U.S. patent application number 14/935066 was filed with the patent office on 2016-03-17 for bifocal display positioning apparatus and method.
The applicant listed for this patent is Saeb Salih Asamarai, Mustafa A. Ergun, Shaun Christopher Lindblad, Kevin Paulsen. Invention is credited to Saeb Salih Asamarai, Mustafa A. Ergun, Shaun Christopher Lindblad, Kevin Paulsen.
Application Number | 20160073772 14/935066 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45894646 |
Filed Date | 2016-03-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160073772 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ergun; Mustafa A. ; et
al. |
March 17, 2016 |
BIFOCAL DISPLAY POSITIONING APPARATUS AND METHOD
Abstract
An apparatus for positioning items such as an electronic
display, a keyboard, and/or a work surface. The apparatus includes
a movement mechanism that provides multiple tilt positions for one
or more displays supported by the apparatus. In some cases the
movement mechanism enables adjustment of the display(s) between a
generally horizontal viewing configuration and a generally
declining viewing configuration. In some cases the apparatus
includes a keyboard tray and a display mount coupled to a riser
adapted to support an electronic display. The riser may be movable
with respect to an operator or support member between a sitting
position and a standing position. Methods for positioning an
electronic display and a keyboard are also included.
Inventors: |
Ergun; Mustafa A.;
(Plymouth, MN) ; Lindblad; Shaun Christopher;
(Lino Lakes, MN) ; Asamarai; Saeb Salih; (Columbia
Heights, MN) ; Paulsen; Kevin; (Eagan, MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ergun; Mustafa A.
Lindblad; Shaun Christopher
Asamarai; Saeb Salih
Paulsen; Kevin |
Plymouth
Lino Lakes
Columbia Heights
Eagan |
MN
MN
MN
MN |
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
45894646 |
Appl. No.: |
14/935066 |
Filed: |
November 6, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13371699 |
Feb 13, 2012 |
|
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14935066 |
|
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|
|
61441774 |
Feb 11, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
108/28 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 21/02 20130101;
A47B 2021/0364 20130101; F16M 11/10 20130101; F16M 11/2021
20130101; F16M 13/022 20130101; F16M 2200/048 20130101; F16M 11/28
20130101; A47B 21/03 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47B 21/02 20060101
A47B021/02; A47B 21/03 20060101 A47B021/03 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for positioning an electronic display relative to a
first work surface, the apparatus comprising: a riser comprising a
support column and a riser bracket movably coupled together and a
first lift mechanism coupled between the support column and the
riser bracket, wherein the support column is movable relative to
the riser bracket to provide the height adjustment; an attachment
member that fixedly attaches the riser bracket to the first work
surface; a second work surface configured to attach to the support
column, wherein relative movement between the riser bracket and the
support column adjusts the height of the second work surface; and a
display mount coupled to the support column and adapted to support
the electronic display; and a movement mechanism coupling the
display mount to the support column; wherein relative movement
between the riser bracket and the support column provides
simultaneous height adjustment of the movement mechanism, the
second work surface and the display mount; wherein, at each height
provided by the riser, the display mount is configurable in a first
configuration providing a generally horizontal viewing
configuration and a second configuration providing a generally
declining viewing configuration; wherein the movement mechanism
provides the display mount with a first position relative to the
riser, wherein the movement mechanism and the display mount provide
a supported electronic display in the first position with a maximum
backward tilt to provide the generally horizontal viewing
configuration; and wherein the movement mechanism provides the
display mount with a second position relative to the riser, wherein
the movement mechanism and the display mount provide a supported
electronic display in the second position with a maximum backward
tilt to provide the generally declining viewing configuration,
wherein the supported electronic display is closer to the second
work surface in the second position.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the maximum backward tilt in
the first position is about 20 degrees.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the display mount is a greater
distance from the riser in the second position than in the first
position.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the display mount is
substantially the same distance from the riser in the second
position and the first position.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the display mount is adapted
to support a touchsensitive electronic display of a tablet
computer.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the riser comprises a bottom
end and a top end and wherein the movement mechanism comprises a
pivot attached to the riser proximate the top end of the riser.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the movement mechanism further
comprises a display lift mechanism coupled between the pivot and
the display mount.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second position is lower
relative to the riser than the first position.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second position is higher
relative to the riser than the first position.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the riser simultaneously
adjusts the height of the movement mechanism and the display mount
between a sitting height and a standing height.
11. An apparatus for positioning an electronic display relative to
a first work surface, the apparatus comprising: a riser comprising
a support column and a riser bracket movably coupled together and a
first lift mechanism coupled between the support column and the
riser bracket, wherein the support column is movable relative to
the riser bracket to provide the height adjustment; an attachment
member that fixedly attaches the riser bracket to the first work
surface; a second work surface configured to attach to the support
column, wherein relative movement between the riser bracket and the
support column adjusts the height of the second work surface; a
display mount coupled to the support column and adapted to support
the electronic display; and a movement mechanism coupling the
display mount to the support column, the movement mechanism
comprising a curved rail and a bracket; wherein relative movement
between the riser bracket and the support column provide
simultaneous height adjustment of the movement mechanism, the
display mount, the second work surface; wherein at each height
provided by the riser, the movement mechanism provides the display
mount with a first position relative to the riser in a first
configuration, wherein the movement mechanism and the display mount
provide a supported electronic display in the first position with a
maximum backward tilt to provide a generally horizontal viewing
configuration; wherein at each height provided by the riser, the
movement mechanism provides the display mount with a second
position relative to the riser in a second configuration, and
wherein the movement mechanism and the display mount provide a
supported electronic display in the second position with a maximum
backward tilt to provide a generally declining viewing
configuration, the maximum backward tilt in the second position
being greater than the maximum backward tilt in the first position,
wherein the supported electronic display is closer to the second
work surface in the second position.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the movement mechanism
guides the display mount toward the second work surface from the
first position to the second position.
13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the maximum backward tilt in
the second position is at least thirty degrees.
14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the maximum backward tilt in
the first position is less than about twenty degrees.
15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the movement mechanism tilts
the display mount as the display mount is moved between the first
position and the second position.
16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the movement mechanism
includes a pivoting arm.
17. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the curved rail attached to
the riser and the bracket of the movement mechanism is coupled
between the curved rail and the display mount, the curved rail
extending down and away from the riser.
18. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the bracket of the movement
mechanism is a mounting bracket coupled to the riser, the movement
mechanism further comprising a pivot located at an end of the
mounting bracket, and an arm coupled between the pivot and the
display mount, wherein the pivot is positioned higher than the
display mount in the first position and in the second position.
19. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first lift mechanism
comprises a balance mechanism comprising a cam and an energy
storage member.
20. An apparatus for positioning an electronic display and a
keyboard relative to a first work surface, the apparatus
comprising: a riser comprising a support column and a riser bracket
movably coupled together and a first lift mechanism coupled between
the support column and the riser bracket, wherein the support
column is movable relative to the riser bracket to provide the
height adjustment; an attachment member that fixedly attaches the
riser bracket to the first work surface; a second work surface
configured to attach to the riser bracket, wherein the second work
surface is a keyboard tray adapted to support a keyboard, and
wherein relative movement between the riser bracket and the support
column adjusts the height of the second work surface; a display
mount coupled to the support column and adapted to support the
electronic display; and a movement mechanism coupling the display
mount to the support column, wherein the movement mechanism
comprises a pivot attached to the riser proximate the top end of
the riser; wherein the riser provides simultaneous height
adjustment of the movement mechanism, the display mount, and the
keyboard tray between a sitting height and a standing height;
wherein, at each of at least two heights provided by the riser, the
display mount and the keyboard tray are configurable in a first
configuration providing a generally horizontal viewing
configuration and a second configuration providing a generally
declining viewing configuration; wherein in the second
configuration a vertical distance between the display mount and the
keyboard tray is different than in the first configuration; wherein
the movement mechanism provides the display mount with a first
position relative to the riser in the first configuration and a
second position relative to the riser in the second configuration,
and wherein in the second position the display mount and the
supported electronic display are able to tilt back from a vertical
orientation to a greater degree than is available in the first
position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/441,774, filed Feb. 11, 2011, the content of
which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD
[0002] Embodiments of the invention generally relate to devices
that can move work surfaces and/or equipment such as electronic
displays, keyboards, and other items between multiple positions
relative to an operator.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Many jobs involve working at desks, optionally with personal
computers and/or display monitors. In such jobs, the personal
computers and/or display monitors may be used by multiple operators
at different times during a day. In some settings, one computer
and/or monitor may be used by multiple people of different sizes
and having different preferences in a single day. Given the
differences in people's size and differences in their preferences,
a monitor or display adjusted at one setting for one individual may
be inappropriate for another individual. The same can be true for
the position of the desk surface itself. For instance, a child
would have different physical space needs than an adult using the
same computer and monitor. As another example, a user wearing
bifocal lenses would require different display tilt settings than a
user without bifocal lenses. Further, a single user may wish to
periodically both sit and stand while using the desk surface and/or
monitor. In some situations, users desire to perform operations in
various postures. For example, one may desire to perform some
operations in a seated position and others in a standing position.
In such situations, it may be required that both the seated
operations and the standing operations be done at the same
workstation, which may include a desk surface, computer monitor, a
keyboard, and/or a mouse. Such a user will desire the desk surface,
monitor and/or other equipment to be at different heights while
sitting and standing.
[0004] As adjustable height mechanisms for displays have become
more widespread and users have experienced their advantages, users
are more frequently adjusting the height of their monitors and
other equipment. Further, such adjustments are now more frequently
desired over a wide range of travel.
SUMMARY
[0005] Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to
devices that can electronic displays and optionally other items
such as keyboards, work surfaces, etc., between multiple positions
relative to an operator. One example of a device provides at least
a first configuration with a generally horizontal viewing
configuration and a second configuration with a generally declining
viewing configuration. Switching from the first configuration to
the second configuration enables an operator to view an electronic
display in a generally declining orientation (e.g., looking ahead
and downward), which can be useful for operators wearing bifocal
lenses.
[0006] According to one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for
positioning an electronic display includes a riser, a movement
mechanism coupled to the riser, and a display mount coupled to the
movement mechanism and the riser. The riser includes a support
column and a bracket movably coupled together and a first lift
mechanism coupled between the support column and the bracket. The
display mount is adapted to support an electronic display, such as
a computer monitor, television, touch screen, and other such
devices. Relative movement between the bracket and the support
column provides simultaneous height adjustment of the movement
mechanism and the display mount. At each height, the display mount
can be configured in a first configuration that provides a
generally horizontal viewing configuration and a second
configuration that provides a generally declining viewing
configuration. The movement mechanism provides the display mount
with at least a first position relative to the riser and a second
position relative to the riser. The movement mechanism and the
display mount provide a supported electronic display in the first
position with a maximum backward tilt to provide the generally
horizontal viewing configuration. They also provide a supported
electronic display in the second position with a maximum backward
tilt of at least 30 degrees to provide the generally declining
viewing configuration. The maximum backward tilt in the first
position is smaller than the maximum backward tilt in the second
position.
[0007] According to another aspect of the invention, an apparatus
for positioning an electronic display and a keyboard is provided.
The apparatus includes a riser, a movement mechanism coupled to the
riser, a display mount coupled to the movement mechanism, and a
keyboard tray coupled to the riser. The riser includes a support
column and a bracket movably coupled together and a first lift
mechanism coupled between the support column and the bracket.
Relative movement between the bracket and the support column
provides simultaneous height adjustment of the movement mechanism,
the display mount, and the keyboard tray. At each height provided
by the riser, the movement mechanism provides the display mount
with a first position relative to the riser in the first
configuration and a second position relative to the riser in the
second configuration. In the first position, the movement mechanism
and the display mount provide a supported electronic display with a
maximum backward tilt to provide the generally horizontal viewing
configuration. In the second position, the movement mechanism and
the display mount provide a supported electronic display with a
maximum backward tilt to provide the generally declining viewing
configuration. The maximum backward tilt in the second position is
greater than the maximum backward tilt in the first position.
[0008] Another aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for
positioning an electronic display and a keyboard. The apparatus
includes a riser, a keyboard tray coupled to the riser, adapted to
support a keyboard, a movement mechanism coupled to the riser, and
a display mount coupled to the movement mechanism and adapted to
support an electronic display. The riser provides simultaneous
height adjustment of the movement mechanism, the display mount, and
the keyboard tray between a sitting height and a standing height,
thus providing a sit-to-stand apparatus. At each of at least two
heights provided by the riser, the display mount and the keyboard
tray are configurable in a first configuration providing a
generally horizontal viewing configuration and a second
configuration providing a generally declining viewing
configuration. In the second configuration a vertical distance
between the display mount and the keyboard tray is different than
in the first configuration. The movement mechanism provides the
display mount with a first position relative to the riser in the
first configuration and a second position relative to the riser in
the second configuration. In the second position the display mount
and the display can tilt back from a vertical orientation to a
greater degree than is available in the first position.
