wall than another portion of the top surface of the
bottom wall.
22. The reinforced channel of claim 18, wherein the top surface of
the bottom wall is selectively spaced at a plurality of distances
from the bottom surface of the bottom wall.
23. The reinforced channel of claim 18, wherein a first portion of
the top surface of the bottom wall is spaced at least a first
distance from the bottom surface of the bottom wall and a second
portion of the top surface of the bottom wall is spaced not more
than a second distance from the bottom surface of the bottom wall,
wherein the first distance exceeds the second distance and wherein
the first portion of the top surface of the bottom has a surface
area exceeding the surface area of the second portion of the top
surface of the bottom wall.
Description
REFERENCE TO CROSS-RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of application
Ser. No. 10/892,799, filed Jul. 16, 2004 which is a divisional of
application Ser. No. 10/166,419, filed Jun. 10, 2002, which is a
continuation of application Ser. No. 09/405,628, filed Sep. 24,
1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,478,274, which claims the benefit of the
filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/133,378,
filed on May 10, 1999, all of which are entitled "Arm Apparatus for
Mounting Electronic Devices", the disclosures of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to an arm apparatus for mounting
electronic devices and a method for manufacturing the arm
apparatus, and more specifically to an extension arm suitable to
mount a flat-screened electronic peripheral device, such as a
computer monitor or television and the method for manufacturing the
extension arm.
[0003] Adjustable extension arms for mounting electronic peripheral
devices, such as a computer monitor or a television, are well known
in the prior art. However, due to recent advances in flat-screen
technology, there is a demand for adjustable extension arms that
are particularly suited for use with flat-screen devices, such as
flat screen computer monitors and televisions.
[0004] FIGS. 1-7 are assembly drawings of an extension arm 10 for
mounting a peripheral device, in accordance with the prior art. As
shown in FIG. 1, the main elements of the extension arm 10 are a
first end cap 12, an upper channel 14, a lower channel 16, a second
end cap 18, and a forearm extension 20. The first end cap 12 has an
end cap shaft 22 that is pivotably attachable to a rigid support
mount (not shown), such as an orifice sized to accept the end cap
shaft 22 or a track configured and sized to engage the grooves on
end cap shaft 22. The first end cap 12 is pivotably coupled via
pins 24 to both the upper channel 14 and the lower channel 16. The
opposite ends of the upper channel 14 and the lower channel 16 are
pivotably coupled via pins 24 to the second end cap 18. The second
end cap 18 is coupled to the forearm extension 20 via a forearm
extension pin 92. The forearm extension 20 has a vertically
disposed hole 26 therethrough for accepting a device mount (not
shown) such as a tilter, platform or other apparatus. The
combination of the upper and the lower channels 14, 16 and the
first and the second end caps 12, 18 form an adjustable
parallelogram that permits a device coupled to the forearm
extension 20 to be raised and lowered to a desirable height. The
parallelogram retains its position by employing a gas spring 28,
which is pivotably and adjustably attached to the first end cap 12
and the upper channel 14, as will be further described below.
Generally, the gas spring 28 is sized so as to have a fixed length
until an upward or downward force is exerted at the second end cap
18 that exceeds the gas spring's designed resistance. Thus, the gas
spring 28 causes the parallelogram to retain its position when the
only force exerted at the second end cap 18 is the weight of the
device, but permits the parallelogram to be adjusted when a user
pushes the device coupled to the forearm extension 20 up or
down.
[0005] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the first end cap 12,
having the end cap shaft 22 disposed on a first end 30 of the first
end cap 12. To provide a rigid connection between the two pieces,
the end cap shaft 22 is typically machined from steel and is
inserted into the first end 30 during the casting process of the
first end cap 12. The end cap shaft 22 has a hole 32 formed in an
end of the end cap shaft 22 that is inserted into the first end cap
12. The first end cap 12 is typically fabricated from cast
aluminum. The first end cap 12 also has a second end 34 having a
hole 36 disposed therethrough. Disposed within the first end cap 12
is a threaded rod 38. A first end 40 of the threaded rod 38 is
inserted into the hole 32 at the base of the end cap shaft 22. A
second end 42 of the threaded rod 38 is aligned with the hole 36
and is held in place by a clip 44. The clip 44 is fastened to an
inner surface of the first end cap 12 by screws 46.
[0006] Threadedly mounted on the threaded rod 38 is a clevis 48.
FIG. 3 illustrates a sideview of the clevis 48 including a tapped
hole 50 in the center thereof. The tapped hole 50 receives the
threaded rod 38, as shown in FIG. 2. At a first end of the clevis
48 is a pair of fastening members 52, 54 to which are fastened one
end of the gas spring 28. A second end 56 of the clevis 48 is
configured to slidably engage a track 58 which is integrally molded
in the first end cap 12 (see FIG. 2). The second end 42 of the
threaded rod 38 is configured to be engaged by a hex-shaped key
which is inserted through the hole 36 when the second end 42 is
properly aligned with the hole 36. The hex-shaped key is employed
so as to rotate the threaded rod 38 along its axis of rotation.
