ADJUSTABLE SUPPORT APPARATUS

CROSS-REFERENCE

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of Application Serial No. 11/075,073, filed March 8, 2005, entitled "Adjustable Support Apparatus", the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to a stand for mounting a peripheral device and, more particularly, to a pole stand for elevating and supporting a flat-screen peripheral device, such as a computer monitor or television.

[0003] Adjustable stands for use with electronic or other equipment are known in the prior art. Such stands are useful when it is required to elevate a device off a floor, desk or other surface, in order that the device meets eye-level or some other desired height. Stands also serve to hold cumbersome objects that are not designed to be placed directly on a surface due to ventilation requirements or other concerns . BACKGROUND ART

[0004] In conjunction with stands, it is known in the art to also provide mechanical extension arms and/or tilters in order to position the supported equipment. Typically, an extension arm is attached to the stand and may then be attached to, among other things, a computer monitor. The arm enables the user to linearly position the device along one or more axis. Such extensions are shown and described in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,726,167 and 6,854,698, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

[0005] In order that the device may be positioned with even greater precision, a tilter or mounting structure is typically employed that allows the device to be rotated about one or more axis. The tilter or mounting structure may be attached to the extension arm previously discussed or attached directly

to the stand. Once such tilter is shown and described in U.S. Patent No. 6,505,988, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

[0006] Prior art adjustable stands generally include a connecting element such as a clamp or ring which enables an adjustable arm to be affixed to a support pole. The connecting element or clamp includes a set-screw, which may be tightened against the pole so that the clamp is securely affixed to the pole. The set-screw may either engage an exterior surface of the pole or may be partially driven into a recess or indent of the pole. Unfortunately, this design has a disadvantage that after successive uses and reconfiguration of the support assembly, the support pole may be damaged, scratched or contain blemishes caused by the interaction of the set-screw against the exterior surface of the pole. [0007] It can also be difficult to properly line up the set-screw with the recess to ensure a secure connection. Additionally, the loosening and tightening of the set screw can cause the set screw to become displaced from the clamp and subsequently lost, or can cause the threads on the set-screw to be stripped, resulting on a loose connection. [0008] Thus, there is a need for a pole stand device that is suitable for supporting an electronic peripheral device, such as a flat screen computer monitor or television, that can accommodate various extension arms and tilters, that are easily assembled, and even after multiple uses does not mar the exterior surface of the pole. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention is directed to an adjustable support apparatus having a pole with a plurality of first elements exposed at an exterior surface of the pole. The pole further includes a longitudinal axis. The apparatus also includes a clamping member having a top surface, an outer surface and an inner surface having a second element. The second element cooperates with one of the plurality of first elements such that the clamping member is at least loosely

affixed to the pole with the inner surface of the clamping member being juxtaposed to the exterior surface of the pole. [0010] The apparatus further includes a collar having an inner surface, a top surface, a bottom surface and an aperture extending from said top surface to said bottom surface. The inner surface of the collar preferably includes an inwardly-projecting ridge. The aperture of the collar is adapted for receiving the pole therein such that the collar is translatable about the longitudinal axis of the pole. The collar is preferably positioned about the clamping member so that the aperture of the collar receives the clamping member therein and the inwardly-projecting ridge abuts the top surface of the clamping member, thereby retaining the collar on the clamping member in at least one direction. [0011] In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the clamping member is C-shaped and includes a first end and a second end remote from each other. The clamping member preferably has a cavity defined by the inner surface of the clamping member, wherein the pole is received within the cavity of the clamping member. The clamping member is preferably flexible such that a distance between the first end of the second end may be increased or decreased. The top surface of the clamping member preferably includes a chamfered edge .

