Monitor support

Abstract

A monitor support device includes a mounting rod with a pivot, wherein the pivot has a vertical axis, and the mounting rod is rotatable about the vertical axis. The monitor support device also includes two monitor carriers, each pivotable about the mounting rod, wherein each monitor carrier is configured to receive a monitor with an image screen.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a monitor support device. Background Technology

[0002] Dual monitor screens and their corresponding mounting devices are typically fixed to face one direction. It is difficult to easily manipulate the monitor's position in other directions because the monitor supports are usually rigid and generally immovable.

[0003] This is particularly challenging in medical settings, where it may be desirable for the operator or patient to view the monitor while the surgeon performs a procedure. This is difficult because there is limited space in the operating room, making it difficult for the surgeon to view the monitor on the same side as the operator / patient. Maintaining sterility in the operating room in this way is also challenging when the surgeon moves from the surgical area to view the screen. This results in cumbersome designs for monitoring devices that are not easily viewed or transported.

[0004] The general objective of this invention is to eliminate or at least reduce the aforementioned problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A first aspect of the invention provides a monitor support device comprising: a mounting rod having a pivot, wherein the pivot has a vertical axis about which the mounting rod is rotatable; and two monitor carriers, each pivotable about the mounting rod, wherein each monitor carrier is configured to receive a monitor having an image screen. All axes of rotation are parallel to each other and perpendicular to (i.e., typically vertical in use) the longitudinal axis of the mounting rod. In use, the mounting rod is horizontal, so the vertical axis is typically the vertical axis. Carrier arms are mounted on the mounting rod such that they are free to rotate above the mounting rod. Each monitor carrier is mounted on its corresponding carrier arm such that each monitor carrier is free to rotate above its carrier arm (and therefore also above the mounting rod). In other words, the lower portion of the monitor carrier (and therefore the lower portion of the monitor supported by the monitor carrier) is located above the upper surface of its corresponding carrier arm and the mounting rod.

[0006] The arrangement of the present invention particularly allows each monitor to rotate freely (up to 360°) above its associated carrier arm and mounting rod, thereby providing the possibility of easily arranging monitors in a variety of configurations, which will be further described herein.

[0007] As will be seen later, these features of the monitor support device can be used to support two, three, or even more monitors.

[0008] Preferably, the mounting rod and the two monitor carriers can be aligned (aligned) relative to each other along the main axis of the mounting rod, pivoting around the mounting rod. As an advantage, this results in a more compact package for transport and storage. Furthermore, this arrangement will have a compact volume during monitor rotation, which can be important in crowded hospital facilities.

[0009] In other embodiments, the two pivots of the two monitor carriers are not aligned with the pivot of the mounting rod. The advantage is that a larger reach / positioning area for the monitors and more space between the monitors can be achieved for free observation (field of view penetration).

[0010] In one embodiment, the mounting rod is formed by two rods. The pivot of the mounting rod corresponds to the pivot of each of the two rods. Each of the two rods can rotate independently of each other about the same pivot. One end of each of the two rods is connected to the pivot, and the other end is connected to one of the monitor carriers. It may still be advantageous to store monitors in a compact manner and rotate them 360 degrees or even more. This arrangement of the invention allows the monitor carriers to be positioned independently in a variety of configurations relative to the mounting rod and the other monitor carrier in a quick and easy manner.

[0011] Optionally, the monitor carrier can be configured to be positioned in a first viewing position, a second viewing position, and a retracted position. In the first viewing position, the monitor carrier is arranged such that the monitor image screens face (point) to substantially similar directions. In the second viewing position, the monitor carrier is arranged such that the monitor image screens face substantially different directions. In the retracted position, the monitor carrier is arranged such that the monitor image screens face substantially towards each other. The monitor carrier can be shifted between the first, second, and retracted positions.

[0012] In the first observation position, the monitor carrier is positioned in a substantially similar orientation, at which point the monitor image screen can be viewed from one side of the monitor support. The monitor image screen does not need to be in the same orientation to be positioned in the first observation position.

[0013] In the second viewing position, the monitor carrier is positioned in a substantially different orientation, allowing the monitor image screen to be viewed from different sides of the monitor support. The monitor image screen does not need to be in an opposite orientation to be positioned in the second viewing position.

[0014] In the stowed position, the monitor carriers are positioned essentially facing each other, making the monitor image screens invisible. The monitor image screens do not need to be directly opposite each other to be positioned in the stowed position.

[0015] From the first observation position, the monitor carrier can be observed from one side of the monitor support device.