When the threaded rod 38 is rotated along its axis of rotation, the
clevis 48 moves along the length of the threaded rod 38 in a
direction that corresponds to the direction which the hex-shaped
key is turned. This movement of the clevis 48 permits the gas
spring 28 to be adjusted.
[0007] FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) illustrate the upper channel 14, which
comprises channel bottom 60 from which extend two channel sidewalls
62. Channel bottom 60 and sidewalls 62 are typically stamped from
13 gauge steel sheet in order to give the upper channel 14 a
desired degree of structural rigidity. At each of the ends of the
channel bottom 60, a semi-circular region 64 of the sidewalls 62 is
cut out to accommodate cold-rolled steel rollers 66, which have a
hole 68 therethrough for receiving the pins 24. The rollers 66 are
rigidly attached to the upper channel 14 by MIG welding along the
edge of the semi-circular cut out region 64 and along the ends of
the channel bottom 60.
[0008] Additionally, the upper channel 14 comprises stiffener 70,
which is welded to an inner surface of the channel bottom 60.
Besides providing additional structural rigidity to the upper
channel 14, the stiffener 70 has a hole disposed at one end with a
threaded ball stud 72 placed within the hole and fixed in place by
a nut 74. The ball stud 72 is configured and sized to receive one
end of the gas spring 28. The longitudinal centerline 76 of the
upper channel 14 is illustrated in FIG. 4(b).
[0009] FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) illustrate the lower channel 16 which
comprises a channel bottom 78 from which extend two channel
sidewalls 80. As with the upper channel 14, the channel bottom 78
and sidewalls 80 are typically stamped from 13 gauge steel sheet,
which is relatively heavy in order to give the lower channel 16 a
desired degree of structural rigidity. At opposite ends of the
channel bottom 78, a semi-circular region 82 of the sidewalls 80 is
cut out to accommodate cold-rolled steel rollers 84, which have a
hole 86 therethrough for receiving the pins 24. The rollers 84 are
rigidly attached to the lower channel 16 by MIG welding along the
edge of the semi-circular cut out region 82 and along the ends of
the channel bottom 78. The longitudinal centerline 88 of the lower
channel 16 is illustrated on FIG. 5 (b)
[0010] FIG. 6 illustrates the second end cap 18. Unlike the first
end cap 12, the second end cap 18 does not have an end cap shaft,
nor does it have a clevis assembly for attachment to the gas spring
28. Instead, the second end cap 18 has a hole 90 disposed in a
bottom end for receiving the forearm extension pin 92, and a hole
94 in a side for inserting a pin 96 into the forearm extension pin
92, as illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 7 illustrates the forearm extension 20 having the
forearm extension pin 92 welded thereto. The forearm extension pin
92 has a hole 98 formed in an upper end to receive the pin 96. The
forearm extension 20 is configured to be pivoted around the forearm
extension pin 92, and is held in place within the second end cap 18
by the pin 96 which penetrates the hole 94 of the second end cap 18
and the hole 98 of the forearm extension pin 92.
[0012] Extension arms 10 of the prior art, such as the one shown in
FIGS. 1-7 and others like it, are ill-suited for flat-screen
monitors and televisions, in that they are bulky and cumbersome. In
addition, due to the configuration of its various parts, extension
arms 10 of the prior art cannot be flattened against a mounting
surface so that the entire extension arm 10 is hidden behind the
flat screen device when the device is substantially flush with the
mounting surface. Additionally, the extension arms 10 of the prior
art are costly to manufacture and difficult to assemble.
[0013] Thus, there is a need for an extension arm suitable to mount
a flat-screened electronic peripheral device, such as a computer
monitor or television, that is inexpensive and easy to manufacture
and assemble, and that permits a flat-screen device to be mounted
substantially flush with the mounting surface.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, there is
disclosed a channel for use in an extension arm that adjustably
mounts a device to a support, the channel comprising an elongated
body having a bottom wall; a first roller disposed at a first end
of the body; a second roller disposed at a second end of the body,
the first and second rollers integrally formed with the body; and a
boss integrally formed with the bottom wall adjacent a first end of
the body, the boss having a bore adapted to receive a ball
stud.
[0015] In another embodiment of the present invention, there is
disclosed a channel for use in an extension arm that adjustably
mounts a device to a support, the channel comprising a U-shaped
body including a pair of spaced apart side walls and a bottom wall;
a first roller disposed at a first end of the bottom wall; a second
roller disposed at a second end of the bottom wall; the first and
second rollers integrally formed with the body; and a boss
integrally formed with the bottom wall extending upwards between
the side walls, the boss having a threaded bore at one end thereof
adapted to receive a ball stud, the other end of the bore being a
blind end.
[0016] In a further embodiment of the present invention, there is
disclosed a channel assembly for use in an extension arm adapted
for mounting an electronic device to a support, the assembly
comprising an upper channel including a bottom wall and having a
first roller at a first end and a second roller at a second end,
the first roller configured to be pivotably attached to a first end
cap and the second roller configured to be pivotably attached to a
second end cap, the first and second rollers integrally formed with
the upper channel; and a lower channel including a bottom wall
having a third roller at a first end and a fourth roller at a
second end, the third roller configured to be pivotably attached to
the first end cap and the fourth roller configured to be pivotably
attached to the second end cap, the third and fourth rollers
integrally formed with the lower channel, wherein one of the
channels includes a boss integrally formed with the bottom wall
thereof adjacent one of the ends, the boss having an opening
adapted to receive a ball stud.
