U.S. patent application number 12/593166 was filed with the patent office on 2010-04-15 for ergonomic monitor support device.
Invention is credited to Joseph Edward Griffin.
Application Number | 20100090075 12/593166 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39529442 |
Filed Date | 2010-04-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100090075 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Griffin; Joseph Edward |
April 15, 2010 |
ERGONOMIC MONITOR SUPPORT DEVICE
Abstract
An monitor support device incorporating a desk attachment and
monitor mounting means enabling a monitor to be mounted at least
partially beneath an aperture in a desktop so as to be viewable
through said aperture.
Inventors: |
Griffin; Joseph Edward; (Co.
Meath, IE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TAROLLI, SUNDHEIM, COVELL & TUMMINO L.L.P.
1300 EAST NINTH STREET, SUITE 1700
CLEVEVLAND
OH
44114
US
|
Family ID: |
39529442 |
Appl. No.: |
12/593166 |
Filed: |
March 20, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
March 20, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP08/53424 |
371 Date: |
December 8, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/222.14 ;
108/28; 248/205.1; 248/220.21 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 21/007
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/222.14 ;
248/220.21; 248/205.1; 108/28 |
International
Class: |
A47B 96/06 20060101
A47B096/06; A47B 21/013 20060101 A47B021/013; A47B 21/007 20060101
A47B021/007 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 26, 2007 |
IE |
S2007/0207 |
Claims
1. An monitor support device for mounting a monitor at least
partially beneath an aperture in a desktop so as to be viewable
through said aperture, the device comprising: a) a spacer arm
member comprising: a desk-engaging plate fixable to the underside,
of a desktop, and an elongate slotted plate extending at a fixed
angle from the desk-mounting plate and comprising at least one pair
of substantially parallel elongate slots; and b) monitor-mounting
means comprising a spacer arm engaging plate having at least two
bolt holes through which of each a bolt may be received to secure
said monitor mounting means to said elongate slotted plate of said
spacer arm member; wherein said at least one pair of elongate slots
have a relative spacing matching that of the bolt holes to enable a
pair of bolt holes to cooperate with a pair of elongate slots.
2. The monitor support device of claim 1 wherein the elongate
slotted plates comprises: an outer pair of substantially parallel
elongate slots; an inner pair of substantially parallel elongate
slots; and a central substantially parallel elongate slot.
3. The monitor support device of claim 1 further comprising
fastening means for releasably fixing said monitor-mounting means
to said spacer arm member.
4. The monitor support device of claim 3 wherein said fastening
means are bolts.
5. The monitor support device of claim 1 wherein the spacer arm
member permits a translation of a monitor mounted thereon relative
to the desk, the translation having a horizontal component and a
vertical component.
6. The monitor support device of claim 5 wherein said translation
enables a monitor to be fully or partially submerged beneath a
desktop.
7. The monitor support device of claim 1 wherein said
monitor-mounting means is a monitor bracket adapted for attachment
to a flat panel monitor.
8. The monitor support device of claim 7 wherein said monitor
bracket is adaptable to fit any size of flat panel monitor.
9. The monitor support device of claim 8 wherein said monitor
bracket comprises means for attachment to the back of a flat panel
monitor.
10. The monitor support device of claim 9 wherein said means for
attachment to the back of a flat panel monitor is adapted to
cooperate with standard mounting arrangements found on the back of
standard flat panel monitors.
11. The monitor support device of claim 10 wherein said means for
attachment to the back of a flat panel monitor comprises a
substantially X-shaped plate receivable into a square or
rectangular recess in the back of a flat panel monitor.
12. The monitor support device of claim 11 wherein said
substantially X-shaped plate has four corner extensions, each
extension having a frangible removable end portion, the removal of
which decreases the size of the X-shape plate.
13. The monitor support device of claim 12 wherein each corner
extension is provided with a bolt hole for cooperation with a
corresponding bolt hole on the back of a flat panel monitor.
14. The monitor support device of claim 1 wherein said monitor
mounting means is a laptop computer cradle.
15. The monitor support device of claim 14 wherein said lap top
computer cradle comprises a base portion for supporting the base of
a laptop and a rear portion for supporting the screen portion of a
laptop in its open configuration.
16. The monitor support device of claim 15 wherein said base
portion comprises an external raised lip to securely maintain a
laptop on the base portion.
17. The monitor support device of claim 1 wherein said lap top
computer cradle compromises at least one ventilation hole.
18. The monitor support device of claim 16 wherein said lap top
computer cradle comprises at least one cable aperture to
accommodate at least one laptop cable.