[0012] The inner surface of the collar is preferably circular and in one embodiment, the inwardly-projecting ridge extends entirely around the inner surface of the collar. [0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the outer surface of the clamping member has a first diameter when in an at-rest position and the inner surface of the collar has a second diameter. The second diameter is less than the first diameter such that when the aperture of the collar receives the clamping member therein, the collar exerts an inwardly-directed force against the clamping member which subsequently causes the clamping member to abut the pole.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first elements may be an indent and the second element may be a protrusion. In one embodiment of the present invention, the indents are aligned in a straight line along the exterior of the pole. Additionally, the indents and protrusion may have similar corresponding shapes and may be circular. [0015] The apparatus may also include an adjustable arm connectable to the pole at a first end thereof. Additionally, the apparatus may also include a mounting stand connected to the pole at a second end thereof.

[0016] In another aspect of the present invention, the adjustable support apparatus may include an engagement means positioned between the pole and the collar for affixing the collar to the pole. Additionally, in an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the collar means may be provided securable to the pole. Additionally, an engagement means is positioned between the pole and the collar means for affixing the collar means to the pole. At least a portion of the engagement means is received within a receiving means of the pole .

[0017] In a method of assembling an adjustable support apparatus according to the present invention, a pole is placed in an upright position. Next a clamping member is placed in a position about the pole with the clamping member having a second element thereon while the pole has a first element exposed thereon. The clamping member may be translated along the longitudinal axis of the pole until reaching the desired position. The clamping member is then affixed to the pole at the desired position by engaging the second element of the clamping member with one of the plurality of first elements of the pole. A collar is then placed about the clamping member. The collar being affixed to the clamping member in at least one direction. Additionally, the collar may provide an inwardly-directed radial pressure against the clamping member,

thereby causing the clamping member to abut the exterior surface of the pole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] In the drawings in which relatively like characters denote similar elements throughout the several views:

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pole stand having a pole, a collar and a clamping element according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pole of FIG. 1;

[0021] FIG. 3a is a perspective view of the clamping element of FIG. 1;

[0022] FIG. 3b is a top view of the clamping element of

FIG. 1;

[0023] FIG. 4a is a top perspective view of the collar of

FIG. 1;

[0024] FIG. 4b is a bottom perspective view of the collar of FIG. 1;

[0025] FIG. 5 illustrates one method of assembly of the adjustable support apparatus support illustrated in FIG. 1;

[0026] FIG. 6 illustrates an assembled adjustable support apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

[0027] FIG. 7 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a pole used in conjunction with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The present invention relates to an adjustable support apparatus suitable for mounting various components such as flat-screen electronic devices, such as computer monitors, televisions and the like, and a method of mounting the same.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, the adjustable support apparatus

1 includes a pole 10, a clamping element 12 and a collar 14.

Adjustable support apparatus 1 may include varying numbers of each element as will be described below. Clamping element 12

D

and collar 14, as shown in FIG. 1 are positioned about pole 10, and although not shown in FIG. 1 are designed to engage one another. Specific features and aspects of .the individual elements will now be described with reference to the figures. [0030] As shown in FIG. 2, pole 10 preferably includes at least one indent 20 but more preferably a plurality of indents 20 exposed at an exterior surface 22 of the pole. The pole preferably also includes a proximal end 24 and a distal end 26. Pole 10 may be a hollow cylinder as shown in FIG. 2 or may also be a solid cylinder with indents 20. Of course, pole 10 may also have various other geometric shapes without deviating from the scope of the present invention, e.g., square, polygonal, oval and the like.

[0031] In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of indents 20 is exposed at an exterior surface 22 of pole 10. For ease and efficiency of manufacturing, a straight-line arrangement is preferred as shown in FIG. 2. However, indents 20 may be exposed at exterior surface 22 in various other patterns and arrays. For example, indents 20 may present a spiral pattern, a Peg-Board pattern, be aligned in adjacent rows or the like. Indents 20 may also be dispersed about pole 10 in a random array. In addition, the present invention contemplates various numbers of indents 20 being dispersed about pole 10, including only a single indent. Indents 20 are preferably spaced at least one inch apart. The spacing between adjacent indents 20 may be enlarged or lessened in order to provide the desired position ranges required, as will be described below. Indents 20 may extend substantially along an entire longitudinal axis 28 of pole 10 from proximal end 24 to distal end 26 or only along a portion thereof.