[0017] In another embodiment of the present invention, there is
disclosed a channel assembly for use in an extension arm adapted
for mounting an electronic device to a support, the assembly
comprising a first end cap adapted for pivotable attachment to the
support; a second end cap; an upper channel including a bottom wall
having a first roller at a first end and a second roller at a
second end, wherein the rollers are integrally cast with said upper
channel, said first roller pivotably attached to the first end cap
and the second roller pivotably attached to the second end cap; and
a lower channel including a bottom wall and having a third roller
at a first end and a fourth roller at a second end, wherein the
rollers are integrally cast with said lower channel, said third
roller pivotably attached to the first end cap and the fourth
roller pivotably attached to the second end cap, wherein the upper
channel includes a boss integrally formed with the bottom wall
thereof adjacent one of the ends, the boss having a threaded bore
at one end thereof adapted to receive a ball stud, the other end of
the bore being a blind end.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly
pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the
specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and
method of operation, together with features, objects, and
advantages thereof may best be understood by reference to the
following detailed description when read with the accompanying
drawings in which:
[0019] FIG. 1 is an assembly drawing of an extension arm for
mounting a computer monitor, in accordance with the prior art;
[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a first end cap of an extension arm, in
accordance with the prior art;
[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates the clevis assembly of an extension arm,
in accordance with the prior art;
[0022] FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) illustrate the upper channel of an
extension arm, in accordance with the prior art;
[0023] FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) illustrate the lower channel of an
extension arm, in accordance with the prior art;
[0024] FIG. 6 illustrates a second end cap of an extension arm, in
accordance with the prior art;
[0025] FIG. 7 illustrates a forearm extension of an extension arm,
in accordance with the prior art;
[0026] FIG. 8 is an exploded assembly drawing of an extension arm
for adjustably mounting a flat-screen device to a support mount,
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0027] FIGS. 9(a)-(d) show several views of end caps, in accordance
with one embodiment of the invention;
[0028] FIGS. 10 (a)-(d) illustrate several views of an upper
channel, according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0029] FIGS. 11(a)-(e) illustrate several views of a lower channel,
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0030] FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b) illustrate a forearm extension, in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention; and
[0031] FIGS. 13(a) and 13(b) illustrate a forearm extension, in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] The present invention, in accordance with one embodiment,
relates to an extension arm suitable for mounting a flat-screen
electronic peripheral device, such as a computer monitor or
television, and the method of manufacturing the extension arm. FIG.
8 is an exploded assembly drawing of the extension arm, for
adjustably mounting a device to a support mount, according to one
embodiment of the invention.
[0033] In the embodiment shown, the extension arm 100 comprises a
first end cap 102, an upper channel 104, a lower channel 106, a
second end cap 108, and a forearm extension 110. The first end cap
102 and the second end cap 108 both include a partially enclosed
housing 112 and a shaft 114. The partially enclosed housing 112 of
both the first and the second end caps 102, 108 is configured with,
for example, holes 116 to receive a connection mechanism, such as a
pin 118, therethrough. The shaft 114 of the first end cap 102 is
configured to be inserted for pivotable rotation in a support mount
(not shown), which may be a wall, a desk, a pole mount, or a
configurable mount as shown and described in Applicant's co-pending
patent applications: application No. 60/106,729 filed on Nov. 2,
1998 and application No. 60/108,469 filed on Nov. 14, 1998. The
shaft 114 of the second end cap 108 is configured to be inserted
for pivotable rotation in the forearm extension 110.
[0034] The partially enclosed housing 112 of the first end cap 102
also includes a clevis 120, which is pivotably attached to an end
of a gas spring 122, mounted therein. A threaded rod 124 is in
threaded engagement with the clevis 120, such that the clevis 120
is configured to slide within the first end cap 102 when the
threaded rod 124 rotates on its axis. The threaded rod 124 is
rotatably secured in the first end cap 102 by a retainer clip 126
that is attached to the first end cap 102 with, for example, screws
128.
[0035] The upper channel 104 includes a U-shaped body 130 and
integrally cast rollers 132 disposed at opposite ends of the
U-shaped body 130. Each of the rollers 132 is configured to be
pivotably attached to a respective one of the first end cap 102 and
the second end cap 108 with, for example, the pins 118. The lower
channel 106 also includes a U-shaped body 134 and integrally cast
rollers 136 disposed at opposite ends of the U-shaped body 134.
Each of the rollers 136 is configured to be pivotably attached to a
respective one of the first end cap 102 and the second end cap 108
with, for example, the pins 118.
