HK1178591B - Support apparatus - Google Patents

Description

Supporting device

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims priority from U.S. patent application No. 13/153,316, filed on 3/2011 and U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/353,714, filed on 11/2010. U.S. patent application No. 13/153,316 and U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/353,714 are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to devices that are sized and configured to support objects such as displays, computer components, and wiring.

Background

Support arms, such as display supports or copy holders, often include one or more arms extending from a support post. The arm is configured to hold an object, such as a display. The support post typically clamps against a support surface such as a desk, table or partition. 7,652,876, 7,392,969, 7,389,965, 7,369,401, 7,252,277, 7,246,780, 7,182,301, 7,048,242, 7,014,157, 6,905,101, 6,863,252, 6,739,096, 6,702,604, 6,679,096, 6,554,238, 6,554,235, 6,505,988, 6,499,704, 6,343,006, 5,992,809, 5,772,174, 5,687,939, 5,553,820, D518,063 and D537,323, U.S. patent application publication nos. 2010/0044541, 2005/0284997, 2005/0133678, 2005/0284991, 2006/0266909 and 2008/0237439, world intellectual property organization publication nos. WO 2009/151760, WO 2008/091998, WO 2008/113860, WO 2008/012368, WO2008/022873, WO 2007/137905 and WO 2007/118862, and uk patent application No. GB 2,440,606 disclose examples of support arms and similar support devices.

In using the support arm, a user typically rotates the support arm about the support post to position the support arm in a desired position for viewing or using a computer screen or other object held by the support arm. Adjusting the vertical position of the support arm can be difficult. For example, the support arm configuration often makes vertical adjustment of the support arm time consuming or does not provide fine adjustment.

For example, world intellectual property organization publication number WO2008/022873 discloses a support arm that includes support columns with annular grooves between a spacing and a collar configured to attach to the support columns at any of the grooves. A support configured to hold an object such as a display may be attached to the collar and supported on the support post by the collar. The user does not necessarily have the ability to easily reposition the collar vertically from one annular groove to another on the collar. Due to the weight of the object supported by the collar, the user must either remove the support and the display or other object attached to the collar before moving the collar and support arm vertically to a new position in the other recess. Removal of such objects may not be easily accomplished since such objects may include televisions, computer monitors, or other equipment that is wired or interconnected to other devices. Indeed, the adjustment aimed at adjusting the collar and support to different recesses or must be provided by a specialist to ensure that the object held by the support arm is not damaged during the adjustment of the collar to a new recess.

Various support arms require springs, such as gas springs or coil springs, to help support the object in a particular position and to allow adjustment of the positioning of the support arm. For example, world intellectual property organization publication number WO 2007/118862 discloses a support arm that requires gas springs and cables to support the object held by the arm in a particular position. The support arm also has a sleeve that fits over the cylindrical support post for attachment thereto. The use of cables tends to detract from the aesthetic effect of the support arm. The use of an exposed spring or gas spring may also detract from the aesthetic appeal of the support arm. Furthermore, the use of springs and cables to support objects tends to increase the cost of manufacturing these support devices.

There is a need for a support device that allows a user to easily adjust the vertical position of a plurality of objects held by the support device. Preferably, the support device has a wide variety of design options and is not limited by the need for springs or cables to assist in supporting the object.

Disclosure of Invention

The support means may comprise a first substantially vertical elongate member with one or more threads and a second substantially vertical elongate member with one or more threads. A first collar is movably attached to the first vertically elongated member and a second collar is movably attached to the second vertically elongated member. Each collar is rotatable such that when it is rotated in one direction it moves in a generally upward direction along at least one thread of the substantially vertical member to which it is attached, and when it is rotated in the opposite direction it moves in a generally downward direction. A first substantially horizontal member is positioned adjacent the first and second substantially vertical members. The rear side of the first substantially horizontal member is provided with a slot formed in the rear side thereof that is sized and configured to secure wiring, such as cables or wires. The first substantially horizontal member is supported on or attached to the first and second collars such that movement of the first and second collars adjusts the vertical position of the substantially horizontal member.

For example, the one or more threads may be one or more grooves formed in the substantially vertical member or one or more beads formed in the substantially vertical member. Preferably, the one or more threads extend to define a helical path of the one or more collars.

