GB2537091A

GB2537091A - Apparatus for supporting a load

Info

Publication number: GB2537091A
Application number: GB1502331.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lau Alex
Original assignee: Colebrook Bosson Saunders Products Ltd
Current assignee: Colebrook Bosson Saunders Products Ltd
Priority date: 2015-02-12
Filing date: 2015-02-12
Publication date: 2016-10-12
Also published as: WO2016128765A1; GB201502331D0

Abstract

An apparatus for supporting a load such as a computer monitor so that its orientation may be adjusted by, for example, a user. The apparatus comprises a linkage 100 having first links 110a, 110b connected by a joint 115b and second links 120a, 120b connected by a joint 125b. Formed on the first links 110a, 110b is a set of teeth 131, 141 which mesh with a set of teeth 132, 142 formed on the second links 120a, 120b. This meshing enforces symmetric motion, thereby restraining the joints 115a, 125a, 115c, 125c and ensures that a line Xa through the rotational axes 115a and 125a of joints 115a and 125a will be parallel with a line Xc through the rotational axes 115c and 125c of joints 115c and 125c. When the linkage 100 is articulated load attachment means 10 and thereby the load moves along an arc of a circle centred on a load rotation axis (150, fig 2a). In other embodiments the links may be connected by two cables or by a guide or by a cam.

Description

Apparatus for Supporting a Load The invention relates to an apparatus for supporting a load. In particular, the apparatus may support a load such as a 5 computer monitor such that its orientation may be adjusted by, for example, a user.

It is known to support a computer monitor with a support structure using a D-shaped ring of the type shown in Figure 1. The D-shaped ring will be attached to the monitor with the curved portion extending away from the monitor. A portion of the D-shaped ring will extend through a bore in a holder mounted on the support structure. The curved portion of the D-shaped ring can be slid through the bore so that the flat portion rotates, thereby rotating the monitor.

In such an arrangement, the total range of rotation available to the monitor is limited by the number of degrees through which extends the length of the curved portion of 20 the D-shaped ring minus the width of the holder.

According to the invention, there is provided an apparatus according to claim 1.

Such an apparatus can be used to support any type of load, but has particular applicaticn for supporting displays, such as touch-screen displays, computer monitors, or tablet PCs. In these applications, it can be beneficial to orientate the display in dependence upon the user's sitting position.

Furthermore, for touch screen displays, it can be beneficial to move the display from a vertical orientation where it can act like a standard screen, to a horizontal orientation where it can be more easily used as an input device.

Whilst the apparatus can be advantageously used to support 5 displays, it also has utility in the manufacturing industry where it may be desirable to vary the orientation of a machine tool, a clamp, or a workpiece.

Furthermore, the apparatus can be used to articulate parts 10 of furniture, such as a supporting element of a piece of furniture, for example a seat of a chair.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how the same may be put into effect, reference is now made, by 15 way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a prior art D-shaped ring type of support; Figures 2a and 2b show a plan view and an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of a support in accordance with the invention; Figures 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d show side views of the first embodiment in different positions; Figures 3e, 3f, 3g, and 3h show perspective views corresponding to the side views of Figures 3a, 3b, 3c, and 25 3d, respectively; Figure 4 shows a rear view of the first embodiment in an extended configuration; Figures 5a and 5b show a perspective view of an alternative embodiment; Figures 6a and 6b show a perspective view of a further embodiment; -3 -Figures 7a and 7b show a perspective view of a further embodiment; Figures 8a and 8b show an optional cam feature that could be incorporated into the first embodiment; and Figures 9a and 9b show an optional friction-increasing feature that could be incorporated into the first embodiment.

Figure 2a shows a plan view cf a first embodiment of an apparatus 1 for supporting a load. The apparatus allows the orientation of a load (not shown) relative to a supporting structure (also not shown) tc be varied. Preferably, the adjustment of the orientation of the load can be effected by manual manipulation. Most preferably, the load will be substantially stable in the resulting orientation without reverting to its original position.

Figure 2b shows an exploded perspective view of the apparatus 1.

Such an apparatus is particularly useful for attaching a monitor to a supporting structure such as a movable monitor support arm, so that a user can simply reposition the monitor by applying gentle pressure and the monitor will stay in the resulting orientation.

The apparatus 1 comprises a load attachment means 10, which is arranged to be attached tc a load. Ideally, the load attachment means 10 will allow the load to be attached to the apparatus 1 or removed therefrom using a quick-release mechanism.

The apparatus 1 also comprises a support attachment means 20, which is arranged to be attached to an arm, or base, or some other form of supporting structure. Preferably, the support attachment means 20 will attach the apparatus 1 to an adjustable supporting structure such as a movable arm.

A linkage 100 is provided to connect the support attachment means 20 to the load attachment means 10.

The linkage 100 can be articulated into different configurations in which the load support means 10 has a different orientation relative to the support attachment means 20.

For example, the linkage 100 may be articulated into an intermediate position, from which it can be expanded in either a first or second direction. For example, in the intermediate position, each link 110, 120 may lie in the same plane.