[0036] The upper and the lower channels 104, 106 and the first and
the second end caps 102, 108 are configured so as to form an
adjustable parallelogram. When configured, the shaft 114 of the
first end cap 102 and the shaft 114 of the second end cap 108 point
in opposite directions. For example, the shaft 114 of the first end
cap 102 extends vertically downward while the shaft 114 of the
second end cap 108 extends vertically upward. The shape of the
parallelogram is retained by the gas spring 122. One end of the gas
spring 122 is attached to a ball stud 138 which is mounted to the
upper channel 104. The other end of the gas spring 122 is
adjustably mounted to the clevis 120 within the first end cap 102.
Generally, the gas spring 122 is sized so as to have a fixed length
until an upward or downward force is exerted at the second end cap
108 that exceeds the gas spring's designed resistance. Thus, the
gas spring 122 retains the parallelogram shape when the only force
exerted at the second end cap 108 is the weight of the flat-screen
device. However, the gas spring 122 permits the parallelogram shape
to be adjusted when a user pushes the flat-screen device coupled to
the forearm extension 110 up or down.
[0037] The forearm extension 110 includes a body 140 having a first
female coupling 142 located on a first end and a second female
coupling 144 located on a second end. The first female coupling 142
is for attachment to the shaft 114 of the second end cap 108. The
second female coupling 144 is for attachment to a device mounting
(not shown) such as a tilter, as described in Applicant's
co-pending patent application No. 60/137,088 filed on Jun. 2, 1999;
a platform or other means for supporting a flat-screen device.
[0038] Additional advantages and features of the individual
components, according to various embodiments of the present
invention, are further described below.
End Caps 102, 108
[0039] FIG. 9(a) illustrates a side view, and FIG. 9(b) illustrates
a top view of the first end cap 102 and the second end cap 108, in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment
shown, each of the first and second end caps 102, 108 includes the
partially-enclosed housing 112 which has flat, oppositely-disposed
endwalls 146 and 148 fixedly connected by a sidewall 150. The
sidewall 150 extends partially around the partially-enclosed
housing 112 so as to permit manipulation of components to be
assembled within the first and second end caps 102, 108. In one
embodiment, the endwalls 146 and 148 are semicircular in shape and
are connected along a semi-circular edge to the sidewall 150, which
extends perpendicularly therebetween.
[0040] FIG. 9(a) is a side view (from the perspective of the open
region of the sidewall 150), that illustrates the first and the
second end caps 102, 108 having the shaft 114 disposed on the
endwall 148. The shaft 114 is preferably integrally molded to the
endwall 148 of each of the end caps 102, 108. Preferably the entire
end caps 102, 108 (partially enclosed housings 112 and shafts 114)
are molded from zinc. The endwall 146 has a hole 152 disposed
therethrough. Within the partially enclosed housing 112 and
integrally molded on the sidewall 150 adjacent the endwalls 146,
148 are stops 156. The stops 156 serve to stop upward or downward
movement of the extension arm 100 when ends of the lower channel
106 and the upper channel 104, respectively, meet the stops 156
when the extension arm 100 is in extended positions.
[0041] Also within the partially-enclosed housing 112, and
integrally molded to the inner surface of the sidewall 150 are
trough walls 158 which run longitudinally along the inner surface
of the sidewall 150 between the endwalls 146 and 148 so as to
define a trough 160 therebetween. FIG. 9(b) illustrates a side view
of the trough 160 disposed between the trough walls 158.
[0042] Additionally within the partially enclosed housing 112 and
integrally molded with the inner surface of the sidewall 150, and
proximate the endwall 148, are shelves 162. FIG. 9(b) illustrates a
side view of the shelves 162 which define co-planar faces separated
by a groove 164. The shelves 162 have a connection means, such as
self-tapping screw holes 154 disposed therein. The co-planar faces
of the shelves 162 are configured to engage the retainer clip 126,
which is fastened in place by, for example, the pair of screws 128.
When the retainer clip 126 is fastened in place, the groove 164
defines a spacing for accepting one end of the threaded rod 124, as
discussed below.
[0043] The first end cap 102 and the second end cap 108 are
identical at this point. However, while the manufacturing of the
second end cap 108 is complete, the first end cap 102 still
requires assembly of the threaded rod 124 and the clevis 120. The
threaded rod 124 is employed within the first end cap 102 so as to
adjustably support the clevis 120. FIG. 9(c) illustrates the
threaded rod 124 in greater detail. A first end 166 has a circular
cross-section within which is axially disposed a shaped opening
168, for example a hex-shaped opening, for accepting a shaped key
(not shown), such as a hex-shaped key. Advantageously, a
cross-sectional diameter of the first end 166 is smaller than a
cross-sectional diameter of the hole 152, so as to be inserted
therein. Adjacent the first end 166 is a shoulder 170.
Advantageously, the shoulder 170 has a circular cross-section
having a diameter that is larger than the cross-sectional diameter
of the hole 152. Thus, in the preferred embodiment, the shoulder
170 abuts an inner surface of the endwall 146 and retains the first
end 166 within the hole 152.
[0044] The threaded rod 124 also includes a threaded section 172
which is configured to threadingly engage the clevis 120. The
second end 174 of the threaded rod 124 is disposed in the groove
164 located between the shelves 162 of the first end cap 102.
