Adjustable support arm

Abstract

An adjustable support arm capable of providing a wide range of height, depth, tilt, and swivel options to a user. The adjustable support arm may include an arm assembly releasably mounted to a base assembly. In a further embodiment, the adjustable support arm may further include a hinge joint connected to the arm assembly and a fitting bracket assembly connected to the hinge joint. The arm assembly may be releasably connected to the base assembly using a quick-release joint including a spring-loaded pivot latch. To inhibit left and right movement of the arm assembly, the adjustable support arm may further include a friction barrel assembly including a tapered lock bushing and one or more set screws. An annular adjustable translation insert may be coupled to the arm assembly to restrict the left and right movement range of the support arm. The adjustable arm may further include a quick-release fitting fastening mechanism for easily removing a mounted object (e.g., an electronic display, a keyboard, or other item) and for easily attaching the mounted object to the support arm.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the patent application with application number 201980024761.1, application date March 29, 2019, and invention title "Adjustable Support Arm". The patent application with application number 201980024761.1 is the Chinese national phase application of the PCT application with application number PCT / US2019 / 024788. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to an adjustable support arm. Background Art

[0003] Adjustable support arms allow mounted objects such as electronic displays, keyboards, or other items to be moved to appropriate ergonomic positions relative to a user. By enabling the user to position the monitor at the correct height for them, adjustable support arms encourage a healthier, more ergonomic working posture, which helps prevent eye and neck strain. Additionally, they conserve valuable work space by floating the monitor above the user's work surface.

[0004] In a modern workplace, adjustable support arms must provide a wide range of height, depth, and angle adjustments to the user. For example, when changing from a sitting position to a standing position at a height-adjustable desk, a user will often wish to adjust the monitor, keyboard, and other devices to different positions. Similarly, in the case of adopting the concept of desk sharing in the workplace, a given workstation must be able to accommodate different users of different body sizes throughout the workday. Therefore, an adjustable support arm that provides improved adjustability over a wide range would be beneficial. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The invention disclosed herein is generally directed to an adjustable support arm that can provide a user with a wide range of height, depth, tilt and swivel options to achieve the side-to-side, front-to-back and up-and-down movement required in modern workspaces. An adjustable support arm that illustrates the principles of the invention may include one or more of the following features: a quick release joint for enabling easy removal and attachment of an arm assembly to a base assembly; a friction sleeve assembly for connecting the arm assembly to the base assembly by reducing slack in the joint; an adjustable translation insert for adjusting the side-to-side range of motion of the support arm; a bearing positioned in a hub of the base assembly to reduce the amount of force required to adjust the side-to-side motion of the support arm and the amount of force required to remove the arm assembly from the base assembly; a quick release accessory fastening mechanism for easily removing and attaching a mounted accessory (e.g., an electronic display, keyboard, or other object) to the support arm; and an accessory bracket assembly for mounting both primary and auxiliary accessories to the adjustable support arm.

[0006] In an embodiment exemplifying the principles of the invention, the adjustable support arm may include an arm assembly releasably mounted to the base assembly. The adjustable support arm may optionally further include an articulating joint connected to the arm assembly and an accessory bracket assembly connected to the articulating joint.

[0007] In another embodiment illustrating the principles of the present invention, the adjustable support arm may further include a quick release joint for releasably connecting the arm assembly to the base assembly. The quick release joint may include a spring-loaded latch coupled to the base assembly, the spring-loaded latch releasably engaging a recess in a connector shaft fixed to the arm assembly, thereby locking the arm assembly into connection with the base assembly. In embodiments where the arm assembly includes a first arm mounted to a second arm, the quick release joint may also be used to releasably connect the arms.

[0008] In another embodiment illustrating the principles of the present invention, an adjustable support arm may include a friction sleeve assembly for inhibiting side-to-side movement of the arm assembly and reducing slack in the joint. The friction sleeve assembly may include a taper lock bushing surrounding a portion of the connector shaft. A set screw positioned adjacent to the taper lock bushing may be used to cause the taper lock bushing to deflect inwardly toward the connector shaft when the set screw is driven inwardly, thereby increasing friction between the connector shaft and the taper lock bushing and, in turn, inhibiting side-to-side movement of the arm assembly.

[0009] In another embodiment illustrating the principles of the present invention, the adjustable support arm may further include an annular adjustable translation insert coupled to the arm assembly for restricting the left and right movement range of the support arm. The adjustable translation insert may include a first external spline and a second external spline positioned in a stacked orientation around the inner wall of the adjustable translation insert. The adjustable translation insert further includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion positioned at spaced-apart relationships around the perimeter of the adjustable translation insert and extending in a vertical plane. In operation, a user may select a preferred left and right movement range of the support arm by adjusting the orientation of the adjustable translation insert relative to a housing formed in the base assembly and / or the first arm. By spacing the first protrusion apart from the second protrusion along the perimeter of the adjustable translation insert, the user will have three rotational settings (e.g., 90°, 180°, and 360° rotation) based on the orientation of the adjustable translation insert within the housing.

[0010] In another embodiment illustrating the principles of the present invention, the adjustable support arm may further include a quick-release fitting fastening mechanism for easily removing and attaching a fitting (e.g., an electronic display, a keyboard, or other object) to the adjustable support arm. The fitting fastening mechanism may include a spring-loaded latch and a hook. The fitting may be secured to the support arm by first coupling the hook to an upper portion of the mounting bracket of the fitting and then coupling the spring-loaded latch to a lower portion of the mounting bracket of the fitting.

[0011] In another embodiment illustrating the principles of the present invention, the adjustable support arm may further include a fitting bracket assembly having a tubular support for attaching auxiliary fittings to the adjustable support arm. One or more fitting brackets may be coupled to the tubular base to provide a framework for mounting auxiliary fittings such as a paper holder, a lamp, etc.

