U.S. patent application number 13/482192 was filed with the patent office on 2013-05-09 for support apparatus for display devices and other objects.
This patent application is currently assigned to KNOLL, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Richard Sapper, Ronald Snyder. Invention is credited to Richard Sapper, Ronald Snyder.
Application Number | 20130112828 13/482192 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46275978 |
Filed Date | 2013-05-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130112828 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sapper; Richard ; et
al. |
May 9, 2013 |
Support Apparatus for Display Devices and Other Objects
Abstract
A support apparatus includes an arm assembly attached to a
support assembly such that the arm assembly is positionable
adjacent to an article of furniture such as a desk or work surface.
A mounting device is attached to the arm assembly that is sized and
configured to retain a display device. A vertically adjustable
attachment mechanism attaches a first end of the counterbalance
mechanism to the arm assembly or support assembly. The vertically
adjustable attachment mechanism is sized and configured such that a
vertical position of the first end of the counterbalance mechanism
is adjustable via movement of at least one component of the
vertically adjustable attachment mechanism.
Inventors: |
Sapper; Richard; (Milan,
IT) ; Snyder; Ronald; (Macungie, PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Sapper; Richard
Snyder; Ronald |
Milan
Macungie |
PA |
IT
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
KNOLL, INC.
East Greenville
PA
|
Family ID: |
46275978 |
Appl. No.: |
13/482192 |
Filed: |
May 29, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61494074 |
Jun 7, 2011 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
248/274.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16M 13/022 20130101;
F16M 2200/065 20130101; F16M 11/08 20130101; F16M 11/2092 20130101;
F16M 13/00 20130101; F16M 11/2014 20130101; Y10S 248/921 20130101;
F16M 2200/044 20130101; F16M 11/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/274.1 |
International
Class: |
F16M 13/00 20060101
F16M013/00 |
Claims
1. A support apparatus comprising: an arm assembly, the arm
assembly having a first end and a second end; a support assembly
attached to the arm assembly a mounting device attached to the arm
assembly, the mounting device sized to retain a display device; a
gas spring extending between the first end of the arm assembly and
the second end of the arm assembly, the gas spring having a first
end and a second end opposite the first end; a vertically
adjustable attachment mechanism directly attaching the first end of
the gas spring to one of: the arm assembly and the support
assembly, the vertically adjustable attachment mechanism sized and
shaped such that a vertical position of the first end of the gas
spring is adjustable via movement of at least one component of the
vertically adjustable attachment mechanism.
2. The support apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a mechanical
tool and wherein the mounting device releasably retains the
mechanical tool and wherein the mechanical tool is usable to adjust
a vertical position of the first end of the gas spring via rotation
of a rotatable member component of the vertically adjustable
attachment mechanism caused by the mechanical tool engaging the
rotatable member while rotating to rotate the rotatable member, the
rotatable member component being the at least one component of the
vertically adjustable attachment mechanism.
3. The support apparatus of claim 1 wherein the arm assembly is
comprised of a first arm member positioned between the first end
and the second end of the arm assembly, the vertically adjustable
attachment mechanism being attached to an end of the first arm
member for directly attaching the first end of the gas spring to
the arm assembly and wherein the mounting device is attached to the
second end of the arm assembly.
4. The support apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a mounting
mechanism attached to the support assembly, the mounting mechanism
being comprised of a clamp and wherein the mounting device
comprises a mounting plate sized and configured for attachment to a
display device.
5. The support apparatus of claim 1 wherein the vertically
adjustable attachment mechanism is comprised of a receiving body
attached to the arm assembly.
6. The support apparatus of claim 5 wherein the receiving body is
moveably attached to the arm assembly.
7. The support apparatus of claim 5 wherein the receiving body is
affixed to the first end of the arm assembly and wherein the
vertically adjustable attachment mechanism further comprises a
rotatable member that is attached to the receiving body, the
rotatable member being rotatable in a first direction and in an
opposite second direction, movement of the rotatable member in the
first direction raising a position of the first end of the gas
spring, movement of the rotatable member in the second direction
lowering a position of the first end of the gas spring, the at
least one component of the vertically adjustable attachment
mechanism being comprised of the rotatable member.