Preferably, the linkage 100 can be expanded from the intermediate position in a first direction such that the load support means 10 has a first orientation relative to the support attachment means 20. The linkage 100 can be expanded in a second direction from the intermediate position such that there the load support means 10 has a second orientation relative to the support attachment means 20. In the intermediate position, the load support means 10 has a third orientation relative to the support attachment means 20, with the third orientation being intermediate the first orientation and the second orientation. As will be appreciated, the linkage 100 can adopt any of a continuous -5 -range of positions either side of the intermediate position in first or second directions.

The linkage 100 comprises a plurality of links 110. The links 110 are rotatably connected together using a plurality of joints 115.

Each of the plurality of joints 115 enables neighbouring links 110 to rotate relative to each other about a joint rotational axis 116.

Preferably, one or more of the joints 115 may comprise a spring washer between the twc links 110 meeting at the joint to allow a certain amount of play in the linkage 100.

At least one link 110 is connected to the support attachment means 20 with a joint 115 enabling relative rotation of the two parts about an axis 116. Similarly, at least one link 110 is connected to the load attachment means 10 with a joint 115 enabling relative rotation of the two parts about an axis 116.

Figure 2 shows a simple form of apparatus having a linkage that comprises two sets cf links 110, 120 and joints 25 115, 125.

The first set of links 110 has two links 110a, 110b connected together via a joint 115b, enabling relative rotation about an axis 116b.

One of the two links 110a is connected to the support attachment means 20 with a jcint 115a enabling relative rotation of the two parts abcut an axis 116a. The other of the two links 110b is connected to the load attachment means 10 with a joint 115c enabling relative rotation of the two parts about an axis 116c. As positioned in Figure 2, axes 116a and 116c coincide.

The second set of links 120 is similarly arranged. As can be seen, each of the second set of links 120 corresponds to one of the first set of links 110. Moreover, preferably each of the second set of links 120 has an equal and opposite orientation to the corresponding one of the first set of links 110. (That is, it may define a mirror-image of the first set of links 110).

A side view of the apparatus 1 is shown in each of Figures 3a to 3d.

As can be seen in Figures 3a to 3d, either one set of links 110 and joints 115, or both sets of links 110, 120, and joints 115, 125 can give rise to the same motion. Although only the first set of links 110 is visible in Figures 3a to 3d, it will be appreciated that owing to the relative arrangement of the first and second sets of links 110, 120, if provided, the second set cf links 120 will behave similarly to the first set of links 110, and that in each of Figures 3a to 3d, the three axes 126a, 126b, 126c will also intersect axis 150. Indeed, in the example of Figures 3a to 3d, the links of the second set of links 120 will be at the same angle to the horizontal (in the side view) as the corresponding links of the first set of links 110.

In Figure 3a, the apparatus 1 is positioned, as in Figure 2, in the intermediate position. In this side view, it can be seen that the three axes of rotation 116a, 116b, and 116c of the joints 115a, 115b, and 115c are all aligned (in the side view). A rotational axis 150 (perpendicular to the plane of the paper) of the load 11, relative to the support attachment means 20 is shown in the Figure. The rotational axis 150 intersects each of the axes 116a, 116b, 116c. If the second set of links 120 is provided, the rotational axis 150 may intersect each of the axes 126a, 126b, 126c of the second set of links 120.

A corresponding perspective view is shown in Figure 3e. In this preferable example, each of the axes 116a, 116b, 116c 15 intersect the rotational axis 150 at a single point in three dimensions.

Most preferably, axes 116, 126 are chosen such that rotational axis 150 coincides with the centre of gravity of the load 11. However, this is not essential, but rotational axis 150 is preferably positioned close to the centre of gravity of the load 11. For example, when the load is a flat screen display, rotational axis 150 may be chosen near the centre of gravity of an average flat screen display. Such an apparatus will also support ether flat screen displays well, since even if the screen area varies greatly, the depth of the screen will not, and so the centre of gravity will not be far removed from the rotational axis 150.

Preferably, the support structure (not shown) is arranged such that the rotational axis 150 is horizontal. For example, the support structure may have a base and the rotational axis 150 may be parallel to the underside of the base, so that when placed on, for example a desk, the rotational axis 150 is horizontal.

In Figure 3b, the apparatus 1 is shown with the linkage 100 adjusted slightly. Specifically, the linkage 100 has been extended in the first direction. In this figure, which is from the same perspective as Figure 3a, it can be seen that the first link 110a has been rotated anticlockwise about axis 116a and the second link 110b has been rotated clockwise about axis 116c. As a result of these movements, the three axes 116a, 116b, 116c no longer coincide in the side view. However, it will be noted that they all still intersect axis 150, preferably at a single point in three dimensions. A corresponding perspective view is shown in Figure 3f.

Figure 3c shows apparatus 1 again following a more exaggerated rotation of the links 110, with the linkage 100 further extended in the first direction. Figure 3d shows apparatus 1 following rotation of each link 110 in the opposite direction from Figure 3c, with the linkage 100 extended from the intermediate position in the second direction. Again, in each example, the three axes 116a, 116b, 116c intersect axis 150, preferably at a single point in three dimensions. Corresponding perspective views are shown in Figures 3g and 3h.