[0012] The foregoing summary is not intended to describe every embodiment or every possible implementation. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be better understood in view of the following description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The drawings, which are not to scale, are used to illustrate various other exemplary embodiments and to explain various principles and all advantages in accordance with the present invention, where like reference numerals refer to the same or functionally similar elements in all the separate views, and the drawings are incorporated into the specification and form part of the specification together with the following detailed description:

[0014] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the adjustable support arm of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 2 is at Figure 1Front partial exploded perspective view of the adjustable support arm shown in;

[0016] Figure 3 is in Figure 1 Rear partial exploded perspective view of the support arm shown in;

[0017] Figure 4A is an exemplary embodiment of a quick release joint that can be used to releasably connect the second arm of the adjustable support arm shown in Figure 1 to the first arm, rear perspective view;

[0018] Figure 4B is in Figure 4A Cross-sectional view of the quick release joint shown in;

[0019] Figure 4C is in Figure 4A Cross-sectional view of the quick release joint shown in;

[0020] Figure 5A is an exemplary embodiment of a quick release joint that can be used to releasably connect the arm assembly of the adjustable support arm shown in Figure 1 to the base assembly, rear perspective view;

[0021] Figure 5B is in Figure 5A Side partial perspective view of the quick release joint shown in;

[0022] Figure 6A is an exemplary embodiment of a friction cylinder assembly that can be used to connect the arm assembly to the base assembly by reducing the slack in the joint, perspective view;

[0023] Figure 6B is in Figure 6A Cross-sectional view of the friction cylinder assembly shown in;

[0024] Figure 7 is an alternative embodiment of a quick release joint that can be used to releasably connect the section of the adjustable support arm shown in Figure 1 cross-sectional view;

[0025] Figure 8A is an exemplary embodiment of an adjustable translation insert that can be used to adjust the left and right movement range of the arm assembly of the adjustable support arm shown in Figure 1 local partial exploded perspective view;

[0026] Figure 8B is in Figure 8A local partial exploded perspective view of the adjustable translation insert shown in;

[0027] Figure 8CPerspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a housing formed in the upper end of a first arm adapted to receive an adjustable translation insert;

[0028] Figure 8D Perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a housing formed in the lower bracket of a second arm adapted to receive an adjustable translation insert;

[0029] Figure 8E Is in the opposite orientation in Figure 8A Partial exploded perspective view of the adjustable translation insert shown in;

[0030] Figure 8F Is in the opposite orientation in Figure 8A Partial exploded perspective view of the adjustable translation insert shown in;

[0031] Figure 8G Is in Figure 8A Top view of the adjustable translation insert shown in;

[0032] Figure 9A Perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an accessory bracket assembly of an exemplary embodiment of a hinge joint connected to an adjustable support arm of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 9B Partial exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an accessory bracket assembly and a hinge joint;

[0034] Figure 9C Perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a quick release fitting fastening mechanism that can be used to releasably connect an accessory bracket assembly to a hinge joint;

[0035] Figure 9D Perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an accessory bracket assembly;

[0036] Figure 9E Front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an accessory bracket assembly using an adapter bracket;

[0037] Figure 9F Is in Figure 9E Rear perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the accessory bracket assembly depicted in;

[0038] Figure 9G Rear perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an accessory bracket assembly using an offset VESA bracket;

[0039] Figure 10A Perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an accessory bracket assembly;

[0040] Figure 10B Perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an accessory bracket assembly;

[0041] Figure 10C is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an accessory support assembly;

[0042] Figure 10D is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an accessory support assembly;

[0043] Figure 10E is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an accessory support assembly;

[0044] Figure 11A is in Figure 1 a perspective view of an exemplary adjustable support arm shown in, but with an alternative embodiment of an accessory support assembly including a horizontal crossbar;

[0045] Figure 11B is in Figure 1 a perspective view of an exemplary adjustable support arm shown in, but with an alternative embodiment of an accessory support assembly including a vertical crossbar;

[0046] Figure 11C is in Figure 1 a perspective view of an exemplary adjustable support arm shown in, but with an alternative embodiment of an accessory support assembly including a vertical crossbar and a second accessory support member mounted to the vertical crossbar;

[0047] Figure 12 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a base assembly suitable for use with the adjustable support arm of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 13A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a hinge joint suitable for use with the adjustable support arm of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 13B is in Figure 13A an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of a suitable hinge joint depicted in;

[0050] Figure 14A is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a base assembly suitable for use with the adjustable support arm of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 14B is a rear perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a hinge joint suitable for use with the adjustable support arm of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 15 is a rear perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a base assembly suitable for use with the adjustable support arm of the present invention; and

[0053] Figure 16Perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a static arm suitable for use with the adjustable support arm of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. However, it will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Accordingly, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be construed as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriate detailed structure. Alternative embodiments may be designed without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Additionally, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood by considering the following description in conjunction with the drawings, in which like reference numerals follow.

[0055] As used herein, the term "a" or "an" is defined as one or more. As used herein, the term "plurality" is defined as two or more. As used herein, the term "another" is defined as at least second or more. The terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Elements preceded by "comprising..." are not, without more constraints, excluded from the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the recited elements. As used herein, the term "includes," "has," or "characterized by" is defined to include (i.e., open language). As used herein, the term "coupled" is defined as connected, but not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. As used herein, the term "about" or "substantially" applies to all numerical values whether or not expressly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that a person skilled in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances, these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. Relative terms such as first and second, upper and lower, top and bottom, right and left may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions.