Preferably, the second end 174 of the threaded rod 124 has a
circular cross-section having a diameter that is smaller than the
size of the groove 164, such that the second end 174 is supported
between the shelves 162 but is free to rotate therein.
[0045] As previously mentioned, threadedly mounted on the threaded
rod 124 is the clevis 120. The clevis 120 as illustrated in FIG.
9(d), has a tapped hole 176 formed therein for receiving the
threaded rod 124. The clevis 120 also has a fastening member 178 at
a first end, which is fastened to one end of the gas spring 122.
The second end of the clevis 120 is configured to slidably engage
the trough 160.
[0046] When the first end 166 of the threaded rod 124 is engaged by
the shaped key, the shaped key is employed so as to rotate the
threaded rod 124 around its axial centerline. When the threaded rod
124 is rotated around this axis of rotation, the clevis 120 moves
along the length of the threaded rod 124 in a direction that
corresponds to the direction which the hex-shaped key is turned.
This movement of the clevis 120 permits the gas spring 122 to be
adjusted.
[0047] The end caps 102, 108 have numerous manufacturing advantages
over the end caps 12, 18 of the prior art, and others like it.
Unlike the prior art end caps 12, 18 which are different from each
other, the end caps 102, 108 are advantageously manufactured the
same way. The threaded rod assembly 124 and the clevis 120 of the
first end cap 102 are subsequently assembled in the first end cap
102. Thus, the cost of manufacturing two different kinds of end
caps are eliminated.
[0048] Moreover, the cost of manufacturing each end cap 102, 108 is
reduced significantly. In the prior art, a significant part of the
cost of the first end cap 12 is the steel shaft 22, which is
machined separately, and then is inserted into the aluminum cast
mold. By contrast, the shaft 114 is integrally molded with the end
caps 102, 108 by employing interlocking mold technology.
Interlocking molds permit a near-perfect mold to be made,
minimizing the.about.machining that is required to insure that the
shaft 114 is not out-of-round. By minimizing the amount of
machining that is required to be performed on the shaft 114, the
use of interlocking molds insures that the strength of the casting,
which is primarily located in the skin of the cast, is
maximized.
[0049] As previously mentioned, all the components of the end caps
102, 108 are preferably cast molded from zinc, though the present
invention is not limited in scope in this respect. Using zinc for
the partially enclosed housings 112 is an improvement over the
aluminum end caps 12, 18 employed in the prior art. That is, the
zinc is stronger and more flexible than the aluminum.
[0050] The first end cap 102 also has numerous assembly advantages
over the first end cap 12 of the prior art, and others like it. For
instance, the assembly time required to rotatably fasten the
threaded rod 124 in the first end cap 102 is greatly reduced. In
order to assemble the threaded rod 124 of the present invention,
the first end 166 is inserted into the hole 152 until the shoulder
170 abuts the inner surface of the endwall 146. The second end 174
of the threaded rod 124 is then positioned in the groove 164
between the shelves 162. The second end 174 is held in place by the
retainer clip 126 which is fastened in place by, for example, the
screws 128, which are easily accessible due to their proximity
above the threaded rod 124. The first end 166 of the threaded rod
124 is perfectly aligned with the hole 152, and will remain so,
because it is inserted for rotation therein.
[0051] By contrast, the assembly of the threaded rod 38 in the
first end cap 12 of the prior art is more complicated, and
therefore, more costly. For example, the first end 40 is inserted
into the hole 32 in the base of the end cap shaft 22. Next, the
clevis 48 is mounted on the rod 38, and then the second end 42 is
fastened inside the first end cap 12 by the clip 44. The clip 44 is
also employed to align the second end 42 relative to the hole 36.
Thus, the clip 44 must be fastened inside the first end cap 12 with
precision, so as to insure that the second end 42 is aligned
relative to the hole 36 such that the second end 42 can be engaged
by a hex-shaped key which is inserted into the hole 36. Moreover,
the screws 46 which are employed to the fasten clip 44 inside the
first end cap 12 are difficult to access due to their position
underneath the rod 38, thus complicating the process of aligning
the second end 42 with the hole 36. In addition, the fastening of
the clip 44 inside the first end cap 12 is also rendered more
difficult because the clevis 48 is already attached to the gas
spring 28.
[0052] Unlike the prior art, the current invention does not require
a forearm extension pin 92 to connect the second end cap 18 to the
forearm extension 20. Moreover, the pin 96 is not required to hold
the forearm extension pin 92 within the second end cap 18. Instead,
the current invention uses the shaft 114 of the second end cap 108
to connect the second end cap 108 to the forearm extension 110.
Thus, manufacturing costs can be reduced since there in no need to
manufacture the forearm extension pin 92 or the pin 96, and there
is no reason to form the hole 94 within the second end cap 18 or
the hole 98 within the forearm extension pin 92 to accept the pin
96.
