Computer suspension system

• US 5,743,503 A
• Filed: 03/08/1996
• Issued: 04/28/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 03/08/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Ergotron Incorporated (Melrose Industries Plc)
• Original Assignee: Ergotron Incorporated (Melrose Industries Plc)
• Inventors: Sweere, Harry C., Voeller, Donald M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ramirez, Ramon O.
• Assistant Examiner(s): BERRY JR, WILLIE WENDELL
• Application Number:
  US08/613,959
• Time in Patent Office: 781 Days
• Field of Search: 248/284.1, 248/285.1, 248/286.1, 248/287.1, 248/324, 248/918, 248/920, 248/924, 248/278.1, 248/281.11
• US Class Current: 248/284.1
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/08 around a vertical axis , e.g. panoramic heads F16M11/12 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/2014 around a vertical axis F16M11/2035 takes precedence
• 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 13/02 for supporting on, or attaching to, an object, e.g. tree, gate, window-frame, cycle
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 2200/024 by positive interaction, e.g. male-female connections
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 2200/044 for balancing rotational movement of the undercarriage
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 2200/063 Parallelogram arms
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 248/92 Angular and linear video display screen support adjustment

Abstract

A video monitor suspension system including a four bar linkage arm for adjustable and positionable vertical and horizontal support of a video monitor, computer, computer keyboard, or a like structure. A weight counterbalance sliding anchor mechanism assembly adjustably compensates for various weights of a load held by an angled arm. Gas springs provide for vertical support of a four bar linkage arm. Reinforcement channels in the four bar linkage arm members provide for increased torsional rigidity of the video monitor suspension system and allow for the incorporation of lighter weight linkage arm members. A large pivot bearing assembly also provides for stability when used with an input device, such as a keyboard. Additional structure provides for the safety of the computer suspension system operator.

Claims

1. A suspension system for providing stable support and movement to a computer component comprising:

a. a support bracket attachable to mounting surface;

b. a pivotable arm mount bracket pivotally attached to said support bracket for providing an azimuthal pivoting adjustment comprising;

(1) a threaded bolt attached to said pivotable arm mount bracket at an angle; and

,

(2) a sliding member that threadingly engages said threaded bolt, said sliding member comprising a pivot;

c. a four bar linkage with an inboard end and an outboard end, said inboard end attached to said pivotable arm mount bracket, said four bar linkage providing for vertical adjustment of said outboard end of said four bar linkage;

d. a pivot bearing mount bracket attached to said outboard end of said four bar linkage;

e. a pivot bearing assembly that rotatingly attaches to said pivot bearing mount bracket providing rotational movement about a vertical axis, said pivot bearing assembly being attached to the computer component; and

,

f. a first gas spring with an inboard end and an outboard end, said inboard end being attached to said pivot of said sliding member and said outboard end being attached to said four bar linkage.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein said angle of said threaded bolt provides a uniform counterbalancing force to support the computer component through the entire vertical adjustment range of said four bar linkage.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein said counterbalancing force allows the computer component to be repositioned with a force that is less than the weight of the computer component.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein said pivotable arm mount bracket further comprises a mechanical indexing structure to provide for incremental azimuthal adjustment.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein said four bar linkage comprises a top rail and a bottom rail, each rail with an inboard end and an outboard end, said inboard ends of said top and bottom rails being attached to said pivotable arm mount bracket and said outboard ends of said top and bottom rails being attached to said pivot bearing mount bracket.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein a slide bar engages said stop arm, thereby locking said four bar linkage in a full down position.

7. The device of claim 5, wherein said outboard end of said first gas spring is pivotally connected to said top rail.

8. The device of claim 5, wherein a stop arm attached to said pivot bearing mount bracket extends through a rectangular hole in said bottom rail to provide a limit to the downward movement of said four bar linkage.

9. The device of claim 5, wherein a sidewall member attached to said top rail provides contact with a stop arm to limit upward movement of said four bar linkage.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein said sliding member engages said threaded bolt at a location along said threaded bolt to support the computer component.

11. The device of claim 1, further comprising a second gas spring positioned parallel to said first gas spring with an inboard end and an outboard end, said inboard end being attached to said pivot of said sliding member and said outboard end being attached to said four bar linkage.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein said four bar linkage comprises a top rail and a bottom rail, each rail with an inboard end and an outboard end, said inboard ends of said top and bottom rails being attached to said pivotable arm mount bracket and said outboard ends of said top and bottom rails being attached to said pivot bearing mount bracket.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein said outboard ends of said first and second gas springs are pivotally connected to said top rail.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein said angle of said threaded bolt provides a uniform counterbalancing force to support the computer component through the entire vertical adjustment range of said four bar linkage.

15. The device of claim 13, wherein said pivotable arm mount bracket further comprises a mechanical indexing structure to provide for incremental azimuthal adjustment.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein said azimuthal adjustment ranges from 7.5 to 15 degrees.

17. The device of claim 13, wherein a stop arm attached to said pivot bearing mount bracket extends through a rectangular hole in said bottom rail to provide a limit to the downward movement of said four bar linkage.

18. The device of claim 13, wherein said sliding member engages said threaded bolt at a location along said threaded bolt to support the computer component.

19. The device of claim 18, wherein said threaded bolt is adjusted by rotation to move said inboard end of said gas spring to apply appropriate tension in said gas springs to suspend the computer component.

20. The device of claim 18, wherein the computer component ranges in weight from 25 to 100 pounds.