Support Apparatus for Display Devices and Other Objects

Abstract

A support apparatus includes an arm assembly attached to a support assembly such that the arm assembly is positionable adjacent to an article of furniture such as a desk or work surface. A mounting device is attached to the arm assembly that is sized and configured to retain a display device. A vertically adjustable attachment mechanism attaches a first end of the counterbalance mechanism to the arm assembly or support assembly. The vertically adjustable attachment mechanism is sized and configured such that a vertical position of the first end of the counterbalance mechanism is adjustable via movement of at least one component of the vertically adjustable attachment mechanism.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 494,074, which was filed on Jun. 7, 2011.FIELD OF INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to support arms such as monitor arms and other moveable arm assemblies configured to hold objects such as monitors or liquid crystal displays.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Support arms such as monitor supports or copy holders often include one or more arms that extend from a support post. The arm is configured to hold an object, such as a monitor. The support post is typically clamped to a support surface, such as a desk, table or partition wall. Examples of support arms and similar support apparatuses are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,652,876, 7,392,969, 7,389,965, 7,369,401, 7,252,277, 7,246,780, 7,182,301, 7,048,242, 7,014,157, 6,905,101, 6,863,252, 6,739,096, 6,702,604, 6,679,096, 6,554,238, 6,554,235, 6,505,988, 6,499,704, 6,343,006, 5,992,809, 5,772,174...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a support apparatus for holding and maintaining a display device in a vertical position. The apparatus includes a counterbalance mechanism and a gas spring. The counterbalance mechanism can be attached to the arm assembly or the support assembly and its position can be adjusted vertically. The gas spring extends between the opposite ends of the arm assembly and its position can be adjusted by moving at least one component of the attachment mechanism. The apparatus can also include a mechanical tool for adjusting the position of the gas spring or counterbalance mechanism. The mounting mechanism can be attached to a support assembly or a work surface and the position of the arm assembly can be adjusted by moving the attachment mechanism. The vertically adjustable attachment mechanism may include a receiving body and a rotatable member that raises or lowers the position of the gas spring or counterbalance mechanism when rotated in opposite directions. The apparatus provides a stable and adjustable support for display devices.

Problems solved by technology

The use of cables often detracts from the aesthetic effect of the support arm.

The use of exposed springs or gas springs can also detract from the aesthetic effect of a support arm.

Moreover, the use of springs and cables to support an object often increase the cost of fabricating such support apparatuses.

Further, gas springs used in support arms are often not adjustable by a user.

As a result, a user is usually unable to adjust the way in which a monitor arm may be moved to adjust an amount of force needed to change a position of the monitor arm or object held by the monitor arm to meet a user's particular preference.

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