19. The monitor support device of claim 14 wherein said lap top
computer cradle is adapted to receive a laptop security strap.
20. The monitor support device of claim 15 further comprising a
desk attachment mountable on one of the underside of a desktop and
the back wall of a desk.
21. The monitor support device of claim 20 wherein said
desk-engaging plate of said spacer arm member is slidably
receivable into said desk attachment.
22. The monitor support device of claim 21 further comprising means
for locking the position of said desk engaging plate partially or
fully within said desk attachment.
23. The monitor support device of claim 22 wherein said means for
locking comprises an elongate slot in said desk attachment, a
corresponding bolt hole in the engaging plate and a bolt receivable
through said slot and bolt hole to prevent relative movement
between the desk attachment and the spacer arm.
24. An monitor support device incorporating a desk attachment and a
monitor bracket enabling a monitor to be mounted at least partially
beneath an aperture in a desktop so as to be viewable through said
aperture, wherein said monitor bracket comprises a substantially
X-shaped plate receivable into a square or rectangular recess in
the back of a flat panel monitor; said substantially X-shaped plate
having four corner extensions, each extension having a frangible
removable end portion, the removal of which decreases the size of
the X-shape plate.
25. An monitor support device incorporating a desk attachment
mountable on one of the underside of a desktop and the back wall of
a desk; and monitor mounting means enabling a monitor to be mounted
at least partially beneath an aperture in a desktop so as to be
viewable through said aperture, said monitor mounting means
comprising a desk engaging plate slidably receivable into said desk
attachment, wherein an elongate slot in said desk attachment, and a
corresponding bolt hole in the desk engaging plate allows a bolt to
be received through said slot and bolt hole to prevent relative
movement between the desk attachment and the spacer arm.
26. The monitor support device of claim 25 further comprising a
desk adapted for use with the monitor support device the desk
comprising a desktop having an aperture through which a monitor
mounted within the monitor support device is visible.
27. The monitor support device of claim 26 wherein said aperture
comprises at least one removable pane of clear glass.
28. The monitor support device of claim 27 wherein the glass is
reinforced.
29. The monitor support device of claim 27 wherein said aperture
comprises at least one removable opaque panel.
30. The monitor support device of claim 27 further comprising a
slidable keyboard tray mounted beneath the desktop.
31. The monitor support device of claim 27 further comprising at
least two wheels for movement of the desk.
32. The monitor support device of claim 27 Tho desk of any of
further comprising a central processing unit, CPU, bracket for
supporting a CPU.
33. (canceled)
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to supporting monitors,
including VDUs, television and video monitors and notebook and
laptop computers. In particular, the present invention is related
to a universal standards based adjustable ergonomic monitor
support/security device designed to house at least part of a
monitor beneath the surface of a desk or worktop and present it at
the optimum viewing angle and distance to the user.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0002] Computer displays and monitors have traditionally been
mounted on the surface of a desk or work station, and are typically
positioned either at eye level or within 10 to 20 degrees below
horizontal eye level. The accompanying mouse and keyboard are
traditionally also located and used on the desk surface. However,
it has been found that these arrangements are ergonomically
sub-optimal. Neck, shoulder and eye strain can occur with use of
such arrangements over an extended period. The most naturally
comfortable position to review material, such as reading material
or information displayed on a VDU is looking down at an angle of
between 10 degrees and 40 degrees from the horizontal from a
distance of between 600 and 900 mm (ISO11064 Part 4:2004). The eyes
naturally accommodate this with minimal head movement. The current
practice of mounting monitors on desks can cause undue stress and
strain on the neck, shoulders and eyes. Touch typists in particular
regularly switch their line of sight between a keyboard, working
papers and the screen. It is desirable to have all three of these
views to fall within a single plane or line of sight.
[0003] Initial attempts to overcome these problems ameliorated some
of the drawbacks, but still required the user to look up at the
screen. For example, lowering the desk height to accommodate the
keyboard and mouse resulted in the desktop being too low for
comfortable use, writing, reading, etc.
[0004] For example, DE4240349 discloses an ergonomically efficient
keyboard for use with computer terminals, wherein the keyboard is
set beneath the level of the surface of a work desk on which the
computer monitor is located. A problem with this arrangement is
that the keyboard is not at the correct height for optimal typing
and the viewing angle of the VDU is not addressed.
