A balancing arm for coupling an accessory to a fixture

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a balancing arm for coupling an accessory to a fixture, the balancing arm comprising: a folding arm comprising a first end and a second end arranged to dispose a balancing force device in balancing engagement, to balance the accessory; an auxiliary arm that is at least arranged to move in a direction transverse to the upright direction, wherein the balancing arm is arranged to move the accessory in the upright direction, substantially hold the accessory in position in the direction transverse to the upright direction, and carry the accessory; a joint pivotably connecting the folding arm and the auxiliary arm, wherein the folding arm and the auxiliary arm are arranged to angularly adjust in spaced discrete planes, and wherein one of the folding arm and the auxiliary arm pivotably connects the other of the one of the folding arm and the auxiliary arm to the fixture; and an angle compensation device coupling the folding arm and the auxiliary arm to compensate the auxiliary arm for angular adjustment of the folding arm, counteracting the angle of the auxiliary arm relative to the angle of the folding arm; wherein the balancing arm is provided with a force transfer member, wherein the force transfer member is arranged to receive a force via the other of the one of the folding arm and the auxiliary arm, and transfer at least a portion of the force to the one of the folding arm and the auxiliary arm.

Description

[0001] A BALANCING ARM FOR COUPLING AN ACCESSORY TO A FIXTURE

[0002] BACKGROUND

[0003] Prolonged sitting at a desk behind a computer can lead to muscle strain, fatigue and stress. Still, experts in ergonomics say there are several easy and effective ways in which computer users can improve their physical comfort, fight fatigue, and reduce the risk of injuries. Optimal ergonomics requires tailoring the work area to fit the user's needs. Minor adjustments in spinal posture can quickly yield benefits. Even at home, but especially in a more stressful environment like an office, users may force their bodies into rigid positions that result in fatigue, muscle strain, and, potentially, injury.

[0004] Maintaining what experts call optimal ergonomic positioning can increase energy levels and improve overall comfort. Good posture keeps the spine in what health professionals call the neutral position. Achieving a neutral position while seated upright in a chair entails, e.g., centering the weight of the head atop the spine. Sustaining this position can help reduce muscle strain and relieve pressure on the lower back. Experts in ergonomics say that at least 25 cm of height adjustment for computer monitors is needed to accommodate the average population. The standard deviation is a spread around this average population, both downwards and upwards. Depending on the specific monitor sizes to be facilitated, the desired travel range might need to be 32 cm when engaged in PC monitor visually demanding tasks, and even 38 cm to include reading.

[0005] 1. Technical field

[0006] The present disclosure relates to a balancing arm for coupling an accessory to a fixture, more particularly, to a monitor stand with a post, a balancing unit and a coupling device, and to a monitor stand with a post, a balancing unit and a coupling device being upgradable to a monitor arm with a post, an arm, a balancing unit and a coupling device having an improved structure to height adjust a computer monitor relative to a user.

[0007] The accessory can be a single computer monitor (even a television), but can also be two computer monitors aligned horizontally or vertically or, e.g., back-to-back. The accessory can also be a thin client computer, e.g., aligned back-to-back with a computer monitor. And the accessory can also be a laptop or a tablet. This type of construction elevates and floats documents, mobile devices, laptop computers, and flat panel monitors, all with the optimal viewing circumstances incorporated.

[0008] The fixture can, e.g., be a monitor stand or a monitor arm. The fixture can also be a stand or a desk carrying the monitor stand or the monitor arm or having a like function. The stand can be a sit / stand device. The desk can be a desktop device. The desk can also be a regular floating desk. The fixture can also be wall mounted or ceiling mounted. A multitude of options is known for these fixtures. A balancing arm, also known as a floating arm or a counter-balanced arm, is a folding arm that is adjustable in position and that is constructed so that the load on the folding arm is counteracted by a balancing force device included in the folding arm, regardless of the (angular) position of the folding arm. The folding arm can be moved into a desired position, and the balancing force device is used to maintain that desired position until the folding arm is moved again.

[0009] To address the issue of upgradeability, among others, more attention should be paid to the shorter travel ranges of (counter-balanced) monitor stands. Counter-balanced monitor arms conveniently travel longer ranges. (Counter-balanced) monitor stands conveniently travel upright (vertical), while counter-balanced monitor arms, i.e., folding arms, follow the circumference of a circle (they swing) and don't travel upright. A solution to extend the travel range, i.e., the height adjustability of, e.g., a computer monitor relative to a user, of (counter-balanced) monitor stands, within the desired form factor of such stands, is to incorporate balancing arm technology into such stands, wherein the balancing arm, while carrying the accessory straight up and down, is arranged to compensating the balancing force device for the range of possible positions of the balancing arm, balancing the accessory.

[0010] A different issue at hand is to discard as few parts as possible while upgrading from a monitor stand to a monitor arm. This is a problem for monitor manufacturers who usually package monitor stands together with their monitors. Questions that arise are: can we skip packing monitor stands together with our monitors knowing that a large number of our customers need such a stand; should we pack the most cost-effective monitor stand together with our monitors to make sure that when a customer upgrades to a monitor arm (and discards the stand), the least amount of money gets lost for that customer; should we pack the most sustainable monitor stand together with our monitors to make sure that when a customer upgrades to a monitor arm (and discards the stand), the least amount of damage gets done to the environment; or should we pack the most versatile monitor stand together with our monitors to make sure that a customer sees the slightest need to upgrade to a monitor arm? Monitors are often made in low income countries and shipped to storage facilities in high demand countries to be able to facilitate next day deliveries to customers. In other words: those questions need to be answered way in advance and to keep stock numbers as low as possible, preferably one answers should be facilitated.

[0011] 2. Description of related art

[0012] (Counter-balanced) monitor stands usually have a shorter travel range, e.g., in between 10 cm and 15 cm. This shorter travel range is related to (the limited options to balance a monitor within) the desired form factor of such stands. Also, (counter-balanced) monitor stands usually facilitate a specific fixed monitor weight. In other words there is no adjustment system adapted to vary the direction of an output of a balancing force device to balance or hold the monitor in position. Small form factor (counterbalanced) monitor stands, e.g., use a very low force gas lift (just enough for the specific weight of the monitor, but compensated for friction, etc.) disposed upright (vertical) supporting only a single load (thus not adjustable) wherein the characteristic user experience of such stands goes from easy lifting properties combined with heavy lowering properties when the stand is in its more contracted configuration to almost automatic lowering properties combined with heavy lifting properties in its more expanded configuration. It's a quasi-balance, very much related to the (different) properties of an extending and a compressing gas lift, very much dependent on friction, and hard to do perfectly, yet relatively cost-effective. When the gas lift loses some of its force over time, the automatic lowering becomes unavoidable and the stand gets discarded.