Upper Channel 104
[0053] FIGS. 10a-d illustrate several views of the upper channel
104, according to one embodiment of the invention. The U-shaped
body 130 of the upper channel 104 comprises a channel bottom 180
from which extend two channel sidewalls 182. Unlike the upper
channel 14 of the prior art extension arm shown in FIGS. 4a-b,
which is stamped from heavy gauge steel, the channel bottom 180 and
the sidewall-S 182 of the upper channel 104 are preferably
integrally cast from zinc, which gives the upper channel 104 a
lesser weight, and a degree of structural rigidity, more suitable
for lighter-weight flat screen devices. At each end of the channel
bottom 180 are the rollers 132, which are also integrally cast. The
rollers 132 have a hole 184 therethrough (either cast or
subsequently drilled) for receiving a connection mechanism, such as
the pins 118. Additionally, the upper channel 104 comprises a
threaded hole 186 configured and sized to receive a threaded end of
the ball stud 138. The threaded hole 186 is also integrally cast.
The ball stud 138 is configured and sized to receive one end of the
gas spring 122.
[0054] The upper channel 104 has numerous manufacturing advantages
over the upper channel 14 of the prior art, and others like it. For
instance, with reference to the upper channel 14 of the prior art
shown in FIGS. 4a-b, the welding which is required to attach the
rollers 66 to the upper channel 14 is difficult to perform. The
axial centerlines of the rollers 66 must be near-perfectly parallel
to each other, while being near-perfectly perpendicular to the
longitudinal centerline 76 of the channel bottom 60. The tolerances
for these angles are very small so as to insure that the lower
channel 16 engages the upper channel 14 when the parallelogram is
adjusted. These tolerances are very difficult to meet when the
rollers 66 are welded to the upper channel 14. By contrast, the
rollers 132 of the upper channel 104 of the present invention are
integrally cast so as to insure that the axial centerlines of
rollers 132 are simultaneously perfectly parallel to each other and
perfectly perpendicular to a longitudinal centerline 188 of the
channel bottom 180.
[0055] Additionally, with further reference to FIGS. 4a-b and as
previously noted, due to the hardness of the steel employed for the
prior art upper channel 14, the rollers 66 must be MIG welded
thereto, which in turn requires the rollers 66 to be fabricated
from expensive cold-rolled steel. Although it is tempting for a
manufacturer of the rollers 66 to employ a cheaper material, such
as leadloy, these cheaper materials do not provide a safe and
consistent weld when joined to the steel upper channel 14.
Typically, tests must be performed on the roller material to insure
that leadloy has not been supplied. By contrast, the upper channel
104 of the present invention requires no welding, eliminating the
cost. of aligning the rollers, the cost of performing the welding
and the cost of testing the rollers to determine if they are a
suitable welding material.
[0056] An additional disadvantage of welding the rollers 66 to the
upper channel 14 is that the heat produced by welding the rollers
66 to the upper channel 14 may cause the upper channel 14 to curl
or deform. If this occurs, alignment of the rollers 66 is ruined
and the upper channel 14 is rendered useless, requiring it to be
discarded. By eliminating any welding required during the
manufacture of the upper channel 104, the likelihood of
heat-deforming the upper channel 2-04 is also eliminated and
materials are not wasted.
[0057] As previously mentioned, the prior art upper channel 14 is
made of steel, which means that the upper channel 14 is formed by
heating a piece of steel and bending the steel to form the channel
bottom 60 arid the sidewalls 62. Thus, precise manufacturing is
required to ensure the sidewalls 62 extend up from the channel
bottom 60 at 90 degree angles. If the angle is slightly off it will
likely cause the upper channel 14 and the lower channel 16 to
scrape against one another. The use of cast molding in the current
invention ensures the angle between the channel bottom 180 and the
sidewalls 182 is exactly the same each and every time. Thus, the
likelihood of scraping is greatly reduced, if not eliminated.
[0058] Moreover, as illustrated in FIGS. 10c and 10d, which are
cross-sectional views of the upper channel 104, the sidewalls 182
are tapered. Both an outer surface and an inner surface of the
sidewalls 180 tapers in approximately 1 degree. The taper is
possible because the upper channel 104 is, in the preferred
embodiment, cast molded. The taper provides several advantages
including more clearance between the upper and the lower channels
104, 106 when the upper and the lower channels 104, 106 are brought
together during usage. That is, the inner surface of the sidewall
180 being displaced by 1 degree means that there will be additional
clearance for the lower channel 106 to fit therewithin. The
additional clearance will help prevent the upper channel 104 and
the lower channel 106 from scraping together. Thus, damage to the
paint or other coating that may cover the upper and the lower
channels 104, 106 will be further reduced, if not eliminated.
Moreover, less material is needed at outer edges of the sidewalls
182. Furthermore, the taper is more aesthetically pleasing to the
eye of the user.
[0059] Additionally, the upper channel 104 eliminates the
requirement for the stiffener 70, which, with reference to FIGS.
4a-b, is welded to the inner surface of the channel bottom 60 in
the upper channel 14 of the prior art. Unlike the upper channel 14
of the prior art, the upper channel 104 does not require the
additional structural rigidity provided by the stiffener 70. By
eliminating the stiffener 70, the upper channel 104 of the present
invention also saves the steps required to weld the stiffener 70 to
the channel bottom 60 which are required by the prior art upper
channel 14.