[0005] There are a number of solutions to the problem that rely on
embedding the monitor or display within the desk.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,120,117 relates to a preformed platform for
assembly into a cut-out section of a work table or counter to
support a computer keyboard and monitor according to accepted
ergonomic principles. The base of the keyboard is supported at a
level below the ordinary desk height so as to allow typing to be
done with the wrists substantially level and straight. A wrist
support bar is provided to support the wrists and reduce wrist
strain. The monitor and the keyboard are positioned with their
operative centres at similar heights from the floor and at similar
distances from the operator for optimum operator comfort and
efficiency. This system is limited for use and security with CRT
monitors. Furthermore, an additional problem with this system is
that if the monitor is moved and/or changed, the critical angle may
not be reset, as the system does not offer a full range of
adjustments. The working desk height is also difficult to achieve,
and the system cannot be retrofitted to a desk.
[0007] DE4225662 discloses a work desk with a frame that supports a
main desk panel and at the rear is an upstand that has a glass
front panel. Within the main body of the upstand is a computer
monitor that is supported on a carriage. The carriage is mounted on
a vertical column that allows the height and angle of inclination
to be adjusted. The carriage may also be positioned horizontally by
moving along a guide that consists of two profiled section rails.
This system is limited to use with CRT monitors and requires a
large and cumbersome purpose built desk. Furthermore, the monitor
screen remains positioned substantially on top of the working
surface of the desk, and could easily be used at the wrong
angle.
[0008] FR2774571 discloses an arrangement where the computer
monitor is held under the work surface by a support made of fabric.
The sides of this are fixed to tubular frames that are articulated
on two bars that are fixed under the work surface. One frame is
held in slots in the back of the bars and the other frame is held
in hooks in the front of the bars. A problem with this arrangement
is that the fabric does not allow for air circulation, and as a
result, overheating of the computer monitor may occur. Furthermore,
the fabric is not designed to securely hold the monitor at any
particular or correct angle. Again, this arrangement is limited to
use with CRT monitors. It is well known that a health and safety
aspect is involved with the lifting of CRT monitor which are heavy
in weight. Retrofitting is not possible with this system
either.
[0009] CH686022 discloses a desk with a number of different support
surfaces for receiving the various components of a personal
computer, e.g. the keyboard, the monitor and the processor. The
monitor is supported by a surface which is angled rearwards and
downwards, behind the front support surface for the computer
keyboard, so that the monitor screen is visible to the keyboard
operator without further movement of the head. However, the
arrangement requires that the desk surface be interrupted to
accommodate the top of the monitor. The resultant loss of available
work space on the desk surface is undesirable. Furthermore, the
system is not adaptable for use with varying monitor sizes or
types. Further problems include its unsuitability for retrofitting
and poor security.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,207,405 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,796,536, as well
as US registered designs Des 430,165, Des430,570, and U.S. design
application Ser. No. 29/205,730 all relate to free-standing
supports suitable for supporting a monitor at an angle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] According to the invention there is provided an monitor
support device incorporating a desk attachment and monitor mounting
means enabling a monitor to be mounted at least partially beneath
an aperture in a desktop so as to be viewable through said
aperture.
[0012] The monitor support device of the invention may be used with
specially designed desks or worktops or may be easily, quickly and
securely retrofitted to existing desks, worktops, tables,
workstations or the like. The ease and speed at which the device
can be fitted to any desk or the like is one of the many advantages
of the invention. Once fitted, the device enables a monitor to be
mounted securely and quickly. It is very easy for a monitor to be
both mounted on and removed from the device. It is also possible to
securely lock a monitor to the device, which is a big advantage in
terms of security.
[0013] The monitor mounting means is preferably adapted to position
a monitor mounted thereon at a fixed predetermined angle relative
to the desktop.
[0014] Preferably the desk attachment is mountable on the underside
of a desktop or on the back wall of a desk.
[0015] The monitor mounting means enables a monitor to be securely
mounted to a desk.
[0016] According to at least one embodiment of the invention the
monitor mounting means comprises a monitor bracket for supporting a
monitor, and a spacer arm member for maintaining the monitor at
said fixed angle, wherein said monitor bracket is releasably
engageable to said spacer arm member. Preferably the spacer arm
member comprises means for attachment to said desk attachment.
[0017] The monitor support device preferably further comprises
fastening means for releasably fixing said monitor bracket to said
spacer arm member. The monitor bracket may comprise at least one
bolthole and said fastening means may be bolts. Preferably, the
spacer arm member comprises at least one elongate slot along its
longitudinal axis through which a bolt may be received to secure
said monitor bracket onto said spacer arm member.
[0018] Preferably the monitor bracket comprises at least two bolt
holes and said spacer arm member comprises at least one pair of
parallel elongate slots, said elongate slots having a relative
spacing matching that of the bolt holes of the monitor bracket to
enable a pair of bolt holes to cooperate with a pair of elongate
slots.