[0009] Accordingly to another aspect of the invention, a method for
positioning an electronic display and a keyboard is provided. The
method includes supporting an electronic display with a positioning
apparatus. The positioning apparatus includes a riser, a display
mount coupled to the riser and adapted to support the electronic
display, a keyboard tray coupled to the riser, and a movement
mechanism coupled between the riser and the display mount. The
method also includes supporting a keyboard with the keyboard tray.
The riser is adjusted to simultaneously adjust the height of the
display mount, the electronic display, the keyboard tray, the
keyboard, and the movement mechanism between a sitting position and
a standing position. At both the sitting position and the standing
position, the method includes configuring the display mount and the
keyboard tray in a first configuration to provide a generally
horizontal viewing configuration and a second configuration to
provide a generally declining viewing configuration. In the second
configuration a vertical distance between the display mount and the
keyboard tray is less than in the first configuration. In addition,
the movement mechanism provides the display mount with a first
position relative to the riser in the first configuration and a
second position relative to the riser in the second configuration.
In the second position the display mount and the display can tilt
back from a vertical orientation to a greater degree than in the
first position.
[0010] These and various other features and advantages will be
apparent from a reading of the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The following drawings are illustrative of particular
embodiments of the present invention and therefore do not limit the
scope of the invention. The drawings are not to scale (unless so
stated) and are intended for use in conjunction with the
explanations in the following detailed description. Embodiments of
the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction
with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals denote like
elements.
[0012] FIG. 1A is a side view of a positioning apparatus.
[0013] FIG. 1B is a side cross-section of FIG. 1A.
[0014] FIGS. 2A-2C are perspective views of positioning apparatuses
with various mounting options.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of a keyboard
tray.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of a lift
mechanism.
[0017] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a lift mechanism shown in FIG.
1B.
[0018] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a second lift mechanism shown
in FIG. 1B.
[0019] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a screw clamp.
[0020] FIG. 7B is a top view of the screw clamp of FIG. 7A.
[0021] FIG. 7C is a front view of the screw clamp of FIG. 7A.
[0022] FIG. 7D is a bottom view of the screw clamp of FIG. 7A.
[0023] FIG. 7E is a side view of the screw clamp of FIG. 7A.
[0024] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a screw clamp.
[0025] FIG. 8B is a top view of the screw clamp of FIG. 8A.
[0026] FIG. 8C is a front view of the screw clamp of FIG. 8A.
[0027] FIG. 8D is a bottom view of the screw clamp of FIG. 8A.
[0028] FIG. 8E is a side view of the screw clamp of FIG. 8A.
[0029] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a c-clamp.
[0030] FIG. 10A is a side view of a c-clamp in a first
configuration.
[0031] FIG. 10B is a side view of a c-clamp in a second
configuration.
[0032] FIG. 11 is a side view of a c-clamp attached to a support
surface.
[0033] FIGS. 12A and 12B are front perspective views of a
positioning apparatus in a lowered position and a raised position,
respectively.
[0034] FIGS. 13A and 13B are rear perspective views of a
positioning apparatus in a lowered position and a raised position,
respectively.
[0035] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an apparatus.
[0036] FIG. 15 is a partially exploded view of the apparatus of
FIG. 14.
[0037] FIGS. 16A and 16B are partial, exploded views of a bottom
portion of the apparatus of FIG. 14.
[0038] FIG. 17 is a partial elevation view of a top portion of an
apparatus.
[0039] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a bottom portion of an
apparatus.
[0040] FIGS. 19A and 19B are perspective views of a cam member
including a first cam and a second cam.
[0041] FIG. 20 is a side plan view of the cam member of FIG.
19A.
[0042] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a wheel pulley.
[0043] FIG. 22 is a side plan view of the wheel pulley of FIG.
21.
[0044] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a pulley system.
[0045] FIG. 24 is a side plan view of the pulley system of FIG.
23.
[0046] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a portion of a balance
mechanism in a state corresponding to a first position of a
mounting portion.
[0047] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a portion of a balance
mechanism in a state corresponding to a second position of a
mounting portion.
[0048] FIG. 27 is a side schematic view of a positioning apparatus
in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0049] FIG. 28A is a side schematic view of a positioning apparatus
in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0050] FIG. 28B is a side schematic view of a positioning apparatus
in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0051] FIGS. 29A-29B are side schematic views of a positioning
apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0052] FIG. 29C is a side schematic view of a positioning apparatus
in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0053] FIG. 30 is a side schematic view of a positioning apparatus
in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0054] FIG. 31 is a side schematic view of a positioning apparatus
in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0055] FIG. 32A is a side schematic view of a positioning apparatus
in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0056] FIG. 32B is a side schematic view of a positioning apparatus
in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0057] FIGS. 33A and 33B are side schematic views of a positioning
apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the invention.
[0058] FIG. 34A is a side schematic view of a positioning apparatus
in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0059] FIG. 34B is a side schematic view of a positioning apparatus
in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0060] FIG. 35A is a side schematic view of a positioning apparatus
in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0061] FIG. 35B is a side schematic view of a positioning apparatus
in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0062] FIG. 36 is a side schematic view of a positioning apparatus
in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0063] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a positioning apparatus in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0064] FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a positioning apparatus in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0065] FIGS. 39A-39F are side schematic views of positioning
apparatuses in accordance with embodiments of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0066] The following detailed description is exemplary in nature
and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or
configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following
description provides some practical illustrations for implementing
exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Examples of
constructions, materials, dimensions, and manufacturing processes
are provided for selected elements, and all other elements employ
that which is known to those of ordinary skill in the field of the
invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many of the
noted examples have a variety of suitable alternatives.
[0067] Embodiments of the invention generally provide apparatuses
capable of positioning various equipment relative to a human
operator. For example, in some cases a positioning apparatus can
support items such as work surfaces, electronic displays, a laptop
computer (i.e., notebook), a keyboard, and/or other computing
equipment, such as a mouse. As used herein, the terms display and
electronic display are used to refer to televisions, computer
monitors, tablet computers (e.g., touch screen computers), and
other types of displays capable of displaying images from
electronic signals. The embodiments discussed herein provide
several examples of positioning apparatuses capable of positioning
such types of computing equipment, however, it is contemplated that
embodiments of the invention can be used for positioning a wide
variety of items.
[0068] Applicants have included FIGS. 1-26 to provide background
and disclosure to facilitate one of ordinary skill in the art to
make and use the invention, embodiments of which are described in
FIGS. 27-39F. Applicants will describe FIGS. 1-26 in detail
below.
[0069] FIG. 27 is a side schematic view of a positioning apparatus
2000 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The
positioning apparatus 2000 includes a display mount 2002 and a
keyboard tray 2004 both coupled to a riser 2006. Although not
shown, the riser 2006 is adapted to be supported in a generally
vertical orientation by an existing support member (e.g., a table,
bench, wall, etc.). The riser 2006 supports the display mount 2002
and the keyboard tray 2004, along with a supported (e.g., attached)
display 2010 and a keyboard (not shown), and provides simultaneous
height adjustment of the display mount 2002, the display 2010, the
keyboard tray 2004, and the keyboard through a generally vertical
range of travel 2034 relative to a user. In some cases the
apparatus 2000 is vertically adjustable to an infinite number of
positions along the extent of the available height adjustment.
[0070] As will be discussed further herein, the display mount 2002
and the keyboard tray 2004 are configuable in multiple viewing
configurations at each height provided by the riser 2006. In
certain embodiments the display mount 2002 and the keyboard tray
2004 are configurable in at least a first configuration that
provides a generally horizontal viewing configuration and a second
configuration that provides a generally declining viewing
configuration. Switching from the first configuration to the second
configuration enables an operator to view the display 2010 in a
generally declining orientation (e.g., looking ahead and downward),
which can be useful for operators wearing bifocal lenses.
[0071] The positioning apparatus 2000 also includes a movement
mechanism 2020, which couples the display mount 2002 to the riser
2006. The movement mechanism 2020 provides multiple positions for
the display mount 2002 and the attached display 2010 relative to
the riser 2006 and an operator. In this example the movement
mechanism 2020 provides at least a first position 2022 (shown with
the display illustrated in phantom) relative to the riser in the
first viewing configuration. The movement mechanism 2020 also
provides at least a second position 2024 relative to the riser 2006
in the second viewing configuration. In this case the second
position 2024 is located at a greater horizontal distance from the
riser 2006 than the first position 2022, though this is not
required. The second configuration also provides a vertical
distance 2025 between the display mount 2002 and the keyboard tray
2004 that is less than the vertical distance 2027 provided by the
first configuration. In this case configuring the apparatus 2000 in
the second configuration includes moving the display mount 2002 and
the display 2010 from the first position 2022 to the second
position 2024, which enables an operator to view the display 2010
in a generally declining orientation.
[0072] The riser 2006 generally provides height adjustment, and can
include any suitable mechanism for simultaneously raising and
lowering the display mount 2002 and the keyboard tray 2004. In the
examples illustrated in the figures, the riser includes a support
column and a bracket, though other forms of risers can also be
used. As shown in FIG. 27, the riser 2006 includes a bracket 2030
moveably coupled with a support column 2032. The riser support
column 2032 and the riser bracket 2030 are movably coupled through
a generally vertical range of travel 2034, providing the display
2010 and keyboard tray 2004 with height adjustability relative to
an operator. For example, in some cases rollers, slides, and
optionally a lift mechanism (not shown) are provided to movably
couple the support column 2032 and the riser bracket 2030. The
generally vertical range of travel 2034 allows the positioning
apparatus 2000 to move various items, including for example, the
display 2010 and keyboard tray 2004 relative to the operator.
Accordingly, the positioning apparatus 2000 can allow an operator
to simultaneously adjust the height of multiple pieces of
equipment.
[0073] Mounting the positioning apparatus 2000 on or to an existing
stationary support member (e.g., a work surface) can thus provide a
multi-position workstation for one or multiple operators. In many
cases the apparatus 2000 also includes a base or an attachment
member (not shown) coupled to the riser 2006 for supporting and/or
attaching the riser 2006 to a support member. The positioning
apparatus 2000 can be advantageously adapted to be supported by or
attached to a wide variety of support members. For example, in some
cases the support member is a floor, wall, or an existing work
surface such as a desk, table, tray, counter, or another type of
furniture. As used herein, the term "work surface" is used to refer
to both the outermost top surface of such articles, as well as the
top planar member (e.g., table top or desk top) having a thickness
and one or more edges. In some embodiments the support member may
be part of a cubicle or other office furniture. In general, the
support member has a generally planar, horizontal surface and one
or more edges. The support member provides a platform for mounting
the positioning apparatus 2000, and in some cases may be referred
to as a mounting platform. Examples of support members, bases, and
attachment members are described in more detail with respect to,
e.g., FIGS. 34-35, 37-39, and FIGS. 1-26.
[0074] In some cases the support member is horizontal and
substantially parallel to a floor. In certain embodiments, however,
the positioning apparatus 2000 may be adapted to be attached to a
slightly inclined support member (e.g., an inclined desktop). The
positioning apparatus 2000 provides a range of travel for
simultaneously moving various items, including computer monitors
and keyboards, relative to the support member. Accordingly, the
positioning apparatus 2000 can allow an operator to adjust the
height of equipment relative to the support member and the
operator. Supporting and/or mounting the positioning apparatus 2000
to such a support member can thus convert or transform a normally
single-position (e.g., stationary or fixed-height) workstation into
a multi-position workstation.
[0075] One example of a contemplated use for the positioning
apparatus 2000 includes transforming a traditional, stationary
computer workstation into a multi-position (e.g., multi-height)
computer workstation. In many traditional settings, computer
workstations generally include a monitor and keyboard simply
resting on an existing work surface such as a desk or table. While
the positions of the monitor and the keyboard in such settings may
sometimes be adjusted by small amounts relative to the work
surface, computer operators are generally limited to a single
working position by the height of the existing work surface. For
example, a traditional desk may only accommodate sitting positions.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the positioning
apparatus 2000 can transform such a traditional, fixed height
computer workstation into a multi-position (e.g., multi-height)
computer workstation, allowing an operator to adjust the height of
the workstation to accommodate multiple working positions,
including a sitting position and a standing position.
[0076] The riser 2006 can be dimensioned to provide the positioning
apparatus with a vertical range of travel 2034 of any desired
length, thus allowing the bracket 2030 and the attached equipment
to be moved through a wide range of heights. As will be
appreciated, in cases where the support column 2030 is positioned
at an angle with respect to a vertical orientation, the apparatus
may also provide an amount of horizontal movement as the bracket
2030 moves through the vertical range of travel 2034.