[0060] Moreover, additional assembly steps are saved by integrally
casting the threaded hole 186 in the upper channel 104 of the
current invention. For instance, the prior art upper channel 14 has
the threaded ball stud 72 penetrate a hole disposed in the
stiffener 70 and is fixed in place by the nut 74. In order to
install the ball stud 72, it is required that the threaded end of
ball, stud 72 be inserted through the hole in the stiffener 70 and
be fixed in place by the nut 74 prior to the stiffener 70 being
welded in place. No such assembly is required with the upper
channel 104 of the present invention.
[0061] An additional problem experienced by prior art upper
channels 14 is the need to mask openings, such as the holes 68 in
the rollers 66 that receive the pins 28 therethrough, when the
upper channel is painted or otherwise coated. Specifically, labor
is required in order to insert masking material into the openings
and then to remove the masking material after the paint has been
applied. By contrast, the openings of the present invention are
according to one embodiment, precision-drilled after an application
of paint or other coatings, thus eliminating the expense of masking
any openings.
Lower Channel 106
[0062] FIGS. 11a-e illustrate several views of the lower channel
106, according to one embodiment of the invention. The U-shaped
body 134 of the lower channel 106 comprises a channel bottom 190
from which extend two channel side walls 192. Unlike the lower
channel 16 of the prior art extension arm shown in FIGS. 5a-b,
which is stamped from heavy gauge steel, the channel bottom 190 and
sidewalls 192 of the lower channel 106 are preferably integrally
cast from zinc, which gives the lower channel 106 a lesser weight
when compared to heavy gauge steel, and a degree of structural
rigidity, more suitable for lighter-weight flat screen devices. At
each end of the channel bottom 180 are the rollers 136, which are
also integrally cast. The rollers 136 have a hole 194 therethrough
(either cast or subsequently drilled) for receiving a connection
mechanism, such as the pins 118. The channel bottom 190
additionally includes a cable channel aperture 196 running
longitudinally. In the embodiment shown, the cable channel aperture
196 has rounded ends, which improves the rigidity of the lower
channel 106. The cable channel aperture 196 is configured to
receive a cable cover 198 (illustrated in FIG. 11e). The cable
cover 198 is configured to removably fit within the cable channel
aperture 196. Thus, cables of the mounted device may be
substantially retained within the lower channel 106 so as to hide
them from view and protect them from harm. The cable channel
aperture 196 and the cable cover 198 enable cables to be accessed
when desired, while securing them within the lower channel 106.
[0063] The lower channel 106 has numerous manufacturing advantages
over the lower channel 16 of the prior art, and other like it. For
instance, as described above with reference to the upper channel
104, the rollers 136 of the lower channel 106 of the present
invention are integrally cast so as to insure that the axial
centerlines of the rollers 136 are perfectly parallel to each
other, and that the axial centerlines of the rollers 136 are
perfectly perpendicular to a longitudinal centerline 200 of the
channel bottom 2-90. Thus, the need for precision alignment of the
rollers 84 prior to welding to the lower channel 16 is
eliminated.
[0064] Additionally, and as also described with reference to the
upper channel 104, the rollers 136 of the lower channel 106 are
integrally cast so no welding is required. Thus, the cost of
performing the welding and the cost of testing the rollers to
determine if they are a suitable welding material is eliminated.
Another advantage of eliminating the need for welding the rollers
136 to the lower channel 106 is reducing the likelihood of
heat-deforming the lower channel 106 so that materials are not
wasted.
[0065] As shown in FIGS. 11c and lid, which are cross-sectional
views of the lower channel 106, the sidewalls 192 of the lower
channel 106 are tapered. An outer surface of the sidewalls 192 is
tapered approximately 1/2 degree while an inner surface is tapered
approximately 1 degree. The taper is possible because the lower
channel 106 is, in the preferred embodiment, cast molded. As rioted
above with respect to the upper channel 104, the taper provides
more clearance between the upper channel 104 and the lower channel
106 so as to reduce or eliminate the chance of the upper and the
lower channels 104, 106 scraping. Moreover, less material is needed
at outer edges of the sidewalls 192. A further advantage, as noted
above with respect to the upper channel 104, is that the hole 194
within the rollers 136, according to one embodiment, is
precision-drilled after an application of paint or other coatings,
thus eliminating the expense of masking any openings.
[0066] As illustrated in FIG. 11e, the cable cover 198 includes a
top cover 202 with two sidewalls 204 protruding therefrom. A far
end of each sidewall 204 has a catch 206 formed thereon so as to
engage with the cable channel aperture 196.
Forearm Extension 110
[0067] With reference to FIGS. 12a, 12b, 13a and 13b, the forearm
extension 110 includes a body 140, which is preferably U-shaped so
that a cable can be hidden therein, having female couplings 142,
144 disposed at each end. The V-shaped body 140 includes a topwall
207 and two side walls 208. The female coupling 142 has an inner
diameter 209 that is sized to rotatably engage the shaft 114 of the
second end cap 108. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the forearm extension
110 and the shaft 114 are securely fastened to each other by
connecting a screw 211 through a coupling top 213 into a hole 215
(FIG. 9a) within the shaft 114.