8. The support apparatus of claim 7 wherein the first end of the
gas spring is directly attached to the rotatable member.
9. The support apparatus of claim 7 wherein the vertically
adjustable attachment mechanism further comprises a nut or moveable
body attached to or positioned on the first end of the gas spring,
the nut or moveably body also being moveably attached to the
rotatable member such that rotation of the rotatable member causes
the nut or moveable body to move along the rotatable member to
change a vertical position of the first end of the gas spring, the
at least one component of the vertically adjustable attachment
mechanism also being comprised of the nut or the moveable body.
10. The support apparatus of claim 9 wherein the first end of the
gas spring has a hole that is sized to receive the rotatable member
and the first end of the gas spring is positioned on the nut or
moveable body such that vertical movement of the nut or moveable
body causes the first end to move vertically.
11. The support apparatus of claim 7 wherein the rotatable member
is a bolt or a screw that has a length, the length extending
substantially vertically.
12. The support apparatus of claim 7 wherein the receiving body is
immovably affixed to the first end of the arm assembly such that
the receiving body does not move independent of the first end of
the arm assembly.
13. The support apparatus of claim 7 wherein the mounting device is
sized and configured to releasably retain a mechanical tool and
wherein the mechanical tool is usable to adjust a vertical position
of the first end of the gas spring by engaging a portion of the
rotatable member while rotating to cause the rotatable member to
rotate.
14. The support apparatus of claim 1 wherein the arm assembly is
comprised of at least one arm member.
15. A support apparatus comprising: a support assembly; an arm
assembly, the arm assembly having a first end and a second end, the
first end of the arm assembly connected to the support assembly; a
mounting device attached to the second end of the arm assembly, the
mounting device sized and configured to retain a display device; a
counterbalance mechanism attached to at least one of the support
assembly and the first end of the arm assembly such that an end of
the counterbalance mechanism is vertically adjustable from a first
position to at least one second position, the at least one second
position being higher or lower than the first position, vertical
adjustment of the end of the counterbalance mechanism adjusting an
amount weight of the display device that is maintainably
supportable by the arm assembly; and a vertically adjustable
attachment mechanism moveably attaching the end of the
counterbalance mechanism to one of: the arm assembly and the
support assembly, the vertically adjustable attachment mechanism
moveably attaching the end of the counterbalance mechanism such
that the end of the counterbalance mechanism is vertically
adjustable via movement of at least one component of the vertically
adjustable attachment mechanism.
16. The support apparatus of claim 15 wherein the mounting device
is sized and configured to releasably retain a mechanical tool and
wherein the mechanical tool is usable to adjust a vertical position
of the first end of the gas spring via rotation of a rotatable
member component of the vertically adjustable attachment mechanism
caused by the mechanical tool engaging the rotatable member while
rotating to rotate the rotatable member, the at least one component
of the vertically adjustable attachment mechanism being comprised
of the rotatable member.
17. The support apparatus of claim 16 wherein the vertically
adjustable attachment mechanism further comprises a nut or moveable
body attached to or supporting the first end of the gas spring, the
nut or moveably body also being moveably attached to the rotatable
member such that movement of the rotatable member causes the nut or
moveable body to move along the rotatable member to change a
vertical position of the first end of the gas spring, the at least
one component of the vertically adjustable attachment mechanism
also being comprised of the nut or the moveable body.
18. The support apparatus of claim 17 wherein the counterbalance
mechanism is a gas spring and the end of the counterbalance
mechanism has a hole that is sized to receive the rotatable member
and the end of the counterbalance mechanism is positioned on the
nut or moveable body such that vertical movement of the nut or
moveable body causes the end of the counterbalance mechanism to
move vertically.
19. The support apparatus of claim 18 wherein the rotatable member
is a bolt or screw and the nut or moveable body is moveably
attached to the rotatable member via threads formed thereon that
mate with threads of the rotatable member.