[0077] In a preferred embodiment, the vertical range of travel 2034
extends between a sitting height and a standing height, thus
allowing an operator to use the positioning apparatus from both a
sitting position and a standing position. For example, in certain
cases the vertical range of travel 2034 provides at least about 14
inches of vertical adjustment (e.g., the display/keyboard can be
moved at least about 14 inches). In some cases the vertical range
of travel provides between about 14 inches and about 24 inches of
vertical adjustment. More than 24 inches of vertical adjustment may
also be provided. In some applications, however, the vertical range
of travel may provide less than 14 inches of travel. For example,
in some cases the vertical range of travel may be as small as 5
inches. The riser 2006 may also provide multiple positions at
intermediate heights (e.g., at an infinite number of heights)
between the lowest and highest extents of the range of travel 2034,
thus accommodating other working positions and/or operators of
different heights. In some cases a discrete number of intermediate
positions are provided. In some cases the riser 2006 provides an
infinite number of intermediate positions within the vertical range
of travel 2034.
[0078] Although not shown in FIG. 27, an optional lift mechanism is
provided that movably couples the bracket 2030 and the support
column 2032. The lift mechanism is not a required feature, but when
incorporated it provides an operator with a degree of assistance to
move the riser 2006 through the range of travel 2034. For example,
in some embodiments an energy storage member such as an extension
spring provides a biasing force that aids an operator in adjusting
the height of the bracket 2030.
[0079] In certain cases, the lift mechanism includes a balance
mechanism incorporating an energy storage member that can
counterbalance some or all of the weight of an electronic display
and/or other equipment supported by the bracket 2030. As just one
example, a lift mechanism can incorporate a cam (e.g., a rotary
cam) that is coupled to the energy storage member and the bracket
with one or more tension members (e.g., a line, cable, rope, chain,
etc.).
[0080] One example of a lift/balance mechanism 116 that can be
adapted for use with embodiments of the present invention is
described with respect to FIGS. 14-26. Another example of a
balanced lift mechanism that can be adapted for use with
embodiments of the present invention is described with respect to
FIGS. 14-18 in presently co-owned U.S. Patent Application
Publication US 2006/0185563 A1, filed Sep. 28, 2005, the entire
contents of which is incorporated by reference herein. The lift
mechanism may also be provided according to embodiments described
in one or more of presently co-owned US Patent Application
Publication US 2008/0026892 A1, filed Jul. 26, 2007; US Patent
Application Publication US 2007/0259554 A1, filed May 4, 2007; U.S.
Pat. No. 6,997,422, filed Aug. 20, 2003; U.S. Pat. No. 7,506,853,
filed Nov. 3, 2004; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,994,306, filed Nov. 28,
2000. The entire disclosure of each of the above-mentioned patents
and patent applications is hereby incorporated by reference
herein.
[0081] While a few examples of possible configurations for a
lift/balance mechanism are described herein, it should be
appreciated that a wide variety of lift mechanisms and/or balanced
lift mechanisms can be used and that the scope of the invention is
not limited to a particular lift configuration. For example, in
some cases a lift mechanism includes a telescoping configuration
(e.g., see FIG. 36). In some cases the lift mechanism includes a
rotary cam coupled with an energy storage member such as an
extension spring, a compression spring, a torsion spring, or a
spiral spring. In some cases the lift mechanism includes a constant
force spring and/or a gas spring.
[0082] Returning to FIG. 27, the positioning apparatus 2000
includes the display mount 2002 adapted to support the display
2010. As shown in FIG. 27, the display mount 2002 is coupled to the
riser bracket 2030 with the movement mechanism 2020 and an optional
tilt mechanism 2040. The display mount 2002, the display 2010, the
movement mechanism 2020, and the keyboard tray 2004 thus move along
with the riser bracket 2030 through the vertical range of travel
2034. In general, the display mount 2002 is a structural component
adapted to couple with the display 2010, for attaching the display
2010 to the positioning apparatus. For example, the display mount
2002 may include a bracket designed to mate with a matching recess
or bolt holes in the back of the display. In certain embodiments
the display mount 2002 includes a standard display interface or
connector, such as a VESA connector. Of course other mounting
structure, including brackets, fasteners, and the like are known in
the art and the scope of the invention is not limited in this
regard. In addition, it should be noted that the positioning
apparatus 2000 may be configured to position a single display,
multiple displays (e.g., two or three), and/or multiple displays
and a laptop.
[0083] Continuing with FTG. 27, the keyboard tray 2004 is coupled
to the riser bracket 2030 below the display mount 2002. The
keyboard tray 2004 is a structural component adapted support a
keyboard (not shown), and can thus take many forms. In the
illustrated embodiment, the keyboard tray 2004 is a flat work
surface (e.g., a desk top or table) that extends out from the riser
to position the keyboard in front and below the display 2010. In
some cases the keyboard tray may instead be especially configured
for supporting a keyboard rather than being a multipurpose work
surface. As will be discussed further herein, a keyboard tray is
not required in all embodiments. For example, a positioning
apparatus may simply support an electronic display, such as a
touch-sensitive tablet computer. Returning to FIG. 27, the
combination of the riser bracket 2030, the movement mechanism 2020
and display mount 2002, and the keyboard tray 2004 provide a frame
configured to support the display 2010 and the keyboard in a spaced
relationship, with the keyboard set apart from the display in order
to allow an operator to comfortably use the keyboard on the tray
while viewing the display.
[0084] As shown in FIG. 27, the positioning apparatus 2000 includes
a mounting configuration adapted to support the electronic display
2010 and a keyboard. It should be appreciated that a number of
optional and/or alternative mounts and supports for attaching and
otherwise supporting equipment and other items can be included. For
example, any number of displays such as one, two, three or more
displays can be mounted on a positioning apparatus, with or without
a laptop. Some positioning apparatuses may include a fixed and/or
movable tray, work surface, or platform. Some positioning
apparatuses may include a document holder. Of course a wide variety
of pieces of equipment can be supported by a positioning apparatus,
including without limitation, an electronic display mount, a
keyboard tray, a mouse tray, a document holder, a movable work
surface, and a telephone holder.
[0085] The positioning apparatus 2000 also includes the movement
mechanism 2020, which couples the display mount 2002 to the riser
2006. In this embodiment of the invention, the movement mechanism
2020 includes a curved rail 2050 and a bracket (e.g., integral with
or attached to the optional tilt bracket 2040) that slides over the
curved rail 2050 to adjust the position of the display mount 2002
and display 2010. A fastener or other brake mechanism can be used
to secure the bracket and display mount at a desired position along
the rail 2050. In some cases the curved rail 2050 is attached at
one end to the riser bracket 2030, extends down and away from the
riser 2006, and is attached at the opposite end to the keyboard
tray 2004. Other mounting configurations are possible. The rail
2050 and bracket can be manufactured from any suitable material,
such as metals, metal alloys, plastics, and/or composite
materials.
[0086] The movement mechanism 2020 thus provides a path of travel
that guides movement of the display mount 2002 and display 2010
between the first display position 2022 and the second display
position 2024. The curve of the rail 2050 also tilts the display
mount and the display backward as the display is moved from the
first position to the second position. Accordingly, the movement
mechanism 2020 provides a useful mechanism for adjusting the tilt
and viewing angle of the display 2010 between the first position in
the generally horizontal viewing configuration and the second
position in the generally declining viewing configuration.
[0087] The inventors have found that providing a generally
declining viewing configuration is especially useful for an
operator wearing bifocal lenses (i.e., lenses having two or more
portions with different optical powers). For example, an operator
may need to view the display through a high optical power lens
because his ability to focus on the display is impaired due to the
short distance between the display and the operator's eyes. In a
traditional configuration in which the display 2010 is in a
generally horizontal viewing position (e.g., the first position
2022), the operator may thus find it necessary to crane his head
and neck upward in order to see through the higher power lens,
which is typically in the bottom of bifocal lenses. Moving the
display mount 2002 and the display 2010 into the second position
2024 (sometimes referred to herein as the "bifocal"
position/orientation) locates the display 2010, tilted back and up,
in a forward, lower position closer to the keyboard tray 2004.
Thus, the operator can view the display 2010 through the higher
power lens potion of a bifocal lens while keeping the operator's
head relatively level and neck straight.
[0088] Accordingly, moving the display 2010 into the second
position 2024 with the display tilted back and upward toward the
operator provides a superior ergonomic viewing configuration that
has the potential to relieve neck strain and other discomfort for
operators wearing bifocal lenses. In some cases the optional tilt
mechanism 2040 can provide an additional measure of tilt adjustment
at any given position along the rail 2050. Further, the positioning
apparatus 2000 can maintain the display mount 2002 and the attached
display 2010 close to the keyboard tray 2004 in the second viewing
configuration at different heights of the positioning apparatus,
e.g., for sitting and standing postures. The adjustability of the
movement mechanism 2020 allows the display to also be adjusted to
the first position 2022 in the generally horizontal viewing
orientation which can be useful for operators without bifocal
lenses.
[0089] As illustrated in FIG. 27, the curved rail 2050 and the tilt
bracket can provide a continuous range of tilt adjustment, with an
infinite number of display positions between the first position
2022 and the second position 2024. In another configuration, a
curved bracket only providing a discrete number of positions may
instead be used to selectively mount the display mount 2002 at one
of the first and the second positions. This configuration can
provide a more economical configuration, especially for single-user
workstations in which the display is not often adjusted.
[0090] The location of the second display position relative to the
location of the first display position may vary depending upon the
dimensions of the positioning apparatus and/or the distance of the
display from the operator. In certain cases the movement mechanism
provides the second display position at a greater horizontal
distance from the riser than the first position and at a different
vertical location relative to the keyboard than the first position.
Referring to FIG. 27, the second position 2024 is located generally
forward of and at a lower height than the first position 2022. This
location for the bifocal position usefully places the display in
the lower half of an operator's field of vision without the need to
separately adjust the height of the positioning apparatus, thus
making it easier for the operator to view the display by merely
looking downward through bifocals.
[0091] The second/bifocal position 2024 for the display 2010
generally enables the display 2010 to tilt back from a vertical
orientation to a greater degree than is available in the first
position 2022. In other words, the movement mechanism 2020 and the
display mount 2002 provide the display in the first position with a
maximum backward tilt to provide the generally horizontal viewing
configuration and the display in the second position with a maximum
backward tilt to provide the generally declining viewing
configuration, and the maximum backward tilt in the second position
is greater than the maximum backward tilt in the first
position.
[0092] In some cases the spacing between the display and the riser
2006 and/or the keyboard tray 2004 can obstruct, prevent, or limit
tilting of the display, thus limiting the range of available tilt
angles, though this may not always be the case. Referring to FIG.
27, in the first position 2022 the riser 2006 obstructs movement of
the display such that the display cannot tilt back from a vertical
orientation to the same extent available in the second position. In
some cases in the second position 2024 the display mount 2002
and/or display 2010 are unable to tilt forward to a vertical
orientation because the keyboard tray 2004 and/or keyboard obstruct
forward movement due to the closeness of the display to the
keyboard tray. In some embodiments the first position/configuration
has a maximum backward tilt of less than about 20 degrees back from
a vertical orientation. In certain embodiments the second position
and second configuration have a maximum backward tilt of at least
30 degrees back from a vertical orientation. In some cases the
display mount 2002 and the display 2010 can tilt up to about 45
degrees back from a vertical orientation in the second
position/configuration.
[0093] FIG. 28A is a side schematic view of a positioning apparatus
2100A in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The
positioning apparatus 2100A includes a riser 2106, a display mount
2102, a keyboard tray 2104, and a movement mechanism 2120. The
movement mechanism 2120 includes pivot or tilt mechanisms 2160,
2162 and a folding arm 2164 that couples the display mount 2102 and
an attached display 2110 to a riser bracket 2130 of the riser 2006.
The pivoting arm provides the display mount 2102 with at least a
first position 2122 (shown with the display illustrated in phantom)
relative to the riser in a first, generally horizontal viewing
configuration. The arm also provides the display mount 2102 with at
least a second position 2124 relative to the riser 2106 in a
second, generally declining viewing configuration. As described
above with reference to FIG. 27, the movement mechanism 2120 shown
in FIG. 28A also provides a useful mechanism for adjusting the tilt
and viewing angle of the display 2110 between the generally
horizontal viewing configuration and the generally declining
viewing configuration. Movement of the display 2110 from the first
position 2122 to the second position 2124 enables an operator to
view the display 2110 in a generally declining orientation, which
can be useful for operators wearing bifocal lenses as described
above.
[0094] The pivoting arm 2164 pushes the display mount 2102 from the
first position 2122 forward, away from the riser, and downward to
the second position 2124, in close proximity with the keyboard tray
2104. According to certain embodiments, the pivoting arm 2164 does
not include a counter balance mechanism and relies on a brake or
lock for holding the display mount and display in the first or
second viewing positions 2122, 2124. In certain embodiments, the
range of tilt angles and orientations of the display 2110 available
in each of the first and second positions are similar to those
described above with respect to FIG. 27.