[0032] Indents 20 may be dimples or recesses exposed about exterior surface 22. In an alternate embodiment, indents 20 may actually be apertures extending to a center or hollow chamber of pole 10. Indents 20 may also extend entirely through pole 10 so that openings of indents 20 are exposed at

both sides of the pole. Indents 20 are preferable circular although this is not required. Pole 10 is preferably- constructed from a metal such as steel, aluminum or the like. [0033] As shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, in one preferred embodiment, clamping element 12 includes an inner surface 30 and an outer surface 32. Although the inner and outer surfaces are substantially arc-shaped, various other geometric shapes may be used without deviating from the scope of the present invention. Desirably, inner surface 30 has substantially the same shape as exterior surface 22 of pole 10. Clamping element 12 further includes a top surface 34 and a bottom surface 36. Clamping element 12 is preferably substantially U-shaped or C-shaped and includes a first end 37 and a second end 39 remote from one another. Opening 43 leads into a cavity 45 and separates first end 37 and second end 39 from one another. The distance of opening 43 when clamping element 12 is in its at rest position is preferably less than a diameter of pole 10, so that the clamping element 12 can surround at least 50% of the circumference of pole 10. More preferably, in the at rest position, clamping element 12 surrounds at least 67% of the circumference of pole 10. Clamping element 12 is preferably flexible so as to permit the increase and decrease in the size of opening 43 and is preferably constructed from a plastic, spring steel or the like. The at rest position of the clamping element corresponds to the shape of the clamping element that is when it is not subjected to a radially directed inward or outward force .

[0034] Clamping element 12 may also include a chamfered edge 40 positioned adjacent and between top surface 34 and inner surface 30, the purpose of which will be described below.

[0035] Clamping element 12 preferably further includes a protrusion 52 extending radially inwardly from inner spherical surface 30. Protrusion 52 preferably includes cylindrical sidewall 54 in communication with inner surface 30 and cap 56.

Cap 56 is adjacent to cylindrical sidewall 54 and remote from inner surface 30. Cap 56 is preferably circular. More preferably, cap 56 has substantially the same geometry as an indent 20.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, cylindrical sidewall 54 may include a decline or chamfered edge 58 remote from inner surface 30 and adjacent to cap 56. [0037] In a preferred embodiment, as described below, cylindrical sidewall 54 preferably has a radius substantially the same or slightly less than a radius of indents 20. Chamfered edge 58 enables cap 56 and thus a first end of protrusion 52, to have a smaller diameter than cylindrical sidewall 54.

[0038] As illustrated in FIGS. 4a and 4b, collar 14 includes a top surface 60, a bottom surface 62 and an aperture 64 extending therethrough. Collar 14 preferably has a cylindrical shape and includes a radially-extending sidewall 66 extending downwardly from top surface 60 and adjacent thereto. As with clamping element 12, collar 14 may have alternate geometric shapes. Collar 14 also preferably includes radially-extending decline wall 68 extending between and adjacent to sidewall 66 and bottom surface 62. Decline wall 68 is preferably included for aesthetic purposes and allows for a smooth transition between pole 10 and sidewall 66 of collar 14, when the collar is affixed to the pole, as will be described below. Decline wall 68 has a downward slope from sidewall 66 to bottom surface 62.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b, collar 14 also preferably includes circumferential wall 70 extending downwardly from top surface 60 and partially defining aperture 64. Desirably, adjacent to circumferential wall 70 is shoulder 72, best shown in FIG. 4b. Although shoulder 72 and circumferential wall 70 are shown extending 360 degrees about aperture 64, in an alternate embodiment circumferential wall 70 and shoulder 72 may have gaps dispersed between their

lengths so that they resemble a plurality of flanges extending inwardly towards a center of aperture 64.

[0040] Extending downwardly and adjacent to shoulder 72 is circumferential wall 74. Circumferential wall 74 preferably extends to and is adjacent with bottom surface 62 as well as shoulder 72.