20. The support apparatus of claim 15 wherein the arm assembly is
comprised of a first arm positioned between the first end and the
second end of the arm assembly, the vertically adjustable
attachment mechanism being attached to the first arm for directly
attaching the end of the counterbalance mechanism to the first end
of arm assembly, the counterbalance mechanism extending from the
first end of the arm assembly to adjacent the second end of the arm
assembly.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/494,074, which was filed on Jun. 7,
2011.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to support arms such as
monitor arms and other moveable arm assemblies configured to hold
objects such as monitors or liquid crystal displays.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Support arms such as monitor supports or copy holders often
include one or more arms that extend from a support post. The arm
is configured to hold an object, such as a monitor. The support
post is typically clamped to a support surface, such as a desk,
table or partition wall. Examples of support arms and similar
support apparatuses are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,652,876,
7,392,969, 7,389,965, 7,369,401, 7,252,277, 7,246,780, 7,182,301,
7,048,242, 7,014,157, 6,905,101, 6,863,252, 6,739,096, 6,702,604,
6,679,096, 6,554,238, 6,554,235, 6,505,988, 6,499,704, 6,343,006,
5,992,809, 5,772,174, 5,687,939, 5,553,820, D518,063, 4,844,387,
and D537,323, U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos.
2011/0303800, 2010/0044541, 2005/0284997, 2005/0133678,
2005/0284991, 2006/0266909, 2008/0116622 and 2008/0237439, World
Intellectual Property Publication Nos. WO 2009/151760, WO
2008/091998, WO 2008/113860, WO 2008/012368, WO 2008/022873, WO
2007/137905 and WO 2007/118862 and United Kingdom Patent
Application No. GB 2,440,606.
[0004] Our U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/372,110 and U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/353,714 discloses
examples of support apparatuses. The entirety of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 61/353,714 is incorporated by reference
herein. The entirety of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/372,110
is incorporated herein by reference.
[0005] Various support arms require springs, such as gas springs or
coiled springs, to help support an object at a particular location
and permit positioning adjustment of the support arm. For instance,
World Intellectual Property Publication No. WO 2007/118862
discloses a support arm that requires a gas spring and a cable to
support an object held by the arm in a particular position. The
support arm also has a sleeve that may be slid over a cylindrical
support post for attachment to the support post. The use of cables
often detracts from the aesthetic effect of the support arm. The
use of exposed springs or gas springs can also detract from the
aesthetic effect of a support arm. Moreover, the use of springs and
cables to support an object often increase the cost of fabricating
such support apparatuses.
[0006] Further, gas springs used in support arms are often not
adjustable by a user. The initial setting of the gas spring made by
an installer or manufacturer is often, if not always, utilized for
the setting to control the ability of the monitor arm to adjust to
new positions or to retain objects such as monitors of certain
weights. As a result, a user is usually unable to adjust the way in
which a monitor arm may be moved to adjust an amount of force
needed to change a position of the monitor arm or object held by
the monitor arm to meet a user's particular preference.
[0007] A support apparatus is needed that can permit a user to
easily adjust the position of one or more objects held by the
support apparatus. Preferably, the support apparatus permits a user
to adjust the force required to adjust the position of the monitor
arm or other support apparatus so that the device may be adjusted
to accommodate a user's particular preference in a way that is
relatively easy for the user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] A support apparatus includes a counterbalance mechanism. One
end of the counterbalance mechanism may be attached to a portion of
an arm assembly or a support supporting the arm assembly so that
the end of the counterbalance mechanism may be vertically
adjustable while attached to that element of the support apparatus.
Preferably, the end of the counterbalance mechanism is vertically
adjustably attached to the support or arm assembly. The arm
assembly of the support apparatus may be configured to hold and
maintain the position of an object such as a display device. A
display device may be a monitor, television, liquid crystal display
or other device configured to allow a user to view an image.
[0009] Some embodiments of the support apparatus may be configured
to include a gas spring. For instance, a support apparatus may
include an arm assembly attached to a support assembly. A mounting
device may be attached to the arm assembly that is sized to retain
at least one display device such as a monitor, television or
display unit. A gas spring may extend between opposite ends of the
arm assembly. The gas spring may have a first end and a second end
opposite the first end of the gas spring. A vertically adjustable
attachment mechanism may directly attach the first end of the gas
spring to one of the arm assembly and the support assembly. The
vertically adjustable attachment mechanism is sized and shaped so
that a vertical position of the first end of the gas spring is
adjustable via movement of at least one component of the vertically
adjustable attachment mechanism.