[0095] FIG. 28B is a side schematic view of another version of a
positioning apparatus 2100B in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention. In this embodiment, the positioning apparatus 2100B is
configured to support an electronic display, but does not include a
keyboard tray as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 28A. Accordingly,
for applications in which use of a keyboard is not necessary or not
desirable, the apparatus 2100B in FIG. 28B can be useful for
positioning a display without the cost and space needed to
implement a keyboard tray. In particular, the embodiment in FIG.
28A can be useful for positioning a touch screen computer, such as
a tablet computer. For example, the movement mechanism 2120 shown
in FIG. 28B can be used to adjust the tilt and viewing angle of the
display 2110 between a generally horizontal viewing configuration
and a generally declining viewing configuration as discussed above.
Accordingly a user can view an electronic display such as a tablet
computer from a variety of angles, including a generally declining
orientation, which can be useful for operators wearing bifocal
lenses as described above. Unless otherwise stated, it is
contemplated that each of the positioning apparatuses described
herein as including a keyboard tray can also be implemented without
a keyboard tray as with the apparatus 2100B.
[0096] One example of a contemplated use for the positioning
apparatus 2100B includes transforming a traditional, stationary
computer workstation into a multi-position (e.g., multi-height)
computer workstation. As the use of tablet style computers
increases, the positioning apparatus 2100B can be used to implement
a multi-height workstation (such as a sit-to-stand workstation)
that allows for viewing a tablet computer or another
touch-sensitive screen from multiple angles without the need for a
keyboard tray or other unnecessary structural components.
Accordingly, workstations using an apparatus such as the
positioning apparatus 2100B can be set up in areas with a limited
amount of space. Further, while other types of equipment, such as
multi-segment and multi joint positioning arms, may provide several
degrees of manipulation (e.g., tilt, height adjustment, etc.), the
physical structure of such arms require a large amount of space or
clearance in order to provide the desired adjustments. In contrast,
the inventors have designed an apparatus 2100B that provides a wide
range of viewing angles (such as the generally-horizontal viewing
orientation and the generally-declining viewing orientation
described above) while occupying a small footprint by using the
support column 2132 to provide height adjustment.
[0097] FIGS. 29A-29B are side schematic views of a positioning
apparatus 2200A in accordance with another embodiment of the
invention. The positioning apparatus 2200A includes a riser 2206
having a support column 2232 and a bracket 2230, a display mount
2202, a keyboard tray 2204, and a movement mechanism 2220. FIG. 29C
is a side schematic view of a similar positioning apparatus 2200B
that provides similar functionality but without a keyboard tray.
The movement mechanism 2220 includes a panning mechanism that
couples the display mount 2202 and an attached display 2210 to the
riser bracket 2230. The panning mechanism provides the display
mount 2202 with at least a first position 2222 relative to the
riser (shown in FIG. 29A) and a second position 2224 relative to
the riser 2206 (shown in FIG. 29B). As described above with
reference to FIG. 27, the movement mechanism 2220 shown in FIGS.
29A-29B also provides a useful mechanism for adjusting the tilt and
viewing angle of the display 2210 between a generally horizontal
viewing configuration corresponding to the first position 2222 and
a generally declining viewing configuration corresponding to the
second position 2224. Movement of the display 2210 from the first
position 2222 to the second position 2224 enables an operator to
view the display 2210 in the generally declining configuration,
which can be useful for operators wearing bifocal lenses as
described above.
[0098] The movement mechanism 2220 includes a mount portion 2250
attached to the riser bracket 2230. An arm 2252 is rotatably
coupled to the mount portion 2250 at one end and rotatably coupled
to the display mount 2202 at the other end. In some cases an
optional tilt mechanism 2240 can provide an additional measure of
tilt adjustment at any given position. As an operator moves the
display 2210 between the first and the second positions 2222, 2224,
the arm 2252 rotates with respect to the mount portion 2250 about a
first rotation axis 2254. The display mount 2202 and the display
2210 sweep through a circular path toward the second position 2224,
in close proximity with the keyboard tray 2204. The arm 2252
rotates about 180 degrees between the first position and the second
position. In some cases the display mount 2202 and the display also
rotate with respect to the arm 2252 about a second rotation axis
2256 as the arm is rotated, thus allowing the display to remain in
an upright viewing direction. In some embodiments the range of tilt
angles and orientations of the display 2210 available in each of
the first and second positions are similar to those described above
with respect to FIG. 27.
[0099] The positioning apparatus 2200B in FIG. 29C provides similar
functionality to the apparatus 2200A in FIGS. 29A-29B, but does so
without a keyboard tray, analogous to the apparatus 2100B
illustrated in FIG. 28B.
[0100] FIG. 30 is a side schematic view of a positioning apparatus
2300 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The
positioning apparatus 2300 includes a riser 2306 having a support
column 2332 and a bracket 2330, a display mount 2302, a keyboard
tray 2304, and a movement mechanism 2320. The movement mechanism
2320 includes a mounting bracket 2350 attached to the riser bracket
2330 and an arm 2352 coupled to the display mount 2302. A pivot
mechanism 2354 is attached at the end of the mounting bracket 2350
between the mounting bracket 2350 and the arm 2352, allowing the
arm 2352 and the attached display mount 2302 and display 2310 to
pivot away from the riser 2306. The movement mechanism 2320
provides the display mount 2302 with at least a first position 2322
(shown with the display illustrated in phantom) relative to the
riser in a first viewing configuration and a second position 2324
relative to the riser 2306 in a second viewing configuration.
[0101] As described above with reference to FIG. 27, the movement
mechanism 2320 shown in FIG. 30 also provides a useful mechanism
for adjusting the tilt and viewing angle of the display 2310
between a generally horizontal viewing configuration (i.e., with
the display mount in the first position 2322) and a generally
declining viewing configuration (i.e., with the display mount 2002
in the second position 2324). In this embodiment movement between
the first position 2322 and the second position 2324 swings the
display mount 2302 out and up relative to the riser 2306 to tilt
the supported display 2310 back from a vertical orientation. The
second position 2324 is thus located at a greater horizontal
distance from the riser 2306 than the first position 2322 and also
at higher vertical position relative to the riser than the first
position 2322.
[0102] Although not required, in some cases additional relative
movement between the display mount 2302 and the keyboard tray 2304
can ensure that the keyboard is positioned relatively closely to
the display in the generally declining viewing configuration. For
example, in certain embodiments the apparatus may include a
separate keyboard riser (not shown) that couples the keyboard tray
2304 to the riser 2306. Thus, as the movement mechanism 2320 moves
the display mount 2302 out and up to position the display 2310 in
the second position, the keyboard riser can also be adjusted to
move the keyboard tray 2304 up toward the display mount 2302 to
provide the second viewing configuration. In some embodiments the
keyboard riser may provide about 5 inches of vertical adjustment,
though other amounts are also contemplated.
[0103] In some embodiments the movement mechanism 2320 may
alternatively or additionally include an additional riser (not
shown). For example, a display riser positioned between the display
mount 2302 and the arm 2352 can allow the display mount 2302 and
the display 2310 to be moved closer to the keyboard tray 2304 in
the second, generally declining viewing configuration. In certain
embodiments a display riser (not shown) may alternatively or
additionally be provided between the riser bracket 2330 and the
mounting bracket 2350. Such a separate display riser can allow the
display mount 2302 and the display 2310 (along with the pivot
mechanism 2354) to be moved downward, closer to the keyboard tray
2304 while in the second position 2324 to provide the second
viewing configuration.
[0104] As shown in FIG. 30, in certain cases the mounting bracket
2350 is curved at one end and positions the pivot mechanism 2354
above the display mount 2302 and the display 2310. Such a
configuration allows the display 2310 to be positioned closely
adjacent to the riser 2306 in the first position 2322, while also
allowing the display to tilt back and up into the generally
declining orientation without obstruction from the riser 2306. In
certain cases the pivot mechanism 2354 is preferably
counterbalanced, although this is not required. For example, the
pivot mechanism 2354 may include a counterbalanced spring system
(e.g., a torsion spring mechanism), a gravity tilt mechanism, a
friction tilt mechanism, or a ball and socket mechanism, among
other possibilities. U.S. Pat. No. 6,997,422, filed Aug. 20, 2003;
U.S. Pat. No. 7,252,277, filed Jan. 17, 2004; and US Patent
Application Publication US 2006/0185563 A1, filed Sep. 28, 2005,
provide examples of possible tilt and rotation mechanisms, the
entire disclosure of each of which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
[0105] In certain embodiments a supporting mechanism may support
the display mount 2302 and the attached display 2310 in the second
position 2324 in addition to or instead of a counterbalanced tilt
mechanism. FIG. 31 illustrates one embodiment including a lever
2360 that rotatably couples to the movable arm 2352 and can be used
to support and/or lock the arm 2352 in the second position 2324.
The lever 2360 engages notches 2362 or another similar structure
located on the mounting bracket 2350. In some cases, the attached
display can generate a significant amount of torque on the pivot
mechanism 2354 and the lever 2360 can be useful for reducing wobble
or sagging of the movement mechanism 2320.
[0106] FIG. 32A is a side schematic view of a positioning apparatus
2400A in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The
positioning apparatus 2400A includes a riser 2406 having a support
column 2432 and a bracket 2430, a display mount 2402, a keyboard
tray 2404, and a movement mechanism 2420. The movement mechanism
2420 includes a pivot mechanism 2450 attached to the riser bracket
2430 and an arm 2452 that couples the display mount 2402 to the
riser bracket 2430 through the pivot mechanism 2450, allowing the
arm 2452 and the attached display mount 2402 and an attached
display 2410 to pivot away from the riser 2406. The movement
mechanism 2420 thus provides the display mount 2402 with at least a
first position 2422 (shown with the display illustrated in phantom)
relative to the riser in a first configuration and a second
position 2424 relative to the riser 2406 in a second
configuration.
[0107] As described above with reference to FIG. 27, the movement
mechanism 2420 shown in FIG. 32A also provides a useful mechanism
for adjusting the tilt and viewing angle of the display 2410
between a generally horizontal viewing configuration (with the
display mount in the first position 2422) and a generally declining
viewing configuration (with the display mount in the second
position 2424). In this embodiment the second position 2424 is
located at a greater horizontal distance from the riser 2406 than
the first position 2422 and also at higher vertical position
relative to the riser than the first position 2422. Movement of the
display 2410 from the first position 2422 to the second position
2424 enables an operator to view the display 2410 in the generally
declining viewing configuration.
[0108] In this embodiment, the arm 2452 provides the display mount
2402 and the display 2410 with independent sliding adjustment. For
example, the arm 2452 may be an independent riser and/or lift
mechanism (e.g., providing 5 inches or any other suitable amount of
adjustment) adapted to slide the display 2410 along the length of
the arm 2452. The sliding adjustment is useful for moving the
display mount 2402 down the length of the arm 2452 as the arm is
rotated from the first position 2422 to the second position 2424.
The translation of the display mount along the length of the arm
prevents the top portion of the display 2410 from hitting the riser
2406 as the display is tilted back and up. Thus, the display mount
and display can be positioned closely adjacent to the riser 2406,
providing the positioning apparatus with a smaller profile in the
first configuration. In addition, the independent riser also
provides relative movement between the display mount 2402 and the
keyboard tray 2404 to ensure that the keyboard is positioned
relatively closely to the display in the generally declining
viewing configuration.
[0109] In certain cases the pivot mechanism 2450 is preferably
counterbalanced, although this is not required. For example, the
pivot mechanism 2450 may include any of the counterbalancing
mechanisms described above with respect to FIGS. 30 and 31. In
certain embodiments a supporting mechanism such as the lever 2360
shown in FIG. 31 may support the display mount 2402 and the
attached display 2410 in the second position 2424 in addition to or
instead of a counterbalanced tilt mechanism.
[0110] FIG. 32B is a side schematic view of a positioning apparatus
2400B in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The
apparatus 2400B provides similar functionality to the apparatus
2400A in FIG. 32A, but does so without a keyboard tray, analogous
to the apparatus 2100B illustrated in FIG. 28B.
[0111] FIGS. 33A and 33B are side schematic views of a positioning
apparatus 2500 in accordance with certain embodiments of the
invention. In these embodiments the movement mechanism 2520
comprises a pivoting arm 2550 that moves the display mount 2502 and
the attached display 2510 from a first position in a generally
horizontal viewing configuration to a second position with a
generally declining viewing configuration. Movement of the display
2510 from the first position to the second position enables an
operator to view the display 2510 in a generally declining
orientation, which can be useful for operators wearing bifocal
lenses as described above. In some cases an optional tilt mechanism
2540 can provide an additional measure of tilt adjustment at any
given position.