The substantially vertical members may each be a member such as a bar, bar or rail, arranged such that the length of the members extends in a generally vertical direction, such as a member arranged to extend perpendicular to the ground or countertop, or a member extending at an angle of 80 degrees or 75 degrees relative to a horizontal surface such as a table top or ground. The substantially horizontal members may be members arranged such that their length extends in a generally horizontal direction, such as a rail, strip, bent rail, curved bar or bar, their length extends in a direction parallel to the ground or work surface, or their length extends in a direction that is inclined or inclined between 0 and 1 degree.

Preferably, an embodiment of the support device is configured to support an object, such as a display device. Examples of display devices are monitors, Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs) and computer screens. For example, the support apparatus may include one or more quick release attachment mechanisms to attach one or more display devices to the first substantially horizontal support member. Preferably, each quick release attachment mechanism has a substantially horizontal member mounting portion with an upper portion configured to engage the upper portion of the first substantially horizontal member and a movable member movable from a first position to a second position and biased toward the first position. The movable member is preferably sized and preferably configured to engage a bottom rear portion of the first substantially horizontal member when in the first position and configured to allow the quick release attachment mechanism to be removed when in the second position. The user may actuate such movement without the need for mechanical tools. Each quick release mechanism is preferably configured such that it is slidable along at least a portion of the length of the substantially horizontal member.

Embodiments of the support device may also include additional collars and additional substantially horizontal members. Each horizontal member may be attached to or supported on a set of collars disposed on the first and second substantially vertical members.

In some embodiments, each substantially vertical member may be attached to a respective attachment mechanism, such as a clamp, for attaching the substantially vertical member to a countertop or other structure.

Preferably, an embodiment of the support means comprises a sleeve. Each sleeve may be attached to or placed on a respective collar. The sleeves may be configured to receive a portion of the substantially vertical member such that the sleeve is vertically movable along the member, and also configured to receive and attach to the substantially horizontal member to attach the substantially horizontal member to the collar, or to ensure that the substantially horizontal member is supported on the collar.

A quick release attachment mechanism is also provided that is sized and configured to attach the display device to a support arm or elongate member of a device holding the display device. The quick release attachment mechanism includes a display device mounting portion including a mounting plate with an outer peripheral portion rotatable about an inner portion thereof. The mechanism also includes a member attachment portion sized and configured to attach to a support arm or an elongated member of a device holding the display apparatus. A vertical adjustment mechanism is also included. The vertical adjustment mechanism has a connector that is movable within a slot of the member attachment portion. The connector has a first side and a second side opposite the first side. A first side of the connector is attached to the display device mounting portion and a second side of the connector is disposed through the slot and movably attached to the member attachment portion.

Embodiments of the quick release attachment mechanism may include a latch that passes through a hole in the connector and an opening in the display device mounting portion to movably attach the connector to the display device mounting portion.

In some embodiments, the connector is movable within the slot to a plurality of different positions defined by one of teeth, projections, structures and ladders attached to or defined by the member attachment portion, with the teeth, projections and structures of the slot adjacent the slot. The teeth, projections, structures or ladders adjacent the slot may be attached to the member attachment portion.

Other details, objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the following description of several presently preferred embodiments of the invention and several presently preferred methods of practicing the embodiments proceeds.

Drawings

The drawings illustrate presently preferred embodiments of the support apparatus and also show several presently preferred methods of practicing the embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a first presently preferred embodiment of a support apparatus.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a presently preferred support member and a presently preferred quick release attachment mechanism that may be employed in embodiments of the support apparatus.

Fig. 3 is a rear exploded view of a presently preferred support member that may be employed in embodiments of the support apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the first presently preferred embodiment of the support apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the first presently preferred embodiment of the support apparatus showing the presently preferred quick release attachment mechanism attached to the presently preferred support member.

Fig. 5A is an exploded view of a first presently preferred quick release attachment mechanism that may be employed in embodiments of the support apparatus.

Fig. 5B is a side view of a presently preferred horizontal member mounting portion of the first presently preferred quick release attachment mechanism attached to a portion of a horizontal member.

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the second presently preferred embodiment of the support apparatus.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a second presently preferred quick release attachment mechanism that may be employed in embodiments of the support apparatus.