[0056] Now referring to Figures 1 to 3 , an exemplary embodiment of the adjustable support arm 1 of the present invention is shown. In Figures 1 to 3In the exemplary embodiments depicted, the adjustable support arm 1 may include a base assembly 10, an arm assembly (20, 30) releasably mounted to the base assembly 10, a hinge joint 40 connected to the arm assembly (20, 30), and a fitting bracket assembly 50 connected to the hinge joint 40. In Figures 1 to 3 the exemplary embodiments depicted, the arm assembly may include a second arm 30 releasably mounted to a first arm 20. In the exemplary embodiments depicted, the second arm 30 is a dynamic arm, while the first arm 20 is a static arm. The dynamic arm allows the user to optimize both the vertical and horizontal positioning of the fitting bracket assembly 50 relative to the user, thereby providing a wide range of height adjustability for the adjustable support arm 1. In certain embodiments, the dynamic arm may be a balanced parallelogram support arm such as that of U.S. Patent No. 9,657,889 to Chumakov, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In other embodiments, the dynamic arm 30 may be a single rod, a pivot arm, or any other known dynamic arm capable of providing height adjustability. The static arm may be a riser arm (e.g., Figures 1 to 3 ), which is designed to further optimize the vertical and horizontal positioning of the fitting bracket assembly 50, or the static arm may be a horizontal extension arm (e.g., Figure 16 ) adapted to adjust the horizontal positioning of the fitting bracket assembly 50 and any attached fitting relative to the base assembly 10. In alternative embodiments, the arm assembly may include only the first arm, where the first arm is a dynamic or static arm directly releasably mounted to the base assembly 10. In other alternative embodiments, the adjustable support arm 1 may optionally exclude both the second arm 30 and the hinge joint 40, where one end of the first arm 20 is connected to the base assembly 10 and the other end is connected to the fitting bracket assembly 50. The base assembly 10 is used to mount the adjustable support arm 1 to a work surface or other fixed device, such as a wall mount. Referring to the exemplary embodiment depicted in Figures 1 to 3 , the base assembly 10 may include: a base plate 13 adapted to be positioned on top of the work surface 3; a column rod 14 extending upward from the base plate 13; a clamping bracket 11 attached to the base plate 13 and extending beneath the work surface; and a screw 12 threadedly engaged with the clamping bracket 11. To secure the base assembly 10 to the work surface, the user may rotate the screw 12 until the distal end of the screw contacts the underside of the work surface. In Figures 1 to 3 the exemplary embodiment of the base assembly 10 depicted is configured to be mounted to the work surface 3 of a desk. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the base assembly 10 may alternatively be configured to be mounted to a wall or other fixed device. For example, Figure 14A and Figure 14BDepict a base assembly 1000 configured to be attached to a wall bracket. The base assembly 1000 may include a first protrusion and second protrusions 1005, 1007 adapted to engage grooves in the wall bracket. The base assembly 1000 may further include a post 1014 that houses a first release joint 100 and a translation insert as illustrated. Figure 15 Depict an exemplary base assembly 1100 that includes a mounting plate 1105 for directly mounting an adjustable support arm 1 to a wall and a plurality of screws 1106. Additionally, as Figure 12 shown, each of the various embodiments of the base assembly may be configured to include two or more posts 14a, 14b for attaching a plurality of arm assemblies to the base assembly, and the posts may contain translation inserts.

[0057] Still referring to the exemplary embodiment depicted in Figures 1 to 3 the first end 21 of the first arm 20 may be releasably attached to the post 14 by a first connector shaft 80 coupled to the first release joint 100. As described in more detail herein, the first release joint 100 may engage the first connector shaft 80 to secure the first arm 20 to the post 14 of the base assembly 10. To disengage the first release joint 100 from the first connector shaft 80 and remove the first arm 20, a user may access the first release joint 100 through a slot 17 located on the rear side 14p of the post 14. In an alternative embodiment, the slot 17 by which the first release joint 100 is accessed may be located on the front side 14a of the post 14, or on any other side of the post. In certain embodiments, the first arm 20 may be attached to the base assembly 10 in a manner that allows a user to adjust the front-to-back positioning (i.e., depth) of the support arm 1 by rotating the first arm 20 about its connection to the base assembly 10. In other embodiments, the first arm 20 may be attached to the base assembly 10 in a manner that prevents the first arm 20 from rotating relative to the base assembly 10. Still referring to the exemplary embodiment depicted in Figures 1 to 3 the second arm 30 may include a parallelogram linkage 31 having a first end 32 pivotally attached to a lower bracket 34 and a second end 33 pivotally attached to an upper bracket 35. The lower bracket 34 of the second arm 30 may be releasably attached to the second end 22 of the first arm 20 by a second connector shaft 81 coupled to the second release joint 200. To disengage the second release joint 200 from the second connector shaft 81 and remove the second arm 30, a user may access the second release joint 200 through a slot 25 formed on the rear side 22p of the second end 22 of the first arm 20. In an alternative embodiment, a user may access the second release joint 200 through a slot 25 formed on the front side 22a of the second end 22 of the first arm 20 or on any other side of the second end 22 of the first arm 20.

[0058] The articulated joint 40 is used to provide a wide range of adjustability for the attached fitting bracket assembly 50, such as translation / rotation (i.e., angled movement to the left or right), tilt (i.e., angled movement up or down), and / or rotation (i.e., changing from a lateral perspective to a longitudinal perspective). Referring to the exemplary embodiment depicted in Figures 1 to 3 , the articulated joint 40 may include a swivel ring 41, a tilt ring 42 attached to the swivel ring 41, and a mounting plate 44 attached to the tilt ring 42. The swivel ring 41 may be attached to the upper bracket 35 via a swivel pin 36 to allow for left and right translational movement. The mounting plate 44 may be attached to the tilt ring 42 via a tilt pin 43 to allow for up and down tilting movement. In alternative embodiments, the articulated joint 40 may take various forms. For example, in Figure 13A , a turret-style articulated joint 40 is depicted. The turret-style articulated joint 40 may include a turret 48 that can be fixed to the second arm 30, a tilt hub 49 pivotally attached to the turret 48, and a mounting plate 44 attached to the tilt hub 49.

[0059] The fitting bracket assembly 50 may be releasably attached to the mounting plate 44. Embodiments of the fitting bracket assembly 50 are depicted in Figure 10A and Figure 10B . The fitting bracket assembly 50 may include a central bracket 51 positioned within a frame 56. The frame 56 may include a VESA plate that complies with the standards created by the Video Electronics Standards Association, but may include other plates or mounts suitable for mounting various electronic devices, including products. The frame 56 has an internal cavity for receiving the central bracket 51. The frame 56 may be fixed to the central bracket 51 using one or more fasteners. In the embodiments depicted in Figure 9B and Figures 10A to 10B , the frame 56 includes a 100x100 VESA plate. A selective alternative embodiment of the fitting bracket assembly 50 is depicted in Figures 9D to 9G . Figure 9D An alternative embodiment of the fitting bracket assembly is shown where a 100x200 frame 58 is attached to the central bracket 51. As shown in the alternative embodiments depicted in Figure 9E and Figure 9F , an adapter bracket may be attached to the central bracket 51 to allow non-VESA compatible fittings to be mounted to the support arm 1. Figure 9G Depicts an alternative embodiment of the fitting bracket assembly 50, including an offset central bracket 51 of a horizontal beam 55 pivotally attached to a VESA bracket 59, thereby allowing a fitting mounted to the VESA bracket 59 to be positioned in an offset orientation relative to the offset central bracket 51. As shown, any suitable frame or bracket may be utilized to attach a desired fitting to the monitor arm of the present invention.