[0041] In one method of assembly, as shown in FIG. 5, first end 37 and second end 39 of clamping element 12 may be stretched apart from the at rest position, such that opening 43 is increased in size until the opening is large enough to place the clamping element about pole 10. With first end 37 and second end 39 spread wide so that clamping element 12 is in an open position, pole 10 is received within cavity 45. First end 37 and second end 39 are released and spring back to at least partially retain pole 10 within clamping element 12. In such an arrangement, inner surface 30 of clamping element 12 is juxtaposed against exterior surface 22 of pole 10. [0042] Preferably, clamping element 12 is loosely secured to pole 10 in such a manner that the clamping element may be translated along exterior surface 22 of pole 10 along the direction of longitudinal axis 28. Clamping element 12 preferably translated about pole 10 until a desired position or height is obtained. In order to affix clamping element 12 to pole 10, protrusion 52 of the clamping element is received within one of the indents 20 of the pole. Clamping element 12, or more specifically protrusion 52, is received within an indent 20, which best corresponds to the desired positioning of the clamping element. Since chamfered edge 58 is located adjacent cap 56 of protrusion 52, and the cap desirably has a diameter at least slightly less than indent 20, the protrusion is easily received within the indent. As previously mentioned, since cylindrical sidewall 54 has a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of indent 20, the friction between the two elements retains the protrusion within the indent .

[0043] With clamping element 12 correctly in place, proximal end 24 of pole 10 is received within aperture 64 of collar 14. Of course, collar 14 may be placed about pole 10 prior to clamping element 12 engaging the pole. Collar 14 is than translated along longitudinal axis 28 in a direction of arrow A, as shown in FIG. 1, until coming in contact with clamping element 12. Collar 14 is push downwardly onto clamping member 12 until shoulder 72 abuts top surface 34 of the clamping element, thereby affixing the two elements together at least relative to the direction of arrow A. [0044] In a preferred embodiment, circumferential wall 74 of collar 14 has a radius that is slightly smaller than a radius of outer surface 32 of clamping element 12, at least when the clamping element is in its at rest position. Thus, when collar 14 is placed over clamping element 12, the collar squeezes the clamping element 12, such that the clamping element tightly grips pole 10.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 6, once collar 14 and clamping element 12 are positioned on pole 10, an adjustable arm bracket 80 and tilt structure 82 may be attached to pole 10. Adjustable arm 80 includes an aperture 84 at a first end 86 thereof. Pole 10 is slidably received within aperture 80 of adjustable arm 80, which is translated downward until a bottom surface 88 of first end 86 abuts and/or rests upon top surface 60 of the collar. Once adjustable arm 80 and tilt structure 82, which is attached to a second end of the adjustable arm, are correctly assembled, in relation to pole 10, an electronic device such as flat panel monitor 90 may be mounted to the assembly via tilt structure 82. Adjustable arm 80 may be rotatable about longitudinal axis 28 of pole 10. Although an embodiment of the adjustable arm has been described herein, alternate adjustable arms may be used without deviating from the scope of the present invention such as that described in Q.S. Patent Application No. 10/418,233, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

[0046] Also as shown in FIG. 6, a completed assembly may include a mounting stand 92. Mounting stand 92 includes an aperture (not shown) , which receives distal end 28 of pole 10 and enables the pole to stand upright. Mounting stand 92 may also include a collar or other receptacle 93 to receive the distal end 28 of pole 10. Mounting stand 92 in conjunction with the rest of adjustable support apparatus 1, preferably enables the assembly to be placed on a desk or similar tabletop so that the flat panel monitor 90 can be positioned correctly relative to a user such as a typist.

[0047] In an alternate embodiment, a clamp or other fixation element that enables the adjustable support apparatus 1 to be secured to a fixture, such as a desk or even a wall, may replace mounting stand 92.

