Extension and retraction arrangements

• US 20060000955A1
• Filed: 06/14/2005
• Published: 01/05/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 06/14/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Sava Cvek
• Original Assignee: Sava Cvek
• Inventors: Cvek, Sava
• Granted Patent: US 7,621,489 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 248/161
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 21/007 with under-desk displays, e.g. displays being viewable through a transparent working surface of the table or desk
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 21/0073 liftable above the desk top
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2220/0013 Table or cupboards with upwardly concealable compartments
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/10 around a horizontal axis F16M11/12 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/18 with mechanism for moving the apparatus relatively to the stand
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/24 changeable in height or length of legs, also for transport only, e.g. by means of tubes screwed into each otherF16M11/42 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 2200/048 for balancing translational movement of the undercarriage

Abstract

An extension and retraction arrangement for retaining a supported article, such as a monitor, in relation to a trolley structure that is retained for axial extension and retraction in relation to an elongate support arrangement. A support arm, which can be unitary, articulated, pivoting, or non-pivoting, can be coupled to the trolley structure. The trolley structure can have a centrally disposed alcove disposed inboard of first and second rail members of the elongate support arrangement. A subsurface enclosure can retain the rail members, and first and second doors can selectively close an aperture in a framework coupled adjacent to an end of the subsurface enclosure. Constant force springs can assist travel of the trolley structure and an arcuate braking member or compressing spring can provide a braking effect to the trolley structure

Claims

1. An extension and retraction arrangement for enabling an adjustment of a supported article from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration, the extension and retraction arrangement comprising:

a trolley structure;

a means for retaining an article to be supported in relation to the trolley structure;

an elongate support arrangement with a proximal end, a distal end, and a body portion; and

a means for retaining the trolley structure for axial extension and retraction along the body portion of the elongate support arrangement from adjacent to the distal end to adjacent to the proximal end of the elongate support arrangement;

whereby the article to be supported and the trolley structure can be retained in a retracted configuration with the trolley structure disposed adjacent to the distal end of the elongate support arrangement and whereby the article and the trolley structure can be retained in an extended configuration with the trolley structure disposed adjacent to the proximal end of the elongate support arrangement.

2. The extension and retraction arrangement of claim 1 wherein the means for retaining an article in relation to the trolley structure comprises a support arm.

3. The extension and retraction arrangement of claim 2 wherein the support arm has a proximal portion coupled to the trolley structure and a distal portion for coupling to the article to be supported.

4. The extension and retraction arrangement of claim 3 wherein the elongate support arrangement comprises a first elongate support structure and a second elongate support structure disposed in spaced relation relative to the first elongate support structure, wherein the trolley structure is slidably associated with the first and second elongate support structures, wherein the proximal portion of the support arm is disposed inboard of the first and second elongate support structures.

5. The extension and retraction arrangement of claim 4 wherein the trolley structure has a centrally disposed alcove and wherein the proximal portion of the support arm is coupled to the centrally disposed alcove of the trolley structure.

6. The extension and retraction arrangement of claim 1 further comprising a framework disposed adjacent to the proximal end of the elongate support arrangement wherein the framework has a centrally disposed aperture wherein the article to be supported projects at least partially through the aperture in the framework when the trolley structure is disposed adjacent to the proximal end of the elongate support arrangement.

7. The extension and retraction arrangement of claim 6 further comprising at least one door with an open position and a closed position for at least partially closing the aperture in the framework.

8. The extension and retraction arrangement of claim 7 wherein there are first and second doors pivotally coupled in relation to the framework.

9. The extension and retraction arrangement of claim 8 wherein the first door is larger than the second door.

10. The extension and retraction arrangement of claim 7 wherein the means for retaining an article in relation to the trolley structure comprises a support arm and further comprising an aperture in the at least one door for accommodating the support arm and for enabling a closure of the at least one door not only while the trolley structure is in a retracted configuration but also while the trolley structure is in an extended configuration.

11. The extension and retraction arrangement of claim 7 further comprising a means for enabling a selective locking of the at least one door in a closed position.

12. The extension and retraction arrangement of claim 1 further comprising a support structure with a surface and a means for retaining the elongate support arrangement in relation to the support structure with the proximal end of the elongate support arrangement in proximity to the surface of the support structure.

13. The extension and retraction arrangement of claim 12 further comprising an aperture in the surface of the support structure wherein the proximal end of the elongate support arrangement is aligned with the aperture in the surface of the support structure.

14. The extension and retraction arrangement of claim 12 wherein the support structure comprises a desk.

15. The extension and retraction arrangement of claim 12 wherein the support structure comprises a wall segment.

16. The extension and retraction arrangement of claim 1 further comprising a means for assisting the trolley structure in traveling in relation to the elongate support arrangement.

17. The extension and retraction arrangement of claim 16 wherein the means for assisting the trolley structure comprises at least one constant force spring.

18. The extension and retraction arrangement of claim 17 wherein the at least one constant force spring has a body portion retained adjacent to the proximal end of the elongate support arrangement and an end portion coupled to the trolley structure.

19. The extension and retraction arrangement of claim 1 further comprising a means for providing a braking effect on the trolley structure in relation to the elongate support arrangement.

20. The extension and retraction arrangement of claim 19 wherein the means for providing a braking effect comprises a flexible arcuate braking member retained for creating a frictional engagement between the trolley structure and a frame structure disposed adjacent to an end of the elongate support arrangement.