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the second presently preferred quick release attachment mechanism taken along line VIII-VIII in fig. 7.

FIG. 9 is a partial front view of a third presently preferred embodiment of a support apparatus utilizing an embodiment of a second presently preferred quick release attachment mechanism. It should be understood that fig. 9 illustrates different mounting plates of different quick release attachment mechanisms at different selected height positions.

Detailed Description

Referring to fig. 1-5, a support apparatus 1 may include a plurality of elongated vertical member mechanisms 2. Each vertical support mechanism 2 may comprise attachment means 5 for attaching the vertical member 3 to a surface, such as a countertop. The attachment means 5 may be a clamp or other attachment mechanism. Each vertical member 3 may be completely vertical such that the length of the vertical member 3 extends along its length in an upward direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction, or may be substantially vertical. The substantially vertical member 3 may extend along its length in an upward direction perpendicular to the ground or a substantially horizontal surface, or may be approximately vertical, such as extending in a direction of 85 degrees, 88 degrees, or 89 degrees relative to a substantially horizontal surface or countertop.

Each vertical member 3 is preferably a rod or elongated cylindrical member with at least one thread 6 formed thereon or therein. Each vertical member 3 may be either a generally polygonal member or a rail or elongate support structure. The thread 6 may be one or more grooves spiraling along the outer surface of the vertical member 3 or one or more beads spiraling along the outer surface of the vertical member 3.

A collar 4 may be movably attached to the vertical member 3. Each collar may be similar to the collar disclosed in U.S. patent application No. 12/372,110 filed on 2-17/2009. U.S. patent application No. 12/372,110 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The thread 6 defines the way the collar 4 moves. For example, each collar may include inwardly projecting teeth or projections. The teeth or projections may be sized and configured to fit snugly within the threads 6. The collar 4 may be configured such that rotation of the collar in a first direction may cause the collar to move up the vertical member 3, while rotation of the collar in a second direction opposite the first direction may cause the collar to move down the vertical member 3. For example, the first direction may be a clockwise direction and the second direction may be a counter-clockwise direction. The collar can be moved to any position along the thread 6.

The collar 4 may also include set screws disposed therein. The set screw may be positioned such that it can be moved from a first position where it engages a portion of the vertical member 3 to assist in locking the collar in a particular position to a second position. In the second position, the set screw may be positioned such that it does not engage the vertical member 3 and allows the collar to move along the thread 6.

Horizontal support members 11 may be positioned adjacent to the vertical support members 3. The horizontal support member 11 is preferably curved or arcuate in shape. It will be appreciated that the horizontal support member 11 is horizontal in that it extends in a substantially horizontal direction along its length. For example, the horizontal member may extend along its length with 0 degrees of incline, between 0 degrees of incline and 1 degree of incline, or between 0 degrees of decline and 1 degree of decline.

The horizontal support member 11 may comprise a bracket or sleeve 12. The sleeves may comprise tubular or tube-like members that are attached to the horizontal member 11 by fasteners such as screws, bolts or adhesives, or are integral parts of the horizontal member 11. The sleeves 12 may include openings or slots sized and configured to receive vertical support members such that the sleeves may slide along the vertical support members 6. The sleeves 12 may also be sized and configured to rest or support on the collars 4. When the sleeves are supported on the collars 4 or placed on the collars 4, the collars 4 may be rotated to adjust the vertical position of the horizontal member 11.

It is also contemplated that the sleeves 12 may include one or more set screws for engaging a portion of the vertical members 3 to prevent the sleeves from rotating or moving as the collars are rotated. Each set screw is movable from an engaged position (placing a portion of the set screw in engagement with the vertical member 3) to a disengaged position (placing the set screw such that it does not engage the vertical member 3). In an alternative embodiment, the vertical support members 3 may have a relatively smooth outer surface without any threads or grooves, and each sleeve 12 may include one or more set screws positioned to directly secure the horizontal support members 11 to the vertical support members 3 when the sleeves are positioned for the vertical members 3 to attach the horizontal members 11 to the vertical members 3. It will be appreciated that such alternative embodiments of the support means do not necessarily require the use of any collar 4.

The horizontal member 11 may include a slot 17 or groove formed in the rear side of the horizontal member. The slot 17 may be arcuate or define a curved opening in the horizontal member if the horizontal member 11 is curved or arcuate in shape.