[0019] Preferably the space arm member permits a translation of a
monitor mounted thereon relative to the desk, the translation
having a horizontal component and a vertical component. It will be
appreciated that said translation enables a monitor to be fully or
partially submerged beneath a desktop.
[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the monitor
bracket is adapted for attachment to a flat panel monitor. The
monitor bracket may be adaptable to fit any size of flat panel
monitor. The monitor bracket may comprise means for attachment to
the back of a flat panel monitor. Preferably the means for
attachment to the back of a flat panel monitor is adapted to be
cooperate with standard mounting arrangements found on the back of
standard flat panel monitors. The means for attachment to the back
of a flat panel monitor preferably comprises a substantially
X-shaped plate receivable into a square or rectangular recess in
the back of a flat panel monitor. Preferably the substantially
X-shaped plate has four corner extensions, each extension having a
frangible removable end portion, the removal of which decreases the
size of the X-shape plate. Preferably each corner extension is
provided with a bolt hole for cooperation with a corresponding bolt
hole on the back of a flat panel monitor.
[0021] In addition to the X-shaped plate, the flat panel monitor
bracket preferably further comprises a spacer arm engaging plate
incorporating the monitor bracket's bolt holes for cooperation with
a pair of elongate slots in the spacer arm member.
[0022] Preferably the X-shaped plate is attachable to a monitor
when in any orientation. This allows the spacer arm engaging plate
to protrude from the base, side or top of the monitor. It will be
appreciated that each orientation of the spacer arm engaging plate
results in a different position of the monitor relative to the
spacer arm member, and subsequently to the desk attachment. This
allows the monitor to remain centrally positioned under or through
the desk aperture irrespective of the position of the desk
attachment relative to the aperture.
[0023] According to another aspect of the invention, the monitor
bracket is a laptop computer cradle. Preferably said lap top
computer cradle comprises a base portion for supporting the base of
a laptop and a rear portion for supporting the screen portion of a
laptop in its open configuration. The base portion of the cradle
may comprise an external raised lip to securely maintain a laptop
on the base portion. Preferably the lap top computer cradle
comprises at least one ventilation hole. The lap top computer
cradle may comprise at least one cable aperture to accommodate at
least one laptop cable. The lap top computer cradle may be adapted
to receive a laptop security strap.
[0024] In this embodiment, the bracket's bolt holes for cooperation
with a pair of elongate slots in the spacer arm member are provided
in the rear portion (back plate) of the cradle.
[0025] The invention further provides a desk adapted for use with
the monitor support device of the invention, the desk comprising a
desktop. The desk may be any size. The desk preferably comprises an
aperture in its desktop through which a monitor mounted within the
monitor support device is visible. Preferably said aperture
comprises at least one removable pane of clear glass. The glass is
preferably reinforced.
[0026] Alternatively the aperture may comprise at least one
removable opaque panel.
[0027] The desk may be adapted for a left or right-handed user,
wherein an aperture is provided either on the left or right side of
the desk.
[0028] In alternative embodiments, the entire desk surface may be
clear to enable the user to view a monitor mounted thereunder. A
glass or clear plastic such as Perspex.TM. surface may be used.
There may be an aperture in this surface to enable a monitor to be
semi-submerged.
[0029] Preferably the desk further comprises a slidable keyboard
tray mounted beneath the desktop. The keyboard tray enables a
keyboard to be positioned below the desk surface.
[0030] The keyboard tray preferably is provided with an adjustable
mounting system such as slide rails for mounting the keyboard tray
beneath the desktop. Preferably the keyboard tray is height
adjustable relative to the desktop. Further still, the keyboard
tray is preferably slidable towards and away from the desk to
achieve a optimum typing position for the user. In accordance with
one embodiment of desk, the keyboard tray is approximately 711 mm
in length, 254 mm in width, with a thickness of approximately 18mm.
An ant-eject system may be provided for the keyboard tray.
[0031] The desk may further comprise a central processing unit,
CPU, bracket for supporting a CPU. The bracket may be adjustable.
The adjustable CPU may be attachable to one of the side panels of
the desk and comprise a base portion on which the CPU sits. The
bracket may take the form of a shelf, holding the CPU a short
distance off the underlying floor. The bracket is preferably
adjustable to accommodate different sizes of CPU.
[0032] Locking means may also be provided for locking the monitor
to the monitor support and/or desk assembly.