[0048] The adjustable arm assembly as described herein enables a person to mount a monitor or other device at a desired height for optimum work and enjoyment conditions. [0049] If placement of the flat panel monitor 90 needs to be adjusted, the adjustable arm assembly may simply be disassembled and re-assembled with clamping element 12 moved to a more desired position relative to pole 10. Since, clamping element 12 is only loosely secured to pole 10, prior to collar 14 squeezing it about the pole, the clamping element may be translated along longitudinal axis 28 of the pole without inflicting scratches and unsightly damage to the pole. [0050] With regard to the present disclosure, terms such as "downwardly" or "upwardly" are used to describe directions that are opposed to each other without regard to any gravitational frame of reference. Similarly, terms such as "top" and "bottom" "over" and "under," or "above" and "below" are used to describe the relative position to elements or assemblies within the frame of reference of the assembly itself.

[0051] For instance, in an alternate embodiment as shown in FIG. 6, pole 10 may be mounted within a hole (not shown in the

figures) of desk 94. In order that the pole does not slip entirely through the hole and under the desk, an additional clamping element or second clamping element 12' may be affixed against the pole with protrusion 52 being received within a desired indent 20. Subsequently, or prior to pole 10 being placed within the hole, second collar 14' is placed over the distal end 26. Similarly, as discussed with reference to clamping element 12, the top surface and bottom surface of clamping element 12' engages shoulder 72 of collar 14' such that the collar and the clamping element are affixed to one another in a direction of arrow B. Therefore, since the engagement element 12' is positioned between and affixes collar 14' to pole 10, the pole is unable to slide through the hole of desk 94. Of course, in this situation, it is required that collar 14' has a larger diameter than the diameter of the hole in desk 94. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 6, mounting structure 92 may be placed over the hole so as to provide a more pleasingly aesthetic look.

[0052] In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a shown in FIG. 7, pole 110 may include at least a single elongate slot 102, with a plurality of grooves 104 being disposed along side. As shown in FIG. 7, grooves 104 are preferably slanted downward to provide enhanced stability. Elongate slot 102 preferably includes at least one open end 106 located at either the proximal end 124 or the distal end 126 of pole 110. Open end 106 is capable of receiving protrusion 52 of clamping element 12. Once received therein, clamping element 12 may translate within elongate slot 102 until a desired position is achieved. In order to loosely affix clamping element 12 to pole 10, the clamping element can be rotated so that protrusion 52 is received within a groove 104, which best approximates the desired positioning.

[0053] Once clamping element 12 is in position, as before, collar 14 may be placed about the clamping element.

[0054] In yet another alternate embodiment, although not shown in the figures, pole 10 may include at least two

adjacent rows of indents 20 exposed on the exterior surface 22 of the pole. Similarly, clamping element 12 may be provided with two protrusions projecting inwardly from inner surface 30. The distance between the two protrusions 52 is equivalent to the distance between adjacent rows of indents 20 such that when the clamping element is juxtaposed against the pole; both protrusions may be received within adjacent indents.

[0055] In an alternate embodiment, although not shown in the figures, indents 20 on pole 10 may be replaced with a plurality of protrusions, and protrusion 52 of clamping element 12 may be replaced with an indent or aperture. Thus, the clamping element may engage the pole, with a portion of the pole i.e., a protrusion, being received within the clamping element i.e., as contrasted with embodiments earlier described.

[0056] Therefore, since clamping element 12 is only loosely attached to pole 10, prior to collar 14 being positioned about the clamping element, the clamping element may be translated along longitudinal axis 28 of the pole without damaging or scarring the pole. Additionally, by eliminating the need of a set-screw to connect collar 14 to pole 10, the chore of having to try and align the set-screw with an indent of a pole, while translating the set-screw into contact with the pole is eliminated. This greatly reduces the "fiddle factor" of assembling the support apparatus. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0057] The present invention enjoys wide industrial applicability including, but not limited to, support devices and extension arms that can be used with all manner of equipment or devices such a keyboard or monitors, e.g., flat panel video displays.

[0058] Although the present invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications

may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims .