Background to the Invention When presenting information from a computer or over a television network or the like it is necessary to incorporate a VDU. Traditionally, the VDU has been mounted on a work desk such that the screen dominates the work area. It has been found that as well as obstructing the work environment, that the placement of the screen on the work desk can also lead to neck and back ache.

One way to remove the monitor from occupying a large proportion of the work area is to wall mount the monitor. Many wall brackets suitable for this mounting arrangement are known, and typically comprises a track arrangement with an arm which is moveable along the track. The arm typically includes a support bracket on the end remote from the arm, the support bracket adapted to support the monitor. By suitable arrangement of the arm relative to the track, or indeed the mounting location of the track on the wall, it is possible to achieve a suitable positioning of the monitor away from the desk environment. Such arrangements do, however, obstruct the viewing area directly in front of the user and also require a wall of suitable strength to support the bracket arrangement.

An alternative solution is to recess the monitor into the desk, which removes the monitor from the desk area, and also does not introduce obstructions in front of the user.

It has been found that such arrangements reduce eye and neck strain, and are also particularly suitable for teaching environments with multiple users in a classroom, each user requiring an independent monitor. It is necessary when using such recessed VDU's that the desk be adapted to include a transparent viewing area through which the VDU under the desk can be viewed.

Known recessed monitor arrangements include those manufactured by Engineering Data Products (EDP), Continental Engineering Group Inc. (CEG) and Nova Inc.. Examples of known prior art are described in US 4869564. These known arrangements describe modular furniture having a bracket arrangement fixably attached to side walls of a desk or work surface. The bracket arrangements are adapted to support a monitor within a support basket which is positioned between the two brackets. The monitor support is angled so that when the monitor is contained within the basket that it provides a viewing surface to the user looking through the transparent viewing area of the desk. The furniture is suitably further adapted to include a support for a keyboard or associated peripheral units, the keyboard being slideable into and out of the desk.

Although this known arrangement offers benefits to the user when compared to the over desk mounting, there are problems associated therewith. Firstly, as the mounting arrangement is fixably attached or integral to the furniture it is difficult to modify the mounting position once arranged, and the possible number of final positions is limited to the possible combinations of the support basket and the brackets. Secondly, which is somewhat related to the integral formation of the supports with the furniture, it is not possible to easily remove a mounting support from under the desk or alternative work area, so as to allow a user ease of access to the wiring or the possibility of hot desking (i. e. changing seating between desks without powering off the computer and VDU. A third problem with the known support systems is that as they are provided as a component of the furniture suite there is no facility for mounting the computer within the same mounting arrangement as the VDU so as to allow for easy transportation of the VDU and associated units from one desk area to another.

There is therefore a need for an improved under desk mounting arrangement which is adapted to obviate or lessen the problems associated with the known mounting arrangements.

Object of the Invention An object of the present invention is to provide a mounting arrangement in accordance with the needs identified above.

Summary of the Invention Accordingly in the present invention provides an under desk support system for a visual display unit (VDU) comprising a base portion attachable to at least one arm extending upwardly from the base portion, and moveable with respect to the base portion, the at least one arm being connectable to a second support means adapted to support the VDU, the second support means being pivotable relative to the at least one arm and wherein a suitable positioning of the second support means relative to the at least one arm and the at least one arm relative to the base determines a viewing position suitable for viewing the VDU through the desk.

In a prefered embodiment of the invention, the movement of the at least one arm with respect to the base portion is provided by drive means provided adjacent to the base portion and connectable to the at least one arm, an actuation of the drive means effecting a movement of the at least one arm in a direction away from or towards the base portion.

The drive means desirably comprises at least one moveable member, moveable along an axis of the drive means, the moveable member being pivotably connectable to the at least one arm such that a movement of the moveable member along the axis effects a pivotable movement of the at least one arm relative to the base portion.

Preferably, the drive means comprises a screw thread having moveable blocks mounted thereon, a rotation of the screw effecting a movement of the blocks along the screw, the blocks being connectible to the at least one arm, and wherein actuation of the drive means effects a movement of the blocks along the screw thereby providing for a movement of the at least one arm away from or towards the base portion.

Preferably, the system comprises two arms, each arm being connectible to the other by attachment means, the attachment means having locking means, said locking means being pivotably connectable to the second support means adapted to support the VDU.

The base portion desirably comprises a main chassis connectable to at least two foot components, and in a prefered embodiment, the at least two foot components are parallel, and the main chassis is transversely mounted onto the at least two foot components.