[0033] A monitor security strap may additionally be provided to
support a monitor relative to the desk. The strap is preferably
secured at each end to the underside of the desk adjacent each side
of the aperture. The central portion of the strap preferably passes
between the rear of the monitor and the monitor bracket. The
monitor security strap provides additional support for the monitor
and is particularly useful with heavy monitors.
[0034] The desk may be static or may alternatively be movable. The
desk preferably comprises at least two wheels for movement of the
desk, to enable the desk to be rolled across an underlying surface.
In one embodiment, wheels are provided only at the rear of the desk
so that the desk may be moved by slightly raising the front of the
desk (adjacent the user) while manoeuvring the desk into position.
The wheels may be provided on a frame on which the desk sits. Four
wheels may be provided on such a frame. The wheels are preferably
heavy duty wheels. Locking means may be provided on the wheels.
[0035] A lockable security panel may also be provided for the front
of the desk to prevent unauthorised access to the underside of the
desk.
[0036] Anti-reflection means such as an anti-reflection hood may
further be provided.
[0037] The invention further provides a kit incorporating a monitor
support device according to the invention. The kit may also
comprise fixtures and fittings required to fit the device to a desk
or similar structure. It will be appreciated that the monitor
support device may be retrofitted to any desk-like structure or may
be used with a pre-prepared desk or desk-like structure.
[0038] The monitor support device of the invention may be provided
with an adapted desktop alone, a desktop and set of legs, or with
mobile desking or desk modules. If existing desks are too low,
risers may be used to raise the desktop.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0039] The invention will now be described with reference to the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0040] FIG. 1 depicts a desk incorporating one embodiment of
monitor support device of the invention, with a monitor in a fully
submerged position beneath the desk.
[0041] FIG. 2 is a side view of the desk of FIG. 1 showing the
monitor support device in use on the underside of the desk.
[0042] FIG. 3 is a base view of the desk of FIG. 1.
[0043] FIG. 4 depicts the monitor support device from the desk in
FIGS. 1 to 3 with its monitor support inverted.
[0044] FIG. 5 depicts the monitor support device of FIG. 4 with its
monitor support in an uppermost position.
[0045] FIG. 6 depicts a desk incorporating the monitor support
device of FIG. 5, with a monitor semi submerged through a hole in
the desk.
[0046] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the desk of FIG. 6.
[0047] FIG. 8 depicts a desk attachment according to one embodiment
of the invention.
[0048] FIG. 9 depicts the underside of the desk attachment of FIG.
8.
[0049] FIG. 10 depicts an spacer arm member according to one
embodiment of the invention.
[0050] FIG. 11 depicts the underside of the desk attachment of FIG.
10.
[0051] FIG. 12 depicts a monitor support device according to one
embodiment of the invention.
[0052] FIG. 13 depicts the underside of the monitor support device
of FIG. 12.
[0053] FIG. 14 depicts the monitor support device of FIG. 4 in a
further set up with its monitor support in a sideways
orientation.
[0054] FIG. 15 depicts the support of FIG. 14 with its monitor
support inverted.
[0055] FIG. 16 depicts an alternative embodiment of monitor support
device adapted to support a lap top computer in its open
configuration.
[0056] FIG. 17 is a reverse view of the monitor support device of
FIG. 16.
[0057] FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of the laptop cradle of
FIG. 16.
[0058] FIG. 19 is a back perspective view of the laptop cradle of
FIG. 16.
[0059] FIG. 20 is an alternative embodiment of monitor support
device of the invention for attachment to a rear wall of a
desk.
[0060] FIG. 21 depicts an alternative embodiment of spacer arm
member according to one embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0061] The present invention provides an adjustable ergonomic
monitor support device adapted to house a monitor securely and at
the correct angle beneath the surface of a desk. FIG. 1 shows a
desk incorporating a monitor support device according to the
invention. As shown, the monitor support device allows a monitor,
in this case a flat panel monitor, to be supported beneath the
working surface of a desk, the screen of the monitor being visible
through an aperture provided in the desk's upper surface. The
monitor support device enables the monitor to be presented at the
optimum viewing angle and distance for the user.
[0062] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the monitor support device has a
desk attachment 10 shown affixed to the underside of the desk, a
monitor bracket shown affixed to the back of a monitor, and a third
component, a spacer arm member linking the desk attachment and the
monitor bracket. The resultant monitor support device combination
permits the monitor to be in effect suspended and locked beneath
the desktop.
[0063] FIG. 4 shows the assembled support arrangment from FIG. 2 in
greater detail. Desk attachment 10 is securable to the underside of
a desktop by way of screw holes 13. Spacer arm member 20 comprises
a desk mounting plate 21 connected to an inclined slotted plate 22.