[0016] In the second observation position, the monitor carrier is visible from multiple sides of the monitor support, allowing multiple people / parties to observe the monitor image screen.

[0017] In the stowed position, the monitor carrier is positioned in a compact arrangement.

[0018] Optionally, each monitor carrier can rotate about the vertical axis of the mounting rod.

[0019] The monitor carrier is arranged to maintain the orientation of the monitor image screen as the monitor carrier rotates.

[0020] Optionally, the monitor support device further includes at least one carrier arm between each monitor carrier and the mounting rod, wherein each carrier arm has a first pivot attached to the monitor carrier and / or a second pivot attached to the mounting rod, such that the monitor carrier is pivotally attached to the mounting rod via the respective carrier arm.

[0021] Therefore, the carrier arm can rotate freely relative to the mounting rod. The monitor carrier can also rotate freely relative to the carrier arm. The rotation of the carrier arm allows the monitor carrier to be positioned at any desired location relative to the mounting rod.

[0022] Optionally, the first pivot of the carrier arm is inside the outer edge of the monitor carrier.

[0023] Optionally, the first pivot of the carrier arm is offset from the center of the monitor carrier to allow for free movement and compact packaging.

[0024] Therefore, when the monitor carrier is positioned in the first, second, and retracted positions, the monitor carrier can rotate freely without contacting another monitor carrier.

[0025] Optionally, in the retracted position, the edges of the monitor carrier are aligned so that the monitor's image screens are not offset from each other. This "alignment" refers to "major alignment," taking into account some tolerances acceptable to the user of such a monitor support device (if used with a screen for display purposes).

[0026] The monitor support unit is compact in its retracted position. Therefore, the monitor support unit occupies less space in a retracted arrangement.

[0027] Optionally, the monitor carrier is mounted to the mounting rod so as to effectively have at least 90° of rotational freedom about the vertical axis of the mounting rod pivot.

[0028] Optionally, the monitor carrier has approximately 180° of rotational freedom relative to the mounting rod pivot.

[0029] Optionally, the monitor carrier has a rotational degree of freedom of more than 180° relative to the mounting rod pivot.

[0030] Therefore, the monitor carrier can be freely positioned relative to the mounting rod.

[0031] Optionally, the first monitor carrier in the monitor carrier can be moved from its first viewing position or second viewing position to its retracted position by rotating approximately 90° relative to the mounting rod pivot about a vertical axis in a first direction, and The second monitor carrier in the monitor carrier is capable of moving from its first observation position or second observation position to its retracted position by rotating approximately 90° in the opposite direction relative to the mounting rod pivot about the vertical axis.

[0032] Therefore, the image screen carried by the monitor carrier can be viewed from the opposite side of the monitor support. This can be advantageous in arrangements where multiple people need to view the image screen carried by the monitor carrier.

[0033] Optionally, at the second viewing position, the edges of the monitor carrier are offset such that the image screens of the monitors are offset from each other.

[0034] The offset arrangement of the monitor carriers minimizes the distance between them and facilitates viewing the image screen carried by the monitor carriers in space-constrained environments.

[0035] Optionally, the monitor support device may further include a third monitor carrier pivotally mounted to the mounting rod, wherein the third monitor carrier is configured to receive a monitor with an image screen.

[0036] Optionally, the monitor support device further includes a carrier arm between the third monitor carrier and the mounting rod, wherein the carrier arm has a first pivot attached to the third monitor carrier and / or a second pivot attached to the mounting rod, such that the third monitor carrier is pivotally attached to the mounting rod via the carrier arm.

[0037] The carrier arm can rotate freely relative to the mounting rod. The monitor carrier can also rotate freely relative to the carrier arm. The rotation of the carrier arm allows the monitor carrier to be positioned at any desired location relative to the mounting rod.

[0038] Optionally, the third monitor carrier is pivotally mounted to the mounting rod between the first monitor carrier and the second monitor carrier.

[0039] Optionally, the third monitor carrier is configured to be attached to a monitor having an image screen, and wherein the third monitor carrier may be configured to be positioned at a first viewing position, wherein the third monitor carrier is arranged such that the monitor image screen faces a direction substantially similar to that of the monitor image screen carried by the first monitor carrier and / or the second monitor carrier. A second observation position, wherein a third monitor carrier is arranged such that the monitor image screen faces substantially a different orientation than the monitor image screen carried by the first monitor carrier and / or the second monitor carrier; and In the stowed position, the third monitor carrier is arranged such that the monitor image screen is substantially facing one of the monitor image screens carried by the first monitor carrier and the second monitor carrier; wherein the third monitor carrier is movable between the first position, the second position and the stowed position.