[0112] In certain embodiments the pivoting arm 2550 is a two-bar
arm or a four-bar arm that tilts the display mount 2502 and the
attached display 2510 as the arm is moved. US Patent Application
Publication US 2007/0259554, filed May 4, 2007, the entire
disclosure of each of which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference, provides examples of possible arms that may be useful in
embodiments of the invention. As the arm 2550 lowers into the
second position, the arm 2550 tilts the display mount and display
back and up, such that the display 2510 continues to be oriented
toward an operator viewing the display. As the arm 2550 raises into
the first position, the arm 2550 tilts the display mount and
display forward and down, such that the display 2510 assumes a more
vertical orientation. In certain embodiments, the range of tilt
angles and orientations of the display 2510 available in each of
the first and second positions are similar to those described above
with respect to FIG. 27. In addition, the arm 2550 can optionally
include a lift mechanism and/or counter balance mechanism to assist
an operator in moving the arm between the first and the second
positions.
[0113] The positioning apparatus 2500 also includes a keyboard tray
coupled to the riser bracket 2530 below the display mount 2502. As
shown in FIG. 33A, the keyboard tray 2504 is a flat work surface
(e.g., a desk top or table) that extends out from the riser to
position a keyboard 2570 in front and below the display 2510.
Turning to FIG. 33B, in some cases the positioning apparatus 2500
(or any of the positioning apparatuses discussed herein) includes a
dedicated keyboard tray 2572. For example, in some cases the
keyboard tray 2572 is a sliding keyboard tray attached under a work
surface 2574. Such adjustability can provide increased comfort for
an operator by positioning the keyboard tray 2572 (and the keyboard
2570 supported on the tray) at an optimum distance from and more
ergonomic relationship to the position of the attached electronic
display 2510. A number of mechanisms can be used to provide
horizontal adjustability, including for example, drawer slides.
Although not shown, it is also contemplated that other types of
keyboard trays can be used and the invention is not limited in this
regard.
[0114] In addition, the keyboard tray 2504 illustrated in FIG. 33A,
the keyboard tray 2572 illustrated in FIG. 33B, or any other useful
keyboard tray may be coupled to the riser bracket 2530 with a tilt
mechanism (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3) that allows an operator to
adjust the tilt of the keyboard tray relative to the display 2510.
In some embodiments the equipment mount also or alternatively
includes a folding mechanism that allows the keyboard tray to be
folded closer to the support column 2532. A folding mechanism can
thus allow an operator to reduce the overall size of the
positioning apparatus by folding the keyboard tray away when not in
use. In some embodiments the tilt mechanism includes a hinge with a
generally horizontal axis. Such a hinge may be provided with a
friction mechanism.
[0115] FIG. 34A is a side schematic view of a positioning apparatus
2600A attached to a support member 2601 in accordance with another
embodiment of the invention. The positioning apparatus 2600
includes a riser 2606 having a riser bracket 2630 and a support
column 2632, a keyboard tray 2604, a display mount 2602, and a
movement mechanism 2620. In this embodiment, the movement mechanism
2620 includes a tilt mechanism that tilts the display mount 2602
and a supported display 2610 down and forward to a first position
2622 in a first generally horizontal viewing configuration and back
and upward to a second position 2624 in a second, generally
declining viewing configuration. The tilt mechanism 2620 is
attached to a top end of the riser support column 2632, thus
allowing the display 2610 to tilt backward without being obstructed
by the support column 2632. For example, in some embodiments the
tilt mechanism 2620 may provide a maximum backward tilt of at least
30 degrees.
[0116] Although not required, in some cases additional relative
movement between the display mount 2602 and the keyboard tray 2604
can ensure that the keyboard is positioned relatively closely to
the display in the generally declining viewing configuration. For
example, in certain embodiments the apparatus 2600A may include a
separate keyboard riser (not shown) coupling the keyboard tray 2604
to the riser 2606. Thus, as the movement mechanism 2620 tilts the
display mount 2602 back and up to position the display 2610 in the
second position 2624, the keyboard riser can also be adjusted to
move the keyboard tray 2604 up toward the display mount 2602 to
provide the second viewing configuration. In some embodiments the
keyboard riser may provide about 5 inches of vertical adjustment,
though other amounts are also contemplated.
[0117] The positioning apparatus 2600A provides a vertical range of
travel 2634 similar to previously described embodiments of the
invention. However, in this embodiment the riser bracket 2630 is
mounted to the support member 2601 and the support column 2632
supports the display 2610 and keyboard 2670 through the vertical
range of travel 2634 relative to the support member 2601. The
positioning apparatus includes an attachment member 2603 that
attaches the riser bracket 2630 to the support member 2601. In some
cases the attachment member 2603 may removably fasten the bracket
to the support member (e.g., a clamp), while in other embodiments,
a more permanent or fixed fastener is used (e.g., bolts, screws,
adhesive, etc.).
[0118] While several embodiments of the invention are described
herein as including a riser that is attached to and/or supported by
a support member by a riser bracket or a support column, it is
contemplated that any particular embodiment can take either
configuration. Thus, the positioning apparatuses described with
respect to FIGS. 27-33B could alternatively have a configuration
similar to that shown in FIG. 34A in which the movement mechanism,
display mount, and keyboard tray are coupled to the support column,
which moves relative to the bracket to provide height adjustment
relative to a support member.
[0119] FIG. 34B is a side schematic view of a positioning apparatus
2600B in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The
apparatus 2600B provides similar functionality to the apparatus
2600A in FIG. 34A, but does so without the need for a keyboard
tray, analogous to the apparatus 2100B illustrated in FIG. 28B.
[0120] FIG. 35A is a side schematic view of a positioning apparatus
2700A in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The
positioning apparatus 2700A is similar in many respects to the
positioning apparatus 2600A shown in FIG. 34A. The apparatus 2700A
includes a riser 2706 with a riser bracket 2730 attached to a
support member 2701, and a support column 2732 supporting a display
2710 and a keyboard tray 2704/keyboard 2770. At a top end of the
support column 2732, a movement mechanism 2720 including a pivoting
display riser couples the display mount 2702 and display 2710 to
the support column 2732. The movement mechanism includes an inline
tilt mechanism 2750 and an independent riser 2752 that can be used
to tilt the display from a first position in which the display
mount 2702 and the display are in a generally horizontal viewing
configuration, to a second position in which the display mount 2702
and the display 2710 are in a generally declining viewing
configuration 2724 shown in FIG. 35A. As the display mount 2702 is
tilted back and up, the display 2710 can be moved down toward the
support column by the lift mechanism 2752 to decrease the vertical
distance between the display and the keyboard 2770.
[0121] FIG. 35B is a side schematic view of a positioning apparatus
2700B in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The
apparatus 2700B provides similar functionality to the apparatus
2700A in FIG. 35A, but does so without the need for a keyboard
tray, analogous to the apparatus 2100B illustrated in FIG. 28B.
[0122] FIG. 36 is a side schematic view of a positioning apparatus
2800 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The
positioning apparatus 2800 is similar to the positioning apparatus
2000 described with respect to FIG. 27. In addition, the
positioning apparatus 2800 includes a telescoping riser 2806 that
is configured to provide the display 2810 and a keyboard tray 2804
with vertical adjustability relative to a support member and
operator.
[0123] The telescoping riser 2806 generally includes a first member
that is slidingly received within a second member. As illustrated,
the telescoping riser 2806 includes a support column 2832 and a
bracket 2830 configured to receive the support column 2832 in a
sliding engagement. The telescoping riser 2806 can be attached to
or rested upon a support member via an attachment member (e.g., see
FIGS. 34-35) or a base (e.g., see FIG. 37). The support column 2832
and the bracket 2830 are movably coupled through a generally
vertical range of travel 2834 relative to the support member and
operator. In addition, although FIG. 36 illustrates the
incorporation of a movement mechanism having a curved rail similar
to FIG. 27, a similar telescoping configuration can be applied to
each of the embodiments described herein.
[0124] In some cases rollers, slides, and optionally a lift
mechanism (e.g., any of those discussed herein) are provided to
movably couple the support column 2832 and the bracket 2830. In
this embodiment the bracket 2830 is configured to support the
display and keyboard tray. In some embodiments the orientation of
the riser 2806 may be rotated 180 degrees with the bracket 2830
supported by to the support member and the support column 2632
moving relative to the support member.
[0125] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a positioning apparatus
2900 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The
positioning apparatus 2900 includes a movement mechanism (not
shown), such as any one of those described above, for moving two
displays 2910 from a first generally horizontal viewing
configuration to a second generally declining viewing configuration
shown in FIG. 37. In the depicted embodiment, the two displays 2910
are attached to a bow or crossbar (also not shown), which is in
turn coupled to the riser with a movement mechanism for tilting the
bow and thus the displays 2910. A base 2915 is attached to the
riser and supports the apparatus upon a support member 2901. FIG.
38 illustrates a similar embodiment 3000, which instead of a base
includes an attachment member 2917 for removably or fixedly
attaching/clamping the apparatus about an edge of the support
member 2901.
[0126] FIGS. 39A-39F are side schematic views of positioning
apparatuses in accordance with additional embodiments of the
invention. As discussed above, in some cases a riser configuration
similar to that shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 can be adapted and used
with any contemplated movement mechanism useful for moving and
tilting a display as contemplated herein. FIGS. 39A-39F illustrate
the use of a support column that moves through a vertical range of
travel relative to a riser bracket and support member to support
different examples of movement mechanisms.
[0127] Embodiments of the invention also provide methods for
positioning an electronic display and/or keyboard. According to one
embodiment a method for positioning an electronic display is
provided. The method includes supporting an electronic display with
a positioning apparatus, such as any of the positioning apparatus
described above. Supporting the electronic display includes
supporting the electronic display with a display mount from such an
apparatus. The method also includes simultaneously moving the
electronic display and the movement mechanism between a sitting
position and a standing position relative to the support member and
adjusting the display mount between the first configuration and the
second configuration.
[0128] According to another embodiment, a method for positioning an
electronic display and a keyboard includes providing a positioning
apparatus with a riser having a bracket and a support column
movably coupled together, a display mount coupled to the riser, a
keyboard tray coupled to the riser, and a movement mechanism
coupled between the riser and the display mount. The method also
includes supporting the positioning apparatus with the riser in a
generally vertical orientation, supporting the electronic display
with the display mount, and supporting the keyboard with the
keyboard tray. Further steps in the method include moving one of
the support column and the bracket to simultaneously adjust the
height of the display mount, display, keyboard tray, keyboard, and
movement mechanism between a sitting position and a standing
position, and at each of the sitting position and the standing
position, configuring the display mount and the keyboard tray in a
first configuration providing a generally horizontal viewing
configuration and a second configuration providing a generally
declining viewing configuration. In certain embodiments the
vertical distance between the display mount and the keyboard tray
is less in the second configuration than in the first
configuration. In addition, the movement mechanism provides the
display mount with a first position relative to the riser in the
first configuration and a second position relative to the riser in
the second configuration. In the second position the display mount
and the display can tilt back from a vertical orientation to a
greater degree than in the first position.
[0129] Another embodiment of the invention includes a method for
positioning an electronic display and a keyboard. The method
includes providing a positioning apparatus, such as one of those
described herein. Additional steps include supporting the
electronic display with the display mount and supporting the
keyboard with the keyboard tray. The method also includes
simultaneously moving the electronic display, the keyboard, and the
movement mechanism between a sitting position and a standing
position relative to the support member. The method also includes
adjusting the display mount and the keyboard tray between a first
configuration and a second configuration. In the first
configuration the display mount and the display are positioned in a
generally horizontal viewing orientation. In the second
configuration the display mount and the display are positioned in a
generally declining viewing configuration. In some cases the first
configuration allows the electronic display to tilt back from a
vertical orientation to a lesser degree than the second
configuration.
[0130] An example of a positioning apparatus incorporating a
lift/balance mechanism, an attachment member, and several other
features will now be discussed with respect to FIGS. 1A-13B.
[0131] FIG. 1A is a side view of one example of a positioning
apparatus 1000. FIG. 1B is a side cross-section of the positioning
apparatus 1000. The positioning apparatus 1000 includes a base 1002
and a support column 1004 extending upward from the base 1002. A
mounting portion 1006 is movably coupled to the support column 1004
through a generally vertical range of travel 1008, allowing the
mounting portion 1006 to move up and down relative to the base 1002
and the support column 1004. For example, in some cases a lift
mechanism 1009 is provided that movably couples the mounting
portion 1006 and the support column 1004. The mounting portion or
frame 1006 is adapted to support multiple pieces of equipment and
in some cases is referred to as a common mounting frame. The
mounting portion 1006 is adapted to support equipment such as an
electronic display and a keyboard and move them through the
vertical range of travel 1008. In the example shown in FIGS. 1A and
1B, the mounting portion 1006 includes an electronic display mount
1010 adapted to couple to and support an electronic display. In
addition, the mounting portion 1006 includes a keyboard tray 1012
for supporting a keyboard.