In an alternaive embodiment of the invention, the arm is desirably pivotably connectable to the base portion at a first pivot location, with the movement of the arm with respect to the base portion being effected by a pivoting of a first end of the arm about the first pivot connection location.

In a preferred embodiment of the arm, the movement of the arm with respect to the base portion is provided by a screw jack type mechanism, the rotation of the screw relative to a corresponding thread provided within the arm effecting the movement of the arm upwardly relative to a lower surface of the base portion.

In an alternative embodiment of the arm, the arm is provided with hydraulic means adapted to hydraulically move the arm relative to the base portion.

In any embodiment of the invention, the second support means desirably comprises a two support members, each member being angularly displaced relative to

the other and wherein a first support member is adapted to support the base of the VDU and a second support member is adapted to support the back of the VDU.

Preferably, at least one of the support members is dimensioned so as to allow a cable of the VDU to pass through that member.

The second support means may alternatively comprise a bracket adapted for attachment to the back of a VDU.

The system may be further adapted to support peripheral electronic equipment relating to the VDU such as for example a computer. Desirably, the base portion comprises peripheral support means adapted to support peripheral equipment relating to the VDU.

The system is desirably adapted to be moveable between a location under the desk and a location away from the desk.

The movement of the system is desirably effected by the provision of rollers, castors or the equivalent on a lower surface of the base portion.

By enabling a movement of the system relative to the desk it is possible to effect a loading of the VDU into the system of the present invention away from the desk and then subsequently move the loaded system to its use location. It is therefore easier for a technician to gain access to the electrical components required for operation of the VDU.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention an under desk support system for a visual display unit (VDU) is provided comprising a base portion attachable to an arm extending upwardly from the base portion, and moveable with respect to the base portion, the arm being connectable to a second support means adapted to support the VDU, the second support means being pivotable relative to the arm and wherein a suitable positioning of the second support means relative to the arm

and the arm relative to the base determines a viewing position suitable for viewing the VDU through the desk.

The invention may also provide a work station having: a work surface adapted to be supported by at least two support legs, in use the support legs extending upwardly from the ground, the upwardly extent of the support legs relative to the ground defining the height of the work surface from the ground, and wherein at least a portion of the work surface is transparent, and a support system as described hereinbefore adapted to be moveable under the work surface and wherein, in use, a user can see through the transparent surface of the work surface to a VDU supported in the support system.

These and other features of the present invention will be better understood with reference to the following drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 shows a work system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a plan view of a base portion of the system of Figure 1, Figure 3 a is a detail of a screw jack type mechanism adapted to effect a movement of an arm of the work system of Figure 1 relative in the elevated position, Figure 3b is a detail of a screw jack type mechanism adapted to effect a movement of an arm of the work system of Figure 1 relative in the lowered position, Figure 4 is a side view of the system of Figure 1, showing means for allowing movement of the second support means relative to the arm, Figure 5 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the movement means for the arm of the work system of, Figure 6 is a view from the side of a system of Figure 1 adapted so as to enable a VDU to partly project through the top surface of a work system, and Figure 7 is a perspective view from above and to the front of a work system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 is a simplified exploded view of a support system according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Figure 9a is front view of the support system of Figure 8.

Figure 9b is a front cross-sectional view of the support system of Figure 8.

Figure 1 Oa is a plan view of the support system of Figure 8.

Figure 1 Ob is a plan cross-sectional view of the support system of Figure 8, with the VDU support removed.

Figure 11 is a side view of the support system of Figure 8.

Detailed Description of the Drawings According to the present invention an under desk support system for a visual display unit (VDU) is provided. Figures 1 to 7 describe an under-desk support system for a visual display unit (VDU) according to a first embodiment of the present invention, whereas Figures 8 to 11 describe a second and preferred embodiment of the present invention.

According to either embodiment of the invention and as shown in figures 1 and 8, there is provided an under desk support system (1,61) for a visual display unit (VDU) (2) comprising a base portion (3,63) attachable to at least one arm (4,68) extending upwardly from the base portion (3,63), and moveable with respect to the base portion (3,63). The arm (s) (4,68) are connectable to a second support means (5,65) adapted to support the VDU. The second support means (5,65) is pivotable relative to the arm (s) (4,68) and by effecting a suitable positioning of the second support means (5,65) relative to the arm (s) (4,68) and the arm (s) (4,68) relative to the base (3,63) it is possible to determine a viewing position suitable for viewing the VDU (2) through the desk (9).

The invention also provides a work station, as shown in one embodiment in Figure 1. The work station includes a work surface adapted to be supported by at least two support legs. The upwardly extent or height of the support legs relative to the ground defines the height of the work surface from the ground. At least a portion of the work surface is transparent. The work surface is adapted to be used in combination with a support system (1,61) such as that described in either of the embodiments of the

present invention such that, in use, a user can see through the transparent surface of the work surface to a VDU (2) supported in the support system (1,61).

Figures 1 to 3b show an under desk support system (1) for a visual display unit (VDU) (2) according to a first embodiment of the present invention, which is adapted for positioning under a desk (9). It comprises a base portion (3) attachable to a first support means (4) which is moveable with respect to the base portion (3).

In the first embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in Figure 1, the first support means comprises an arm adapted to extend upwardly from the base portion (3).

The arm (4) is connectable to a second support means (5) which is adapted to support the VDU (2). The second support means (5) is pivotably attachable via a pivot means (55) to the arm (4) and is moveable relative thereto. In the embodiment of Figure 1 the movement of the second support relative to the first support is effected by means of a handle (6) which can be used to move and lock the second support into a position relative to the arm. A suitable positioning of the second support means (5) relative to the arm (4) and the arm (4) relative to the base (3) determines a viewing position suitable for viewing a viewing portion (7) of the VDU through a transparent portion (8) of the desk (9).

The system (1) is desirably adapted to be moveable between a location under the desk (9) and a location away from the desk. The movement of the system is desirably effected by the provision of rollers (10), castors or the equivalent on a lower surface (11) of the base portion (3), as shown in Figure 2 and the inset of Figure 1.

The system may be further adapted to support peripheral electronic equipment relating to the VDU such as for example a computer. The computer may be mounted to the VDU support by means of an attachable bracket or some similar attachment means such as those known to those skilled in the art.

The arm is desirably pivotably connectable to the base portion at a first pivot location or position (20), with the movement of the arm with respect to the base portion being effected by a pivoting of a first end of the arm about the first pivot connection location (20).

As shown in Figure 3, the movement of the arm with respect to the base portion may be provided by a screw jack type mechanism (12), the rotation of a screw (13) relative to a corresponding thread (14) provided within the arm effecting the movement of the arm upwardly relative to the lower surface of the base portion. The rotation of the screw relative to the thread is achieved by a rotation of a handle (15), and may be used to position the arm from a normal position (Figure 3b) to an elevated position (Figure 3a). Similar movement of the second support means (5) is effected by rotation of a screw (33) provided within the second pivot location (55). The same handle 15 may be used to modify the relative position of the second support relative to the arm, as was used for movement of the arm relative to the base.

Figure 4 shows a detail of a ratchet mechanism (16,17) locatable on the end portions of the arm 4. The ratchet mechanism is co-operable with the screw-jack mechanism (13,33) provided in the base portion 3 and the second pivot location (55).

Figure 5 shows a further modification to the pivot means of the arm relative to the base portion and the arm relative to the second support means wherein a sprung hinge is utilised to effect movement. The sprung hinge (25) mechanism is located at the first pivot connection location (20) and is fixed in location using a removable handle (not shown). The spring acts around a pin (26) to allow movement of the arm relative to the base (3).

In an alternative embodiment of the arm of the first embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figure 6, the arm (4) is provided with hydraulic means such as a piston which is adapted to hydraulically move the arm relative to the base portion (3).

The movement of the arm is similar to that provided in the first embodiment of the arm, and as can be seen from the side view of Figure 6, can be used to project the VDU (2)

through the upper surface of the desk. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that such positioning through the desk will require a prior removal of any glass panels provided in that gap portion.

Using a system according to the present invention, the height of the VDU is easily adjustable by means of the arm movement, thereby enabling a user to rapidly adjust the height of the VDU for personal preferences and/or changing situations. In the illustrated example of Figure 6 the user has chosen to partially project the VDU through the top surface, it will be apparent that in contrast to the systems of the prior art that such changes in height are easily obtained and quick to adjust. The user is not required to utilise specialist equipment or call on additional assistance, rather the adjustment means enables the user to set the position of the VDU personally.

