Ergonomic computer mounting device permitting extensive vertical, horizontal and angular ranges of motion

• US 6,286,794 B1
• Filed: 06/12/2000
• Issued: 09/11/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 06/14/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Bradley Harbin
• Original Assignee: Bradley Harbin
• Inventors: Harbin, Bradley
• Primary Examiner(s): CHIN SHUE, ALVIN C
• Application Number:
  US09/592,022
• Time in Patent Office: 456 Days
• Field of Search: 248/121, 248/122.1, 248/123.11, 248/123.2, 248/124.1, 248/125.1, 248/125.2, 248/280.11, 248/281.11, 248/917, 248/918, 248/919
• US Class Current: 248/123.2
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 21/02 with vertical adjustable parts
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2200/0076 Vertical technical column supporting office equipment
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/2064 for tilting and panning F16M11/2078 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/2092 comprising means allowing depth adjustment, i.e. forward-backward translation of the head relatively to the undercarriage
• 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 13/00 Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles heads thereof F16M11/02 ; undercarriages thereof F16M11/20 ; adapted to be stuck in the ground A45F3/44 ; sockets or holders for poles or posts E04H12/22; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles supports for measuring instruments G01D11/30; supports for casings of remote control switching devices H01H9/025
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 2200/027 by friction
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 2200/048 for balancing translational movement of the undercarriage
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 2200/063 Parallelogram arms
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 2200/065 with a special structure, e.g. reinforced or adapted for space reduction
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 248/918 Ancillary device support associated with a video display screen

Abstract

A computer workstation mounting device is provided which permits devices to be accessed by operators in a variety of positions including sitting, standing, or from a wheelchair. The invention permits said devices to be moved in a wide variety of vertical, horizontal, and rotational ranges of motion, and permits the devices to be moved clear of the work area while performing other tasks, or safely moved to a position near the ceiling for security or additional workspace conservation. The invention uses a simple, low maintenance counterweight principle for its vertical travel. It also possesses a simple tilt and swivel mechanism, swivel bracket (32), and dual parallelogram arm assembly for its horizontal and rotational ranges of motion. The invention also incorporates the counterweight principle for maintaining the data cables (14) in an organized, aesthetically pleasing manner without loops or kinks through all ranges of motion. Additionally provided is a friction lock (124) for stability of the monitor arm assembly in its vertical travel. Provision for the central processing unit (58) to be mounted atop the column (38) increases computer security.

Claims

1. An ergonomic mounting device comprising a column having an open track, a carriage movable in an extended vertical range on said track, said carriage having weight bearing-cables connected thereto and to a counterweight within said column, a right angle bracket attached to the carriage, a dual parallelogram arm having one end rotatably mounted on said right angle bracket and a platform with a tilt and swivel mechanism mounted to an opposite end of said dual parallelogram arm, said platform comprises a keyboard tray capable of tilting to facilitate it'"'"'s use by an operator, a cable management system comprising a secondary counterweight within said column having secondary counterweight data pulleys mounted thereto and data cable pulleys mounted atop the column, a distal strain relief device attached adjacent to the top of the column and a proximal strain relief device attached to the carriage, said cable management system permitting data cables to move in a straight path throughout the range of motion of the carriage, said ergonomic mounting device further comprising a central processing unit tray mounted atop said column and a central processing unit positioned therein as a computer security means.