[0132] The positioning apparatus 1000 is advantageously adapted to
sit on a wide variety of existing work surfaces such as the top
surfaces of desks, tables, trays, counters, and the like. One
example of a contemplated use includes transforming a traditional,
stationary computer workstation into a multi-position (e.g.,
multi-height) computer workstation.
[0133] The base 1002 of the positioning apparatus 1000 is adapted
to sit on a horizontal or generally horizontal work surface. In
some cases the base 1002 may also be adapted to sit on a somewhat
angled or inclined work surface. In the illustrated example, the
base 1002 includes a clamp 1020 for removably attaching the
positioning apparatus 1000 about an edge of a work surface. The
base may also or instead be fixedly attached to the work surface
with a more permanent type of fastener such as an adhesive and/or a
screw/bolt and mounting hole. It is also contemplated that the base
and positioning apparatus may in some cases be adapted to simply
sit/rest upon the work surface without being attached to the work
surface.
[0134] The mounting portion 1006 illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B
includes a frame to which the electronic display mount 1010 and the
keyboard tray 1012 are attached. The frame may be formed in a
variety of shapes. According to a preferred embodiment, the frame
is configured to support the display mount 1010 and the keyboard
tray 1012 in a spaced relationship, with the keyboard tray 1012 set
apart from the display mount 1010 in order to allow an operator to
comfortably use a keyboard on the tray while viewing a display
mounted to the mount. For example, the keyboard tray 1012 may be
attached to the frame at a generally lower and more forward
position (closer to the operator) than the display mount 1010.
[0135] The display mount 1010 is attached to the mounting portion
1006 in an adjustable manner. The mounting portion 1006 includes a
secondary lift mechanism 1022 to which the display mount is
attached. The secondary lift mechanism 1022 provides an adjustable
range of travel that allows the display mount 1010 (and an attached
electronic display) to be moved vertically relative to the keyboard
tray 1012, which can be useful for providing monitor/keyboard
arrangements for differently sized operators. The display mount
1010 attachment may also include a tilt and/or rotation mechanism
that allows an attached display to be tilted and/or rotated in a
variety of directions.
[0136] The base 1002 of the positioning apparatus 1000 can
encompass any structure that adequately supports the support column
1004 and the mounting portion 1006 upon a work surface. According
to some embodiments, the base 1002 includes one or more stabilizing
portions or legs 1030. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the base 1002
includes a first end and a second end with an elongated section
1032 extending between the first and the second ends. The portions
of the elongated section 1032 are formed with a low profile, thus
minimizing any obstruction caused by the base and maximizing the
range of travel of the mounting portion 1006. For example, in some
cases a front portion of the base 1002 in front of the support
column 1004 has a thickness of about 1 inch or less. In addition,
the base 1002 can also include a housing portion 1034 that houses
some or all of the apparatus' lift mechanism 1009.
[0137] In some cases the elongated section 1032 of the base is
generally parallel to a plane defined by movement of the mounting
portion 1006 through the vertical range of travel (e.g., the plane
of cross-section in FIG. 1B). In such cases the base may be adapted
to be attached (e.g., removably coupled) to the work surface at the
first and/or second ends of the base in front of and/or behind the
support column, respectively, from the perspective of an operator.
Such a configuration can advantageously reduce the footprint of the
base 1002 upon the work surface, thus leaving more room for other
activities as well as reducing the visual impact of the positioning
apparatus. In some cases the base 1002 includes a clamp 1020 at the
first end of the base that allows the base 1002 to be attached
about a front edge of the work surface. Although not shown, a clamp
may be provided at the second (e.g., back) end of the base 1002,
allowing the base to be attached about a back edge of a work
surface. In addition, the base may in some cases be configured to
attach to one or more sides of a work surface through, for example,
clamps located at the side of the base. In addition, the elongated
section 1032 of the base may be oriented in a direction
perpendicular or otherwise angled to the plane including vertical
movement of the mounting portion.
[0138] The support column 1004 includes a separate component that
is attached to the base 1002 using, e.g., mounting brackets or
other hardware. The support column 1004 can be formed integrally
with the base 1002. The support column and the base 1002 are
attached/formed together at an angle other than 90 degrees (in some
cases 90 degrees or less). For example, as shown in FIGS. 1A and
1B, the support column 1004 extends upward from the base 1002 at an
obtuse angle 1040 with respect to the base 1002 (and a work surface
positioned below the base). The obtuse angle 1040 is useful for
positioning the center of gravity of the display and/or other
equipment carried by the positioning apparatus at a desired
position with respect to the base 1002 to enhance stability. A
range of angles may be used depending upon the design and intended
use for a particular embodiment. In some cases the obtuse angle
1040 is equal to or less than about 120 degrees. In some cases, the
obtuse angle 1040 is equal to or less than about 100 degrees.
[0139] The support column 1004 can be dimensioned to provide the
positioning apparatus with a vertical range of travel 1008 of any
desired length, thus allowing the mounting portion 1006 to be moved
through a wide range of heights. As will be appreciated, in cases
where the support column 1004 is positioned at an angle with
respect to the base, the apparatus may also provide an amount of
horizontal movement as the mounting portion moves through the
vertical range of travel 1008. In one example, the vertical range
of travel extends between a sitting height and a standing height,
thus allowing an operator to use the workstation from both a
sitting position and a standing position. For example, in certain
embodiments the vertical range of travel is at least about 14
inches. In some cases the vertical range of travel is between about
14 inches and about 24 inches. The lift mechanism 1009 in the
positioning apparatus may also provide multiple positions at
intermediate heights between the lowest and highest extents of the
range of travel 1008, thus accommodating other working positions
and/or operators of different heights. In some cases a discrete
number of intermediate positions are provided. In some cases the
lift mechanism 1009 provides an infinite number of intermediate
positions within the vertical range of travel 1008.
[0140] Turning to FIGS. 2A-2C, perspective views are shown of
positioning apparatuses with various mounting options. Although
some preferred embodiments of the invention are configured to
support an electronic display and a keyboard, some positioning
apparatuses can be configured with a number of optional and/or
alternative mounts and supports for attaching and otherwise
supporting other items. For example, in some cases the mounting
portion of a positioning apparatus can include at least one of an
electronic display mount, a keyboard tray, a mouse tray, a document
holder, a movable work surface, and a telephone holder. In some
cases a positioning apparatus includes multiple display mounts for
supporting two or more electronic displays such as computer
monitors. A positioning apparatus may also optionally include a
notebook tray and/or a notebook docking station instead of or in
addition to other mounts and supports.
[0141] FIG. 2A illustrates an example of a positioning apparatus
1100 that includes a mounting portion 1106 that has a single
display mount 1110 and a keyboard tray 1112. The mounting portion
1106 also supports a mouse tray 1120 that is attached to the
keyboard tray 1112. As shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, a crossbar can
also be attached to a mounting portion for attaching two or more
items. FIG. 2B illustrates an example of a positioning apparatus
1150 that includes a mounting portion 1106 that has dual display
mounts 1110 mounted to a crossbar 1152. The apparatus 1150 also
includes a keyboard tray 1112 and a mouse tray 1120. FIG. 2C
illustrates an example of a positioning apparatus 1176 that
includes a mounting portion 1106 that has a single display mount
1110 and a notebook tray 1180 mounted to a crossbar 1178. The
apparatus 1150 also includes a keyboard tray 1112 and a mouse tray
1120. As shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, items can be mounted to a
crossbar through various configurations, including a center mount
(FIG. 2B) and/or a mount above the crossbar (FIG. 2C).
[0142] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the side cross-sectional view
of FIG. 1B, showing details of the keyboard tray 1012. The mounting
portion 1006 includes an extension arm 1200 extending downward to
couple with the keyboard tray 1012. The positioning apparatus thus
enables positioning of the keyboard tray 1012 below the level of
the existing work surface when the mounting portion is positioned
at a lower height. (See, e.g., FIGS. 12A and 13A.) Such
adjustability can provide increased comfort for an operator by
positioning the keyboard tray 1012 (and the keyboard supported on
the tray) in a more ergonomic relationship to the position of an
attached electronic display. The mounting portion extends from
above the horizontal work surface to below the horizontal work
surface when the tray is in a downward position. This can also
obscure the base from view.
[0143] The keyboard tray 1012 is attached to the mounting portion
1006 with a tilt mechanism 1202 that allows an operator to adjust
the tilt of the keyboard tray 1012 relative to the base and the
work surface. For example, in some cases the tilt mechanism 1202
allows the keyboard to be oriented at an angle ranging from about
-15 degrees to about +15 degrees with respect to the work surface.
The mounting portion 1006 also or alternatively includes a folding
mechanism that allows the keyboard tray 1012 to be folded closer to
the base 1002. The folding mechanism can thus allow an operator to
reduce the overall size of the positioning apparatus by folding the
keyboard tray away when not in use. In some embodiments the tilt
mechanism includes a hinge with a generally horizontal axis. Such a
hinge may be provided with a friction mechanism.
[0144] The lift mechanism 1009 that movably couples the mounting
portion 1006 to the support column 1004 includes one or more rails
1210 attached to the support column 1004 and a truck 1212 (e.g.,
movable bracket) having wheels or sliders that engage the rails.
FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 show enlarged cross-sectional views of the lift
mechanism 1009. In some cases the lift mechanism 1009 is located
partially within the support column 1004 and partially within the
base 1002 (e.g., within the housing portion 1034). The lift
mechanism 1009 may also be located wholly within the support column
1004, attached to an external surface of the support column 1004,
or otherwise mounted in a useful manner.
[0145] The lift mechanism 1009 can also provide an operator with a
degree of assistance to move the mounting portion 1006 through the
range of travel 1008. For example, in some embodiments an energy
storage member 1214 such as an extension spring provides a biasing
force that aids an operator in adjusting the height of the mounting
portion 1006. In some cases an extension spring member is
adjustably mounted within the support column 1004 using a retainer
plug 1230 and a weight adjustment screw 1232 which can be turned to
tighten and loosen the spring. The lift mechanism 1009 may provide
a discrete number of height positions along the vertical range of
travel, or in some cases may provide an infinite number of height
positions along a continuous vertical range of adjustability.
[0146] In this case the lift mechanism 1009 includes a balance
mechanism 1220 incorporating the energy storage member 1214 that
can counterbalance some or all of the weight of an electronic
display and/or other equipment supported by the mounting portion
1006. As just one example, the lift mechanism 1009 can incorporate
a cam (e.g., a rotary cam) 1222 that is coupled to the energy
storage member 1214 and the truck 1212 with one or more tension
members (e.g., a line, cable, rope, chain, etc., not shown). One
example of such a balance mechanism is described in presently
co-owned US Patent Application Publication US 2006/0185563 A1,
which application was filed Sep. 28, 2005, the entire contents of
which is incorporated by reference herein. The lift mechanism 1009
includes a balance mechanism having a dual cam as described below
with reference to FIGS. 14-26.
[0147] While a few examples of possible configurations for a lift
mechanism are described herein, it should be appreciated that a
wide variety of lift mechanisms can be used to movably couple the
mounting portion 1006 with the support column 1004 to provide the
vertical range of travel 1008 and that the scope of the invention
is not limited to a particular lift configuration. For example, in
some cases a lift mechanism has a telescoping configuration. In
some cases the lift mechanism includes a rotary cam coupled with an
energy storage member such as an extension spring, a compression
spring, a torsion spring, or a spiral spring. In some cases the
lift mechanism includes a constant force spring and/or a gas
spring. The lift mechanism may also be provided as described in one
or more of presently co-owned US Patent Application Publication US
2008/0026892 A1, filed Jul. 26, 2007; US Patent Application
Publication US 2007/0259554 A1, filed May 4, 2007; U.S. Pat. No.
6,997,422, filed Aug. 20, 2003; U.S. Pat. No. 7,506,853, filed Nov.
3, 2004; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,994,306, filed Nov. 28, 2000. The
entire disclosure of each of the above-mentioned patents and patent
applications is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
[0148] FIG. 6 includes an enlarged cross-sectional view of the
secondary lift mechanism 1022 first shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The
secondary lift mechanism 1022 provides an adjustable range of
travel 1300 that allows the display mount 1010 (and an attached
electronic display) to be moved vertically relative to the keyboard
tray (not shown). For example, the lift mechanism 1022 may in some
cases provide from about 3 inches to about 8 inches of additional
vertical adjustability. The lift mechanism 1022 can comprise any
suitable design, including any of the examples described
immediately above with respect to the lift mechanism 1009. For
example, the secondary lift mechanism 1022 may include a balance
mechanism that can counterbalance some or all of the weight of the
attached display through the range of travel. In some cases the
secondary lift mechanism 1022 includes a truck 1301 movably coupled
with one or more rails providing a second range of vertical travel
for the electronic display relative to the keyboard tray. An energy
storage member 1302 such as an extension spring can provide a
biasing force that aids an operator in adjusting the height of the
display mount 1010. In some cases the tension of the energy storage
member 1302 can be adjusted with the use of a weight adjustment
screw or bolt 1304. In addition, the secondary lift mechanism 1022
can coupled with the mounting portion 1006 in any suitable manner,
such as being attached to an external surface of a frame of the
mounting portion, or located within or partially within a columnar
portion of the mounting portion 1006.
[0149] The display mount 1010 is attached to the mounting portion
1006 in one or more other adjustable manners. The display mount
1010 attachment includes a tilt mechanism 1310 and rotation
mechanism 1312 that allows an attached display to be tilted and/or
rotated in a variety of directions with respect to the positioning
apparatus. The tilt mechanism may include a counterbalanced spring
system (e.g., a torsion spring mechanism), a gravity tilt
mechanism, a friction tilt mechanism, or a ball and socket
mechanism, among other possibilities. U.S. Pat. No. 6,997,422,
filed Aug. 20, 2003; U.S. Pat. No. 7,252,277, filed Jan. 17, 2004;
and US Patent Application Publication US 2006/0185563 A1, filed
Sep. 28, 2005, provide examples of possible tilt and rotation
mechanisms, the entire disclosure of each of which is hereby
incorporated herein by reference.
[0150] As discussed with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the base
1002 of the positioning apparatus 1000 can be removably coupled to
an existing work surface with the use of a clamp 1020. Many types
of clamps can be used to removably couple the positioning apparatus
to a work surface. FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a screw clamp
1400 that provides a clamping mechanism having several advantages
over traditional clamps, including providing a low profile clamp
while still accommodating work surfaces a wide range of thicknesses
with the same clamp. FIGS. 7B, 7C, 7D, and 7E are top, front,
bottom, and side views of the screw clamp 1400, respectively. The
screw clamp 1400 includes two clamping elements 1402, 1404 (e.g.,
U-shaped bend wires) that include upper portions 1412, 1414 and
lower portions 1422, 1424 that fit about the edge of a work surface
1430 and can be adjusted to clamp to the work surface 1430 by
pressing together the bottom and top surfaces of the work surface
1430. The lower portions 1422, 1424 of the clamping elements are
coupled together in a spaced relationship (e.g., with a bracket
1432) such that the upper portions 1412, 1414 are able to pivot
around the fixed lower portions to clamp about the edge of the work
surface 1430.
[0151] An adjustable screw 1440 is threadedly coupled to the upper
portions of the first and the second clamping elements. Turning the
screw 1440 loosens and tightens the clamp 1400 by pulling and
pushing the upper portions of the clamping elements together and
apart. A threaded insert 1442 is rotatably coupled to the upper
portion of each clamping element through a slip fit hole 1444. The
insert 1442 includes a threaded hole 1446, oriented perpendicular
to the slip fit hole, that receives an end of the screw 1440. In
some cases an adjustment nut 1450 is attached (e.g., welded or
machined) to the screw 1440 to facilitate rotation of the screw
1440. Turning the nut 1450 and the screw 1440 in a first direction
moves the upper portions 1412, 1414 of the clamping elements apart
to decrease the space between the upper and lower portions of the
clamping elements 1402, 1404 and thus tighten the clamp 1400 about
the edge of the work surface 1430. Turning the nut 1450 and the
screw 1440 in an opposite, second direction moves the upper
portions 1412, 1414 of the clamping elements together to increase
the space between the upper and lower portions of the clamping
elements 1402, 1404 and thus loosen the clamp 1400 about the edge
of the work surface 1430. Fixed bracket 1432 can be placed on top
of a work surface and the bracket is formed as part of the base
1032.
[0152] FIGS. 8A-8E are various views of another type of screw clamp
1500 that can be useful for removably coupling a positioning
apparatus about the edge of a work surface. The screw clamp 1500
includes two clamping elements 1502, 1504 (e.g., U-shaped bend
wires) that include upper portions 1512, 1514 and lower portions
1522, 1524 that fit about the edge of a work surface 1530 and can
be adjusted to clamp to the work surface 1530. The upper portions
1512, 1514 of the clamping elements are coupled together in a
spaced relationship (e.g., with a bracket 1532) such that the lower
portions 1522, 1524 are able to pivot around the fixed upper
portions to clamp about the edge of the work surface 1530.
[0153] An adjustable screw 1540 is threadedly coupled to the lower
portions of the first and the second clamping elements. Turning the
screw 1540 loosens and tightens the clamp 1500 by pulling and
pushing the lower portions of the clamping elements together and
apart. A threaded insert 1542 is rotatably coupled to the lower
portion of each clamping element. The insert 1542 includes a
threaded hole 1546, oriented perpendicular to the lower portion,
that receives an end of the screw 1540. In some cases an adjustment
nut 1550 is attached (e.g., welded or machined) to the screw 1540
to facilitate rotation of the screw 1540. In addition, in some
cases an extrusion 1560 is slidingly mounted to the threaded
inserts 1542 and provides a flat surface above the adjustable screw
for engaging the bottom of the work surface. For example, each
threaded insert 1542 may have a "T" shaped extension 1562 that fits
within a slot 1564 of the extrusion 1560. Turning the nut 1450 and
the screw 1540 in a first direction moves the lower portions 1522,
1524 of the clamping elements apart to decrease the space between
the upper and lower portions of the clamping elements 1502, 1504
and thus tighten the extrusion 1560 against the bottom of the work
surface 1530. Turning the nut 1550 and the screw 1540 in an
opposite, second direction moves the lower portions 1522, 1524 of
the clamping elements together to increase the space between the
upper and lower portions of the clamping elements 1502, 1504 and
thus loosen the clamp 1500 about the edge of the work surface 1530.
In some cases bracket 1532 can be formed as an integral part of the
base 1032.
[0154] In addition to providing a relatively low profile above the
work surface 1530, the screw clamp 1500 shown in FIGS. 8A-8E also
occupies a minimum area at the side of the work surface 1530 since
the adjustable screw 1540 and the extrusion 1560 are positioned
below the work surface 1530.
[0155] FIGS. 9-11 are various views of a C-clamp 1600 that can
removably couple a positioning apparatus about the edge of a work
surface according to some embodiments of the invention. The C-clamp
1600 includes an upper bracket 1602 coupled to a lower bracket
1604. In certain embodiments the upper and lower brackets each have
two legs formed at a right angle, which allows the brackets to
clamp about the edge of a work surface 1630 by pressing on the top
surface 1632 and the bottom surfaces 1634 of the work surface 1630.
In addition, the lower bracket 1604 (or alternatively the upper
bracket) may include mounting slots 1610 that provide an adjustable
sliding engagement with the upper bracket such that the clamp 1600
can be adjusted to attach to work surfaces of different
thicknesses. For example, screws/bolts 1612 can be inserted into
the slots and paired with nuts to tighten together the upper and
lower brackets. In some embodiments, upper leg 1602 can be formed
as part of the base 1032. In such embodiments, the base extends
forward and bends downward at the edge of the work surface to form
the upper leg 1602.
[0156] In certain embodiments, the lower bracket 1604 can be
coupled with the upper bracket 1602 in more than one configuration
in order to accommodate work surfaces with a greater range of
thicknesses. Referring to FIG. 9, in some embodiments the lower
bracket 1604 includes a first leg 1620 and a second leg 1622, and
the length of the first leg 1620 is longer than the length of the
second leg 1622. Turning to FIG. 10A, the short/second leg 1622 can
be coupled with the upper bracket in some cases to clamp about work
surfaces having a relatively small thickness. In certain cases the
long/first leg 1620 can be coupled with the upper bracket as shown
in FIG. 10B in order to clamp about work surfaces having a greater
thickness. Accordingly, the C-clamp 1600 can be adjusted to attach
a positioning apparatus to a wide variety of pre-existing work
surfaces.
[0157] Turning to FIG. 11, in some embodiments an adjustable
pressure mechanism 1650 can further enhance the operation of the
C-clamp 1600 by providing a tighter clamp about an edge of the work
surface 1630. For example, in some cases each of the first and the
second legs of the lower bracket 1604 is adapted to threadedly
receive a threaded rod 1660 of a screw knob 1662. The screw knob
also includes a washer 1664 or other engaging member that presses
into the bottom surface 1634 of the work surface 1630 as the screw
knob 1662 is turned. According to this embodiment, it is possible
to use the same C-clamp 1600 on a wide range of work surface
thicknesses without using a screw knob having an extremely long
threaded rod. Instead a screw knob having a shorter threaded rod
can be used with additional adjustability provided by the various
configurations of the upper and lower brackets 1602, 1604 and the
adjustable coupling between the brackets. Accordingly, some
embodiments provide a small profile clamp 1600 in which the screw
knob 1662 sticks out a smaller amount when the clamp is mounted on
a thinner desk surface.
[0158] FIGS. 12A-13B illustrate various views of an exemplary
positioning apparatus 300 according to one embodiment of the
invention. FIGS. 12A and 12B show the positioning apparatus 300
from in a lowered position and a raised position, respectively,
from a front perspective. According to some embodiments of the
invention, the positioning apparatus 300 is useful in applications
in which a single operator may wish to both sit and stand while
using the same monitor and/or notebook. For convenience, the
positioning apparatus 300 can be described for such uses as a
"sit-stand" positioning apparatus. Such sit-stand apparatuses can
be useful in situations in which operators desire to perform
operations in various postures, which may be required or desired to
be performed at the same workstation. For example, one may desire
to perform some operations in a seated position and other
operations in a standing position. Applicants believe embodiments
of the invention provide the first sit-stand positioning apparatus
of its type to be compatible with an existing, independent work
surface (e.g., a desk top, table top, counter top, etc.) to form a
sit-stand workstation. The positioning apparatus allows an operator
to use the workstation at multiple heights if desired without the
need for separate work surfaces at multiple heights. Accordingly,
an operator does not need to move to a different workstation, but
can adjust the height of the sit-stand workstation and continue
using the existing work station at the new height. Further,
embodiments of the invention allow for relatively large ranges of
travel while occupying a smaller footprint on a work surface where
space is valuable, as will be discussed further herein.
[0159] FIGS. 13A and 13B are rear perspective views of the
positioning apparatus 300 in a lowered position and a raised
position, respectively. The positioning apparatus 300 supports an
electronic display in the form of a computer monitor 302, in
addition to a notebook computer 304 in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention. The positioning apparatus 300 includes
a base 310 and a generally vertical support column 312 connected to
the base 310. A movable mounting portion 350 is movably coupled to
the support column 312 and attaches the monitor 302 and notebook
304 to the apparatus. In some cases the mounting portion 350 may
also movably couple a keyboard tray 355 to the support column
312.
[0160] Referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B, the apparatus 300 can
include a crossbar 360 attached to the mounting portion 350 for
mounting various equipment. For example, in some cases a monitor
mount 362 (e.g., a standard VESA connector), notebook tray 364,
and/or other pieces of equipment are attached to the crossbar 360,
allowing the mounting portion 350 to support and move the monitor,
notebook, and/or other equipment. It should be appreciated,
however, that a wide variety of equipment can be moved by the
mounting portion 350. For example, the mounting portion 350 could
be adapted to support and move a combination of one or more
monitors and/or notebooks or other equipment. In some cases, the
mounting portion 350 is adapted to support and move a combination
of monitors and notebooks (e.g., two monitors and a notebook, three
monitors and a notebook). In some cases, the mounting portion 350
is adapted to support and move multiple monitors, such as sets of
two, three, or four or more monitors. (See FIGS. 2A-2C for some
examples of mounting options.)
[0161] As shown in FIGS. 12A, 12B, 13A, and 13B, the positioning
apparatus 300 can provide a wide range of travel for the attached
monitor and notebook. The height of the equipment (and mounting
portion 350) can be set to any one of an infinite number of heights
within the range of travel. FIGS. 12A and 13A illustrate
positioning apparatus 300 in a low position (e.g., for sitting),
while FIGS. 12B and 13B illustrate positioning apparatus 300 in a
high position (e.g., for standing). To provide such adjustability
for the monitor 302 and the notebook 304, the positioning apparatus
300 may in some cases include a lift mechanism similar in respects
to the lift mechanism 116 described in FIGS. 14-16 herein after.
FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate lift mechanism 116 incorporated into
positioning apparatus 300. As can be seen, the wheel pulley 120, as
well as first and second cams 124, 126, and pulley system 130 (not
shown) are positioned within the base 310. The energy storage
member 144, in this case an extension spring, is positioned within
the support column 312 and coupled between the support column 312
and the remaining portion of the lift mechanism.