[0040] Optionally, the monitor support system also includes a vertical mounting post attached to the device, wherein the mounting rod is attached to the vertical mounting post so that the monitor carrier can be vertically moved relative to the device.

[0041] The height of the monitor support system can be varied depending on the application of the monitor support system (e.g., the position or height of the person viewing the image screen).

[0042] Optionally, the monitor device is used in conjunction with an X-ray device, and the monitor carrier is arranged to receive a monitor having an image screen for displaying X-ray images.

[0043] The monitor support device can be observed during medical procedures. This may be advantageous from a second observation position, as the monitor support system can be observed simultaneously by both the patient and the doctor.

[0044] Optionally, the medical device is a mobile carriage and also includes a control device, which includes at least one human-operable control input for controlling the operation of the X-ray device.

[0045] Another aspect of the invention provides a monitor support device comprising: a mounting rod having a pivot, wherein the pivot has a vertical axis about which the mounting rod is rotatable; at least three monitor carriers pivotable on the mounting rod, wherein each monitor carrier is configured to be attached to a monitor having an image screen, wherein the monitor carriers are configured to be positioned in: a first viewing position, wherein the monitor carriers are arranged such that the monitor image screens face substantially the same direction; a second viewing position, wherein the monitor carriers are arranged such that the monitor image screens face substantially opposite directions; and a retracted position, wherein the monitor carriers are arranged such that the monitor image screens face substantially towards each other; and wherein the monitor carriers are displaceable between the first position, the second position, and the retracted position.

[0046] Optionally, each monitor carrier can rotate about the vertical axis of the mounting rod.

[0047] Optionally, the monitor support device further includes at least two carrier arms between at least two monitor carriers and the mounting rod, wherein each carrier arm has a first pivot attached to a monitor carrier and a second pivot attached to the mounting rod, such that at least two monitor carriers are pivotally attached to the mounting rod via the respective carrier arms.

[0048] Optionally, at least three monitor carriers include at least one monitor carrier that is pivotally attached to the mounting rod.

[0049] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated by reference to the embodiments described below. For example, the scope of the invention includes equivalent solutions, whereby the monitor support is suspended (i.e., attached to the ceiling). In other words, the invention also aims to provide a monitor support comprising: a horizontal mounting rod having a pivot having a vertical axis about which the mounting rod is rotatable; at least two horizontal carrier arms having a first end and a second end, the second end being mounted on opposite sides of the mounting rod via a second pivot having a vertical axis, such that each carrier arm is rotatable about the axis of the second pivot; at least two horizontal monitor carriers configured to suspend two monitors having image screens; the monitor carriers being mounted on the first ends of the carrier arms via two first pivots having vertical axes, such that the monitor carriers are rotatable about the axis of their respective first pivots; wherein the carrier support and its corresponding carrier arm are arranged such that the carrier support is rotatable about 360 degrees about the first pivot. Attached Figure Description

[0050] Other features and advantages of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 An exemplary monitor support device and medical device are shown; Figure 2 A rear view of an exemplary monitor is shown; Figure 3A A schematic front view of an exemplary monitor support device is shown; Figure 3B A schematic plan view of an exemplary monitor support device is shown; Figure 4 An exemplary view of the monitor carrier is shown; Figure 5A and Figure 5B A schematic diagram of an exemplary monitor support device in a first observation position is shown; Figures 6A to 6C A schematic diagram of an exemplary monitor support device in a second observation position is shown; Figure 7A and Figure 7B A schematic diagram of an exemplary monitor support device in its retracted position is shown; Figure 8A and Figure 8B Another embodiment of the exemplary monitor support device is shown; Figure 9 Another exemplary monitor support device is shown; Figure 10 A rear view of an exemplary monitor support device is shown; Figure 11A A schematic front view of an exemplary monitor support device is shown; Figure 11B A schematic plan view of an exemplary monitor support device is shown; Figure 12 An exemplary monitor support device in the retracted position is shown; Figure 13A and Figure 13B Another embodiment of the exemplary monitor support device is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0051] Figure 1 and Figure 2An exemplary movable bracket 10 for an X-ray examination apparatus is shown, having a front side 11, a rear side 12 opposite to the front side 11, and two opposite left sides 8 and right sides 9. As shown, the bracket 10 has wheels 17 for moving the bracket 10. The bracket 10 has vertical mounting posts 15 extending from the upper surface 16 of the bracket. The bracket 10 also includes a control device 10a, which includes at least one human-operable control input device, such as a keyboard. The input device can be used to control the operation of the X-ray examination apparatus. In this example, the movable bracket 10 has two monitors 22a and 22b mounted on the bracket 10 via a monitor support 30.