Preferably, the slot is sized and configured to receive a cable or wiring (not shown) that may be used for attachment to an electronic device, such as the display 13, an LCD screen, or a display device. A quick release attachment mechanism 21 may be attached to the horizontal member 11 to attach a display device or monitor 13 to the horizontal member 11.

A wire cover or wire fixing member 23 may also be attached to the horizontal member 11. Preferably, the wire covers are positioned above or adjacent the slot 17 to cover or help secure distribution wires (not shown) that are used to provide power or data to display devices or electronic devices attached to the horizontal member via the quick release attachment mechanisms 21.

End caps 16 may also be attached to the horizontal member 11 at the ends thereof. The end caps may provide ends for the slot 17 to block or cover the ends of the slot 17.

The horizontal member 11 may be completely horizontal or may be substantially horizontal. For example, the horizontal member 11 may be substantially horizontal such that the horizontal member extends in a direction having an inclination of 0 degrees and is substantially horizontal. The substantially horizontal member 11 may also be a horizontal member 11 positioned such that the horizontal member 11 extends along its length in a direction of 1 degree of incline, 0.5 degree of decline, or 1.0 degree of decline.

Heavy duty wire organizers, such as heavy duty wire organizer 26, may be attached to the substantially vertical members 3, again for ease of wire organizing. Such a wire management device may be attached to the substantially vertical member 3 to help focus and direct wire from the displays down under the countertop to a socket or other power distribution mechanism in a organized and aesthetically pleasing manner. The heavy duty wire organizers 26 may each have a body defining a slot or channel sized and configured to receive and secure the wires for this purpose so that the wires follow the rear side of the support device 1 and are generally hidden from view, or at least largely obscured from view, by the user.

Referring to fig. 5, 5A and 5B, the horizontal member 11 may also include an upper groove or upper channel 32 formed therein. The horizontal member may also include a rounded front wall that defines the front wall of the upper channel 32. The upper groove 32 may be spaced from the slot 17 by a portion of the horizontal member 11.

Each quick release attachment mechanism 21 is sized and configured to allow removable and slidable attachment to the horizontal member 11. The quick release attachment mechanisms 21 are "quick release" in that they do not require the use of mechanical tools such as screwdrivers or crowbars to detach or separate the horizontal member 11 from the display device or display 13 attached to the quick release attachment mechanism 21.

Each quick release attachment mechanism 21 may include a horizontal member mounting portion 40 that includes an upper portion 42 that is sized and configured to be placed on the rounded upper front wall 33 with a portion extending at least partially into the upper channel 32. A movable member 41 may be attached to the horizontal member mounting portion 40 such that the movable member is movable from a first position to a second position. Preferably, the movable member 41 is attached to the horizontal member mounting portion 40 such that the movable member 41 is biased toward the first position. The end of the movable member 41 may include or be attached to a snap or securing device configured to engage or clamp the bottom portion of the horizontal support member 11.

The mounting member portion 40 and the upper portion 42 may be integrally attached together and made of a metal such as steel, aluminum or zinc or a polymeric material such as a nylon material. The movable member 41 may be made of a polymer material such as a nylon material. Alternatively, the movable member 41 may be made of metal, such as spring steel, or some combination of metal and polymer materials or other materials.

The movable member 41 may be attached to the mounting member portion 40 via fasteners. It is contemplated that the movable member may be attached to the mounting member portion 40, or by other fastening mechanisms. The upper portion 42 may be covered, lined or clad with a low friction material such as acetal to allow the upper portion 42 to slide easily within the upper channel 32 so that the sliding motion does not cause scratching or produce unwanted squeaking sounds when sliding along the upper front wall 33. The cover, liner or wrap may be made of a polymeric material.

When the movable member 41 is in the first position, the movable member is positioned to grip a bottom portion of the rear side of the horizontal member 11. Preferably, the bottom portion of the rear side of the horizontal member 11 is a flat surface. The movable member 41 is movable to a second position to allow the quick release mechanism to be moved away from the horizontal member 11 to which it is attached. The user may pull a protrusion extending from the movable member 41 to move the movable member to the second position.