[0013] Attempting to design the best way of upgrading a monitor stand to a monitor arm often conflicts with attempting to design the best way of upgrading the most cost-effective sustainable monitor arm to the most versatile sustainable counter-balanced monitor arm due to form factor impracticalities. This is further frustrated in that it can lead to a complexity of parts or complexity in assembly of parts.

[0014] SUMMARY

[0015] The present disclosure aims to alleviate the disadvantages of the prior art. Accordingly, an object of the present disclosure is to provide improved height adjustment to a monitor stand while preventing discarding monitor stand parts while upgrading to a monitor arm.

[0016] To achieve the above-mentioned objects, the present disclosure disclosed herein is generally directed to a balancing arm for coupling an accessory to a fixture, the balancing arm comprising: a folding arm comprising a first folding arm portion extending from a first end of the folding arm, and pivotably connecting via a hinge, about a longitudinal axis of the hinge, to a second folding arm portion, extending to a second end of the folding arm, wherein the first end and the second end are arranged to dispose a balancing force device in balancing engagement, to, in use, balance the accessory on the second end; an auxiliary arm extending from a third end of the auxiliary arm, that is at least arranged to, in use, move in a direction transverse to the upright direction, to a fourth end of the auxiliary arm, wherein the balancing arm is arranged to, in use, move the accessory in the upright direction, and is arranged to, in use, substantially hold the accessory in position in the direction transverse to the upright direction, and is arranged to, in use, carry the accessory; a joint pivotably connecting the folding arm and the auxiliary arm, about a longitudinal axis of the joint, wherein the folding arm and the auxiliary arm are arranged to angularly adjust in spaced discrete (finite) planes (e.g., at least angularly adjust in generally parallel planes or at least angularly adjust in intersecting planes with an intersecting line with a distance to the longitudinal axis of the joint), and wherein one of the folding arm and the auxiliary arm pivotably connects the other (comprising the VESA) of the one of the folding arm and the auxiliary arm to the fixture; and an angle compensation device coupling the folding arm and the auxiliary arm, to, in use, compensate the auxiliary arm for angular adjustment of the folding arm, counteracting the angle (counteracting the direction of rotation) of the auxiliary arm relative to the angle (the direction of rotation) of the folding arm; wherein the balancing arm is provided with a force transfer member, wherein the force transfer member is arranged to, in use, receive a force via the other (comprising the VESA) of the one of the folding arm and the auxiliary arm (at least partially in a direction generally parallel to a gravitational force), and wherein the force transfer member is arranged to, in use, transfer at least a portion of the force to the one of the folding arm and the auxiliary arm. The arrangement being such that movement of a dynamic pivot point of the joint accommodating (compensating) the lateral displacement of a swing of the other (comprising the VESA) of the one of the folding arm and the auxiliary arm (preferably the full lateral displacement of a swing is canceled out) that would occur if the joint were held in position and the other (comprising the VESA) of the one of the folding arm and the auxiliary arm were free to pivot around a static pivot point of the joint (as explained in FIGS. 3A to 3C).

[0017] The balancing force device may, e.g., be a gas lift, but may also, e.g., be a mechanical spring, or a more compact solution like, e.g., a positioning hinge utilizing friction forces and torsion spring forces. A multitude of options is known for monitor arms.

[0018] The balancing force device may be conveniently mounted through angled ball joints and through corresponding rivet ball shanks connections (optionally with safety catches). This is a quick-release option (as seen in FIGS. IB, 2A, 4B and 4C). This will allow for the end user customer to place (e.g., initially) or replace the, e.g., gas lift (e.g., a defective gas lift) without the need for tools.

[0019] When the folding arm and the auxiliary arm are arranged to angularly adjust in spaced discrete planes (i.e., a plane is infinite in all directions / extends indefinitely, and a discrete plane is a finite plane; discrete planes may be spaced while not being parallel), the folding arm and the auxiliary arm are able to fully move until (towards) and past each other (without possibly colliding) independent of the angle between the discrete planes. In other words: the folding arm and the auxiliary arm are arranged to be angularly adjustable relative to each other in spaced discrete planes, the arrangement of the joint allowing the folding arm and the auxiliary arm to pass beyond one another while remaining in spaced discrete planes. As used herein, the term "spaced discrete planes" refers to finite planes that are mutually separated and that neither intersect along a common axis nor coincide as a single coplanar plane. In particular, arrangements of the joint in which the planes share a line of intersection (intersecting planes) or fall together in one plane (coplanar planes) are expressly excluded. Even when the folding arm and the auxiliary arm are arranged side-by-side and angularly adjusted to a position in which their projected outlines overlap at an angle of zero degrees, each of the folding arm and the auxiliary arm still remains in its own discrete plane, such that the planes remain spaced and non-coplanar. This allows for a larger height adjustment travel range potential for the balancing arm within a smaller form factor. And this in turn allows for higher weight accessories carried on the second end utilizing the same balancing force device output. When the folding arm and the auxiliary arm disclosed herein are not arranged to angularly adjust in spaced discrete planes, the balancing arm 1) leaves approximately half of its height adjustment travel range potential unusable (that can be reached with the same balancing force device output), or 2) needs approximately double the relevant dimensions and double the balancing force device output for the same height adjustment travel range potential. When the balancing force device output needs to double, the specific balancing properties will be negatively affected, i.e., the maximum weight variation (around the average weight) - considering moving the balancing arm from its maximum upwards position to its maximum downwards position - approximately doubles. Preferably the folding arm and the auxiliary arm at least angularly adjust in generally parallel planes.

[0020] The joint may also, e.g., be a universal joint (e.g., a joint or coupling connecting rigid rods whose axes are inclined to each other, and commonly used in shafts that transmit rotary motion), e.g., allowing for spaced discrete planes that are not parallel, even adjustable in angle.

[0021] Regular counter-balanced monitor arms have, e.g., an upper folding arm arranged to angularly adjust in (discrete) planes meeting or intersecting like (discrete) planes of a lower non-folding auxiliary arm with an intersecting line equal to the longitudinal axis of the joint between the upper folding arm and lower non-folding auxiliary arm. The upper folding arm can, e.g., also angularly adjust in the same plane as the like plane of the lower non-folding auxiliary arm. These arms cannot benefit from a larger height adjustment travel range potential within a smaller form factor or higher weight accessories carried on the second end utilizing the same balancing force device output.