[0052] In this example, the bracket 10 has two monitors 22a and 22b. Monitors 22a and 22b are substantially identical, and the features of each monitor are indicated by 'a' and 'b', respectively. Monitors 22a and 22b are shown in this example as being mounted at the same height; however, it should be understood that monitors 22a and 22b may be positioned at different heights relative to the upper surface 15 of the bracket 10. Monitors 22a and 22b are preferably flat-screen monitors, but may be any other suitable monitoring device.

[0053] Each monitor 22a, 22b has image screens 23a, 23b for displaying images and rear sides 24a, 24b opposite to the image screens. In this example, monitors 22a, 22b are positioned closer to the rear side 12 of the bracket 10 than to the front side 11. As will be discussed in further detail below, the image screens 23a, 23b of monitors 22a, 22b are arranged to be positioned relative to each other using monitor support 30. In this example, image screens 23a, 23b are arranged to display X-ray images.

[0054] exist Figure 3A and Figure 3B A schematic front view and plan view of an exemplary monitor support 30 are shown in more detail below. As shown, the monitor support 30 is mounted to a vertical mounting post 15 attached to a carrier 10. The vertical mounting post 15 has a central axis 15a extending longitudinally along its length. The monitor support 30 has a mounting rod 32 pivotally attached to the vertical mounting post 15 at a pivot 33. In this example, the pivot 33 is located at the midpoint of the mounting rod 32, and the mounting rod 32 is centrally mounted to the vertical mounting post 15. Therefore, Figure 3A The pivot 33 is equidistant from either end of the mounting rod 32. As shown, the pivot 33 has a vertical axis 33a that coincides with the vertical axis 15a of the vertical column 15. The mounting rod 32 is capable of rotating (in the X direction) about the vertical axis 33a of the pivot 33. Therefore, the mounting rod 32 is capable of rotating freely relative to the vertical mounting column 15.

[0055] Two carrier arms 35 are pivotable on the mounting rod 32. For this purpose, according to the invention, the carrier arms are mounted on the top surface of the mounting rod such that they can rotate freely above it (those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention includes other equivalent embodiments in which the monitor is primarily suspended below the mounting rod, and the carrier arms can then be mounted to contact the bottom surface of the mounting rod). In this example, the carrier arms 35 are attached to the mounting rod 32 at its distal end. In other examples, the carrier arms 35 may be positioned inside the distal end of the mounting rod 32. Figure 3A and Figure 3B In the example shown, the carrier arm is a rod having a first end 35a pivotally attached to a monitor carrier 40 and a second end 35b pivotally attached to a mounting rod 32. More specifically, the carrier arm 35 has a first pivot 36 attached to the monitor carrier 40 and a second pivot 37 attached to the mounting rod 32. The first end 35a of the carrier arm 35 is attached to the monitor carrier 40 via the first pivot 36, while the second end 35b of the carrier arm 35b is attached to the monitor rod 32 via the second pivot 37. Thus, in this example, as in other embodiments presented herein, each first pivot 36 is offset from the center of the monitor carrier 40. See, for example, [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 3B Each monitor carrier 40 is rotatably mounted to its carrier arm 35 at its first pivot 36 and at a position approximately corresponding to one-quarter of the horizontal length of the monitor carrier (and monitors not shown). In this respect, those skilled in the art will readily determine how much the first pivot position on the monitor carrier should be eccentric based on the arrangement of the monitors he / she expects for use in certain clinical settings. In other examples, the monitor carrier 40 may have only the first pivot 36 or a second pivot 37. Each monitor carrier 40 is pivotable about a mounting rod 32. The first pivot 36 has a vertical axis 36a (in the y-direction) about which the monitor carrier 40 is rotatable. Similarly, the second pivot 37 has a vertical axis 37a (in the Y-direction). The carrier arm 35 is rotatable relative to the mounting rod 32 about the vertical axis 37a.

[0056] According to the invention, the first axis, the second pivot axis, and the vertical axis 33a about which the mounting rod can rotate are all parallel to each other and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mounting rod (i.e., generally horizontal in use).

[0057] According to the invention, the first pivot 36, the second pivot 37 and the pivot 33a are aligned (aligned) with each other in the direction of the mounting rod (i.e., they are usually horizontal in use).

[0058] Therefore, each monitor carrier 40 can rotate independently relative to the other monitor carrier 40, carrier arm 35 and mounting rod 32.