The desk mounting plate 21 is slidably receivable within desk
attachment 10 by way of corresponding flanges 15 on the underside
of desk attachment 10. Finally, monitor bracket 30 is a flat panel
monitor bracket having a spacer arm-engaging plate 31 connected to
a monitor mount 33 via an intermediate portion 32.
[0064] Mating bolts (not shown) are used to releasably but securely
couple the spacer arm-engaging plate 31 to inclined slotted plate
22 by threading the mating bolts through screw holes 34 and two of
the slots provided in the inclined slotted plate 22. In the
arrangement shown in FIG. 3, the two inner slots 19 are used,
resulting in the monitor bracket 30 being centrally orientated
relative to the inclined slotted plate 22. As mentioned below, the
multiple slots in the inclined slotted plate 22 may be used in
alternative combinations to alter the position of the monitor
bracket 30 relative to the inclined slotted plate 22.
[0065] It will be noted that the position of the monitor bracket 30
in FIG. 4 differs slightly from its position in FIG. 2. This is to
show that the monitor bracket may be rotated through 180 degrees
and re-secured to part 22 using the same screw-hole 34 and slots 29
combination. This arrangement allows the monitor mount portion 33
to sit higher than the spacer arm-engaging plate 31. The provision
of the slots 19 allows the whole monitor bracket to slide the
length of the elongate support plate 20 to reach a desired position
for a monitor secured thereto. As shown in FIG. 5, by orientating
the monitor bracket with the monitor mount 33 up most, the highest
possible position for a monitor is achieved, in which the monitor
would protrude through the hole in the desk. This is shown clearly
in FIGS. 6 and 7.
[0066] FIGS. 8 and 9 show a desk attachment 10 according to one
embodiment of the invention. The desk attachment 10 comprise a
substantially planar base plate 11 formed by a substantially
quadrilateral plate. A pair of corners 12 extend from opposite
sides of the side of the base plate 11, forming a substantially
H-shape. The corners 12 are each provided with a screw hole 13. The
screw holes 13 are used to affix the desk attachment 10 to the
underside, or as discussed later the inner wall, of a desk. The
base plate 11 is also provided with a substantially straight
ventral slot 14. As best seen in FIG. 9, a pair of curved flanges
15 are set on opposing sides of the base plate 11 and disposed
substantially parallel to each other. The curved flanges 15 provide
between them a support groove 16 to receive plate 21 of spacer arm
member 20, described below.
[0067] Spacer arm member 20 is shown in full in FIG. 10 to comprise
a desk mounting plate 21 connected to a inclined slotted plate 22.
The desk mounting plate is substantially quadrilateral and
comprises two side edges 23 substantially parallel to each other
and an end edge 24 substantially parallel to a connecting edge 25,
which in turn connects the desk mounting plate 21 to the inclined
slotted plate 22 via an angled portion 27. The desk mounting plate
21 contains a threaded bolt hole 26 centrally located with respect
to the side edges 23 and located close to the end edge 24. The desk
mounting plate 21 is substantially equal in width to the distance
between the two flanges 15, so as to enable the desk mounting plate
21 to slide between the flanges. In use, the spacer arm member 20
can be affixed to the desk attachment 10 by means of a screw or
bolt (not shown) through the bolt hole 23 and through the ventral
slot 14. The ventral slot 14 allows the position of the spacer arm
member 20 to be adjusted relative to the desk attachment 10 when
installing. Once installed, the position of the monitor is fixed.
The bolt may then be further secured to the desk (especially if the
desk is wooden). This provides security in the event of an attempt
to remove the monitor from the desk.
[0068] The desk mounting plate 21 is connected to the inclined
slotted plate 22 by an angled portion 27. The angle between the
desk mounting plate and slotted plate is desirably approximately
135 degrees. The angle is fixed to ensure that the most desirable
viewing angle (of between 10 and 40 degrees from the horizontal) of
the user to the screen of the monitor is achieved.
[0069] The inclined slotted plate 22 comprises is an elongate
rectangular shaped plate with five substantially parallel slots
running along most of its length. The slots comprise an outer pair
28, each located proximal to the edge of the inclined slotted plate
22, an inner pair 29, each located proximal to the centre of the
inclined slotted plate 22, and a central slot 40. The outer pair 28
are spaced apart in a parallel relationship approximately 100 mm
apart. The inner pair 29 are in spaced apart parallel relationship
approximately 70 mm apart. The dimensions are chosen to be
mate-able with the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA)
standards, such as the Flat Display Mounting Interface (FDMI). This
is a VESA standard for mounting flat panel monitors, and other
displays. The FDMI standard is also referred to as VESA mount.