[0010] Other embodiments of the support apparatus may be configured
so that a counterbalance mechanism is attached to at least one of a
support assembly and a first end of an arm assembly so that an end
of the counterbalance mechanism is vertically adjustable from a
first position to at least one second position that is higher or
lower than the first position. The vertical adjustment of the end
of the counterbalance mechanism adjusts an amount of weight of a
display device that is maintainably supportable by the arm
assembly. A vertically adjustable attachment mechanism moveably
attaches the end of the counterbalance mechanism to one of the arm
assembly and the support assembly to moveably attach the end of the
counterbalance mechanism so that the end of the counterbalance
mechanism is vertically adjustable via movement of at least one
component of the vertically adjustable attachment mechanism.
[0011] Some embodiments of the support apparatus may include a
mechanical tool. The mechanical tool may be releasably retained by
the mounting device. The mechanical tool may be usable to adjust a
vertical position of a first end of the gas spring or an end of a
counterbalance mechanism via rotation of a rotatable member
component of the vertically adjustable attachment mechanism caused
by the mechanical tool engaging the rotatable member wile rotating
to rotate the rotatable member. A user may use the tool to thereby
adjust the position of the end of the gas spring or other
counterbalance mechanism.
[0012] Some embodiments of the support apparatus may include a
mounting mechanism. The mounting mechanism may be attached to the
support assembly. The mounting mechanism may include a clamp for
attaching to a portion of a work surface or a wall of paneling for
example so that the support apparatus can be attached to that
structure for positioning the arm assembly adjacent a work surface
or other article of furniture.
[0013] The vertically adjustable attachment mechanism may include a
number of different components. For instance, the vertically
adjustable attachment mechanism may include a receiving body that
is attached to the arm assembly. Such an attachment may be a
moveable attachment. Alternatively, such an attachment may be an
affixation that prevents movement of the receiving body independent
of the arm assembly. The vertically adjustable attachment mechanism
may also include a rotatable member that is attached to the
receiving body and is rotatable so that movement of the rotatable
member raises a position of an end of the gas spring or other
counterbalance mechanism when rotated in one direction and lowers
the position of the end of the gas spring or other counterbalance
mechanism when rotated in an opposite direction. The end of the gas
spring or counterbalance mechanism may be directly attached to the
rotatable member or may be attached to a nut or other moveable body
that is moveably attached to the rotatable member. For instance,
the nut or other moveable body may be attached to the rotatable
member and the end of the gas spring or other counterbalance
mechanism may be positioned on the nut or other moveable body so
that vertical movement of the nut or other moveable body causes the
end of the gas spring or other counterbalance mechanism to
vertically move as well. In some embodiments the rotatable member
is a bolt or screw and the nut or other moveable member has threads
that mate with the threads of the rotatable member so that rotation
of the rotatable member causes the nut or other moveable member to
move along the threads of the rotatable member.
[0014] Other details, objects, and advantages of the invention will
become apparent as the following description of certain present
preferred embodiments thereof and certain present preferred methods
of practicing the same proceeds.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] Present preferred embodiments of a support apparatus are
shown in the accompanying drawings and certain present preferred
methods of practicing the same are also illustrated therein. It
should be understood that like reference numbers used in the
drawings may identify like components.
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first present preferred
embodiment of a support apparatus showing a mounting device being
attached to an end of the arm assembly. The mounting device
includes a groove or other mechanism for releasably retaining an
Allen wrench or other mechanical tool that may be used to adjust
the position of the gas spring or the force of the gas spring.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a side view of the first present preferred
embodiment of the support apparatus with the mounting device cut
away.
[0018] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the first present preferred
embodiment of the support apparatus.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a side view of a first present preferred arm
assembly attached to a gas spring that may be utilized in
embodiments of the support apparatus.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first present preferred
arm assembly attached to a gas spring that may be utilized in
embodiments of the support apparatus.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the first present preferred arm
assembly attached to a gas spring that may be utilized in
embodiments of the support apparatus.
[0022] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the first present preferred
arm assembly attached to a gas spring that may be utilized in
embodiments of the support apparatus.
[0023] FIG. 8 is a side view of a second present preferred
embodiment of the support apparatus.
[0024] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a vertically
adjustable attachment mechanism and counter balance mechanism
attached thereto that may be utilized in embodiments of the support
apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PRESENT PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0025] Referring to FIGS. 1-9, a support apparatus 1 may be
configured to serve as a monitor arm or a support device used to
moveably support televisions, monitors, liquid crystal displays, or
other display devices used in computers, computer devices or other
electronic equipment. The support apparatus 1 may include a
mounting mechanism 3, such as a clamp or weighted support that is
sized and configured to hold or retain the support apparatus on an
article of furniture, such as a desk or tabletop. The mounting
mechanism 3 may alternatively be a bracket that permits fasteners
to be extended through a work surface, such as a desk top or
tabletop, to a post or other support to attach the support
apparatus to the article of furniture.
[0026] The support apparatus may include a support that has a post
5 that is attached to an angled member 7 that extends from the post
5. The support may be rotatably attached to the mounting mechanism
3 at a bottom end 4 of the support. For instance, as may be
appreciated from FIG. 3, the bottom end 4 of the post 5 may be
rotatably attached to the mounting mechanism 3 by a bolt, axle, or
other fastener that extends into a hole formed in the bottom end 4
of the post to rotatably move about that bolt, axle, or other
fastener.
[0027] The angled member 7 may be affixed to an upper end of the
post or other portion of the post 5 or may be an integral part of
post 5. An end 6 of the member 7 may be rotatably attached to a
first end 21 of an arm assembly 9. For instance, a bolt or axle may
be positioned in an end of the angled arm assembly 7 and extend
into a hole formed in a first end 21 of the arm assembly 9 that
receives the axle to rotatably connect the arm assembly to the
member 7. The axle may define the axis of rotation for the arm
assembly 9.
[0028] The arm assembly 9 may also include a second end 23 that is
opposite the first end 21. The second end 23 may be configured for
attachment to a mounting device 13 that is configured to attach a
display device, such as a monitor, to the arm assembly. Preferably,
the mounting device 11 is the same or similar to the mounting plate
or other mounting device for display devices disclosed in our U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 12/372,110.
[0029] The mounting device 11 may include a groove or other
aperture that is sized and configured to mate with a portion of an
Allen wrench 13 or other mechanical tool. The Allen wrench 13 may
be releasably retained by the groove or other aperture or structure
defined in a portion of the mounting device 13. Preferably, the
mounting device 11 is configured so that the Allen wrench is
releasably retained on a rear side of the mounting device so that
the Allen wrench is generally hidden from view so it does not
unnecessarily detract from the aesthetic effect of the support
apparatus while still providing functionality that may be useful to
a user.
[0030] A cable management bracket 8 may be attached to the post to
help retain cords that may extend from a device held by the support
apparatus. For example, the cable management bracket 8 may retain a
power cord and video data communication cord that runs from a
computer to a monitor or display held by the mounting device 11 so
that these wires or cables run near the post 5, angle arm 7, and
arm assembly 9 to the display device held by the mounting device
11.
[0031] The arm assembly 9 may include one or more interconnected
arm members. The arm assembly 9 may also include a counterbalance
mechanism 31, which may include a gas spring 38. Gas spring 38 may
also be referred to as a gas strut or gas damper. The gas spring 38
is attached between the first end 21 of the arm assembly 9 and the
second end 23 of the arm assembly. The gas spring 38 may be covered
or enclosed by a shroud 39 that is configured to hide the gas
spring 38 or substantially hide the gas spring 38 from view to
improve the aesthetic effect of the support apparatus 1. The shroud
may also cover any pivotal connections between ends of the gas
spring or other elements of the arm assembly 9 to help prevent a
user from accidentally pinching a finger or otherwise becoming
injured when adjusting a position of the arm assembly 9.
[0032] The gas spring 38 may be rotatably attached to the first end
21 of the arm assembly 9. The rotatable attachment may permit the
second end 23 of the arm assembly to be vertically adjusted via
rotational movement of the arm assembly 9 about the rotatable
attachment or pivot attachment of the gas spring 38 to the first
end 21 of the arm assembly 9. The vertical adjustment acts in
combination with rotational adjustability provided by the
rotational attachments at the bottom 4 of the post 5 and the upper
end 6 of the member 7. Of course, a monitor may have its position
further adjusted via pivotal attachment of the mounting device 13
to the second end 23 of the arm assembly and rotational or vertical
adjustment provided via components of the mounting device 13.
[0033] It should be understood that the arm assembly 9 may include
one or more arm members or arm linkages connected together. For
such embodiments, the gas spring 38 may be attached between the
opposite ends of the entire arm assembly. For instance, the gas
spring 38 could be attached between ends of one arm of the entire
arm assembly or may be positioned between two or more arm members
of the arm assembly. One end of the gas spring is preferably
attached to an end of one of the arm members of the arm assembly or
a distal end of the arm assembly. That one end is preferably
vertically adjustable via the attachment mechanism that attaches
that end of the gas spring to the arm assembly. Examples of such
attachment mechanisms are discussed more fully below.
[0034] The counterbalance mechanism 31 may also include a housing
39 that has a channel sized to receive the gas spring 38 to cover
the gas spring 38. The housing may have ends that are attached to
the ends of the gas spring and also the ends 21 and 23 of the arm
assembly 9. The housing 39 is preferably composed of steel and may
define a channel sized and configured to cover the gas piston or to
enclose a portion of the gas spring 38. The housing 39 may be sized
and configured so that it may permit the shroud 37 to be adhered to
the housing 39 to cover the housing and pinch points of the arm
assembly 9 without requiring mechanical fasteners and without
requiring the shroud 37 to be directly attached to the gas spring
38.
[0035] A middle chamber of the gas spring 38 may retain gas or
other fluid and be configured to receive a portion of a rod that
extends out of and into the chamber. It should be appreciated that
in some contemplated embodiments, the gas spring may utilize a
liquid as the fluid instead of a gas. The gas or other fluid within
the chamber may define an amount of force needed to extend or
retract the rod from the chamber. The rod encircled by the chamber
that is extendable from the chamber may have a first end 38a. A
second end 38b of the gas spring 38 may be positioned opposite this
first end 38a. The first end 38a may be rotatably and also
vertically moveably attached to the first end of the arm assembly
21. The second end 38b may be rotatably attached to the second end
23 of the arm assembly 9 or may be immovably affixed to the second
end 23 of the arm assembly 9.
[0036] The gas or other fluid in the chamber of the piston may
provide a force or pressure that must be overcome to extend or
retract the end 38a of the rod into or out of the chamber. This
force permits the gas spring 38 to help maintain the position of an
object, such as a display device, that may be attached to the
second end 23 of the arm assembly 9 because the weight of the
object may not be sufficient to overcome the force needed to move
the end 38a of the gas spring. A user must apply the force
necessary to overcome the force of the gas or other fluid in the
chamber of the gas spring 38 to move the end 38a, which permits the
user to readjust the position of the object as desired. The gas or
other fluid within the chamber, however, also permits the gas
spring to help maintain the user selected position after the user
stops adjusting the position of the object held by the arm assembly
9 by preventing the end 38a to further extend or retract once the
user's exerted force has been stopped.
[0037] The first end 21 of the arm assembly 9 may include a
vertically adjustable attachment mechanism 40 that connects the
first end 38a of the gas spring to the first end 21 of the arm
assembly so that a vertical position of the first end 38a of the
gas spring can be vertically adjusted to one of a number of
different positions. Each position may change the mechanical
arrangement of the gas spring 38 relative to the arm assembly so
that the amount of force that a user must provide to extend or
retract the moveable rod of the gas spring from the piston chamber
is adjustable. Further, such a vertical adjustment to the position
of the first end 38a of the gas spring 38 may change the amount of
weight the arm assembly 9 may support for maintaining a display
device in a particular user selected position.
[0038] The adjustment of the amount of force needed to move or
retract the gas spring 38 affects the weight of an object the arm
assembly 9 can hold in a particular position or orientation. For
instance, in one vertical position for first end 38a, the arm
assembly 9 may be able to maintain the position of a monitor
weighing fifteen pounds in any of a number of positions a user may
move the arm assembly 9 via pivoting upward movements or rotational
movements about the connection the first end 38a of the gas spring
38 has with the first end 21 of the arm assembly 9. In contrast,
the vertical position of the first end 38a may be changed so that
the arm assembly is no longer able to maintain such a position for
a fifteen pound object, but instead can only maintain such a
position for an object of up to ten pounds. Of course, the arm
assembly may be configured to permit a number of other vertical
adjustments to the position of the first end 38a of the gas spring
to affect the holding of objects that are under ten pounds or over
fifteen pounds as well. For instance, the first end 38a may be
vertically adjustably attached to the first end 21 of the arm
assembly so that adjustment of the first end 38a of the gas spring
may change the amount of force that is supportably by the second
end 23 of the arm assembly in the range of twenty pounds to five
pounds or twenty pounds to ten pounds.