[0068] A bushing 210 (FIG. 8) is preferably used to engage the
female coupling 142 and the shaft 114. That is, the bushing 210 is
placed over the shaft 114 and within the female coupling 142. The
bushing 210 is preferably made of a smooth material, such as
plastic, in order to reduce friction and prevent metal to metal
contact. The female coupling 142 preferably has a set screw 212
formed within a wall 214 of the female coupling 142. The set screw
212 is aligned to press against the bushing 210 at approximately
the location of a ridge 216 (see FIG. 9a) on the shaft 114 of the
second end cap 108. When the set screw 212 is tightened it causes
the bushing 210 to flex inward and frictionally engage the shaft
114 and thus prevent the forearm extension 110 from rotating about
the shaft 114. Advantageously, the female coupling 142 has a
plurality of voids 217 formed in the wall 214, which saves on
material costs and permits the forearm extension 2-10, when cast,
to be cooled more quickly. The quicker cooling enables the
production quantity to be increased.
[0069] The female coupling 144 has an inner diameter 218 that is
sized to rotatably engage a shaft of a device mount, such as a
tilter, platform or other device used to secure flat-screen
devices. A bushing 220 (FIG. 8), preferably made of a smooth
material such as plastic, is placed over the shaft and within the
female coupling 144. The female coupling 144 preferably has a set
screw 222 formed within a wall 224 of the female coupling 144. When
the set screw 222 is tightened it. causes the bushing 220 to flex
inward and frictionally engage the shaft and thus prevent the
device mount from rotating around the female coupling 144.
Advantageously, the female coupling 144 also has a plurality of
voids 226 formed in the wall 224.
[0070] FIGS. 12a and 2.about.2b illustrate one embodiment of the
forearm extension 110, wherein the center of the female couplings
142, 144 are aligned with a longitudinal centerline 228 of the body
140. As illustrated in FIG. 12b, when the axial centerlines of the
female couplings 142, 144 are vertically disposed, the body 140
inclines at an angle, such as a 15 degree angle as specifically
illustrated in FIG. 12b. It should be noted however that the
incline angle is not limited to 15 degrees, and. there may in fact
be no incline at all in this embodiment.
[0071] FIGS. 13a and 13b illustrate another embodiment of the
forearm extension 110, wherein the center of the female couplings
142, 144 do not align with the axial centerline 228 of the body
140. Rather the body 140 is flush with an upper edge of the female
coupling 142, resulting in the center of the female coupling 142
being offset from the center of the female coupling 144. As
illustrated in FIG. 13b, when the axial centerlines of the female
couplings 142, 144 are vertically disposed, the body 140 is
horizontally disposed therebetween. It should be noted however that
the body 140 is not limited to be horizontally disposed and may be
disposed at an incline in this embodiment.
Extension Arm 100
[0072] In addition to improvements in manufacturing and assembly,
the present invention also offers a functional interchangeability
which is not present in the prior art. For instance, several
forearm extensions 110 and/or extension arms 100 can be connected
end-to-end to provide additional extension length or additional
adjustability.
[0073] A dual purpose of flat-screen devices is to minimize the
amount of space which they occupy while simultaneously being
aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Thus, it is desirable that an
extension arm for a flat-screen device be able to be mounted
substantially flat to its mounting surface while hiding the
extension arm behind it. The present invention permits a
flat-screen device which is mounted to a wall to be flattened
against the wall while hiding the extension arm 100 within the
shadow of the device.
[0074] The prior art extension arms 10 did not allow this
functionality. Referring to FIG. 1, if a wall is defined by the
plane of the page, it can be seen that a device inserted into the
hole 26 may be substantially flattened against the wall when the
upper and the lower channels 14, 16 and the forearm extension 20
are flush against the wall. A flat-screen computer monitor, which
is typically about 15 inches wide, will hide from view the forearm
extension 20, but may leave exposed the parallelogram formed by the
first end cap 12, the upper channel 14, the lower channel 16 and
the second end cap 18. In order to hide the parallelogram, the
forearm extension 20 needs to be rotated about the forearm
extension pin 92 toward the first end cap 12. However, the upper
and the lower channels 14, 16 and the first end cap 12 will prevent
the forearm extension 20 from being flush against the wall in this
configuration. Thus, it is clear that the prior art extension arms
10 could only provide the ability to mount a device-flush to the
wall or the ability to mount a device so as to hide the forearm
extension 20, but not both.
[0075] By contrast, the upper and the lower channels 104, 106 of
the present invention do not interfere with the rotation of the
forearm extension 110. That is, the forearm extension 110 may be
folded into a position which is directly above the upper and the
lower channels 104, 106. As a result, the mounted device is flush
to the mounting surface and substantially hides the parallelogram,
formed by the first and the second end caps 102, 108 and. the upper
and the lower channels 104, 106, as well as the forearm extension
110 from view. Thus, the aesthetic appeal of the extension arm 100
is increased and the space occupied by the extension arm 100 and
the device is minimized.
[0076] While only certain features of the invention have been
illustrated and described herein, many modifications,
substitutions, changes or equivalents will now occur to those
skilled in the art. It is therefore, to be understood that the
appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and
changes that fall within the true spirit of the invention.
* * * * *