As shown in Figure 6, the desk (9) of the present invention comprises a worksurface (19) having the transparent portion provided therein and displaced away from the ground by means of side walls (40). The support system of the present invention is easily moveable from under the desk, thereby allowing ease of access to electronics/replacement of components and hot desking-the scenario where two or more users utilise the same desk, but different computers and require a regular movement of the computers relative to the desk.

By enabling a movement of the system relative to the desk it is possible to effect a loading of the VDU into the system of the present invention away from the desk and then subsequently move the loaded system to its use location. It is therefore easier for a technician to gain access to the electrical components required for operation of the VDU.

The system of the present invention provides advantages over the prior art systems in that with the mobility of the system relative to the desk it is easier to install.

As the VDU is installed prior to the movement of the system under the desk and it is possible to access the VDU without going through the work surface 19 of the desk it

means that it is now possible to fixably attach the glass or perspex that forms the transparent portion to the desk, thereby reducing the possibility of it being displaced during use.

The micro adjustments possible to the support means ensures that it is possible to accurately adjust the viewing positions of the VDU relative to the individual users.

Figures 8 to 11 describe a second embodiment (61) the support system of the present invention which, although utilising similar components to that of the first embodiment, will now be described with reference to new reference numerals. This second embodiment (61) may be utilised in combination with desks or the like so as to provide a work system similar to that shown in Figure 1, but for ease of explanation will be described in isolation from the desk.

In accordance with this second embodiment, an under desk support system (61) for a visual display unit (VDU) (2) is provided, which is adapted for positioning under the desk (not shown). It comprises a base portion (63) attachable to a first support means (64) which is moveable with respect to the base portion (63). In this embodiment, however, movement or correct positioning of a VDU support (74) is effected by an upward movement of two support arms (68a, 68b) relative to the base portion (63).

Typically, each of the support arms (68a, 68b) is moveable from a first position in which the VDU support (74) is adjacent to the base portion (63) and a second position where they extend or are angularly displaced upwardly, thereby raising the VDU above the base portion (63) to a desired height. In this second position, each support arm has a portion distal to the base portion, hereinafter referred to as the base distal portion, and a portion proximal to the base portion, hereinafter referred to as the base proximal portion.

In this preferred second embodiment, the base portion (63) comprises a main chassis (66) transversely mounted onto two parallel foot components (67), which are dimensioned so as to provide a stable balanced system. It will be appreciated that alternative configurations may be considered which may lend themselves to particular

applications or locations where the support system is to be utilised. The substantially U- or H-shape of the base portion (63) configuration provided by the parallel foot components is, however, advantageous in that it maximises the available under-desk foot space when the support system (61) is utilised in combination with desks or the like so as to provide a work system similar to that shown in Figure 1.

The base portion (63) may further comprise adjustment means (not shown) so as to enable an adjustment of the position of the main chassis (66) along the length of the foot components (67). Figure lOb shows two possible positions (86 and 87) of the main chassis with respect to the foot components (67). These adjustments may be required in a situation where a movement of the VDU in a horizontal as well as a vertical manner is required.

As was detailed previously with relation to the first embodiment, the VDU support (74) is moveable above the base portion (63), the height depending on the desired application. In a specific example of the second embodiment, this height variance is provided by adjustment means locatable in the transverse mounted main chassis (66). In a typical example, this may be achieved by using of a screw-thread mechanism such as a mounted drive shaft or screw (69), with right-handed thread on one end and left handed thread on the other end, as shown in Figure 8 and in more detail in Figures 9b and 9a.

Moveable blocks (70) are provided on the drive shaft or screw (69) and are pivotably connectable to the base proximal portions of the arms (68a, 68b). Each of the arms (68a, 68b) is moveable upwardly from the base portion (63), the movement being effected by a corresponding movement of the blocks (70) along the axis of the screw (69). Typically the blocks (70) are provided at opposing ends of the screw (69) and are adapted such that rotation of the screw (69) effects a movement of the blocks (70) towards each other and away from the foot components (67). It will therefore be appreciated that as the base proximal portions of the arms (68a, 68b) are connected to the blocks (70), that in order effect a movement of the base distal portion of the arms upwardly corresponding to the movement of the blocks sidewardly, that a pivotable

connection between the blocks and the arms is typically required, such that with a movement of the blocks (70), the arms (68a, 68b) extend upwardly from the chassis (66), inclined at an angle towards the centre. The base distal portions of the arms (68a, 68b) are desirably pivotably joined via a common locking unit (72), although alternative configurations may be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Desirably when rotated, each threaded end of the drive shaft or screw (69) drives the two blocks (70), which are typically counter-threaded along rails or slide mounting (71) fixably attached within the main chassis (66).