[0022] The angle compensation device may, e.g., comprise meshing gears, belts and pulleys, or, chains and sprockets. The angle compensation device may, e.g., also comprise double parallelogram mechanisms, be part thereof or form or act as them. Also, more complicated mechanisms are known for monitor arms that are not (traditional) parallelograms but that keep certain portions or parts of a monitor arm parallel, or at least generally parallel, that can also be used.

[0023] In accordance with the present disclosure, the balancing arm preferably discloses: the folding arm arranged to, in use, angularly adjust synchronously or simultaneously relative to angular adjustment of the auxiliary arm; the other (comprising the VESA) of the one of the folding arm and the auxiliary arm arranged to, in use, angularly adjust with substantially twice the speed and substantially twice the distance relative to angular adjustment of the one of the folding arm and the auxiliary arm; the joint arranged to at least pivotably connect about a longitudinal axis oriented generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hinge (the joint can, e.g., be a fairly straightforward joint, but can also, e.g., be a universal joint: a coupling or joint which can transmit rotary power by a shaft at any selected angle); and the force transfer member arranged to, in use, transform (enable) angular movement (and positioning) of the folding arm, into angular movement (and positioning) of the auxiliary arm (through (e.g., mechanical) rotation, translation or linkage: a system of links or bars which are jointed together and more or less constrained by having a link or links fixed and by means of which straight or nearly straight lines or other point paths may be traced). The force transfer member may, e.g., comprise meshing gears (transforming angular movement through rotation), or may, e.g., comprise links having a like function (transforming angular movement through rotation), like, e.g., a locomotive's motion (consisting of the reciprocating and rotating parts incorporated in a locomotive's drive), causing the accessory to move in a perfectly straight line.

[0024] The force transfer member may, e.g., also comprise a linear motion element providing translational freedom; e.g., wherein the linear motion element comprises a fixed component and a movable component disposed in sliding or rolling engagement with the fixed component (transforming angular movement through translation), or may, e.g., comprise a translational link (transforming angular movement through translation), causing the accessory to move in a perfectly straight line.

[0025] In a plane (2D) there are 3 degrees of freedom, namely translations in the x-direction and the y- direction, and a rotation about the z-axis. For a body (3D) there are 6 degrees of freedom, namely translations in the x-direction, the y-direction and the z-direction and rotations about the x-axis, the y- axis and the z-axis). A translation is a pure shift, without a rotation; a translation is an affine transformation in which every point of the plane or space is shifted by the same vector, that is, by the same distance in a specified direction. A rotation is a simple bearing with axial confinement.

[0026] The force transfer member may, e.g., also comprise a link or linkage (transforming angular movement through linkage) connecting, e.g., two parallelogram mechanisms causing the accessory to move in a substantially straight line, e.g., for simple and inexpensive substantially straight line movement. Advantageously, multiple angle compensation devices, e.g., multiple parallelogram mechanisms, may be stacked, wherein multiple force transfer members, e.g., multiple connecting links or linkages, are arranged to compensate (offset) substantially straight line movement of the accessory caused by a single force transfer member, causing the accessory to move in a perfectly straight line or at least in a substantially straight line (at least better than before). Also, stacked angle compensation devices allow for smaller form factor designs wherein the longitudinal axis of the hinge and the longitudinal axis of the joint are disposed substantially parallel to the accessory, positively affecting the balancing arm's sturdiness and friction build-up, and eliminating torsion forces and warp (including play).

[0027] In rotational motion, an object turns or spins around a central point. In translational motion, an object moves in a straight line. Rotational motion is described by its angle of rotation and (own) axis of rotation. Translational motion can be described by its distance and direction. Increasing or decreasing the angle between articulating folding arm portions or increasing or decreasing the angle of angle compensation devices, is rotational movement or angular movement (of mechanical elements).

[0028] Using rotation, and more specifically using meshing gears for the angle compensation device and the force transfer member, opens up a way to easily and inexpensively incorporate electronics. Instead of balancing the folding arm, an electronic gearbox can be used for height adjustment of the accessory. Advantageously, the balancing arm is both balanced and electronically powered. The two different systems will not necessarily interfere with each other. Also, advantageously, tilt sensors (also known as inclinometers) can be used. Tilt sensors measure the slope, angle or tilt of objects (e.g., based on gravity). The two different systems will not interfere with the correct functioning of any tilt sensor. The specific angle of the folding arm (or auxiliary arm) will always correspond with the specific accessory viewing height, independent of any mix of balanced height adjustment and electronic height adjustment of the accessory. With electronics involved, users would be able to read any specific viewing height from an electronic display. Or far more advanced: eye tracking. Eye tracking is a sensor technology that can detect a user's presence and follow what the user is looking at in real-time. This technology would be able to always keep the accessory at the user's most favorable viewing height (and tell a user when it's preferably upright sitting position is out of a healthy range). It would even be possible to differentiate between PC monitor visually demanding tasks, where line of sight ranges from about 0 degrees to almost 30 degrees, and, e.g., reading, where line of sight ranges from about 20 degrees to almost 50 degrees, and have a device height adjust and potentially tilt accordingly, automatically.

[0029] Also, in accordance with the present disclosure, the balancing arm discloses the balancing force device being adjustably mounted to balance different weight accessories.

[0030] In other words wherein the balancing arm includes an adjustment system adapted to vary the direction of an output of the balancing force device to balance the monitor. Adjustment can be handy when an end user customer changes a lighter monitor for a heavier monitor, e.g., when upgrading to a larger format monitor (even a tv).

[0031] The balancing force device is arranged for its force, its operating length and its working line (i.e., its angle) to vary in accordance with the variation of the angle between the first folding arm portion and the second folding arm portion. When the operating length of a gas lift or mechanical spring changes, its output in Newton changes. When the angle at which a gas lift or a mechanical spring interacts with a folding arm changes, it changes the ability of the balancing arm to carry a load. In order to make sure the balancing arm balances different weight accessories carried on the second end, an adjustment system has to make the correct angle with the folding arm and be positioned correctly relative to the hinge. Only when getting all the parameters right, i.e.: the length of the folding arm; the length of the auxiliary arm; the location(s) of PPI (as explained herein); the length of the balancing force device adjustment system; the angle between the balancing force device adjustment system and the folding arm; and the locations of the pivot points for the balancing force device, and when taking into account the limitations of the balancing force device, e.g.: its maximum compressed configuration; its maximum extended configuration; its range; the portion of its range used; the starting point of its portion of its range used, the balancing arm will give an end user customer a substantially perfect balancing outcome throughout; the range of height adjustment of the balancing arm; the range of adjustment of the adjustment system; and the range of weight options for accessories. All this can (only) be simulated with models where the substantially perfect balancing outcome will show as substantially straight horizontal lines representing the weights carried throughout. The balancing force device can be mounted in such a way that an end user customer can place or replace it without the need for tools, e.g., with the use of a quick-release option. Conveniently, the balancing force device and the balancing arm can be kept separate in a production and assembly process, e.g., because different options, e.g., in force, are available for the balancing force device. An end user customer will typically make this choice when the balancing arm is already shipped to a distribution facility. The balancing arm should - among others - for logistics and economic purposes facilitate mounting the balancing force device upon manufacture and assembly of the balancing arm in low income countries (same as where computer monitors are often made) as well as upon arrival in later stages of the distribution process in storage facilities in high demand countries to be able to facilitate next day deliveries to customers or at the end user customer location and by the end user customer.

[0032] Other applications of the present disclosure are also envisioned, as the present disclosure can readily be used wherever a balancing arm or folding arm is used. The above summary is not intended to describe each embodiment or every possible implementation. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be readily apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the entirety of this disclosure, and will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings.

[0033] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to like parts (identical or functionally similar elements) throughout the separate views, which are not true to scale, and which, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to illustrate further various, non-limiting and non-exhaustive, embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages in accordance with the present disclosure:

[0035] FIG. 1A is a front view of an embodiment of a balancing arm according to the present disclosure in its lowermost position;

[0036] FIG. IB is a perspective front view of an embodiment of a balancing arm according to the present disclosure in its lowermost position;

[0037] FIG. 1C is a front view of an embodiment of a balancing arm according to the present disclosure in its lowermost position;

[0038] FIG. ID is a front view of an embodiment of a balancing arm according to the present disclosure in its horizontal position;

[0039] FIG. IE is a front view of an embodiment of a balancing arm according to the present disclosure in its uppermost position; FIG. 2A is a perspective front view of an embodiment of a balancing arm according to the present disclosure in its lowermost position;

[0040] FIG. 2B is a perspective back view of an embodiment of a balancing arm according to the present disclosure in its lowermost position;

[0041] FIG. 20 is a back view of an embodiment of a balancing arm according to the present disclosure in its uppermost position;

[0042] FIG. 2D is a back view of an embodiment of a balancing arm according to the present disclosure in its horizontal position;

[0043] FIG. 2E is a back view of an embodiment of a balancing arm according to the present disclosure in its lowermost position;

[0044] FIG. 3A is a front view of an embodiment of a balancing arm according to the present disclosure in its uppermost position;

[0045] FIG. 3B is a front view of an embodiment of a balancing arm according to the present disclosure in its horizontal position;

[0046] FIG. 3C is a front view of an embodiment of a balancing arm according to the present disclosure in its lowermost position;

[0047] FIG. 4A is a back view of an embodiment of a balancing arm according to the present disclosure in its horizontal position;

[0048] FIG. 4B is a side view of an embodiment of a balancing arm according to the present disclosure in its lowermost position;

[0049] FIG. 4C is a perspective front view of an embodiment of a balancing arm according to the present disclosure in its lowermost position;

[0050] FIG. 5A is a side view of an embodiment of a balancing arm according to the present disclosure, suspended off the desktop to a monitor arm; and

[0051] FIG. 5B is a back view of an embodiment of a balancing arm according to the present disclosure, suspended off the desktop to a monitor arm.

[0052] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0053] Detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the present disclosure, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted 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 disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the present disclosure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather, to provide an understandable description of the present disclosure. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the present disclosure that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the present disclosure will be better under stood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward.

[0054] As used herein, the terms a or an are defined as one or more than one. The term plurality, as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. Furthermore, the term or, as used herein, is generally intended to mean and / or unless otherwise indicated. 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. An element proceeded by comprises ... a does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element. The terms including or having, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term coupled, as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. As used herein, the term mainly, substantially, different or considerably applies to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. Relational terms such as first and second, upper and lower, top and bottom, right and left, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions.

[0055] In the description herein, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of components and / or methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that an embodiment of the present disclosure can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other apparatus, systems, methods, components, materials, parts, and / or the like. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0056] Referring now to FIGS. 1A to IE, an embodiment of a balancing arm 10 according to the present disclosure is shown. A balancing arm 10 for coupling an accessory 12 (not shown) to a fixture 14, the balancing arm 10 comprising: a folding arm 16 comprising a first folding arm portion 18 extending from a first end 20 of the folding arm 16, and pivotably connecting via a hinge 22, about a longitudinal axis of the hinge 22, to a second folding arm portion 24, to a second end 26 of the folding arm 16, wherein the first end 20 and the second end 26 are arranged to dispose a balancing force device 28 (here the balancing force device 28 comprises a gas lift)in balancing engagement, to, in use, balance the accessory 12 on the second end 26; an auxiliary arm 30 extending from a third end 32 of the auxiliary arm 30, that is at least arranged to, in use, move in a direction transverse to the upright direction, to a fourth end 34 of the auxiliary arm 30, wherein the balancing arm 10 is arranged to, in use, move the accessory 12 in the upright direction (here the accessory moves in a straight line), and is arranged to, in use, substantially hold the accessory 12 in position in the direction transverse to the upright direction, and is arranged to, in use, carry the accessory 12; a joint 36 pivotably connecting the folding arm 16 and the auxiliary arm 30, about a longitudinal axis of the joint 36, wherein the folding arm 16 and the auxiliary arm 30 are arranged to angularly adjust in spaced discrete planes (here the folding arm 16 and the auxiliary arm 30 angularly adjust in generally parallel planes), and wherein one of the folding arm 16 and the auxiliary arm 30 pivotably connects the other (comprising the VESA) of the one of the folding arm 16 and the auxiliary arm 30 to the fixture 14 (here the folding arm 16 pivotably connects the auxiliary arm 30 to the fixture); and an angle compensation device 38 (here the angle compensation device 38 comprises meshing gears) coupling the folding arm 16 and the auxiliary arm 30, to, in use, compensate the auxiliary arm 30 for angular adjustment of the folding arm 16, counteracting the angle (counteracting the direction of rotation) of the auxiliary arm 30 (here the direction of rotation about the longitudinal axis of the joint 36) relative to the angle (the direction of rotation) of the folding arm 16 (here the direction of rotation about the longitudinal axis of the hinge 22); wherein the balancing arm (10) (here the joint 36 and the angle compensation device 38 comprise the force transfer member 40) is provided with a force transfer member 40 (here the force transfer member 40 comprises meshing gears), wherein the force transfer member 40 is arranged to, in use, receive a force via the other (comprising the VESA) of the one of the folding arm 16 and the auxiliary arm 30 (here the auxiliary arm 30) (at least partially in a direction generally parallel to a gravitational force), and wherein the force transfer member 40 is arranged to, in use, transfer at least a portion of the force to the one of the folding arm 16 and the auxiliary arm 30 (here the folding arm 16). The arrangement being such that movement of a dynamic pivot point (here PPI, as explained herein) of the joint 36 accommodating (compensating) the lateral displacement of a swing of the other (comprising the VESA) of the one of the folding arm 16 and the auxiliary arm 30 (here the auxiliary arm 30) (preferably the full lateral displacement of a swing is canceled out; here distance BC, as explained herein) that would occur if the joint 36 were held in position and the other (comprising the VESA) of the one of the folding arm 16 and the auxiliary arm 30 (here the auxiliary arm 30) were free to pivot around a static pivot point (here PPI again, as explained herein) of the joint 36.