[0059] exist Figure 4 The monitor carrier 40 is shown in more detail below. As shown, the monitor carrier 40 is mounted via a first pivot 36 to a first end 35a of a carrier arm 35 and to the carrier arm 35 (i.e., in contact with and above the carrier arm 35, or, when associated with an equivalent ceiling-based embodiment (where the monitor is suspended), in contact with and below the carrier arm 35). The monitor carrier 40 includes a support back 42 extending vertically from a base lip 41, which is arranged to receive monitors 22a, b. Figure 2 and Figure 7A As shown more clearly in the diagram, the supporting back 42 of the monitor carrier 40 extends along the rear sides 24a, 24b of the monitors 22a, 22b. However, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that any suitable mounting arrangement can be used for the monitor carrier 40.

[0060] According to the invention, monitor carriers 40 are mounted on carrier arms 35 such that each monitor carrier can rotate freely up to 360° above its carrier arm and relative to the vertical axis. In this way, the lower edge of the monitor in each monitor carrier is always above the top surface of its associated carrier arm, and this allows each monitor to rotate freely (up to 360°) above its associated carrier arm and therefore above the mounting rod (those skilled in the art will readily recognize the opposite or equivalent configurations of other embodiments of the invention, wherein the monitors are primarily arranged below the mounting rod, i.e., for a suspension arrangement such as 8A). Figure 3B As shown, each carrier arm 35 can rotate along a corresponding path 38. As illustrated, the carrier arm 35 can rotate from 0° to 360° around and above the mounting rod 32. The diameter of the rotation path 38 can be customized according to the length of the carrier arm 35. Preferably, the length of the carrier arm 35 allows it to rotate freely from 0° to 360° without physically contacting another carrier arm 35. Therefore, the carrier arm 35 can rotate unimpeded about the vertical axis 37a of the mounting rod 32.

[0061] Monitors 22a and 22b are also preferably vertically adjustable, meaning their height can be adjusted by moving the vertical column 15 into and out of the bracket 10. Since devices for mounting screens that allow for vertical position adjustment are known, a more detailed description of the design of such mounting devices is omitted here.

[0062] The monitor carrier 40 is mounted to the mounting rod 32 via a support rod 35. Since the monitor carrier 40 can also rotate about a first pivot 36, it effectively has at least 90° of rotational freedom about the first pivot 36. Preferably, the monitor carrier 40 has 180° of rotational freedom relative to the mounting rod pivot 30. In other examples, the monitor carrier's rotational freedom can be greater than 180°. In other examples, the monitor carrier 40's rotational freedom relative to the mounting rod pivot 30 can be less than 180°. The monitor carrier 40 can preferably rotate between 0° and 360° relative to the vertical axis 33a of the mounting rod pivot 33. This allows the monitor carrier 40 to move between a first viewing position 100, a second viewing position 200, and a retracted position 300, as discussed in more detail below.

[0063] Figure 5A and Figure 5B A perspective view and a plan view of the monitor support 30 and monitors 22a and 22b in the first observation position 100 are shown. Figure 5B As shown more clearly in the first viewing position, the monitor carrier 40 is arranged such that the monitor image screens 23a and 23b face (point) in substantially similar directions. In this example, the monitor image screens 23a and 23b face the front side 12 of the bracket 10. To achieve this similar orientation, it should be noted that the image screens 23a and 23b do not need to be parallel in the same direction. Instead, the majority (main body) of the image screens 23a and 23b needs to face in a similar direction. Preferably, the angle between the two screens is greater than 160 degrees. In other examples, the monitor support 30 may be in the first viewing position, where the image screens 23a and 23b face the rear part 11 of the bracket 10.

[0064] Figure 6A and Figure 6B Perspective and plan views of the monitor support 30 and monitors 22a and 22b in the second observation position 200 are shown. Figure 6B As shown more clearly in the second viewing position, the monitor carrier 40 is arranged such that the monitor image screens 23a and 23b face substantially different directions. In this example, one monitor image screen 23a faces the front 12 of the bracket 10, while the other monitor screen 22a faces the rear 11 of the bracket 10. However, to face different directions, it should be noted that the image screens 23a and 23b do not need to be 180° opposite each other. For example, one image screen 23a may face one side of the bracket 10 (i.e., opposite to the front 12). Figure 6B The mounting rod 32 shown is at a 90° angle, while another image screen 23b can face the rear 11 of the bracket 10. In order to face different directions, most of the image screens 23a and 23b need not face the same direction.

[0065] exist Figure 6A and Figure 6B In the example shown, the corresponding outer edges 24, 25 of each monitor 22a, 22b are aligned. Therefore, the monitors 22a, 22b in this example are not offset from each other.