Rotation of the drive shaft (69) relative to the counter-threaded blocks (70) may be achieved by means of a worm gear and wheel detail (not shown), accessible from the front of the chassis (66). Alternatively, the rotation of the drive shaft (69) relative to the counter-threaded blocks (70) is achieved at one end of the chassis (66) by means of direct rotation of the drive shaft (69). In either arrangement, the drive shaft (69) may be rotated by hand using a turn handle, a ratchet spanner, a hand-held power tool, or some other suitable manner such as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Similarly it will be appreciated that a drive motor may be incorporated to effect the movement of the arms. The drive motor may be utilised with a flexidrive system or the like where the motor is connectable to the portion of the system that requires driving through some flexible linkage which may allow for the positioning of the motor away from the components which it acts upon.

In a further embodiment of the invention, an internal motor may be provided within the chassis for rotation of the drive shaft (69). Alternatively a hydraulic ram or similar construction may be used instead of the screw arrangement to provided for a movement of the arms.

Rotation of the drive shaft (69) drives the blocks (70) inwards towards the centre of the chassis (66), which in turn drives the lifting arms (68) and hence the locking unit (72) upwards. The lifting arms (68) are typically provided with integrated meshing to ensure each arm (68) lifts at the same rate. It will be appreciated that rotation of the

drive shaft (69) in a counter direction draws the blocks (70) radially away from the centre, lowering the locking unit (72).

The locking unit (72) is pivotably attached to the second support means (65), adapted to support the VDU, so as to enable an angular movement or displacement of the VDU support (74) relative to its lifting arms (68). Typically such movement is through 90°, although it will be appreciated that this angular range may be altered depending on the specific application, and furthermore that in order to provide for stability once the chosen angular displacement is effected, that locking means such as a bolt (73) on the locking unit (72) may be provided so as to lock the VDU support (74) in position.

As detailed previously with reference to the first embodiment, the VDU support may be a cradle (74) on which the VDU sits, or a bracket (75) for attachment to the back of a flat screen monitor, or any such similar arrangement.

As shown in Figures 9a and 9b, the cradle (74) according to the second embodiment of the invention may be provided with an aperture (88) so as to allow the electrical lead or other associated cables of a VDU to pass through the VDU support (74) unobstructed.

As shown in Figure 11, movement of the system (61) relative to the floor is desirably affected by the provision of rollers or casters (76) on the lower surface of the feet (67). Locking means (not shown) may be further provided on the base portion (63) to enable the support system (61) to be locked to the floor.

As shown in Figure 8, the system (61) may further be adapted to support peripheral electronic equipment relating to the VDU, such as for example a computer (not shown). The computer or similar equipment may be mounted to the VDU support by means of one or more peripheral frames (77) attachable to the base portion (63) of the system frame by means such as clips or bolts. Figure 8 shows such a frame (77)

provided with pins (78) adapted to fit into corresponding holes (79) provided on a foot portion (67) of the base (63).

Similarly to that described with reference to the Figure 5, this second embodiment can also be used in combination with a desk having a transparent or translucent surface provided therein. The support system (61) is advantageous in that it is easily moveable under and away from the desk and the height of the VDU support, and hence the VDU relative to the transparent portion of the desk is adjustable to a user's preference. It will also be appreciated that it can additionally be utilised in scenarios or situations such as those shown in Figure 6 where the VDU is moveable to a position such that at least a portion of the VDU projects through the desk upper surface.

The ease of adjustment of the present invention enables the user and installer to quickly and easily adjust the VDU height for varying circumstances. By providing a moveable system it is possible to easily install the equipment away from a desk environment and then to move it to the desired working location. It is also easy to transport a desired piece of equipment from one working location to that of another.

Although described with reference to preferred embodiments it is not intended to limit the present invention to the embodiments thus described and it will be appreciated by the skilled person that the present invention should be limited by reference to the accompanying claims.

It will be further appreciated that although the present invention has been described with reference to the interaction of specific components that these actual connections have been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and that any one or more features can be used in combination with other features irrespective of the combination herein described.

The words"comprises/comprising"and the words"having/including"when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

Similarly the words"upwardly","downwardly"etc., are intended to describe the system in the illustrated use and not to be limited.