[0060] The adjustable support arm 1 may include one or more quick-release joints for releasably connecting components of the adjustable support arm 1. For example, in embodiments where a second arm 30 is utilized, the arm assemblies 20, 30 may be releasably connected to the base assembly 10 using a first quick-release joint 100, and the second arm 30 may be releasably connected to the first arm 20 using a second quick-release joint 200.

[0061] Referring to Figures 4A to 4C , an exemplary embodiment of a second release joint 200 that may be used to releasably connect the second arm 30 of the adjustable support arm 1 to the first arm 20 is shown. The second release joint 200 may include a latch 210, a shaft 215, and a spring 217. The latch 210 may include an upper portion 211, a lower portion 212 having a protrusion 218, and an aperture 213 positioned between the upper and lower portions 211, 212. The latch 210 may be pivotally connected to the second end 22 of the first arm 20 via a shaft 215 extending through the aperture 213, where the shaft 215 acts as a pivot axis about which the latch 210 pivots. At the same time, the connector shaft 81 may be fixed within a central chamber 37 of the lower bracket 34 by any means known in the art, such as via bolts or by a press fit.

[0062] In operation, a user may attach the second arm 30 to the first arm 20 by sliding the connector shaft 81 into a central hole 23 formed in the second end 22 of the static arm 20. The spring 217 may be positioned between the static arm 20 and the upper portion 211 of the latch 210 to bias the protrusion 218 of the latch into engagement with a recess 84, thereby locking the second arm 30 in connection with the first arm 20. When the support arm 1 rotates left and right, the connector shaft 81 will move relative to the central hole 23 formed in the second end 22 of the first arm 20, where the connector shaft 81 and the central hole 23 are preferably in frictional engagement to minimize slack in the joint and provide damping. To remove the second arm 30, the user may access the second release joint 200 through a slot 25 formed in the second end of the first arm 20. By pressing the upper portion 211 inwardly relative to the first arm 20, the latch 210 will rotate about an axis and thus cause the protrusion 218 to disengage from the recess 84 in the connector shaft 81, allowing the user to lift the second arm 30 from the central hole 23 formed in the second end 22 of the first arm 20. In an alternative embodiment, the protrusion 218 may be formed in the upper portion 211 rather than in the Figures 4A to 4C lower portion 212 depicted. In alternative embodiments, the spring 217 may include a leaf spring, a disc spring, or any other spring known in the art. Additionally, the latch 210 may be of any suitable shape known in the art to achieve the functions described above.

[0063] Refer to Figures 5A to 5B , which shows an exemplary embodiment of a first release joint 100 that can be used to releasably connect the arm assemblies 20, 30 of the adjustable support arm 1 to the base assembly 10. In Figures 5A to 5B The first release joint 100 shown in is substantially similar to the exemplary embodiment of the second release joint 200 shown in Figures 4A to 4C , where the reference numbers of the same components differ by 100. In operation, the user can attach the first arm 20 to the post 14 by sliding the connector shaft 80 into a central hole 17 formed in the post 14 of the base assembly 10.

[0064] Now refer to Figure 7 , which shows an alternative embodiment of a release joint suitable for releasably connecting components of the adjustable support arm 1. The release joint 250 depicted in Figure 7 is shown as releasably connecting the second arm 30 to the first arm 20, but those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the release joint 250 can also be used to releasably connect the first arm 20 to the base assembly 10. Refer to Figure 7, the release joint 250 may include a latch 260 and ball bearings 271, 272 positioned within a channel 28 extending into a central bore 23 of the first arm 20, where the same latch and ball bearings are optionally positioned on an opposite second side of the first arm 20. The latch 260 may include an upper portion 261 and a lower portion 262, where the upper portion 261 has a projection 268 that defines a linear cam surface adapted to selectively engage the ball bearing 271. The latch 260 may be slidably attached to the second end 22 of the first arm 20 by, for example, engaging a longitudinal flange on the latch 260 with a slot integrated into the second end 22 of the first arm 20. In operation, a user may attach the second arm 30 to the first arm 20 by sliding a connector shaft 81 into a central bore 23 formed in the second end 22 of the first arm 20. To secure the second arm 30 in place, the user may slide the latch 260 upward relative to the base assembly 10, thereby causing the linear cam surface of the projection 268 to engage the ball bearing 271 and causing the ball bearing 271 to move inward within the channel 28 toward the central bore 23. This, in turn, will force the ball bearing 272 to also move inward within the channel 28 and move into engagement with a recess 84 in the connector shaft 81, thereby securing the second arm 30 in place. In some embodiments, a spring may be utilized to bias the latch 260 upward relative to the base assembly 10, thereby obviating the need for the user to slide the latch 260 to secure the second arm 30. To remove the second arm 30, the user may slide the latch 260 downward relative to the base assembly 10, thereby causing the linear cam surface of the projection 268 to disengage the ball bearing 271. This will allow the ball bearings 271, 272 to move outward within the channel 28 and disengage the ball bearing 272 from the recess 84 in the connector shaft 81. In other alternative embodiments of the release joint 250, the projection 268 may be formed in the lower portion 262 of the latch 260 rather than Figure 7 the upper portion 261 depicted therein. Additionally, in other alternative embodiments, a biasing spring may bias the latch 260 downward relative to the base assembly 10 rather than upward.

[0065] Referring to Figures 6A to 6B , an exemplary embodiment of a friction barrel assembly 300 is shown. The friction barrel assembly may be used as an alternative component for a joint that couples an adjustable support arm 1. The friction barrel assembly 300 is used to inhibit left - right movement of the arm assemblies 20, 30 using friction while also reducing slack in the joints of the adjustable support arm 1. In Figures 6A to 6B , the friction barrel assembly 300 is depicted as being used in a joint formed by the second arm 30 and the first arm 20 of an arm assembly. However, the same friction barrel assembly 300 may be used in a joint formed by the first arm 20 and the base assembly 10. Similarly, in embodiments where the arm assembly consists only of the second arm 30, the friction barrel assembly 300 may be used in a joint formed by the second arm 30 and the base assembly 10.

[0066] Refer to Figures 6A to 6B Figures 6A to 6B , the friction cylinder assembly 300 may include a tapered lock bushing 310 and fixing screws 335, 337. The tapered lock bushing 310 may be characterized as being adapted to the outer contour of a tapered inner central chamber 37 formed in the lower bracket 34 of the second arm 30 by frictional engagement, and the tapered lock bushing 310 may be characterized as being adapted to the inner contour of the connector shaft 81 by frictional engagement. Meanwhile, the fixing screws 335, 337 are used to fix the tapered lock bushing 310 in place within the central chamber 37 of the lower bracket 34 and are also used to adjust the friction applied by the tapered lock bushing 310 to the connector shaft 81. In operation, the shaped end (e.g., polygonal shape) of the connector shaft 81 will mate with a consistent seat in the central hole 23 to fix the connector shaft 81 in place such that when the support arm 1 is rotated left and right, the connector shaft 81 does not rotate relative to the first arm 20. When the support arm 1 is rotated left and right, the connector shaft 81 will remain fixed due to the mating of the shaped end of the connector shaft 81 with the consistent seat in the central hole 23 of the first arm 20. However, the tapered lock bushing 310 will rotate with the lower bracket 34 of the second arm 30 during left and right rotation, where the friction between the connector shaft 81 and the tapered lock bushing 310 is used to inhibit this left and right movement.

[0067] The user may fix the tapered lock bushing 310 within the central chamber 37 of the lower bracket 34 by screwing the fixing screws 335, 336 into threaded orifices 36a, 36b formed in the lower bracket 34. In this exemplary embodiment, the distal ends of the fixing screws 335, 336 will abut against a shoulder 313 of the tapered lock bushing 310 and force the tapered upper portion 315 of the tapered lock bushing 310 into a wedging engagement with the tapered central chamber 37 of the lower bracket 34. The user may also optimize the friction applied by the tapered lock bushing 310 to the connector shaft 81 by screwing the fixing screws 335, 336 into the threaded orifices 36a, 36b. When the fixing screws 335, 336 are screwed into the threaded orifices 36a, 36b, the lower portion 311 of the tapered lock bushing 310 will deflect inwards towards the connector shaft 81, thereby increasing the friction between the connector shaft 81 and the tapered lock bushing 310.

[0068] Now refer to Figures 8A to 8G, depicts an exemplary embodiment of an adjustable translation insert 700 suitable for adjusting the left - right (i.e., translational or rotational) movement range of the support arm 1. The adjustable translation insert 700 can be an annular hollow cylinder having an outer wall 701, an inner wall 702, a first end 704, and a second end 705. The adjustable translation insert can be other shapes, including (but not limited to) spheres, prisms, or cubes. In one embodiment, the adjustable translation insert 700 further defines a radial plane and a longitudinal plane. The inner wall 702 can include a first spline 710 and a second spline 712, which are positioned adjacent to each other along the surface of the inner wall 702 and each include teeth 714 extending inward from the inner wall 702. The first spline 710 is positioned near the first end 704, and the second spline 712 is positioned near the second end 705. The adjustable translation insert 700 can also include a first protrusion 715 and a second protrusion 716 that are spaced apart along the perimeter of the second end 705 and extend perpendicularly from the perimeter; that is, the first protrusion 715 and the second protrusion 716 extend in a direction perpendicular to the radial plane of the adjustable translation insert 700. In Figures 8A to 8B and Figures 8E to 8G the embodiment depicted in, the first protrusion 715 is spaced from the second protrusion 716 by approximately 90 degrees relative to the center of the adjustable translation insert 700 along the perimeter of the second end 705 of the adjustable translation insert 700 (see Figure 8G ). In alternative embodiments, the first protrusion 715 can be spaced from the second protrusion 716 by 60 degrees along the perimeter of the second end 705. In other embodiments, the first protrusion and the second protrusion 715, 716 can be spaced apart by a number of distances. Additionally, in other alternative embodiments, the adjustable translation insert 700 can also include a third protrusion and a fourth protrusion spaced apart along the perimeter of the first end 704. Pins and holes can be used in place of the splines, or any other suitable mating members or mechanisms can be used to achieve the functions described with respect to the adjustable translation insert 700.

[0069] The adjustable translation insert 700 constrains the left - right movement range of the support arm 1 through its interaction with the lower bracket 34 of the second arm 30. In Figures 8A to 8G the exemplary embodiment depicted in, the adjustable translation insert 700 is shown held within the second end 22 of the first arm 20. In embodiments where the arm assembly does not include the first arm 20, the adjustable translation insert 700 can be held within a housing formed in the post 14 of the base assembly 10. See Figure 8C, the housing formed in the second end 22 of the first arm 20 may include a channel 24 formed in the upper end of the first arm 20. The channel 24 may define an outer wall 26 and an inner wall 27. A spline 29 having a plurality of teeth 29a may be positioned along the outer periphery of the inner wall 27 such that the teeth 29a extend radially from the inner wall 27 and partially into the channel 24 to cooperate with either a first spline or second splines 710, 712 of the adjustable translation insert 700, depending on which side of the translation insert 700 is facing up. The spline 29 may also include one or more cavities 29b adapted to receive and cooperate with a first protrusion and a second protrusion 715, 716 of the adjustable translation insert 700 when the adjustable translation insert 700 is oriented such that the second spline 712 engages the spline 29 formed in the channel 24 of the first arm 20. Now referring to Figure 8D , the lower bracket 34 of the second arm 30 may include a groove 38 adjacent to the central chamber 37. The central chamber 37 is adapted to receive an upper portion of the connector shaft 81. In embodiments where a friction cartridge assembly 300 is utilized, the central chamber 37 will also receive the friction cartridge assembly 300. The groove 38 is adapted to receive a first protrusion and a second protrusion 715, 716 of the adjustable translation insert 700. A stop 39 may be positioned along the groove path of the groove 38. In Figure 8D the depicted embodiment, the stop 39 is positioned within a front section 38a of the groove 38 adjacent to the front side 34a of the lower bracket 34, but in alternative embodiments, the stop 39 may be positioned along the groove path at other locations, such as within a rear section 38p of the groove 38 adjacent to the rear side 34p of the lower bracket 34. The channel 24 and the groove 38 may each be annular, ring-shaped, oval-shaped, or any other suitable shape to achieve the functions described herein.