[0057] The balancing arm 10, while carrying the accessory 12 straight up and down, is arranged to compensating the balancing force device 28 for a range of possible positions of the balancing arm 10, i.e., a range of angular positions of the folding arm 16 relative to a range of angular positions of the auxiliary arm 30, balancing the accessory 12. However, while carrying the accessory 12 straight up and down, this embodiment of a balancing arm 10 is not keeping the accessory 12 level automatically. A simple friction element with low friction, e.g., a torque producing apparatus with low torque, is used to allow the accessory 12 to stay substantially level mainly automatically while being in the hands of a user during height adjustment. This also allows for easy fine tuning the levelness by hand after height adjustment. Also, the torque producing apparatus may, e.g., be arranged to cooperate with double row angular contact bearings to prevent additional friction on the torque producing apparatus caused by the torque producing apparatus receiving a force, at least partially in a direction generally parallel to a gravitational force, substantially caused by the weight or use of the accessory, e.g., a supported electronic device, or by the weight or use of the balancing arm 10. Instead of ball bearings, bushings can, e.g., also be used. Or any other way of (bearing) mounting can be used, that can prevent (or at least substantially) any force being exerted onto the torque producing apparatus creating additional friction for the torque producing apparatus causing the torque producing apparatus' dynamic torque value to deviate from the nominal dynamic torque value.

[0058] Instead of carrying the accessory 12 straight up and down, by means of simple reconfiguring the attachment of the auxiliary arm 30 to the folding arm 16 angularly, the balancing arm 10 will carry the accessory 12 straight back and forth, making it depth-adjustable instead of height-adjustable.

[0059] Counter-balanced monitor arms in general have a swing movement when height adjusting a monitor. One end of the arm is held in position and the other end - on which a load is carried - is free to pivot around a hinge and follows the circumference of a circle. This particular swing characteristic is not very usable in a monitor stand because of its lateral displacement of the monitor. Monitor stand users are fully accustomed to moving monitors on monitor stands up and down in a straight line, so, it is imperative to eliminate the lateral displacement of regular balancing arms, or at least substantially. The lateral displacement of such a swing of a balancing arm with a 25 cm height adjustment travel range, based on a maximum upwards folding arm angle of 40 degrees (which is market standard) and a maximum downwards folding arm angle of 40 degrees (which is market standard), would be 4.5 cm. And 5.5 cm for a 30 cm travel range. And almost 6 cm for a 32 cm travel.

[0060] It is shown here that the folding arm 16 and the auxiliary arm 30 both angularly adjust over a 160- degree range (twice the market standard). This allows for a larger maximum height adjustment travel range potential within a smaller form factor. To accomplish this, the gas lift here has been disposed substantially upright (disposed substantially transverse to upright is market standard), keeping the smallest form factor. There is no lateral displacement in this embodiment.

[0061] It is also shown here that both the angle compensation device 38 and the force transfer member 40 comprise meshing gears. They even share gears (the force transfer member 40 is part of the angle compensation device 38; the angle compensation device 38 comprises the force transfer member 40). The folding arm 16 may comprise as little as three meshing gears. The number of teeth of a first stationary gear 42 coupled to the fixture, must be twice the number of teeth of a third gear 44 being in meshing engagement with the first stationary gear 42, through a second idler gear 46 in between the first stationary gear 42 and the third gear 44. The number of teeth of the second idler gear 46 is irrelevant for the function. The relevant length of the folding arm 16 is as long as the distance between the centers of the first stationary gear 42 and the third gear 44, which is as long as the relevant length of the auxiliary arm 30.

[0062] In this embodiment five meshing gears have been used to further the smaller form factor. Instead of having one idler gear 46, this embodiment has three idler gears 46, 46', and 46". With as little as three meshing gears, the first stationary gear 42 would need, e.g., an 80 mm pitch circle (the circle, the radius of which is equal to the distance from the center of the gear to the pitch point. This is where the gear's speed is measured; Module: teeth per millimeter of pitch diameter (diameter of the pitch circle)) and, e.g., a Module 4 x 20 Teeth specification, and the third gear 44 would then need a Module 4 x 10 Teeth specification, resulting, based on a Module 4 x 10 Teeth specification for the second idler gear 46, in a, e.g., 100 mm relevant length. Here, with five meshing gears, the first stationary gear 42 would, e.g., be a Module 2.5 x 20 Teeth gear and the third gear 44 would then need to be a Module 2.5 x 10 Teeth gear, resulting, based on Module 2.5 x 10 Teeth specifications for the three second idler gears 46, 46' and 46" respectively, in a, e.g., 112,5 mm relevant length. The same pitch diameter logic can, e.g., also be applied to belts and pulleys, or, chains and sprockets.

[0063] At 100 mm relevant length of both the folding arm 16 and the auxiliary arm 30, and at a 160- degree range, almost the full potential (which is at a 180-degree range) of a 400 mm height adjustment travel range potential is reached (394 mm to be exact). This makes this embodiment very suitable for sit / stand height adjustment travel ranges, which should be 600 mm according to NEN-EN 527-1 and 650 mm according to NPR 1813, which can almost be reached from 150 mm and 162,5 mm relevant lengths respectively. Those relevant lengths are still considerably less than relevant lengths of market standard 80-degree range balancing arms. And those relevant lengths still stay within the form factor of most monitors. This embodiment facilitates a far more economical sit / stand solution than previously known.