[0162] The mounting portion 350 can itself provide some degree of
adjustability between attached components. For example, as shown in
FIGS. 12A, 12B, 13A, and 13B, in some cases a second lift mechanism
is incorporated within or attached to the mounting portion 350 as
described above with respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B. This can
advantageously allow, for example, the crossbar 360 and monitor 302
and the notebook 304 to be height adjusted with respect to the
keyboard tray 355 to accommodate different operators.
[0163] In the example shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the support
column 312 is connected to the base 310 at an angle, which is
useful for positioning the center of gravity of the monitor 302 and
notebook 304 at a desired location with respect to the base 310 to
enhance stability. In some cases, the positioning apparatus 300 is
advantageously adapted to be used with an existing horizontal work
surface 316, such as a desk or table. For example, base 310 may
include multiple stabilizing legs 370 that hold the apparatus 300
upright on the work surface 316. In some cases base 310 includes a
clamp 314 useful for securing positioning apparatus 300 to the
horizontal work surface 316.
[0164] As discussed above, a positioning apparatus can include a
base encompassing any structure that adequately supports the
support column and the mounting portion upon a work surface. With
continuing reference to FIGS. 12A-13B, the base 310 includes a
first end and a second end with an elongated section extending
between the first and the second ends. Portions of the elongated
section are formed with a low profile, thus minimizing any
obstruction caused by the base and maximizing the range of travel
of the mounting portion 350. In some cases the elongated section of
the base 310 is generally parallel to the mounting portion 350. In
addition, in some cases the elongated section has a width
approximately the same as a width of the mounting portion frame
directly above the base and the support column 312. Such a
configuration can advantageously reduce the footprint of the base
1002 upon the work surface, thus leaving more room for other
activities as well as reducing the visual impact of the positioning
apparatus. For example, the widths of the elongated section of the
base, the frame of the mounting portion, and the support column 312
are equal to or less than about 5 inches. In some cases, the widths
of the elongated section, the frame of the mounting portion, and
the support column 312 are equal to or less than a width of an
electronic display mount (e.g., a VESA mount) attached to the
mounting portion.
[0165] Referring to FIGS. 12A-13B, one exemplary method for
positioning an electronic display and a keyboard involves selecting
an existing generally horizontal work surface 316 and providing a
positioning apparatus such as the positioning apparatus 300. In
some cases the positioning apparatus has a base 310 adapted to sit
on the work surface 316, a support column 312 extending upward from
the base 310, and a mounting portion 350 movably coupled to the
support column 312 through a vertical range of travel relative to
the work surface 316. The method also includes attaching the
positioning apparatus 300 to the work surface 316 and supporting an
electronic display 302 and a keyboard with the mounting portion 350
of the apparatus. The method also includes moving the mounting
portion 350 between a sitting position (e.g., FIG. 12A) and a
standing position (e.g., FIG. 12B) relative to the work surface
316.
[0166] Positioning methods also include moving the electronic
display 302 simultaneously with the keyboard (e.g., on the keyboard
tray 355). In addition, one exemplary method also includes moving
the electronic display 302 with respect to the keyboard. An
operator may also adjust an angle of the keyboard and/or the
electronic display relative to the work surface 316 by, e.g.,
manipulating an articulating mount such as a tilt and/or rotation
mechanism. Another positioning method includes attaching the
positioning apparatus about one of a front edge, a back edge, and a
side edge of the work surface 316.
[0167] As will be appreciated, sit-stand positioning apparatuses
may be subjected to more frequent adjustment (e.g., several times
in a work day) than more traditional, stationary monitor mounts. In
some cases a lift mechanism is used that can increase the cycle
life of the apparatus as it encounters increased articulation.
Referring now to FIGS. 14-26, an example including a lift/balance
mechanism 116 incorporating the use of a dual surface cam is
described.
[0168] FIG. 14 is an elevation view of one example of an apparatus
100. Apparatus 100 of FIG. 14 comprises a base 102 and a generally
vertical support column 106 connected to the base 102, similar to
examples described above with respect to FIGS. 1-13B. The base may
include any structure for supporting the apparatus. The base may
include a relatively flat horizontal surface useful for placement
on a horizontal work surface or may include a clamp to clamp the
apparatus to a horizontal surface or a wall bracket to attach the
apparatus to a vertical wall. The support can be connected to the
base by any suitable method. In some cases the support is pivotably
connected to the base such that the support can pivot with respect
to the base. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the support is
connected to the base at an angle. The angle is useful for
positioning the center of gravity of the monitor or other equipment
carried by the support at a desired position with respect to the
base to enhance stability.
[0169] Portions of a balance mechanism 116 can also be seen in FIG.
14. As will be described in more detail herein, the portions of the
balance mechanism shown in FIG. 14 include a wheel pulley 120, a
first cam 124 and a second cam 126, and a pulley system 130.
[0170] FIG. 15 is a partially exploded version of FIG. 14. In FIG.
15, it can be seen that the generally vertical support column 106
includes a first portion 136 and a second portion 140. As shown in
FIG. 17, once fully assembled, a movable portion 150 (e.g.,
sometimes referred to as a bracket or truck) is coupled to the
second portion 140. As discussed earlier herein with respect to
FIGS. 28A-B, the support column 106, including the first and the
second portions, and the movable portion 150 or bracket form a
riser that provides a positioning apparatus with a range of
adjustability. For example, movable portion 150 and second portion
140 are disposed in sliding engagement with one another such that
the movable portion can translate with respect to second portion
140. The second portion 140 may include rails 141 and the movable
portion 150 may include wheels that roll along the rails. In
general, first portion 136 and second portion 140 are connected to
base 102, and the movable portion 150 is connected to one or more
monitors and/or other computing equipment that translate along with
the movable portion 150 with respect to first and second portions
136, 140. For example, the movable portion 150 may be coupled to or
integrally include a mounting portion as discussed above with
respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B. As shown in FIG. 15, an energy storage
member 144 is coupled to second portion 140. Energy storage member
144 may include any device useful for storing potential energy,
such as a spring (e.g., an extension spring, compression spring,
torsion spring, etc.). The energy storage member may be adjustable
by an energy storage member adjustment mechanism 146 (e.g., a
threaded bolt with a bracket that changes the effective at rest
length of the energy storage member when actuated).
[0171] The balance mechanism 116 provides a balancing force between
the first and second portions of the support column and the movable
portion 150, such that an operator can position equipment attached
to the movable portion at any desired height along the range of
travel having only to overcome the friction of the system. Further,
because of the balancing force provided by the balance mechanism,
the movable portion will hold its set position without the operator
having to engage any locks.
[0172] In the example shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the wheel pulley
120 is coupled to first cam 124 and second cam 126, which rotate
along with rotation of the wheel. As shown, first cam 124 and
second cam 126 can be provided as a single integral cam member. In
addition, the wheel pulley and cam member may be provided as
different pieces connected directly together through axle 121. In
another example, they may be integrally formed or separated by a
distance when installed. FIGS. 19A, 19B, and 20 provide perspective
and side elevation views of a cam member including both first and
second cams 124, 126. FIGS. 21 and 22 provide perspective and side
elevation views of wheel pulley 120.
[0173] FIGS. 16A and 16B provide other perspective views of the
balance mechanism 116, illustrating an arrangement of wheel pulley
120, first and second cams 124, 126, a pulley system 130, and
energy storage member 144. In this case the first and second cams
124, 126 are directly coupled to the energy storage member 144 via
one or more flexible elements (sometimes referred to as a tension
or tensile member) that are routed around pulley system 130. The
flexible element can be a rope or cable and can include any
material useful for transmitting force, such as a tensile polymer.
Referring to FIG. 16B, in some cases first cam 124 and second cam
126 are coupled indirectly to the energy storage member 144 via the
pulley system 130. FIGS. 23 and 24 illustrate one embodiment of
pulley system 130, which includes cam pulleys 164, 168, and an
energy storage member pulley 160 coupled to the cam pulleys. As
shown, the energy storage member pulley and the cam pulleys are
provided in a single piece construction.
[0174] In some cases each of the first and second cams 124, 126 are
coupled to one of the cam pulleys 164, 168 with an independent,
separate flexible element, while energy storage member pulley 160
is coupled to the energy storage member 144 via a separate flexible
element. Referring to FIG. 24, in some cases the pulley system 130
includes a through hole 131, through which a single flexible
element 132 can be threaded and then coupled to the cams 124, 126,
one at each end. Such an arrangement is illustrated in FIG. 16B. As
the cams rotate and pull (or loosen) flexible element 132, the
flexible element 132 engages with the cam pulleys, and is unwound
from (or wound around, respectively) each of the cam pulleys.
[0175] In one case the wheel pulley 120 is coupled to the movable
portion 150 of the support with another flexible element 135 such
that wheel pulley 120 rotates with respect to the base 102 as the
movable portion 150 moves with respect to the support. As shown in
FIGS. 15 and 16B, an additional direction changing pulley 134 can
direct the flexible element 135 between the wheel pulley 120 and
the movable portion 150. Turning to FIG. 17, the direction of
flexible element 135 is again changed by upper pulley 138 and
flexible element 135 is coupled to the movable portion 150 using a
hook 139 or another similar device known in the art.
[0176] FIG. 18 is a partial perspective view of a bottom portion of
the apparatus 100, depicting the balance mechanism 116. As
discussed above, energy storage member pulley 160 is coupled to the
energy storage member 144 via a separate flexible element 161. In
some cases the energy storage member 144 includes a hook 162 that
allows for easily coupling the flexible element 161 to member 144.
Member 144 is positioned within support column 106 such that hook
162 is generally aligned with the outer edge of pulley system 130,
and specifically with energy storage member pulley 160. In the
example shown, as energy storage member pulley 160 rotates, it
winds or unwinds the flexible element 161, allowing energy storage
member 144 to contract and extend. Accordingly, the force or weight
of movable portion 150 of the support, as well as any equipment
coupled thereto, can be offset and balanced by the energy storage
member, through the transmission and redirection of force through
the flexible elements, pulleys, and cams to energy storage member
144.
[0177] FIGS. 19A and 19B provide perspective views, and FIG. 19C is
a side view of a cam member 200 incorporating first and second cams
124, 126. As shown, first cam 124 and second cam 126 can be
incorporated into the single integral cam member 200 in some cases,
though this is not a requirement and the invention is not intended
to be limited to this example. The first and second cams are
cooperatively shaped and positioned so that a torque applied to
wheel pulley 120 by a flexible element is substantially constant
while a force applied to wheel 120 by the flexible element varies.
For example, the effective radius of each cam 124, 126 varies as a
function of the angular orientation of wheel 120. Also, the
effective radius of each cam member may vary as a function of the
displacement of an energy storage member of the balance mechanism.
In some cases the two cams 124, 126 are mirror images of each
other, and have the same profile of radius variation as a function
of rotation. As shown in FIG. 6B, the cams 124, 126 each include a
camming surface 125, 127 upon which the flexible elements wind.
Cams 124, 126 are each designed to balance half of the weight of
the movable portion 150 and any attached equipment, which can
decrease stress and fatigue on the flexible elements and increase
the life of the apparatus.
[0178] In use, when an operator desires to change the position of a
monitor or other device supported by the apparatus 300, the
operator can apply a force to the monitor and/or notebook. Movement
of the monitor causes the mounting portion 350 of the support, to
which it is attached, to also move relative to the support column
312 of the apparatus. FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a portion of
the balance mechanism 116 in a state corresponding to the low
position of mounting portion 350, while FIG. 26 is a perspective
view of a portion of balance mechanism 116 in a state corresponding
to the high position of mounting portion 350. As is shown, the
mounting portion 350 is attached to the wheel pulley 120 via
flexible element 135, so that movement of the monitor/notebook
causes the wheel 120 to turn about its axis. The first and second
cams 124, 126, which are attached to the wheel 120, also rotate and
cause the cam pulleys 164, 168 and energy storage member pulley 160
to rotate about their respective axes (which in this case are the
same axis). Rotation of the energy storage member pulley member 160
pulls or loosens flexible element 161, causing the energy storage
member 144 to contract or allowing the member to expand in length.
Since the shape of the cams 124, 126 are designed to accommodate a
changing energy storage member force (e.g., based on spring
length), the operator only need apply a relatively constant force
to overcome friction to move the monitor to any desired position,
and the monitor will stay in the desired position without having to
lock it into that positions.
[0179] Thus, embodiments of the invention are disclosed. Although
the present invention has been described in considerable detail
with reference to certain disclosed embodiments, the disclosed
embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and not
limitation and other embodiments of the invention are possible. One
skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes,
adaptations, and modifications may be made without departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *