Swivel joint for horizontal adjustment of a crossbar

Abstract

In the monitor mounting system discussed herein, a crossbar is connected to a support arm via a pivot assembly that allows for the crossbar's rotation and horizontal adjustment. The crossbar includes at least one monitor mounting bracket, and the support arm is attached to a work surface or table. The pivot assembly primarily comprises a pivot assembly housing integrally formed with a swivel ring attached to the support arm and allowing rotational movement of the crossbar. The pivot housing is threadedly engaged with a pivot core. Between the pivot core and the pivot housing is a compression pad that provides sufficient resistance to limit the crossbar's pivoting to 15 degrees or less.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] As workspaces become increasingly crowded with new technologies—often equipped with multiple computer monitors, speakers, keyboards, mice, telephones, docking stations, and not to mention all the cables connecting these devices—new solutions are constantly emerging to provide ergonomic systems for managing and organizing all these devices and saving valuable workspace. One such solution is a multi-monitor mounting system, which uses a single attachment point on the desk to suspend multiple monitors above the work surface, rather than having each monitor use its own stand / attachment point. A problem with this type of system is that monitor arms that use crossbars to mount the monitors often develop undesirable tilts, causing the monitors to not remain perfectly level relative to the desktop.

[0002] Typically, adjusting the crossbar angle involves mounting the crossbar to the monitor arm via an enlarged hole or slot, then tightening screws to secure it in place. In this configuration, the user needs to physically hold the crossbar in its final position while actually tightening the screws. This process is cumbersome because it's easy to accidentally move the crossbar while tightening the screws with one hand. The error is only noticed after the crossbar is locked in place, forcing the user to restart the entire adjustment process. Furthermore, users cannot adjust the crossbar tilt without the appropriate tools, and in some traditional crossbars, the monitor must be completely removed before adjustment. Finally, the process is not intuitive. With instruction manuals lost or discarded over time, users may not even know how to adjust the crossbar tilt when needed. Therefore, the industry still needs a tool-free connector that simplifies crossbar adjustment. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention generally relates to a display mounting system employing a rotary joint or "pivot assembly" that allows a user to quickly and easily correct the tilt of a display crossbar without the use of tools. The display mounting system embodying the principles of this invention may include one or more of the following features: a crossbar on which at least one display mounting bracket is mounted; a support arm configured to adjust the vertical height of the crossbar; and a pivot assembly located between the support arm and the crossbar, the pivot assembly being configured to allow limited pivoting adjustment of the crossbar.

[0004] In another embodiment of the display mounting system, the pivot assembly includes: a pivot assembly housing; a swivel ring attached to the outside of the pivot assembly housing; and a compression pad located inside the pivot assembly housing, the compression pad limiting pivot adjustment to fifteen degrees or less in each pivot direction.

[0005] In another embodiment of the display mounting system, the pivot assembly housing includes a pivot core screwed into the pivot assembly housing.

[0006] In another embodiment of the display mounting system, the pivot core includes two opposing circumferential grooves, wherein the circumferential grooves have an arc of less than fifteen degrees.

[0007] In another embodiment of the display mounting system, the system further includes two angular limiting screws that pass through holes in the pivot housing, then through a compression pad, and finally into a circumferential groove in the pivot core.

[0008] In another embodiment of the display mounting system, the outer surface of the pivot core includes at least two threaded holes configured to receive mounting screws.

[0009] In another embodiment of the display mounting system, the swivel ring further includes two bearing inserts, each bearing insert including an alignment groove.

[0010] In another embodiment of the display mounting system, at least two display mounting brackets are placed on the crossbar, and the display mounting brackets are attached to the crossbar via tilting connectors.

[0011] In another embodiment of the display mounting system, the crossbar includes a central section and two outer sections, which are hinged to the central section.

[0012] In another embodiment of the display mounting system, the support arm is attached to the base via a swivel connector. Attached Figure Description

[0013] The same reference numerals in the various views refer to the same or similarly functional elements. The drawings are not drawn to scale and, together with the following detailed description, are incorporated into and form part of this specification to further illustrate various exemplary embodiments and explain the various principles and advantages of the invention: Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a display mounting system incorporating the features of this invention.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a pivot assembly applicable to the display mounting system of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 3A yes Figure 2 The vertical sectional view of the pivot assembly shown.

[0016] Figure 3B yes Figure 2 A horizontal sectional view of the pivot assembly shown.

[0017] Figure 4A yes Figure 2 The exploded front view of the pivot assembly shown.

[0018] Figure 4B yes Figure 2 The rear exploded view of the pivot assembly shown.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the inner surface of the pivot core of the pivot assembly of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0020] This document discloses detailed embodiments of the invention. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as the basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to use the invention in various ways. Alternative embodiments can be devised without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Furthermore, the terminology and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention. Although the specification concludes with claims defining the features considered novel by the invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood upon consideration of the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals are retained.

[0021] As used herein, the term “a” or “an” is defined as one or more. The term “multiple” is defined as two or more. The term “another” is defined as at least a second or more. The term “comprising” or any other variation thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed or inherent to those elements. Without further constraints, an element defined as “comprising one” does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element. The terms “comprising,” “having,” or “characterized by” are defined as open-ended (i.e., including). The term “connection” is defined as a connection, but not necessarily a direct connection or a mechanical connection. As used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” apply to all numerical values, whether expressly stated or not. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that a person skilled in the art would consider equivalent to the referenced value (i.e., having the same function or result). In many cases, these terms may include numbers rounded to the nearest significant figure. Relational terms such as first and second, upper and lower, top and bottom, right and left may be used only to distinguish one entity or action from another, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual relationship or order between these entities or actions.

[0022] Figures 1 to 4BA rotary joint (also referred to herein as a "pivot assembly") for leveling a crossbar is illustrated, allowing for the leveling of a computer monitor crossbar. The pivot assembly pivots about a central axis, enabling the user to adjust the monitor arm to a horizontal angle relative to the horizontal plane. Furthermore, the inventive design of the pivot assembly disclosed herein allows for tool-free damping and holding of the crossbar's angular position.

[0023] Now for reference Figure 1 This illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a display mounting system 1 employing the pivot assembly 20 described herein. Figure 1 As shown, the display mounting system 1 may include a support arm 5, a crossbar 10 suspended above a work surface by the support arm 5, and a display mounting bracket 15 fixed along the crossbar 10. In some embodiments, the support arm 5 may be a dynamically adjustable support that allows changing the vertical position of the support arm 5 (i.e., changing the vertical height of the crossbar 10), such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 10,480,709 (Chumakov), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. However, in other embodiments, the support arm may be a static bar, a pivot arm, or virtually any other conventional or future-developed support mechanism capable of supporting the display crossbar. The exemplary support arm 5 shown in the figures includes a base swivel connector 6 and an upper swivel fork 7, which is connected to a support surface (e.g., a workbench) or other fixing device, and the upper swivel fork 7 is connected to the crossbar 10 via a pivot assembly 20. Although Figure 1 Not shown in the diagram, but in other embodiments, another arm may be provided between the support surface and the base swivel connection 6 of the support arm 5. The base swivel connection 6 allows the support arm 5 to rotate to the left and right, and the upper swivel fork 7 works in conjunction with the pivot assembly 20 to form a second swivel point.

[0024] Figure 1 The crossbar 10 used in the illustrated monitor mounting system 1 includes three segments 11, each configured to support a computer monitor. However, other embodiments of the crossbar 10 may have more or fewer segments 11 to allow for different numbers and configurations of monitors. Hinges 12 connect the inner ends of the crossbar segments 11 to each other, allowing the outer crossbar segments to swing inward toward the central crossbar segment. Typically, each segment 11 is fitted with a monitor mounting bracket 15, which includes a mounting surface 16 to which the computer monitor can be attached. The monitor mounting bracket 15 is attached to the crossbar segment 11 via a hinged tilting connector 17 that allows the user to tilt the monitor up or down (e.g., tilting the monitor so that the top is slightly further away from the user than the bottom to reduce glare and reflections).

[0025] The crossbar 10 is mounted to the support arm 5 via a pivot assembly 20, which is configured to allow the user to level the crossbar 10. Figures 2 to 4B An embodiment of the pivot assembly 20 is shown in more detail. (As shown) Figure 2 As shown, the pivot assembly 20 of this embodiment typically includes a pivot housing 210, one end of which is integrally formed with a swivel ring 222 and the other end is engaged by a pivot core 230. The swivel ring 222 engages with the upper swivel fork 7 of the support arm 5 to allow the user to rotate the crossbar 10 to the left and right (see best view). Figure 1 The slewing ring is fitted between the upper and lower protrusions of the slewing fork 7. A pin or bolt (not shown) with an alignment key extends through the aligned holes in the lower protrusion of the slewing fork 7 and the slewing ring 222 to attach the slewing ring 222 to the slewing fork 7. In a preferred embodiment, a threaded bolt is used, which engages with the threaded holes formed in the upper and lower protrusions of the slewing fork 7, thereby securely attaching the slewing ring 222 to the slewing fork 7.