21. The extension and retraction arrangement of claim 20 further comprising a threaded member operably associated with the arcuate braking member for adjusting a braking force exhibited by the arcuate braking member.

22. The extension and retraction arrangement of claim 19 wherein the means for providing a braking effect comprises a compression spring for being interposed between the trolley structure and a frame structure disposed adjacent to an end of the elongate support arrangement.

23. The extension and retraction arrangement of claim 22 wherein the compression spring is disposed within a spring housing and wherein the trolley structure has a projection for projecting into the spring housing and engaging the compression spring.

24. The extension and retraction arrangement of claim 23 further comprising a means for adjusting an initial compression of the compression spring.

25. The extension and retraction arrangement of claim 1 wherein the means for retaining an article to be supported in relation to the trolley structure comprises a means for retaining a flat screen monitor.

26. The extension and retraction arrangement of claim 25 further comprising a flat screen monitor retained by the means for retaining a flat screen monitor.

27. The extension and retraction arrangement of claim 25 further comprising a keyboard cradle for retaining a keyboard in relation to the trolley structure.

28. The extension and retraction arrangement of claim 27 wherein the keyboard cradle is pivotable in relation to the trolley structure.

29. The extension and retraction arrangement of claim 25 further comprising a subsurface enclosure with an open inner volume wherein the elongate support arrangement is disposed within the subsurface enclosure and further comprising a means for retaining a computer central processing unit within the subsurface enclosure.

30. The extension and retraction arrangement of claim 29 further comprising a computer drive unit retained adjacent to the proximal end of the elongate support arrangement.

31. The extension and retraction arrangement of claim 1 wherein the means for retaining an article to be supported in relation to the trolley structure includes an arm with a proximal portion pivotally coupled in relation to the trolley structure.

32. The extension and retraction arrangement of claim 1 further comprising a subsurface enclosure with an open inner volume wherein the elongate support arrangement is disposed within the subsurface enclosure whereby the trolley structure and the article to be supported can be retained within the open inner volume of the subsurface enclosure when the article to be supported and the trolley structure are in a retracted configuration.

33. The extension and retraction arrangement of claim 32 wherein the subsurface enclosure has a T-shaped cross section wherein the elongate support arrangement and the trolley structure are substantially disposed in a base portion of the T-shape and wherein a head portion of the T-shape is provided for slidably housing the article to be supported.

34. An extension and retraction arrangement comprising:

a trolley structure;

a support arm with a proximal portion coupled to the trolley structure and a distal portion for retaining an article to be supported;

an elongate support arrangement with a proximal end, a distal end, and a body portion;

a subsurface enclosure with an open inner volume, a proximal portion, and a distal portion wherein the elongate support arrangement is disposed within the subsurface enclosure whereby the trolley structure and the article to be supported can be retained within the open inner volume of the subsurface enclosure when the article to be supported and the trolley structure are in a retracted configuration;

a means for retaining the trolley structure for axial extension and retraction along the body portion of the elongate support arrangement from adjacent to the distal end to adjacent to the proximal end of the elongate support arrangement; and

a framework disposed adjacent to the proximal end of the elongate support arrangement wherein the framework has a centrally disposed aperture;

whereby the article to be supported and the trolley structure can be retained in a retracted configuration with the trolley structure disposed adjacent to the distal end of the elongate support arrangement and whereby the article and the trolley structure can be retained in an extended configuration with the trolley structure disposed adjacent to the proximal end of the elongate support arrangement and with the article to be supported projecting at least partially through the aperture in the framework.

35. The extension and retraction arrangement of claim 34 further comprising a flat screen monitor for being retained by the support arm.

36. The extension and retraction arrangement of claim 34 further comprising at least one door with an open position and a closed position for at least partially closing the aperture in the framework.

37. The extension and retraction arrangement of claim 34 further comprising a keyboard cradle for retaining a keyboard in relation to the trolley structure.

38. The extension and retraction arrangement of claim 34 further comprising at least one constant force spring for assisting the trolley structure in traveling in relation to the elongate support arrangement.

39. The extension and retraction arrangement of claim 34 further comprising a computer drive unit retained adjacent to the proximal end of the elongate support arrangement.

40. The extension and retraction arrangement of claim 34 further comprising a means for retaining a computer central processing unit within the subsurface enclosure.

41. The extension and retraction arrangement of claim 34 further comprising a plurality of threaded mounting holes formed in the trolley structure in accordance with the Video Electronics Standards Association Flat Display Mounting Standard for flat panel monitors.

42. A kit for enabling a support structure with a support surface to be fitted with an extension and retraction arrangement for enabling an adjustment of a supported article from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration, the kit comprising:

an extension and retraction arrangement comprising;

a trolley structure;

a means for retaining an article to be supported in relation to the trolley structure;

an elongate support arrangement with a proximal end, a distal end, and a body portion; and

a means for retaining the trolley structure for axial extension and retraction along the body portion of the elongate support arrangement from adjacent to the distal end to adjacent to the proximal end of the elongate support arrangement;

whereby the article to be supported and the trolley structure can be retained in a retracted configuration with the trolley structure disposed adjacent to the distal end of the elongate support arrangement and whereby the article and the trolley structure can be retained in an extended configuration with the trolley structure disposed adjacent to the proximal end of the elongate support arrangement.

means for fastening the extension and retraction arrangement to the support structure; and

a template for enabling a cutting of an aperture in the support surface of the support structure for enabling a passage of the supported article.