[0070] In operation, a user may select a preferred left and right movement range of the support arm 1 by adjusting the orientation of the adjustable translation insert 700 relative to the housing formed in the upper end of the first arm 20. In Figures 8A to 8B and Figures 8E to 8G the depicted embodiment, the first protrusion 715 is spaced from the second protrusion 716 by approximately 90 degrees (measured relative to the center of the adjustable translation insert 700) along the perimeter of the second end 705 of the adjustable translation insert 700, thereby providing the user with three rotational settings: 90°, 180°, and 360° rotation. Figure 8GTop view of an adjustable translation insert 700 depicting a first protrusion and a second protrusion 715, 716 spaced approximately 90°, where stops 39 are swapped at various positions along the perimeter of the adjustable translation insert to show possible positioning of the protrusions of the adjustable translation insert relative to the stops 39, the positioning depending on the orientation of the adjustable translation insert 700 and the horizontal positioning of the arm assemblies 20, 30.

[0071] Referring Figures 8A to 8B , the adjustable translation insert 700 is positioned in a first orientation that will allow the second arm 30 to rotate 360° relative to the first arm 20. In this first orientation, the second external spline 712 will engage an internal spline 29 formed in the channel 24 of the first arm 20, where one or more cavities 29b receive and accommodate the first protrusion and the second protrusion 715, 716 of the adjustable translation insert 700. In this arrangement, the first end 704 of the adjustable translation insert 700 lacking a protrusion will not engage the stop 39 in the groove 38 of the lower bracket 34 of the second arm, thereby allowing 360° rotation. Now referring Figures 8E to 8F , the adjustable translation insert 700 is positioned in a second orientation that will allow the second arm 30 to rotate only 90° relative to the first arm 20. In this second orientation, the first external spline 710 will engage an internal spline 29 formed in the channel 24 of the first arm 20, where the first protrusion and the second protrusion 715, 716 of the adjustable translation insert 700 will project into the groove 38 of the lower bracket 34 of the second arm. In this second orientation, the adjustable translation insert is seated in the housing such that the protrusions are adjacent to the front side of the base assembly. When the second arm 30 rotates relative to the first arm 20 in a first direction, the stop 39 will engage the first protrusion 715 after a travel of approximately 45° (measured from the starting position directly facing the user) and prohibit further translation in the first direction. Similarly, when the second arm 30 rotates relative to the first arm 20 in a second direction, the stop 39 will engage the second protrusion 716 after a travel of approximately 45° (measured from the starting position directly facing the user) and prohibit further translation in the second direction. In another embodiment, the user may position the adjustable translation insert 700 in a third orientation to allow the second arm 30 to rotate 180° relative to the first arm 20. From the Figures 8E to 8FStarting from the orientation depicted in, this third orientation can be achieved by rotating the adjustable translation insert 700 by 180° about its central axis in a horizontal (i.e., radial) plane and then repositioning the first external spline 710 to engage with the internal spline 29 of the first arm 20. When the second arm 30 rotates relative to the first arm 20 in a first direction, the stop 39 will engage the first protrusion 715 after a travel of approximately 90° (measured from the starting position facing the user directly) and prohibit further translation in the first direction. Similarly, when the second arm 30 rotates relative to the first arm 20 in a second direction, the stop 39 will engage the second protrusion 716 after a travel of approximately 90° (measured from the starting position facing the user directly) and prohibit further translation in the second direction.

[0072] The adjustable translation insert 700 can be an annular hollow cylinder having an outer wall 701, an inner wall 702, a first end 704, and a second end 705. The adjustable translation insert 700 further defines a radial plane and a longitudinal plane. The inner wall 702 can include a first external spline 710 and a second external spline 712, which are positioned adjacent to each other along the surface of the inner wall 702 and each include teeth 714 extending inward from the inner wall 702.

[0073] However, in Figures 8A to 8G the embodiment depicted in, the adjustable translation insert 700 is shown as having a first external spline and a second external spline 710, 712 positioned along the inner wall 702. In an alternative embodiment, the first external spline and the second external spline 710, 712 can be positioned along the outer wall of the adjustable translation insert 700. In such alternative embodiments, the internal spline 29 will be positioned along the inner perimeter of the outer wall 26 such that the teeth 29a extend laterally from the outer wall 26 and partially into the channel 24 to cooperate with the first external spline or the second external spline 710, 712 of the adjustable translation insert 700. In other alternative embodiments, one or more protrusions can be used in place of the first external spline and the second external spline 710, 712, while one or more slots adapted to cooperate with the one or more protrusions can be used in place of the internal spline 29. Although the foregoing description illustrates the adjustable translation insert functionality using splines, protrusions, and recesses, any other acceptable member or mechanism for temporarily mating the translation insert 700 with the groove 38 can be used, including (but not limited to) the following: ratchets and pawls; racks and pinions or other mating gears; one or more pins mating with one or more holes, etc.

[0074] Still referring to Figures 8A to 8F, certain embodiments of the adjustable support arm may utilize a bearing 720 positioned adjacent to the inner wall 27 of a channel 24 formed in the second end 22 of the first arm 20. The bearing 720 is used to operatively engage the connector shaft 81 to reduce the amount of force required to adjust the horizontal (i.e., left - right) positioning of the second arm 30. In one exemplary embodiment, the bearing 720 is an angular contact bearing having an inner raceway and an outer raceway that are displaced relative to each other in the direction of the bearing axis, thereby accommodating both radial loading and axial loading simultaneously. However, other bearing types may be utilized.

[0075] Now referring to Figures 9A to 9C and Figure 13B , the mounting plate 44 of the articulated joint 40 may include a fastening mechanism for easily removing and attaching a mounted accessory or accessory adapter (e.g., an electronic display, a keyboard, a paper holder, a laptop computer holder, a tablet computer holder, a phone holder, a lamp, or other object) to the support arm 1. In Figures 9A to 9C and Figure 13B , an exemplary embodiment of the accessory fastening mechanism 400 is depicted. The accessory fastening mechanism 400 may include a spring - loaded latch 410 and a hook 420. In one exemplary embodiment, the spring - loaded latch 410 may include a catch 412 and a button 414, where the catch 412 protrudes from the front side of the mounting plate 44 and the button 414 protrudes from the rear side of the mounting plate 44. A spring 411 (see Figure 13B ) may be positioned within a cavity formed in the mounting plate 44 and operatively engage the spring - loaded latch 410 to bias the spring - loaded latch downward relative to the center of the mounting plate 44. In the exemplary embodiment depicted in Figures 9A to 9C and Figure 13B , the spring - loaded latch 410 is positioned within an opening 46 formed in the lower portion 45 of the mounting plate 44, and the hook 420 protrudes from the front side of the upper portion 47 of the mounting plate 44. In alternative embodiments, the spring - loaded latch 410 may be attached at various portions of the mounting plate 44, including (but not limited to) the upper portion 47 of the mounting plate 44, while the hook 420 may be attached at various locations on the mounting plate 44, including (but not limited to) the lower portion 45 of the mounting plate 44. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the positions of the latch and the hook may be varied, and multiple latches and hooks may be used to allow for the quick - release function described herein. Additionally, the hook and the latch may have any suitable shape for achieving the intended functions described herein.

[0076] In operation, the user may utilize the accessory fastening mechanism 400 to selectively remove the accessory bracket assembly 50 and reattach the accessory bracket assembly to the mounting plate 44 of the articulated joint 40. To attach the accessory bracket assembly 50, the user may first couple the hook 420 to the upper portion of the central bracket 51 by tilting the upper portion of the bracket towards the bracket assembly 50 and extending the hook 420 into the upper opening 53 of the central bracket 51. Next, the user may position the lower portion of the central bracket 51 adjacent to the spring-loaded latch 410 and may lift the spring-loaded latch 410 by lifting the button 414 upwardly, or may not lift the spring-loaded latch. Subsequently, the user may position the lower portion of the central bracket 51 adjacent to the lower portion of the mounting plate 44, which will cause the button 412 to extend into the lower opening 52 of the central bracket 51. If the user lifts the spring-loaded latch 410, then after releasing the button 414, the button 412 may engage the lower portion of the central bracket 51 to secure the accessory bracket assembly 50 to the mounting plate 44. If the user does not lift the spring-loaded latch 410, then the button 412 will be forced to accommodate the lower opening 52 of the central bracket 51 by compressing the spring 411. To remove the accessory bracket assembly 50, the user may reverse the foregoing process. Specifically, the user may lift the button 414 upwardly and disengage the button 412 from the lower portion of the central bracket 51. The user may then remove the hook 420 from the upper portion of the central bracket 51.

[0077] Now referring to Figures 10A to 10B , an exemplary embodiment is shown of an accessory bracket assembly 50 having a seat or mounting part for attaching an auxiliary accessory to an adjustable support arm 1. The accessory bracket assembly 50 may include any combination of a top seat 510, a right seat 520, a bottom seat 530, and a left seat 540, each of which is attached to a frame 57 of the accessory bracket assembly 50. The seat or mounting part may be tubular in shape, or may have any other suitable shape for achieving the functions described herein. The accessory coupled to the seat or mounting part may be directly or indirectly coupled to the seat via a temporary fastener. A first accessory support 575 may be coupled to the top seat and the bottom seat 510, 530, while a second accessory support 576 may be coupled to the right seat and the left seat 520, 540. The first and second accessory supports 575, 576 may include U-shaped tubes having a diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the tubular seat, thus allowing the first and second accessory supports 575, 576 to be coupled to the seats 510, 520, 530, 540 by sliding the ends of the first and second accessory supports 575, 576 into the hollow openings of the seats. In an alternative embodiment, the accessory supports 575, 576 may be linear tubes (e.g., see Figures 10C to 10E), or a body of any other shape that can be coupled to the supports 510, 520, 530, 540. Auxiliary accessories, such as paper holders, lights, electronic displays, keyboards, laptop holders, tablet computer holders, phone holders, and other accessories, can then be attached to the accessory supports 575, 576 using fasteners or brackets known in the art.

[0078] In Figures 10C to 10E an alternative embodiment showing various exemplary accessory support configurations is depicted, such as a handle, a headphone or headset holder or support, and a side panel, a tablet computer holder, or a paper tray holder.

[0079] Now referring to Figures 11A to 11C , an alternative embodiment of an accessory bracket assembly is depicted. As Figure 11A shown, the accessory bracket assembly 50 may include a horizontal crossbar assembly 591 attached to the joint 40. As Figure 11B shown, the accessory bracket assembly 50 may include a vertical crossbar assembly 592 attached to the joint 40. As Figure 11C shown, when applicable for a given crossbar configuration, one or more accessory supports 575, 576 can be attached to the horizontal crossbar assembly or the vertical crossbar assembly 591, 592 at the side, top, or bottom.

[0080] Those skilled in the art of these inventions, who have benefited from the foregoing description and the teachings presented in the associated drawings, will think of many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the inventions are not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

1. An adjustable support arm, the adjustable support arm comprising: a) A base assembly; b) An arm assembly, the arm assembly including a first arm, the first arm including: i) A central chamber; and ii) A groove, the groove being adjacent to the central chamber, and iii) A stop, the stop being positioned within the groove; c) A first connector shaft having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the first connector shaft is positioned within a central hole of the base assembly, and wherein the second end of the first connector shaft is positioned within the central chamber of the first arm, d) A first quick-release joint for releasably coupling the first arm to the base assembly, the quick-release joint including: i) A first latch, the first latch pivotally connected to the base assembly; ii) A first spring for biasing the first latch into engagement with the first end of the first connector shaft.

2. The adjustable support arm according to claim 1, the first arm further comprising: A lower bracket; An upper bracket; And a parallelogram linkage extending between the lower bracket and the upper bracket.