[0026] The slewing ring 222 will include two bearing inserts 224, 226 (see best view). Figures 4A-4B The bearing inserts provide a smooth rotating surface, reducing friction and eliminating noise during rotation. The first bearing insert 224 has a larger diameter than the second bearing insert 226 to maximize stress dispersion and enhance rotational capability. The first bearing insert 224 is compressed to the inner surface of the slewing ring 222, providing rotational support and preventing angular pivoting due to cantilever loads. Bearing inserts 224, 226 can be formed of a low-friction material, such as polyoxymethylene (POM), also known as acetal, polyacetal, or polyoxymethylene. Bearing inserts 224, 226 include a bearing bend 228, which allows for a controlled, precision fit between the rotating pin (not shown) and the contact surfaces of the bearing inserts 224, 226. (Refer to...) Figure 3B At the opposite end of the pivot assembly 20, the crossbar 10 is mounted to the pivot core 230 by a mounting screw (not shown) engaging with a series of threaded crossbar mounting holes 236 that extend from the outer surface of the pivot core 230 to its inner surface (see [link to pivot assembly 20]). Figure 4A-5 (The inlet and outlet of the crossbar mounting hole 236). Therefore, when the pivot core 230 rotates relative to the pivot housing 210, the crossbar 10 also rotates.

[0027] Now for reference Figure 3AThe pivot housing 210 is primarily a hollow body with an internal thread 212 formed on its inner surface, which engages with an external thread 232 formed on the outer surface of the pivot core 230. The surface of the pivot housing 210 to which the swivel ring 222 is attached includes a limiting screw hole 214 extending into the interior of the pivot housing 210. When the pivot core 230 is screwed into the pivot housing 210, the limiting screw hole 214 in the pivot housing 210 aligns with a controlled rotation groove 234 on the inner surface of the pivot core 230. Although the angle limiting screw 216 is securely fixed to the pivot housing 210 through the limiting screw hole 214, the elliptical shape of the controlled rotation groove 234 (see...) Figure 5 The angular limiting screw 216 is allowed to slide back and forth within the slot 234. This sliding engagement between the angular limiting screw 216 and the controlled rotation slot 234 allows for restricted relative rotation between the pivot housing 210 and the pivot core 230. This rotational movement is facilitated by the engagement of the internal thread of the pivot housing 210 with the external thread of the pivot core 230.

[0028] The resulting degree of pivoting of the crossbar 10 is determined by Figure 1 The angle θ in the figure represents the degree of pivoting of the crossbar 10 relative to the pivot housing 210 (in one direction), while the pivot housing 210 itself is prevented from pivoting due to the connection between the slewing ring 222 and the upper slewing fork 7 of the support arm 5. The maximum pivoting of the crossbar 10 (pivoting in both directions) is 2θ. In some embodiments, the width of the controlled rotation slot 234 is only sufficient to allow the maximum pivoting between the pivot housing 210 and the pivot core 230 to be less than 15 degrees (θ ≤ 7.5 degrees), more preferably the maximum pivoting to be 8 degrees (θ ≤ 4 degrees).

[0029] Best view as Figure 3A and 3B As shown, the motion control pad 238 is compressed between the inner surface of the pivot housing 210 and the pivot core 230, providing resistance to prevent the pivot core 230 from sliding freely around the angle limiting screw 216, thereby securing the crossbar 10 in the desired position. In a preferred embodiment, the motion control pad 238 is composed of... Microporous polyurethane elastomer is formed, but in other embodiments, the motion control pad can be formed of any shape memory material that is highly compressible and durable in rotation and compression (i.e., tends to recover to its original size and shape). The internal surface of the pivot housing 210 includes grooves 218 (see best view). Figure 3B When the pivot assembly 20 is assembled, the motion control pad 238 is compressed into the groove, and the angle limiting screw 216 (as...) Figure 3A(As shown) The motion control pad 238 passes through the controlled rotation slot 234. The groove 218 and the angle limiting screw 216 securely fasten the motion control pad 238 to the pivot housing 210. When the pivot core 230 is screwed into the pivot housing 210, it compresses the motion control pad 238, reducing the thickness of the pad 238 and deforming it into the pivot core 230, thereby generating resistance that prevents the pivot core 230 from rotating relative to the pivot housing 210. Figure 1 In the display mounting system, the compression pad 238 allows the user to finely adjust the pivot position of the crossbar 10 by applying a moderate force to the external display and overcoming the resistance generated by the compression pad 238. However, when the user stops applying force to the display, the resistance is sufficient to counteract the weight of the display, thereby correcting any pivoting caused by the user. Compared to prior art designs, the motion control pad 238... The material enhances the leveling function's performance by increasing damping and friction. With this increased resistance, the compression pad 238 can hold the crossbar in place without the need for additional screws or other fasteners. This simplified design creates a more seamless user experience while reducing cost and environmental waste.