The movable member may be sized and configured to provide a biasing force, or may be attached to a biasing mechanism, such as a resilient member or biasing mechanism, to cause the movable member to bias toward the first position. If the user does not exert force to pull or move the movable member 41, the biasing mechanism can move the movable member 41 to the first position and maintain the movable member 41 in the first position. Such biasing helps to ensure that the quick release mechanism continues to attach to horizontal member 11 until the user wants to move the mechanism 21 away from the horizontal member 11.

The quick release attachment mechanism 21 may also include a display mounting portion 45. The display mounting portion 45 may be attached to the horizontal member mounting portion 40 via a rotatable attachment 46 defined by a pivot pin or other axis. The rotatable attachment can be configured to allow the display mounting portion to rotate vertically or horizontally relative to the horizontal member mounting portion 40. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the rotatable attachment may include a ball and socket joint to allow the display mounting portion 45 to be movable both vertically and horizontally relative to the horizontal member mounting portion 40.

A display mounting plate 49 may be attached to the display mounting portion 45. A rotatable attachment may be fabricated between the display mounting plate 49 and the display mounting portion 45 via a horizontal or vertical axis such as pivot pin 46. In alternative embodiments, it is contemplated that a ball and socket joint may connect the display mounting plate to the display mounting portion to allow the mounting plate 49 to move vertically or horizontally relative to the display mounting portion 45. Preferably, the mounting plate 49 is a VESA standard display stand and includes a swivel assembly 50 that pivots about the center of the mounting plate 49 to allow the display attached to the mounting plate 49 to swivel in an arc in addition to tilting in horizontal and vertical directions via pivot pins 46 and 47 or ball joint connections as described above.

As can be appreciated from fig. 1, the horizontal support 11 may be sized and configured to support a plurality of display devices, such as four display devices. The number of display devices that the horizontal member can support depends at least in part on the size and shape of the display devices and the size, shape and length of the horizontal member.

Preferably, the horizontal members are substantially rectangular in shape and are made of metal, such as aluminum, steel or zinc. The horizontal member 11 preferably includes the wire management groove 17 and the upper groove 32. Of course, it is contemplated that other shapes or configurations of horizontal members 11 may be manufactured. For example, the horizontal member 11 may be a rail, which is substantially straight in shape, or may be a curved or arcuate rail. Another example is that the horizontal member 11 may be a rod or bar.

The display devices, such as display 13, can be moved along the horizontal member 11 by sliding the quick release attachment mechanisms 21 along the length of the horizontal rail. Such sliding may occur such that for at least partial sliding movement, the upper portions 42 of the quick release attachment mechanisms 21 engage the upper front wall 33 of the horizontal member 11. The movable member 41 can also engage the rear bottom portion of the horizontal member below the slot 17 during the sliding movement. Such sliding movement may adjust the horizontal position of the display or display device.

The user can also adjust the tilt or angular position of the monitor by moving the monitor 13 or other display device through the shafts 46 and 47 of the quick release attachment mechanisms 21. The mounting plate 49 may also be configured to allow a display or display device attached thereto to rotate via shaft 50. The display 13 or display device is also rotatable so that it can rotate along the path of the circular arc.

In alternative embodiments, it is contemplated that the sleeves 12 may be replaced with arms or movable arms for attaching the horizontal member 11 to the different vertical members 3. The movable arms may include multiple interconnected linkages or portions, or may be a single arm member.

Referring to fig. 6, it is also contemplated that embodiments of the support device may include horizontal member supports supported on vertical support members via collars 68 such that the height of the displays may be adjusted vertically via the collars, and the horizontal and rotational position of the displays may also be adjusted via the quick release attachment mechanisms. For example, the support device 61 may include a vertical support member 63 having a collar disposed therein. The collars 68 may be similar to the collar 4 described above. The quick release mechanism 75 may be removably and slidably attached to the respective horizontal members 69 and 71 to interconnect the display device 73 with the horizontal members 69 and 71. The horizontal members 69 and 71 may be similar in structure to the horizontal member 11 described above. The quick release attachment mechanisms 75 may be similar to the quick release attachment mechanisms 21 described above.