[0039] The vertically adjustable attachment mechanism 40 that may
be utilized to provide a vertically adjustable attachment of the
first end 38a of the gas spring 38 of the counterbalance mechanism
31 to the first end 21 of the arm assembly may include a receiving
body 41, or keeper, that retains a fastener such as a bolt, screw
or other type of rotatable member 42 that extends vertically
through the first end 38a of the gas spring 38 to connect the
receiving body 41 to the first end 38a. In some embodiments of the
vertically adjustable attachment mechanism 40, the receiving body
41 may be affixed to the first end 21 so that it is not moveable. A
nut or moveable body 42a may be positioned on the rotatable member
42 and may be moveable when the rotatable member is rotated such
that the moveable body 42a may move vertically when the rotatable
member is rotated. For instance, the moveable body 42a may have
threads that mate with threads on the rotatable member and may move
vertically along a path defined by the threads of the rotatable
member when the rotatable member is rotated. The first end 38a of
the gas spring 38 may be attached to the moveable body, rest upon
the moveable body or may engage the moveable body so that when the
moveable body moves vertically, the first end 38a also moves
vertically.
[0040] The moveable body 42a may include a projection that fits
within a groove formed in the receiving body. The groove of the
receiving body may mate with the projection of the moveable body
42a so that the moveable body is prevented from rotation as a
result of the position of the projection within the groove. The
moveable body 42a may be further prevented from rotation when the
rotatable member 42 is rotated by a direct attachment to the first
end 38a of the gas spring 38. The combination of the projection of
the mateable body 42a within the groove of the receiving body 41
and the attachment of the first end 38a of the gas spring 38 to the
moveable body 42a may help prevent the moveable body from becoming
damaged or experiencing excessive torque when the rotatable member
is rotated to adjust the position of the moveable body 42a so that
the life of the moveable body 42a may be extended.
[0041] At least one side of the first end 21 may include indicia
43, 45, and 47 that identify different positions for the rotatable
member 42, nut or moveable body 42a attached to the rotatable
member that may move upon rotation of the rotatable member 42 and
may also identify the different force settings those positions
represent. For instance, indicia 43 may be the written number
twenty to identify the fact that when the moveable body 42a is in
that position, the gas spring 38 permits the arm to suspend and
hold a device that weighs up to twenty pounds. Indicia 45 and 47
may also include indicia indicating the amount of weight that is
supportable by the arm assembly when the first end 38a of the gas
spring 38 is vertically adjusted via movement of the rotatable
member 42 and moveable body 42a. For example, indicia 45 may
indicate that a middle position of the moveable body 42a positions
the first end 38a of the gas spring 38 to help maintain a position
of a device via the arm assembly 9 and mounting device 11 that
weighs up to sixteen pounds and indicia 47 may identify an upper
position of the receiving body that positions the first end 38a of
the gas spring 38 to maintain the position of a display device
weighing up to ten pounds. It should be understood that any number
of positions for the moveable body 42a and first end 38a of the gas
spring 38 may be defined via the rotatable member of the attachment
mechanism 40.
[0042] The receiving body 41 may be affixed to the first end 21 of
the arm assembly 9 so that it does not move relative to the first
end 21. The receiving body 41 may be attached to the first end 38a
of the gas spring 38 via a fastening mechanism that includes the
rotatable member 42 and moveable body 42a, which may be, for
instance, a nut. The rotatable member 42 may be positioned and
configured so that an Allen wrench or other mechanical tool such as
a screwdriver may be positioned under the rotatable member 42 to
engage the rotatable member 42 and rotate the rotatable member 42
in different directions. The rotation of the rotatable member 42
may cause the rotatable member to rotate between the receiving body
41 and the first end 21 of the arm assembly 9 to vertically move
the moveable body 42a on the rotatable member 42. For instance, the
moveable body 42a may move along threads formed on the rotatable
member 42 to different positions along the rotatable member 42.