[0070] As shown in detail in FIGS. 12 and 13, monitor bracket 30
comprises a spacer arm-engaging plate 31 connected to a monitor
mount 33 via an intermediate portion 32. The spacer arm-engaging
plate 31 comprises a substantially planar quadrilateral plate with
a series of screw holes 34. The spacer arm-engaging plate 31
comprises a substantially rectangular plate; the intermediate
portion 32 being connected at one of the short sides of the
rectangle. The intermediate portion 32 has a substantially S-shaped
cross-section to enable the maintain spacer arm-engaging plate 31
substantially parallel to, but spaced apart and offset from, the
plane of the monitor mount 33. The monitor mount 33 extends from
the intermediate portion 32 in a direction away from the spacer
arm-engaging plate 31. The monitor bracket may therefore be said to
comprise a dogleg profile.
[0071] Mating bolts (not shown) are used to affix the spacer
arm-engaging plate 31 to the inclined slotted plate 22 by threading
the mating bolts through the screw holes 34 and slots 28, 29, 40.
The monitor mount 33 is of substantially cruciform shape. Each
cruciform arm 35 is provided with a first monitor attachment point
38 and a second monitor attachment point 39 in the form of screw
holes. The first and second monitor attachment points 38, 39 are
separated from each other by a frangible portion 37 of the
cruciform arm 35. A weakened neck 37a is formed by way of
indentations on each edge of the arms 35, together with an elongate
slot 37b between each indentation. These features enable the
frangible portion 37 to be easily snapped off the rest of its arm,
preferably by hand.
[0072] In one embodiment of the invention the full sized X-shaped
monitor mount may be dimension for use with a VESA 100 monitor. The
frangible portion 37 permits the user to snap off the second
monitor attachment portions 36 to suit a monitor having a lower
VESA specification, such as VESA 70 or VESA 75.
[0073] It will be appreciated that the length of intermediate
portion 32 is chosen to keep the planes of parts 31 and 33
sufficiently far away from one another so as to allow the monitor
support fit different sizes and shapes of flat panel monitor. One
skilled in the art will be aware that the backs of many flat panel
monitors are provided with a shallow square or rectangular recess
into which a mounting support may be received. Portion 33 is
designed to be received into any such recess if required, wherein
intermediate portion 32 extends out of the recess to keep part 31
clear of the monitor housing.
[0074] As mentioned above, holes 34 in the flat plate section 31
are used to secure component 30 to the inclined slotted plate 22.
This fitting allows the monitor to be moved up and down the support
plate to accommodate different sizes of flat panel monitors (FPM)
and to be inverted to allow the FPM to appear above the
worktop/desk level as shown in FIGS. 4 to 7.
[0075] With reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, it is shown that the
provision of a central slot 40 in angled support 22 also allows
flat plate 31 to be rotated through 90 degrees and secured to the
spacer arm member to allow a monitor to be positioned either side
of the spacer arm member's central longitunal axis. In such
arrangements, intermediate portion 32 would be adjacent one side of
the monitor rather than adjacent its base (as in FIG. 6) or
adjacent its top (as in FIG. 2).
[0076] In addition to its use with flat-panel monitors, the monitor
support device of the invention is also suitable for use with
laptop computers. FIG. 16 shows a laptop version of the assembly.
In this assembly, monitor bracket 30 has been replaced by a laptop
support 50. Laptop support 50 follows the shape of an open laptop,
with two substantially rectangular faces linked along one of their
longer edges. The angle between the two faces is shown to be just
greater than a right angle, although alternative angles could be
provided. In this embodiment, laptop support 50 would have started
out as a single substantially rectangular sheet of metal or hard
plastic and been folded about its central axis, although in
alternative embodiments the laptop support may comprise any number
of parts joined together to provide the required shape.
[0077] As seen in FIGS. 18 and 19, laptop support 50 comprises a
laptop receiving base plate 51 and a back plate 52. Back plate 52
is provided with holes 57 identical in shape and relative position
to the holes 34 provided in monitor mount 33. Accordingly, holes 57
enable backplate 52 and hence laptop support 50 to be mounted on
the inclined slotted plate 22 of spacer arm member portion 20.
Again it will be appreciated than either slot pair 18 may be
utilised to centre the laptop support, or alternatively central
slot 40 may be used in combination with one of slots 18 to position
the laptop support either side of inclined slotted plate 22.