[0064] ISO 9241-5, Ergonomic requirements for office work with visual display terminals (VDTs) - Workstation layout and postural requirements, teaches us: the line-of-sight in the relaxed seated position is inclined approximately by 35° below the horizontal. And the optimum position for the most important visual display is within ± 15° in the vertical and horizontal direction from the line-of-sight. Therefore, the optimal viewing angle for the eyes in the relaxed seated position should place the active PC monitor between -20° and -50° relative to the horizon. This is near the reading position.

[0065] Line-of-sight is preferably perpendicular to the most important visual display, allowing for visual display top and bottom to have equal Eye-to-Visual-Display viewing distances. Therefore, a 35° PC monitor backwards tilt is essential. The ISO standard allows for visual work to be performed from a 0° horizontal gaze to a -60° gaze angle. However, this upper 0° angle, if performed for long periods, may well result in eye strain, and the lower -60° angle may result in neck strain. The line-of-sight engaged in visually demanding tasks is inclined approximately by 15° below the horizontal. Therefore, the optimal viewing angle for the eyes engaged in visually demanding tasks should place the active PC monitor between 0° and -30° relative to the horizon. And therefore, having a PC monitor stand able to alternate between the two different placements (line-of-sight inclined by 15° and inclined by 35°) is paramount, optimally facilitating visual demanding tasks and reading.

[0066] Height Adjustability (design) of PC monitor stands primarily depends on line-of-sight. Considering the line-of-sight inclined by 15° and inclined by 35°, some simple values can be derived utilizing CAD- soft ware:

[0067] (1) PC monitor visual display size to best see visual display top to bottom at a line-of-sight inclined by 15°: (a) Eye-to-Visual-Display viewing distances of ± 24 inch / ± 600 mm work for visual display sizes of < 24 inch (height - 299 mm); (b) Eye-to-Visual-Display viewing distances of ± 28 inch / ± 700 mm work for visual display sizes of < 28 inch (height = 349 mm); and (c) Eye-to-Visual-Display viewing distances of ± 32 inch / ± 800 mm work for visual display sizes of < 32 inch (height - 398 mm). Higher pixel densities (PPI's like 4K, 5K and 6K) result in PC monitors that can be viewed at shorter Eye-to-Visual-Display viewing distances, like ± 16 inch / ± 400 mm or ± 20 inch / ± 500 mm, however, visual displays will be out of a 30° (± 15°) range.

[0068] (2) Facilitating a 22 inch PC monitor (height = 274 mm), the center visual display height at a line- of-sight inclined by 15°, and at an Eye-To-Desktop distance of 25.6 inch / 650 mm (the 25.6 inch / 650 mm represents the maximum Eye-To-Desktop distance of the world-wide population, including the standard deviation) is 19,7 inch / 500 mm (using DINED's tools, data and resources to apply anthropometry, the scientific study of measurements of the human body).

[0069] (3) Facilitating a 22 inch PC monitor, the center visual display height at a line-of-sight inclined by 35°, and at an Eye-To-Desktop distance of 15.0 inch / 380 mm (the 15.0 inch / 380 mm represents the minimum Eye-To-Desktop distance of the world-wide population, including the standard deviation) is 4,8 inch / 123 mm (at a 15.0 inch / 380 mm minimum Eye-To-Desktop distance, visual displays will not be able to reach within the -20° to -50° range / line-of-sight inclined by 35° because of interference with the desktop; the 4,8 inch / 123 mm is now based on a 22 inch PC monitor in its lowest possible position, suspended above the desktop).

[0070] These are the important conclusions: (1) a 22 inch PC monitor center visual display height needs to be height adjustable between 19.7 inch / 500 mm and 4.8 inch / 123 mm, resulting in a 14.8 inch / 377 mm range; (2) a 35° PC monitor backwards tilt is essential (for reading); and (3) two 22 inch PC monitors can't reasonably (ergonomically) be vertically stacked because placement of the upper active PC monitor between 0° and -30° relative to the horizon would interfere with placement of the lower active PC monitor between -20° and -50° relative to the horizon.

[0071] It is not advisable to attempt to utilize the full range between 0° and -60° relative to the horizon to stack two PC monitors vertically: (1) at an Eye-To-Desktop distance as low as 15.0 inch / 380 mm, placement of the lower active PC monitor would always interfere with the desktop; and (2) at an Eye-To- Desktop distance as high as 25.6 inch / 650 mm, placement of the lower active PC monitor between -30° and -60° relative to the horizon would technically work for Eye-to-Visual-Display viewing distances of ± 24 inch / + 600 mm - for PC monitors up to 24 inch - and ± 28 inch / ± 700 mm - for PC monitors up to 28 inch, but would not work for the most important Eye-to-Visual-Display viewing distance of ± 32 inch / ± 800 mm, due to interference with the desktop. When let go of the line-of-sight inclined by 15° and by 35° for the most important Eye-to-Visual-Display viewing distance of ± 32 inch / ± 800 mm and randomly use the full range between 0° and -60° relative to the horizon, stacking two PC monitors vertically up to 28 inch can technically be facilitated. However, just for the tallest of the world-wide population.

[0072] And, again, therefore, having a PC monitor stand able to alternate between the two different placements (line-of-sight inclined by 15° and line-of-sight inclined by 35°) is paramount, optimally facilitating visual demanding tasks and reading. Preceding line-of-sight derivatives are specifically shown in FIGS. 1A to IE.

[0073] Referring now to FIGS. 2A to 2E, an embodiment of a balancing arm 10 according to the present disclosure is shown. The balancing arm 10 wherein the folding arm 16 comprises a first angle compensation device 48 (here the first angle compensation device 48 comprises a parallelogram mechanism), coupling the first end 20 and the second end 26, to, in use, compensate the first end 20 for angular adjustment of the second end 26, to keep the angle of the first end 20 relative to the second end 26 mainly unchanged when the angle of the first folding arm portion 18 relative to the second folding arm portion 24 is adjusted, and wherein the auxiliary arm 30 comprises a second angle compensation device 50 (here the second angle compensation device 50 also comprises a parallelogram mechanism) to, in use, compensate for angular adjustment of the first angle compensation device 48, to keep the first angle compensation device 48 oriented in the upright direction when the angle of the first folding arm portion 18 relative to the second folding arm portion 24 is adjusted.