Alternatively, as can be appreciated from fig. 7-9, a quick release attachment mechanism 81 may be used in this support device embodiment. The quick release attachment mechanism 81 may include a horizontal member mounting portion 82 that includes an upper portion that is sized and configured to be placed on the rounded upper front wall 33 with a portion that extends at least partially into the upper channel 32. A movable member 83 may be attached to the horizontal member mounting portion 82 such that the movable member is movable from a first position to a second position. Preferably, the movable member 83 is attached to the horizontal member mounting portion 82 such that the movable member 83 is biased toward the first position. The end of the movable member 83 may include or be attached to a snap or securing device configured to engage or retain the bottom portion of the horizontal support member 11 when in the first position, but move to a second position that spaces the movable member 83 from the horizontal support member 11 so that the quick release attachment mechanism 81 may be spaced from the horizontal support member 11 for removing or replacing an object, such as a display, attached to the mounting plate portion of the quick release attachment mechanism 81.

The horizontal member mounting portion 82 is attached to the display mounting portion 84 via a movable attachment mechanism. For example, a pivot pin 85 may be inserted through a hole formed in the rear portion 88 of the display mounting portion 84 and through a hole formed in a portion of the horizontal member mounting portion 82 to movably connect the two portions together.

The display mounting portion 84 may also include a pivot pin 89 attached to the mounting plate. The pivot pin allows the mounting plate to be movable about a substantially horizontal axis defined by the pivot pin 89 so that a display attached to the mounting plate can be tilted up or down. The mounting plate includes a peripheral portion 86 that is rotatably connected to a central plate portion 87 such that the peripheral portion 86 is rotatable about the central plate portion 87.

In addition, the quick release attachment mechanism 81 includes a height adjustment mechanism 91. The height adjustment mechanism 91 includes a connector portion 93 with a hole formed therein. The pivot pin 85 can be passed through a hole in the connector 93 to interconnect the mounting plate portion 84 and the horizontal member mounting portion 82. The connector 93 may have a portion that extends through a slot 95 or aperture formed in the body of the horizontal member mounting portion.

The slot 95 can define a height adjustment path along which the connector portion 93 can move. Preferably, the slot is between two and five inches in length for defining a slight vertical adjustment to the monitor attached to the mounting plate of the monitor mounting portion 84.

The connector 93 may include a rear portion that passes through the slot 95 and is inserted to movably interlock between detents, projections, or protrusions formed adjacent the slot 95 to define different vertical positions of the connector 93 along the slot. For example, as can be appreciated from fig. 8, the connector 93 may include an outer body 93a and an inner body 93b attached to the outer body 93 a. The inner body 93b may be attached to the outer body 93a to attach the connector 93 to the horizontal member mounting portion 82. The inner portion 93b may be a notch, or a shaped portion configured to matingly interlock with a different detent or other structure formed adjacent the slot 95 to define different height positions of the connector 93 along the slot 95. For example, the connector 93 may be moved from a lowermost position to one or more intermediate height positions to an uppermost position. Detents, notches, or other structures may define locations along the slot, and the connector 93 may be movably positioned in these locations. For example, the slot may have side walls with defined notches to define different vertical positions of the connector 93. Alternatively, a detent or ladder may be defined adjacent the slot 95 in the interior or rear portion of the horizontal member mounting portion 82 to engage a portion of the connector extending through the slot 95. It will be appreciated that the inner portion 93b of the connector is shaped to removably connect or interlock at these locations so that the user can adjust its height.

As another example, the inner portion 93b can define a pawl that can move along a detent defined by structure adjacent the slot. As yet another example, the inner portion 93b can be a detent or protrusion that engages teeth or spaced steps adjacent the slot 95. In yet another embodiment, the inner portion 93b may be a screw that can be moved away from the outer portion 93a to unlock the position of the connector 93 so that the connector can be moved along the slot and moved toward the outer portion after the connector is placed at a new height to engage a portion of the horizontal member mounting portion 82 adjacent the slot 95 to maintain the position of the connector 93.

The vertical height adjustment mechanism 91 can be used so that the height of a monitor or other object attached to the monitor mounting portion 84 of the quick release attachment mechanism can be adjusted by moving the connector 93 vertically within the slot 95. Such vertical adjustment does not require movement of the substantially horizontal member 11, any collar or vertical member 3, which allows a user to more easily adjust the height of a particular monitor that may be connected to the horizontal member 11 via the quick release attachment mechanism 91.