[0066] Figure 6C An alternative arrangement of the monitor support 30 and monitors 22a, 22b in the second viewing position 200 is shown. In this example, the monitor carriers are offset from each other, causing the image screens of monitors 22a, 22b to be offset from each other. As shown, in this example, the outer edges 24, 25 of monitors 22a, 22b are offset from each other. This offset means that monitors 22a, 22b and the monitor carrier are not aligned. Figure 6B In the example shown, the carrier arm 35 extends vertically from the mounting rod 32. However, in Figure 6C In the example shown, the carrier arm 35 does not extend perpendicularly from the mounting rod 32. The angle between the carrier arms 35 is reduced, allowing the monitors 22a and 22b to be positioned offset from each other.

[0067] like Figure 6C As shown, the distance between monitors 22a and 22b decreases. Figure 6C In the example shown, the second monitor 22b is positioned away from the front side 11 of the bracket, away from the bracket 10. Therefore, the first monitor 22a is positioned closer to the front side 11 of the bracket and closer to the second monitor 22b. In this example, the first monitor 22a is thus positioned halfway above the upper surface 16 of the bracket 10. In the second position 200, a larger area of ​​the upper surface 16 is occupied by the monitor 22a.

[0068] Because the monitor carrier 40 is rotatable relative to the mounting rod 32, the monitors 22a and 22b can be easily rotated between the first viewing position 100 and the second viewing position 200. The mounting rod 32 and the monitor carrier 40 allow the monitors 22a and 22b to be positioned as needed. This can be particularly advantageous in areas such as operating rooms or hospital rooms, as described below.

[0069] Therefore, the medical team can move from both monitors 22a and 22b, which are in the first observation position 100, before the monitor support is moved to the second observation position 200. The second observation position 200 can be used to display and explain medical procedures to the patient, or it can be used by the physician to perform surgical procedures.

[0070] In operating room or hospital settings, it is important to maintain a sterile barrier between the patient and / or physician and additional team members in the room, such as nurses or students. The monitor support device 30 according to the invention allows the physician / patient to be positioned on one side of the support 10, while the remaining team members can be on the opposite side. This not only maintains a sterile barrier but also ensures that all members can view the monitors 22a, 22b.

[0071] Furthermore, the monitor support device 30 can be positioned at the second position 200, such as... Figure 6C As shown. This can be advantageous, for example, if a doctor / team needs to bring one of the monitors 22a, 22b closer for observation without interfering with the observation of someone on the opposite side of the bracket 10. Additionally, in this exemplary second position 200, monitors 22a, 22b are moved toward the front side 11 of the bracket 10. Therefore, when the monitor support is in the second observation position 200, the resulting unoccupied upper surface 16 can be used as storage space (e.g., storage space for a laptop, medical equipment, etc.). In other examples, monitors 22a, 22b may be moved toward the rear side 12 of the bracket 10.

[0072] After use, the monitor support 30 can be positioned in the stowed position 300, for example, placed in a corner of a room or storage room. Because the stowed position 300 is compact, the monitor support 30 occupies less space than conventional imaging systems or devices.

[0073] Figure 7A and Figure 7B Perspective and plan views of the monitor support 30 and monitors 22a and 22b in the retracted position 300 are shown. Figure 7B As shown more clearly in the retracted position, the monitor carrier 40 is arranged such that the monitor image screens 23a, 23b are substantially facing each other. When in the retracted position 300, the edges of the monitor carriers 43a, 43b are aligned, such that the image screens 23a, 23b of the monitors 22a, 22b are not offset from each other in the XY direction. This provides a compact arrangement because the monitors 22a, 23a can be positioned within the periphery of the bracket 10 above the top surface 16 of the bracket 10.

[0074] By rotating about the vertical axis 33a of the mounting rod 32 pivot, the monitor carrier 40 can be moved from the first viewing position 100 or the second viewing position 200 to the retracted position 300. By rotating approximately 90° about the vertical axis 33a in a first direction, the first monitor carrier 40 can be moved from the first viewing position 100 or the second viewing position 200 to the retracted position 300. By rotating approximately 90° about the vertical axis 33a in a second opposite direction, the second monitor carrier 40 can be moved from the first viewing position 100 or the second viewing position 200 to the retracted position 300. Therefore, the monitor carrier 40 can be easily moved from the first viewing position 100 or the second viewing position 200 to the retracted position 300.