[0074] It is shown here that the folding arm 16 and the auxiliary arm 30 both angularly adjust over an 80- degree range (which is the market standard). There is no lateral displacement in this embodiment.

[0075] Same as the previous embodiment, here the balancing force device 28 comprises a gas lift, here the accessory moves in a straight line, here the folding arm 16 and the auxiliary arm 30 angularly adjust in generally parallel planes, and here the force transfer member 40 comprises meshing gears. However, here the auxiliary arm 30 pivotably connects the folding arm 16 to the fixture.

[0076] It is also shown here that the force transfer member 40 may comprise as little as two meshing gears. E.g., the second folding arm portion 24, or a folding arm portion substantially parallel to the second folding arm portion 24, of the first angle compensation device 48 (or any like portion doing the same) comprises a fourth gear 52, while a like folding arm portion of the second angle compensation device 50 (or any like portion doing the same) comprises a fifth gear 54 in meshing engagement with the fourth gear 52, i.e., the first angle compensation device 48 and the second angle compensation device 50 are coupled through (as little as two) meshing gears, to, in use, compensate the auxiliary arm 30 for angular adjustment of the folding arm 16, counteracting the angle (counteracting the direction of rotation) of the auxiliary arm 30 (here the direction of rotation about the longitudinal axis of the joint PP2, as explained herein) relative to the angle (the direction of rotation) of the folding arm 16 (here the direction of rotation about the longitudinal axis of the joint 36).

[0077] Instead of the second angle compensation device 50 being a parallelogram, the second angle compensation device 50 here may also comprise as little as three meshing gears, e.g., coupled together by a bracket or rod, so, same as the previous embodiment, wherein the third gear 46 of the previous embodiment, and now here, and the firth gear 54 here, are the same gear.

[0078] Also, the force transfer member 40 may comprise three meshing gears. E.g., the second folding arm portion 24 comprises a sixth gear and a folding arm portion substantially parallel to the second folding arm portion 24 comprises a seventh gear, wherein the sixth gear and the seventh gear have an eighth idler gear in between (in meshing engagement), and wherein one of the sixth gear and the seventh gear is the same gear as the third gear 44.

[0079] Using meshing gears is favorable, because they can, e.g., be integrated with angle compensation device folding arm portions and thus can be made as one part, e.g., using steel stamping or aluminum die casting.

[0080] Referring now to FIGS. 1A to IE and 2A to 2E both embodiments of a balancing arm 10 according to the present disclosure show: the folding arm 16 arranged to, in use, angularly adjust synchronously or simultaneously relative to angular adjustment of the auxiliary arm 30; the other (comprising the VESA) of the one of the folding arm 16 and the auxiliary arm 30 arranged to, in use, angularly adjust with substantially twice the speed and substantially twice the distance relative to angular adjustment of the one of the folding arm 16 and the auxiliary arm 30; the joint arranged to at least pivotably connect about a longitudinal axis oriented generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hinge 22; and the force transfer member 40 arranged to, in use, transform angular movement of the folding arm 16, into angular movement of the auxiliary arm 30 through (mechanical) rotation and linkage.

[0081] Referring now to FIGS. 3A to 3C, an embodiment of a balancing arm 10 according to the present disclosure is shown with adjustment system 56 and bolt 58 (not shown) located at the first end 20. Length DMP = length PP1-PP2 = length MPA. This solution not only provides translational freedom for the second end 26, but also for the first end 20. This means adjustment system 56 is provided with translational freedom.

[0082] FIGS. 3A to 3C show the balancing arm 10 in three different positions: the uppermost position (FIG. 3A) is corresponding with the balancing arm 10 that stopped folding at a 40-degree upwards angle; the middle position (FIG. 3B) is corresponding with the balancing arm 10 at a 0-degree angle or horizontal position; and the lowermost position (FIG. 3C) is corresponding with the balancing arm 10 that stopped folding at a 40-degree downwards angle.

[0083] Dashed line A represents movement of the accessory 12 in the upright direction as well as being held in position in the direction transverse to the upright direction, caused by the lateral displacement of a swing of the one of the folding arm 16 and the auxiliary arm 30 being cancelled out by the lateral displacement of the swing of the other (comprising the VESA) of the one of the folding arm 16 and the auxiliary arm 30, i.e., the auxiliary arm 30 is compensated for angular adjustment of the folding arm 16, counteracting the angle of the auxiliary arm 30 relative to the angle of the folding arm 16.

[0084] The balancing arm 10 here comprises an auxiliary arm 30 that pivotably connects the folding arm 16 (defining pivot points PPI of the joint 36, here optionally an active midpoint: a point at or near the active middle of, or actively equidistant from, both the first end 20 and the second end 26) to the fixture 14 (defining pivot points PP2, wherein an active length or distance between pivot points PPI and pivot points PP2 defines a length PP1-PP2, and wherein an active length or distance between the second end 26 and pivot points PPI defines a length DMP, and wherein an active length or distance between pivot points PPI and the first end 20 defines a length MPA.), and is arranged to, in use, move the second end 26 in a vertical movement.

[0085] PPI is a dynamic pivot point of the joint 36 when the second end 26 moves in the upright direction and is being substantially held in position in the direction transverse to the upright direction, and PPI is a static pivot point of the joint 36 when the joint 36 were to be held in position. Dynamic pivot points PPI here swing between dashed lines B and C while the folding arm 16 and the auxiliary arm 30 stay within their [40°,-40°] ranges. Length BC (the distance between parallel dashed lines B and C) shows the lateral displacement of joint 36 (also, when first folding arm portion 18 were to be held in position and second folding arm portion 24 were to be free to pivot around hinge 22, the second end 26 follows the circumference of a circle. Length DE (the distance between parallel dashed lines D and E) shows the maximum lateral displacement DE.).

[0086] Both the active length or distance between the second end 26 and pivot points PPI or the joint 36, as well as the active length or distance between pivot points PPI or the joint 36 and pivot points PP2 is 147 mm. This 147 mm allows for a height adjustment range of the second end 26 of 378 mm, while the movement of the folding arm 16 follows both a 40-degrees upwards path and a 40-degrees downwards path relative to the first end 20, actively equidistant from the first end 20, i.e., a [40°, 0°] upward-degrees range and a [0°,-40°] downward-degrees range. The lateral displacement (length BC) to compensate now is about 35 mm.