3. The adjustable support arm according to claim 1, wherein the adjustable support arm further includes an adjustable translation insert positioned between the base assembly and the first arm for restricting rotation of the first arm about an axis formed by the first connector shaft connecting the first arm to the base assembly.

4. The adjustable support arm according to claim 1, wherein the arm assembly further comprising: A second arm, the second arm being releasably coupled to the second end of the first arm, the second arm including a parallelogram linkage having a first end pivotally attached to the lower bracket and a second end pivotally attached to the upper bracket.

5. The adjustable support arm according to claim 4, wherein the second arm is releasably coupled to the first arm by a second quick-release joint.

6. The adjustable support arm according to claim 5, wherein the adjustable support arm further includes a first adjustable translation insert positioned between the base assembly and the first arm for restricting rotation of the first arm about an axis formed between the first arm and the base assembly.

7. The adjustable support arm according to claim 6, wherein the adjustable support arm further includes a second adjustable translation insert positioned between the second arm and the first arm for restricting rotation of the second arm about the first arm.

8. The adjustable support arm according to claim 5, wherein the adjustable support arm further comprising: i) A first adjustable translation insert positioned between the first arm and the base assembly for restricting rotation of the first arm about the base assembly; and ii) a second adjustable translation insert positioned between the second arm and the first arm for restricting rotation of the second arm about the first arm.

9. The adjustable support arm according to claim 8, each of the first adjustable translation insert and the second adjustable translation insert comprises: an outer wall; an inner wall; a first end; a second end; a first spline and a second spline positioned in a stacked orientation about the inner wall of the adjustable translation insert; and a first protrusion and a second protrusion extending from the second end of the adjustable translation insert, wherein the first protrusion is spaced apart from the second protrusion.

10. The adjustable support arm according to claim 9, wherein the base assembly includes a housing adapted to receive the first adjustable translation insert, the housing comprises: a) a channel formed in an upper end of the housing, the channel defining an outer wall and an inner wall; and b) a spline having a plurality of teeth and one or more cavities, wherein the spline is positioned along an outer periphery of the inner wall such that the plurality of teeth extend laterally from the inner wall and partially into the channel to cooperate with the first spline or the second spline of the first adjustable translation insert, and wherein the one or more cavities are adapted to receive and cooperate with the first protrusion and the second protrusion of the first adjustable translation insert.

11. The adjustable support arm according to claim 10, wherein the first adjustable translation insert is coupled to the housing of the base assembly in an orientation selected from the group consisting of: a) a first orientation defined by: the second spline and the one or more cavities of the first adjustable translation insert cooperate with a spline formed in the channel of the base assembly such that the first protrusion and the second protrusion of the first adjustable translation insert extend into the one or more cavities of the spline formed in the housing of the base assembly; b) a second orientation defined by: the first spline of the first adjustable translation insert cooperates with the spline formed in the channel of the base assembly housing such that the first protrusion and the second protrusion of the first adjustable translation insert extend into the groove; and c) a third orientation defined by: the first spline of the first adjustable translation insert cooperates with the spline formed in the channel of the base assembly such that the first protrusion and the second protrusion of the first adjustable translation insert extend into a rear section portion of the groove.

12. The adjustable support arm according to claim 1, wherein the base assembly comprises: a base plate adapted to be positioned on top of a work surface; a post extending upwardly from the base plate; A clamping bracket, the clamping bracket being attached to the substrate and extending below the working surface; And a screw, the screw being threadedly engaged with the clamping bracket.

13. The adjustable support arm according to claim 1, further comprising a mounting plate pivotally attached to the arm assembly.

14. The adjustable support arm according to claim 13, further comprising a fitting bracket assembly releasably attached to the mounting plate, wherein the fitting bracket assembly Comprises: A central bracket; A frame disposed around the central bracket and having an outer periphery.

15. The adjustable support arm according to claim 14, further comprising at least one fitting support attached to the outer periphery of the frame.

16. The adjustable support arm according to claim 14, wherein the mounting plate further comprises a fastening mechanism, wherein the fastening mechanism Comprises: i) A spring-loaded latch protruding from the front side of the mounting plate for engaging a first opening formed in the central bracket; And ii) A hook protruding from the front side of the mounting plate for engaging a second opening formed in the central bracket.

17. The adjustable support arm according to claim 15, wherein the fitting bracket assembly further comprises a first fitting support having a first end coupled to the fitting support.

18. An adjustable support arm which Comprises: a) A base assembly; b) An arm assembly, the arm assembly comprising: i) A central chamber; and ii) A groove adjacent to the central chamber, and iii) A stop positioned within the groove; c) A connector shaft having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the connector shaft is positioned within a central hole of the base assembly, and wherein the second end of the connector shaft is positioned within the central chamber of the arm assembly; d) A quick-release joint for releasably coupling the arm assembly to the base assembly, the quick-release joint comprising: i) A latch, the latch comprising a protrusion; ii) A shaft extending through an aperture formed in the latch to pivotally connect the latch to the base assembly, the shaft defining a pivot axis about which the latch pivots; iii) A spring biasing the latch into engagement with a recess formed in the first end of the connector shaft.

19. An adjustable support arm which Comprises: a) A base assembly; b) An arm assembly, which comprises: i) A first arm including a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the first arm further includes a central chamber; a groove adjacent to the central chamber; and a stop positioned within the groove; ii) A second arm, the second arm comprising: 1) A lower bracket; 2) An upper bracket; 3) A parallelogram linkage extending between the lower bracket and the upper bracket, wherein the lower bracket further includes a central chamber; a groove adjacent to the central chamber; and a stop positioned within the groove; and c) A first quick-release joint and a second quick-release joint, wherein the first quick-release joint releasably couples the first end of the first arm to the base assembly, and wherein the second quick-release joint releasably couples the lower bracket of the second arm to the second end of the first arm; d) A first adjustable translation insert and a second adjustable translation insert, wherein the first adjustable translation insert is positioned between the first arm and the base assembly for restricting rotation of the first arm about the base assembly; and wherein the second adjustable translation insert is positioned between the second arm and the first arm for restricting rotation of the second arm about the first arm.

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