It will be appreciated that embodiments of the support apparatus have a variety of design options and are not limited by the need for a gas spring or cable to assist in supporting an object such as one or more displays or screens. Of course, it is contemplated that several embodiments may include a gas spring or cable to assist in supporting an object, such as a display.

While several presently preferred embodiments of the support apparatus and methods of making and using such support apparatus have been shown and described above, it is to be clearly understood that this invention is not limited thereto but may be otherwise embodied and carried out in many other ways as will be apparent to at least one of ordinary skill in the art. The invention may be embodied and practiced in many other ways within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (21)

1. A support device, comprising:

a first substantially vertical elongate member with at least one thread;

a second substantially vertical elongate member with at least one thread;

a first collar movably attached to the first vertical elongate member, the first collar configured such that when the first collar is rotated in a first direction, the first collar moves in a generally upward direction along the at least one thread of the first substantially vertical elongate member, and when the first collar is rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction, the first collar moves in a generally downward direction along the at least one thread of the first substantially vertical elongate member;

a second collar movably attached to the second vertical elongate member, the second collar configured such that when the second collar is rotated in the first direction, the second collar moves in a generally upward direction along the at least one thread of the second substantially vertical elongate member, and when the second collar is rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction, the second collar moves in a generally downward direction along the at least one thread of the second substantially vertical elongate member;

a first substantially horizontal member positioned adjacent the first and second substantially vertical members; the first substantially horizontal member having a front side and a rear side, and having a slot formed in the rear side, the first substantially horizontal member being supported on or attached to the first and second collars such that movement of the first and second collars adjusts a vertical position of the first substantially horizontal member, the slot being sized and configured to receive wiring for a display device,

and at least one quick release attachment mechanism attached to the first substantially horizontal member, each quick release attachment mechanism sized and configured to connect a display device to the first substantially horizontal member, each quick release attachment mechanism having a height adjustment mechanism sized and configured such that the display device can be vertically adjusted via the height adjustment mechanism without movement of the first and second collars.

2. The support apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least one quick release attachment mechanism each comprises a substantially horizontal member mounting portion with an upper portion configured to engage an upper portion of the first substantially horizontal member, and a movable member movable from a first position to a second position, the movable member biased toward the first position, the movable member sized and configured to engage a bottom rear portion of the first substantially horizontal member when in the first position and configured to allow the quick release attachment mechanism to move away from the first substantially horizontal member when in the second position, the movement of the movable member being actuatable by a user without the use of mechanical tools.

3. The support device of claim 1, further comprising third and fourth collars and a second substantially horizontal member;

the third collar is movably attached to the first substantially vertical elongate member, the third collar being configured such that when the third collar is rotated in a first direction, the third collar moves in a generally upward direction along the at least one thread of the first substantially vertical elongate member, and when the third collar is rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction, the third collar moves in a generally downward direction along the at least one thread of the first substantially vertical elongate member;

a fourth collar movably attached to the second substantially vertical elongate member, the fourth collar configured such that when the fourth collar is rotated in the first direction, the fourth collar moves in a generally upward direction along the at least one thread of the second substantially vertical elongate member, and when the fourth collar is rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction, the fourth collar moves in a generally downward direction along the at least one thread of the second vertical elongate member; and

a second substantially horizontal member disposed adjacent the first and second substantially vertical members; the second substantially horizontal member has a front side and a rear side with a slot formed in the rear side, the second substantially horizontal member being supported on or attached to the third and fourth collars such that movement of the third and fourth collars adjusts a vertical position of the second substantially horizontal member, the slot of the second substantially horizontal member being sized and configured to receive wiring for a display device.

4. The support apparatus of claim 3 further comprising at least one quick release attachment mechanism attached to the second substantially horizontal member, each quick release attachment mechanism sized and configured to connect a display device to the second substantially horizontal member.

5. The support apparatus of claim 4, wherein the at least one quick release attachment mechanism attached to the first substantially horizontal member and the at least one quick release attachment mechanism attached to the second substantially horizontal member each comprise a substantially horizontal member mounting portion with an upper portion configured to engage an upper portion of the first substantially horizontal member or the second substantially horizontal member, and a movable member movable from a first position to a second position, the movable member biased toward the first position, the movable member sized and configured to engage a bottom rear portion of the first substantially horizontal member or the second substantially horizontal member when in the first position and configured such that the quick release attachment mechanism is moved away from the first substantially horizontal member or the second substantially horizontal member when in the second position, the user can actuate the movement of the movable member without the use of mechanical tools.