[0087] This eliminates the need for more complicated and more expensive solutions, e.g., solutions where the swing of a balancing arm is offset by the swing of another balancing arm, to compensate or cancel out the swing movement all together in order to come to an upright movement all together.

[0088] However, simple combinations of the balancing arm 10 shown in FIGS. 1A to IE and the balancing arm 10 shown in FIGS. 2A to 2E are possible. To use a 160-degree range combined with any angle compensation device being a parallelogram mechanism, e.g., any second folding arm portion (e.g. second folding arm portion 24 in FIG. 4C) and any folding arm portion substantially parallel to any second folding arm portion (e.g. second folding arm portion 24' in FIG. 4C) may be arranged to angularly adjust in spaced discrete planes (e.g., angularly adjust in generally parallel planes). Also, one of the folding arm 16 and the auxiliary arm 30 may, e.g., comprise two angle compensation devices together compensating the angle compensation device of the other (comprising the VESA) of the one of the folding arm 16 and the auxiliary arm 30, to, in use, compensate the auxiliary arm 30 for angular adjustment of the folding arm 16, counteracting the angle of the auxiliary arm 30 relative to the angle of the folding arm 16. See the balancing arm 10 in FIGS. 4A to 4C.

[0089] In summary, the balancing arm 10 shown in FIGS. 1A to IE will not automatically keep the accessory level while height adjusting the accessory, while the balancing arm 10 shown in FIGS. 2A to 2E will automatically keep the accessory level while height adjusting the accessory. The balancing arm 10 shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C combines the advantages of the balancing arm 10 shown in FIGS. 1A to IE and the balancing arm 10 shown in FIGS. 2A to 2E. The balancing arm 10 shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C will automatically keep the accessory level while height adjusting the accessory. Also, the balancing arm 10 shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C shows a folding arm 16 with half the length of the folding arm 16 shown in FIGS. 1A to IE or the folding arm 16 shown in FIGS. 2A to 2E. Same for the auxiliary arm 30. The additional angle compensation device, with the same length of the folding arm 16 or the auxiliary arm 30 shown in FIGS. 1A to IE or the folding arm 16 or the auxiliary arm 30 shown in FIGS. 2A to 2E, in between belongs to either the folding arm 16 or the auxiliary arm 30. This particular embodiment of a balancing arm 10 according to the present disclosure is disclosing a stand-like design that is as centered as possible.

[0090] Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, an embodiment of a balancing arm 10 according to the present disclosure is shown. This monitor stand is now suspended off the desktop to a monitor arm 60. The monitor stand is suspended between the user and the monitor arm 60. In the upgrade from monitor stand to monitor arm, the component that functions as a base 62 for the monitor stand automatically becomes a, among others, depth operating handle 64 for the monitor arm. The monitor stand is fully reused into the monitor arm.

[0091] Upgrading the balancing arms in FIGS. 1A to IE, 2A to 2E and 4A to 4C, including a fixture 14, to a monitor arm, adding depth adjustability to the monitor stand, will allow for the most versatile sustainable counter-balanced monitor arm, eliminating form factor impracticalities, and eliminating any complexity of parts or complexity in assembly of parts.

[0092] Although this present disclosure has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made by way of example only and that numerous changes in the detailed construction and the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A balancing arm (10) for coupling an accessory (12) to a fixture (14), the balancing arm (10) comprising: a folding arm (16) comprising a first folding arm portion (18) extending from a first end (20) of the folding arm (16), and pivotably connecting via a hinge (22), about a longitudinal axis of the hinge (22), to a second folding arm portion (24), to a second end (26) of the folding arm (16), wherein the first end (20) and the second end (26) are arranged to dispose a balancing force device (28) in balancing engagement, to, in use, balance the accessory (12) on the second end (26); an auxiliary arm (30) extending from a third end (32) of the auxiliary arm (30), that is at least arranged to, in use, move in a direction transverse to the upright direction, to a fourth end (34) of the auxiliary arm (30), wherein the balancing arm (10) is arranged to, in use, move the accessory (12) in the upright direction, and is arranged to, in use, substantially hold the accessory (12) in position in the direction transverse to the upright direction, and is arranged to, in use, carry the accessory (12); a joint (36) pivotably connecting the folding arm (16) and the auxiliary arm (30), about a longitudinal axis of the joint (36), wherein the folding arm (16) and the auxiliary arm (30) are arranged to angularly adjust in spaced discrete planes, the arrangement of the joint (36) allowing the folding arm (16) and the auxiliary arm (30) to fully move until and past each other, and wherein one of the folding arm (16) and the auxiliary arm (30) pivotably connects the other of the one of the folding arm (16) and the auxiliary arm (30) to the fixture (14); and an angle compensation device (38) coupling the folding arm (16) and the auxiliary arm (30), to, in use, compensate the auxiliary arm (30) for angular adjustment of the folding arm (16), counteracting the angle of the auxiliary arm (30) relative to the angle of the folding arm (16); wherein the balancing arm (10) is provided with a force transfer member (40), wherein the force transfer member (40) is arranged to, in use, receive a force via the other of the one of the folding arm (16) and the auxiliary arm (30), and wherein the force transfer member (40) is arranged to, in use, transfer at least a portion of the force to the one of the folding arm (16) and the auxiliary arm (30).

2. The balancing arm (10) according to claim 1, the arrangement being such that movement of a dynamic pivot point of the joint (36) accommodating the lateral displacement of a swing of the other of the one of the folding arm (16) and the auxiliary arm (30) that would occur if the joint (36) were held in position and the other of the one of the folding arm (16) and the auxiliary arm (30) were free to pivot around a static pivot point of the joint (36).

3. The balancing arm (10) according to claim 1, wherein the folding arm (16) is arranged to, in use, angularly adjust synchronously or simultaneously relative to angular adjustment of the auxiliary arm (30).

4. The balancing arm (10) according to claim 1, wherein the other of the one of the folding arm (16) and the auxiliary arm (30) is arranged to, in use, angularly adjust with substantially twice the speed and substantially twice the distance relative to angular adjustment of the one of the folding arm (16) and the auxiliary arm (30).

5. The balancing arm (10) according to claim 1, wherein the joint (36) is arranged to at least pivotably connect about a longitudinal axis oriented generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hinge (22).

6. The balancing arm (10) according to claim 1, wherein the force transfer member (40) is arranged to, in use, transform angular movement of the folding arm (16), into angular movement of the auxiliary arm (30).

7. The balancing arm (10) according to claim 1, wherein the balancing force device (28) is adjustably mounted to balance different weight accessories (12).

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