[0075] With this arrangement, the control device 10a can be positioned toward the front side 11 of the bracket 10, while one of the monitors 22a and 22b can rotate toward the rear side 12 of the bracket. This can be useful if the bracket 10 is used in the operating environment so that one of the monitors or the control device 10a can be kept away from the sterile surgical environment. This helps prevent any bodily fluids released from the patient from coming into contact with the control device 10a.

[0076] about Figure 1-7B The exemplary monitor support 30 described is arranged to be mounted to a vertical mounting post 16, which is received within a medical device 10 (such as an X-ray gantry). However, it should be understood that the monitor support 30 can be used in conjunction with any number of medical devices, such as... Figure 8A As shown.

[0077] In this example, the monitor support 30 is used in conjunction with the ceiling hanger 150. This arrangement may be beneficial in areas such as operating rooms, where surgeons and trainee doctors or support nurses may need to see different image screens 23a, 23b of monitors 22a, 22b in real time.

[0078] In other examples, the monitor support device 30 can be used in non-clinical settings, such as... Figure 8B As shown. In this example, the monitor support device 30 is used in conjunction with the desktop computer support arm 250.

[0079] Figures 9 to 1 Figure 3 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the monitor support device 3000 of the present invention for supporting three monitors. As shown, the monitor support device 3000 is also used in conjunction with a movable bracket 10 and is supported by a vertical mounting post 15 (in... Figure 11A (As shown more clearly in the figure) it is installed onto the bracket 10. The components of the bracket 10 and the vertical mounting post 15, which are common to both arrangements, have common reference numerals and will not be described here for the sake of brevity.

[0080] In this example, the monitor support 3000 is arranged to support three substantially identical monitors 220a, 220b, and 220c. Monitors 220a, 220b, and 220c are vertically oriented. Similar to the monitors 22a and 22b discussed above, each monitor 220a, 220b, and 220c has an image screen 230a, 230b, and 230c for displaying images, and a rear side 240a, 240b, and 240c opposite to the image screen. In this example, monitors 220a, 220b, and 220c are positioned closer to the front side 11 of the bracket 10 than to the rear side 12.

[0081] exist Figure 11A and Figure 11B A schematic front view and plan view of an exemplary monitor support device 3000 are shown in more detail below. The monitor support device 3000 has a mounting rod 320 pivotally attached to a vertical mounting post 15 at a pivot 330. The pivot 330 has a vertical axis 330a that coincides with the vertical axis 15a of the vertical post 15. Therefore, the mounting rod 320 is capable of rotating (in the X direction) relative to the vertical mounting post 15 about the vertical axis 330a of the pivot 330.

[0082] As shown in the figure, the central monitor 220b is mounted to the mounting rod 320 via a monitor carrier 400b. The monitor carrier 400b is arranged to be attached to the monitor 220b. In this example, the monitor carrier 400b is a vertically rotatable column (in... Figure 9 (Seen more clearly relative to the outermost monitors 220a and 220c). The monitor carrier 400b can be directly attached to the underside of the monitor 220b, or it can be attached to an additional rod or support (not shown) that receives the monitor 220b. The monitor carrier 400b has a central axis 460b and is mounted to the mounting rod 320, allowing the monitor carrier 400b to rotate about the central axis 360a. In this example, the central axis 460b of the monitor carrier coincides with the vertical axis 15a of the vertical column 15. The monitor carrier 400b is capable of rotating about the vertical axis 460b of the monitor carrier 400. In other examples, the central monitor 220b can be attached via a carrier arm or directly to the mounting rod 320.

[0083] The two carrier arms 350 are attached to the mounting rod 320 in a manner similar to that described above with two monitors, and will not be repeated for the sake of simplicity. The components of the two carrier rods 350 with the same arrangement have common reference numerals, wherein '0' is added for the monitor support device 3000, and will not be described further here for the sake of simplicity.

[0084] A first end 350a of the carrier arm 350 is attached to the mounting rod 320 via a first pivot 370, while a second end 350b of the carrier arm 350b is attached to the monitor carriers 400a, c. The first pivot 370 has a vertical axis 370a (in the y-direction), about which the carrier arm 350 can rotate (in the y-direction) about the mounting rod 320. Each monitor carrier 400a, c is a rotatable column with vertical axes 460a, c about which the monitor carrier 400 can rotate. Each monitor carrier 400a, b, c can therefore rotate independently relative to the other monitor carriers 400a, b, c, the carrier arm 350, and the mounting rod 320.