6. The support apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first substantially horizontal member is curved in shape with a channel located above the trough, the channel being spaced from the trough.

7. The support apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first substantially horizontal member is arcuate in shape with a channel positioned above the trough, the channel being spaced from the trough.

8. The support device of claim 1, further comprising a first attachment mechanism attached to the first substantially vertical elongate member, the first attachment mechanism sized and configured to attach the first substantially vertical elongate member to a work surface, and a second attachment mechanism attached to the second substantially vertical elongate member, the second attachment mechanism sized and configured to attach the second substantially vertical elongate member to the work surface or other work surface.

9. The support apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one of:

a wire cover attached to a first substantially horizontal member adjacent the trough, and a wire organizer attached to the first substantially vertical elongate member, and a wire organizer attached to the second substantially vertical elongate member.

10. The support apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least one quick release attachment mechanism is configured to slide along a length of at least the first substantially horizontal member when attached to the first substantially horizontal member, the at least one quick release attachment mechanism also being configured to allow a display device connected to the at least one quick release attachment mechanism to pivot vertically about an axis, pivot horizontally about an axis, and rotate.

11. The support apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a first sleeve attached to the first substantially horizontal member and a second sleeve attached to the second substantially horizontal member, the first sleeve having an opening sized and configured to receive a portion of the first substantially vertical elongate member, the second sleeve having an opening sized and configured to receive a portion of the second substantially vertical elongate member, the first sleeve engaged with or supported on the first collar and movable along a portion of the first substantially vertical elongate member when the first collar is moved along the at least one thread of the first substantially vertical elongate member, the second sleeve engaged with or supported on the second collar and movable along the at least one thread of the second substantially vertical elongate member when the second collar is moved along the at least one thread of the second substantially vertical elongate member, is movable along a portion of the second substantially vertical elongate member.

12. The support apparatus of claim 2 wherein the height adjustment mechanism comprises a connector that passes through a slot formed in the horizontal member mounting portion, the connector being movable to a plurality of different positions within the slot.

13. The support apparatus of claim 12 wherein the connector can be positioned in the plurality of different positions within the slot, each of the positions being defined by a protrusion attached to or defined by the horizontal member mounting portion.

14. The support device of claim 12 wherein the connector can be placed in the plurality of different positions within the slot, each of the positions being defined by teeth or steps attached to or defined by the horizontal member mounting portion.

15. A quick release attachment mechanism sized and configured to attach a display device to a support arm or elongate member of a device holding the display device, comprising:

a display device mounting section including a mounting plate with an outer peripheral portion rotatable about an inner portion;

a member attachment portion sized and configured to attach to a support arm or an elongated member of a device holding a display apparatus; the member attachment portion having a slot; and

a height adjustment mechanism sized and configured such that the display device can be vertically adjusted via the height adjustment mechanism without movement of the first and second collars;

wherein the height adjustment mechanism is a vertical adjustment mechanism with a connector movable within the slot, the connector with a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the first side of the connector attached to the display device mounting portion and the second side of the connector disposed through the slot and movably attached to the member attachment portion.

16. The quick release attachment mechanism of claim 15, wherein the connector is movable within the slot without the use of mechanical tools.

17. The quick release attachment mechanism of claim 15 further comprising a pin, wherein the connector has a hole and the display device mounting portion has a body with an opening, the pin passing through the hole and the opening to movably attach the connector to the display device mounting portion.

18. The quick release attachment mechanism of claim 17, wherein the connector is movable within the slot to a plurality of different positions defined by protrusions attached to or defined by the member attachment portion.

19. The quick release attachment mechanism of claim 17, wherein the connector is movable within the slot to a plurality of different positions defined by teeth or steps attached to or defined by the member attachment portion.

20. The quick release attachment mechanism of claim 18, wherein the protrusions are attached to the member attachment portion.

21. The quick release attachment mechanism of claim 19, wherein the teeth or steps are attached to the member attachment portion.