[0030] The foregoing description and accompanying drawings illustrate the principles, exemplary embodiments, and modes of operation of the present invention. However, the present invention should not be construed as limited to the specific embodiments described above. Many modifications to the embodiments described herein will arise for those skilled in the art upon receiving the teachings in the foregoing description and related drawings. Therefore, it should be understood that variations can be made to the embodiments by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A display mounting system, comprising: a) A crossbar on which at least one monitor mounting bracket is placed; b) A support arm configured to adjust the vertical height of the crossbar; c) A pivot assembly located between the support arm and the crossbar, wherein the pivot assembly includes: (i) Pivot assembly housing; (ii) a slewing ring, which is attached to the outside of the pivot assembly housing; and (iii) A compression pad located within the housing of the pivot assembly, which limits pivot adjustment to fifteen degrees or less in each pivot direction.

2. The display mounting system of claim 1, wherein the pivot assembly housing includes a pivot core screwed into the pivot assembly housing.

3. The display mounting system of claim 2, wherein the pivot core comprises two opposing circumferential grooves, wherein the circumferential grooves have an arc of less than fifteen degrees.

4. The display mounting system according to claim 3 further includes: Two angular limiting screws pass through holes in the pivot housing, then through the compression pad, and finally into the circumferential groove of the pivot core.

5. The display mounting system of claim 2, wherein the outer surface of the pivot core includes at least two threaded holes configured to receive mounting screws.

6. The display mounting system of claim 1, wherein the swivel ring further comprises two bearing inserts.

7. The display mounting system of claim 1, wherein at least two display mounting brackets are placed on the crossbar, and the display mounting brackets are attached to the crossbar via tilting connectors.

8. The display mounting system of claim 7, wherein the crossbar comprises a central section and two outer sections, the two outer sections being hingedly connected to the central section.

9. The display mounting system of claim 2, wherein the pivot assembly housing includes a groove in the inner surface of the pivot assembly housing, wherein the compression pad is compressed into the groove when the pivot core is screwed into the pivot assembly housing.

10. A display mounting system, comprising: a) A crossbar on which at least one monitor mounting bracket is placed; b) A support arm configured to adjust the vertical height of the crossbar; c) A pivot assembly located between the support arm and the crossbar, the pivot assembly being configured to allow limited pivoting adjustment of the crossbar.

11. The display mounting system of claim 10, wherein the pivot assembly comprises: a) Pivot assembly housing; b) A slewing ring, which is attached to the outside of the pivot assembly housing; c) A compression pad located within the pivot assembly housing, which limits pivot adjustment to fifteen degrees or less in each pivot direction.

12. The display mounting system of claim 11, wherein the pivot assembly housing includes a pivot core screwed into the pivot assembly housing.

13. The display mounting system of claim 12, wherein the pivot core comprises two opposing circumferential grooves, wherein the circumferential grooves have an arc of less than fifteen degrees.

14. The display mounting system according to claim 13, further comprising: Two angular limiting screws pass through holes in the pivot housing, then through the compression pad, and finally into the circumferential groove of the pivot core.

15. The display mounting system of claim 12, wherein the outer surface of the pivot core includes at least two threaded holes configured to receive mounting screws.

16. The display mounting system of claim 11, wherein the swivel ring further comprises two bearing inserts, each bearing insert comprising an alignment groove.

17. The display mounting system of claim 10, wherein at least two display mounting brackets are placed on the crossbar, and the display mounting brackets are attached to the crossbar via tilting connectors.

18. The display mounting system of claim 10, wherein the crossbar comprises a central section and two outer sections, the two outer sections being hingedly connected to the central section.

19. The display mounting system of claim 10, wherein the support arm is attached to the base via a swivel connector.

20. The display mounting system of claim 11, wherein the pivot assembly housing includes a groove in the inner surface of the pivot assembly housing, wherein the compression pad is compressed into the groove when the pivot core is screwed into the pivot assembly housing.

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