Flat panel monitor support arm

Abstract

A support arm for components such as flat screen monitors. In one embodiment, the support arm includes rigid arm segment and a flexible arm segment. The flexible arm segment may be mounted adjacent to the supported component. The flexible arm segment includes a plurality of flexible tubes, each having a core surrounding by a filling material and a flexible coiled tube. Preferably, at least one of the flexible tubes is fixed at both ends while at least one of the flexible tubes includes a free floating end that is permitted to move longitudinally with respect to the fixed tube as the flexible arm is moved.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to support arms, and more particularly to an adjustable support arm for components such as flat panel monitors.[0002]Conventional CRT computer monitors suffer in that they are large and relatively heavy. As a result of their weight, conventional CRT monitors are typically placed directly on a desk or other work surface. Although conventional CRT monitors are mounted on support arms in some applications, this option in not practical in many situations. Support arms for conventional CRT monitors are relatively expensive and they must be mounted to a strong and durable mounting structure. Accordingly, conventional CRT monitors often occupy valuable desk space that could be better used for other things.[0003]As a result of these and other problems, there is a steady increase in the use of flat panel monitors as a replacement for conventional CRT computer monitors. Flat panel monitors occupy dramatically less space and are si...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]In another embodiment, the support arm includes a rigid lower arm segment and a flexible upper arm segment. By locating the flexible arm segment adjacent to the component, the moment arm applied to the flexible arm segment is reduced. In heavier applications, this can eliminate or dramatically reduce any creep that may occur in the flexible arm segment.

[0008]The present invention provides an inexpensive and highly adjustable support arm. The flexible support members provide essentially infinite adjustability without the need to operate the locking and release mechanisms incorporated into conventional rigid joints. The use of a flexible tube with one free-floating end facilitates movement of the flexible arms, maintaining support while making it easier to move the arm through a wider range of motion. The flexible arm segments are inexpensive and easily manufacture from conventional components. The combination of a solid core, coiled steel tube and silicone filling material provide the desired strength, while still permitting easy adjustment of the supported structure. The precise strength of the flexible support members can be easily controlled by varying the characteristics of the various components, for example, by varying the material or diameter of the core. Further, by providing a rigid lower arm segment and a flexible upper arm segment, the present invention is easily adapted for use in supporting heavier objects.

Problems solved by technology

Conventional CRT computer monitors suffer in that they are large and relatively heavy.

Although conventional CRT monitors are mounted on support arms in some applications, this option in not practical in many situations.

Support arms for conventional CRT monitors are relatively expensive and they must be mounted to a strong and durable mounting structure.

Accordingly, conventional CRT monitors often occupy valuable desk space that could be better used for other things.

Although they are lighter than conventional CRT monitors, flat panel monitors are relatively heavy and still require strong and durable support arms.

Although these conventional joints provide a level of adjustability, they are often difficult to operate and provide a limit range of adjustability.

Accordingly, conventional support arms are typically relatively expensive, provide limited range of motion and require significant effort to adjust.

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