[0043] The rotation of the rotatable member 42 in different
directions may raise or lower the position of the moveable body 42a
and the first end 38a of the gas spring 38. For instance, an Allen
wrench 13 may be used to rotate the rotatable member 42 in a
clockwise direction to cause the moveable body 42a to move downward
to lower the position of the first end 38a that is supported on the
moveable body 42a. Conversely, an Allen wrench 13 may be used to
rotate the rotatable member in a counterclockwise direction to
cause the moveable body 42a to move to a higher position. It should
be appreciated that movement of the rotatable member 42 within the
receiving body 41 or first end 21 of the arm assembly may define
the path of vertical movement of the moveable body 42a and first
end 38a of the gas spring 38.
[0044] The rotatable member 42 may be positioned so that its length
extends perfectly vertically or substantially vertically. For
instance, the rotatable member 42 may be positioned so its length
extends substantially vertically as shown in the embodiment of the
support apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 8-9. Such a length may
extend at an angle relative to the length extending perfectly
vertically such as a ten degree angle, fifteen degree angle or
forty degree angle relative to a length extending perfectly
vertical. Such a configuration may result in an end 38a of the gas
spring being attached at a position that is lower as compared to
embodiments where the rotatable member is perfectly vertical. The
lower attachment position may help reduce the size and strength
needed from the gas spring as the amount of upward lift or
counterbalance force being effectively provided by the gas spring
to maintain a position of an arm assembly holding a monitor or
other display device may be effectively increased as a result of
the lower attachment point of end 38a of the gas spring for such
embodiments. It should be understood that the moveable body 42a may
move along the rotatable member vertically or substantially
vertically by traveling along the length or a portion of the length
of the rotatable member 42 that extends at an angle relative to
being perfectly vertical.
[0045] In other embodiments, the receiving body 41 may be
configured so that it moves relative to the first end 21 of the arm
assembly. Movement of the rotatable member 42 may move the
receiving body 41 relative to the first end 21 of the arm assembly
or other portion of the arm assembly to adjust the vertical
position of the first end 38a of the gas spring 38. For such
embodiments, the first end 38a of the gas spring 38 may be attached
directly to the receiving body 41.
[0046] In yet other embodiments, the first end 38a of the gas
spring 38 may be attached directly to the rotatable member such
that rotation of the rotatable member to vertically adjust a
position of the rotatable member 42 moves the gas spring 38 as
well.
[0047] Of course, the vertical adjustment mechanism used to attach
the first end of the gas spring 38 to the arm assembly may also be
used in other alternative arrangements, such as arm assemblies
utilizing multiple linkages that have the vertical attachment
mechanism positioned in a middle position of the arm assembly or
positioned between ends of a particular arm linkage of the arm
assembly. For example, it is contemplated that the vertical
adjustment mechanism 40 may be attached to a middle portion of the
arm assembly, and not an end of the arm assembly. For instance, an
arm assembly may include two or more linkages that are
interconnected and the gas spring may extend from a middle portion
adjacent to a pivotal interconnection of the two linkages to a
position adjacent to a terminal end of the arm assembly.
[0048] In some embodiments of the arm assembly, it is contemplated
that the first end 38a of the gas spring 38 may be attached to an
upper end of the support, such as an upper end of angled member 7,
instead of being attached to an end of the arm assembly. Such
embodiments may also utilize an attachment mechanism that permits
vertical adjustment of the first end 38a of the gas spring 38. An
example of such an attachment mechanism may be an embodiment of the
attachment mechanism 40 discussed above that is configured for
attachment to the angled member 7 or support post 5 instead of the
first end 21 of the arm assembly.
[0049] While certain present preferred embodiments of the support
apparatus, and methods of making and using the same have been shown
and described above, it is to be distinctly understood that the
invention is not limited thereto but may be otherwise variously
embodied and practiced as may be appreciated by those of at least
ordinary skill in the art. The invention may also be otherwise
variously embodied and practiced within the scope of the following
claims.
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