[0085] like Figure 11B As shown, each carrier arm 350 can rotate along a corresponding path 380, while the central monitor carrier 400b can rotate along path 382. It should be understood that the monitor device 3000 operates in substantially the same manner as the monitor device 30, and can therefore be positioned between the first viewing position 100, the second viewing position 200, and the retracted position 300. Figure 12 The monitor device in the retracted position 300 is shown in more detail, but it should be understood that the monitor carriers 400a, b, c may be rotatable, so that the monitors 220a, b, c may move between the first, second and retracted positions 100, 200, 300.

[0086] Although monitor support device 3000 is described with respect to bracket 10, it should be understood that, similar to monitor support device 30, monitor support device 3000 can be used in conjunction with multiple different medical devices. For example, such as... Figure 13A As shown, the monitor support device 3000 can be used with the ceiling hanger device 1500. In other examples, the monitor support device 3000 can be used in non-clinical environments, such as... Figure 13B As shown. In this example, the monitor support device 3000 is used in conjunction with the desktop computer support arm 2500.

[0087] When the word "or" appears, it will be interpreted as meaning "and / or," meaning that the items mentioned are not necessarily mutually exclusive and can be used in any appropriate combination.

[0088] Although the invention has been described above with reference to one or more preferred embodiments, it should be understood that various changes or modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0089] Although the invention has been described and illustrated in detail in the accompanying drawings and the foregoing description, such description and illustration are to be regarded as illustrative or exemplary rather than restrictive; the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.

[0090] By studying the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments in practicing the claimed invention. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude multiple. A single processor or other unit can perform the functions of several items recited in the claims. The fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not mean that a combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously. Computer programs can be stored / distributed on suitable media, such as optical storage media or solid-state media provided with or as part of other hardware, but can also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunications systems. Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A monitor support device, comprising: A horizontal mounting rod (32) having a pivot (33), wherein the pivot has a vertical axis and the mounting rod is rotatable about the vertical axis; At least two horizontal carrier arms (35) having a first end (35a) and a second end (35b), the second end being mounted on two opposite sides of the mounting rod via a second pivot (37) having a vertical axis, such that each carrier arm is capable of rotating about the axis of the second pivot. At least two horizontal monitor carriers (40) are configured to support two monitors with image screens. The monitor carriers are mounted at the first ends of the carrier arms via two first pivots (36) having vertical axes, allowing the monitor carriers to rotate about the axis of their respective first pivots. The carrier support and its corresponding carrier arm are arranged such that the carrier support can rotate 360 ​​degrees around the first pivot.

2. The monitor support device according to claim 1, wherein, The mounting rod and the carrier arm are arranged such that the carrier arm can rotate 360 ​​degrees about the second pivot.

3. The monitor support device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first pivot of the carrier arm is offset from the center of the monitor carrier.

4. The monitor support device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The second pivot (37) and pivot (33) of the mounting rod are aligned with each other.

5. The monitor support device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first pivot of the carrier arm is inside the outer edge of the monitor carrier.

6. The monitor support device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The monitor carrier includes a base lip (41) and a support back (42) extending vertically from the base lip.

7. The monitor support device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a third monitor carrier mounted to the mounting rod, wherein, The third monitor carrier is configured to receive a monitor with an image screen.

8. The monitor support device according to claim 7, wherein, The third monitor carrier is pivotally mounted via the mounting rod.

9. The monitor support device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The third monitor carrier is arranged relative to the mounting rod to support the third monitor at the same height as the first monitor and the second monitor.

10. The monitor support device according to claim 7, 8 or 9, wherein, The monitor support device further includes a carrier arm between the third monitor carrier and the mounting rod, wherein the carrier arm has a first pivot attached to the third monitor carrier and / or a second pivot attached to the mounting rod, such that the third monitor carrier is pivotally attached to the mounting rod via the carrier arm, wherein the third monitor carrier is optionally pivotally mounted to the mounting rod between the first monitor carrier and the second monitor carrier.

11. The monitor support device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a vertical mounting column attached to the device, wherein, The mounting rod is attached to the vertical mounting post, allowing the monitor carrier to be vertically moved relative to the device.

12. The monitor support device according to claim 11, wherein, The monitor device is for use with an X-ray device, and the monitor carrier is arranged to receive a monitor having an image screen for displaying X-ray images. Optionally, the medical device is a mobile carriage, and further optionally includes a control device comprising at least one human-operable control input for controlling the operation of the X-ray device.

13. The monitor support device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The monitor carrier is located above the carrier arm above the mounting rod, enabling the monitor to be positioned above the mounting rod and the carrier arm, or wherein. The monitor carrier is located below the carrier arm below the mounting rod, enabling the monitor to be positioned below the mounting rod and the carrier arm.

Images