[0078] As best seen from FIG. 17, the laptop receiving base plate
51 is provided with a series of ventilation holes/slits 56 to
provide ventilation and air circulation for a laptop positioned
thereon. It is well known in the art that as with any electrical
equipment, laptops generate a substantial amount of heat when
powered on and a laptop's own ventilation holes are often located
on around its base. The ventilation slits 56 ensure that a laptop
located thereon does not overheat as a result of insufficient
ventilation. The ventilation holes or slits may take an alternative
form in other embodiments. The base plate 51 is also provided with
turned-up or rolled edges 53 to securely hold a lap top base within
the laptop support to prevent it falling off. The rolled edges are
angled so as to accommodate any size of laptop.
[0079] Referring again to FIG. 16, apertures 54 for wires are
formed in the back plate 52 adjacent the backplate/base plate
interface. The apertures 54 allow a laptop to remain plugged into
the mains and/or to any other equipment while it is supported in
the laptop support.
[0080] The side edges 58 of the backplate 52 have been rolled back
to impart strength to the backplate. Strap holes 59 are provided
towards the base of each side edge 58 to accommodate a security
strap or straps (not shown) for securing a laptop to the laptop
support. Security straps may also be provided for the flat panel
monitor support.
[0081] In FIGS. 2 and 6, the desk attachment is shown affixed to
the underside of the desk. In alternative arrangements, desk
attachment 10 may be fitted to a substantially vertical surface at
the back of the desk. This would be desirable for a desk wherein
less than the required 600mm of desktop is available behind the
desk's aperture for attaching the desk attachment to the underside
of the desktop.
[0082] FIG. 20 shows how the monitor support device is adaptable
for a desk connection of this sort. Monitor bracket 30 is secured
to what would have been previously considered the "underside" of
spacer arm member piece 20, with the previously-considered "upper"
face of the desk mounting plate 21 cooperating with the
previously-considered "underside" of base plate 10. With base plate
21 secured to a vertical surface under and to the rear of the desk,
a flat panel monitor may be mounted onto the monitor mount 33 at
the correct height for a correct viewing angle.
[0083] When the monitor is full submerged beneath the desk, as seen
in FIG. 1, a toughened glass panel may be used to fill the aperture
enabling the total desktop to be used as a desk. A half panel can
be inserted where the monitor is semi submerged as in FIG. 7. It
may be desirable to have the monitor screen semi submerged where
touch-screen technology is being utilised.
[0084] If the screen is not being used, the entire aperture may be
filled by one or multiple wood panels to provide a full desktop
surface.
[0085] FIG. 21 shows an alternative embodiment of spacer arm to
that shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. Spacer arm member 220 is shown in
FIG. 21 to also comprise a desk mounting plate 221 connected to a
inclined slotted plate 222. The desk mounting plate 221 and
inclined slotted plate 222 have the same form as desk mounting
plate 21 and inclined slotted plate 22. In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 21, the angle of connection of plate 221 to plate 222 is
different however.
[0086] The desk mounting plate 221 is still connected to the
inclined slotted plate 222 by an angled portion 227, but the angle
between the desk mounting plate and slotted plate is desirably
approximately 45 degrees. This embodiment allows the spacer arm to
be used in conjunction with a desk attachment mounted to the
underside of a short section of desk (such as region 250 in FIG.
2). When used with spacer arm 220, the desk attachment would be
reversed so as to enable the desk mounting plate 221 to slide into
the desk attachment in a direction from the front/rear edge of the
desk towards the desk aperture, resulting in the angled portion 227
resting at the front/rear edge of the desk.
[0087] The words "comprises/comprising" and the words
"having/including" when used herein with reference to the present
invention are used to specify the presence of stated features,
integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or
addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components
or groups thereof.
[0088] The term "monitor" when used herein with reference to the
present invention refers to any type of monitor incorporating a
screen, with or without VESA connections, including but not limited
to a flat panel monitor, the monitor of a laptop computer or
notebook computer, a television monitor or a video monitor.
[0089] The term "desk" when used herein with reference to the
present invention refers to any desk or desk-like structure
including but not limited to tables, worktops, workstations or any
other structure having a work surface supported by way of brackets,
legs, panels or other support means. The term "desktop" when used
herein with reference to the present invention refers to the
surface of any desk or desk-like structure including but not
limited to tables, worktops, workstations or any other similar
structure.
[0090] It is appreciated that certain features of the invention,
which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate
embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single
embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which
are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment,
may also be provided separately or in any suitable
sub-combination.
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