The apparatus 1 shown in Figures 3a to 3h is, thus, arranged 30 such that the joint rotation axes 116 will always meet at a point on rotational axis 150.

Accordingly, when the centre of gravity of the load 11 lies on rotational axis 150, irrespective of the orientation of the links 110, the centre of gravity of the load 11 will always be at a constant height. This is advantageous, since motion of the load 11 will therefore not vary the height the load and, conversely, the weight of the load 11 will not bias the linkage 100 into any particular position.

Furthermore, when the centre of gravity of the load 11 does not lie exactly on rotational axis 150, but is close to rotational axis 150, the centre of gravity of the load 11 will be at a substantially constant height. The effect of friction in the joints 115, 125 will be sufficient to hold the load 11 at a fixed and easily adjustable orientation.

As can be seen from the plan view of Figure 2, it is sufficient for the axes 116a, 116b, 116c, 126a, 126b, 126c of each set of links 110, 120 to intersect at a respective point in three dimensions. It is not necessary for the point of intersection for each set of links 110, 120 to coincide.

However, they must both lie on the rotational axis 150. In Figure 2, it can be seen that axes 116a, 116b, and 116c all meet at a first point on rotational axis 150, while rotational axes 126a, 126b, 126c all meet at a second point on rotational axis 150.

In some embodiments, all axes 116a, 116b, 116c, 126a, 126b, 126c of each set of links 110, 120 will intersect at a single point in three dimensions.

The provision of the two complementary pairs of links 110, 120 in apparatus 1 is not essential, but is a preferred way -10 -of ensuring that joints 115c and 125c are at the same height irrespective of the alignment of the links 110, 120. In this way, the load 11 is prevented from rotating relative to a support about either of axes 116c and 126c.

Specifically, as can be seen from Figure 4, the two sets of links 110, 120 of the linkage 100 are connected via gearing 131, 132, 141, 142.

The first link 110a of the first set of links has formed thereon a set of teeth 141 that mesh with a set of teeth 142 formed on the first link 120a of the second set of links. Similarly, the second link 110b of the first set of links has formed thereon a set of teeth 131 that mesh with a set of teeth 132 formed on the second link 120b of the second set of links.

The meshing of the first links 110a, 120a ensures the rotation of the first link 110a of the first set of links is always complemented by an equal and opposite rotation of the first link 120a of the second set of links, while the meshing of the second links 110b, 120b ensures the rotation of the second link 110b of the first set of links is always complemented by an equal and opposite rotation of the second link 120b of the second set of links. Thus, symmetric motion of each set of links is enforced, thereby restraining the joints 115a, 125a, 115c, 125c and ensures that a line Xa through the rotational axes 115a and 125a of joints 115a and 125a will be parallel with a line Xc through the rotational axes 115c and 125c of joints 115c and 125c.

When a load 11 supported by the apparatus of the first embodiment is moved to a different orientation, the extension of the linkage 100 from the intermediate position is adjusted. It has been found that the motion of the load support means 10 relative to the support attachment means 20 is less smooth as the linkage 100 of Figure 2 passes through the intermediate position. The inventors believe this to be caused by the tolerances of the linkage allowing a small amount of lateral movement of the load support means 10 relative to the support attachment means 20 as the linkage reaches the intermediate position. A solution to this problem is shown in Figures 8a and 8b.

As can be seen in Figure 9a, a cam 400 may be provided such that it is rigidly attached to the support attachment means 20. A complementary guide 410, 420 may be provided on a respective one of links 110b and 120b. As can be seen from Figure BID, which shows a cross-sectional view of the linkage 100 in the intermediate position, the complementary guides 410, 420 can ensure that the cam 400 passes therebetween in such a way as to maintain alignment of the load support means 10 with the support attachment means 20. Preferably, the complementary guides 410, 420 have a curved surface facing the cam 400. Alternatively, the cam 400 may be rigidly attached to the load support means 10.

As an alternative embodiment, the cam 400 could be provided on the linkage 100, with the complementary guides 410, 420 provided on one of the load support means 10 and the support 30 attachment means 20.

-12 -As mentioned above, it is possible to support a load 11 for which the centre of gravity cf the load 11 does not lie exactly on rotational axis 150. The effect of friction in the joints 115, 125 can be sufficient to hold the load 11 at a fixed position, irrespective of its orientation. However, in some case, it is preferable to be able to increase the friction in the joints and thereby lock the linkage 100 in a particular configuration.

Figures 9a and 9b show the apparatus of Figure 2 modified to include a friction-increasing mechanism 500 for locking one or more joints 115, 125. Such a friction-increasing mechanism may be provided at any joint 115, 125 of the linkage 100 but is preferably provided at a joint 115, 125 spaced from the load support means 10 and the support attachment means 20.

In the example shown, the joint 125b, which allows links 120a and 120b to rotate relative to each other about axis 126b, may comprise a shaft and a lever-operated cam. The shaft may comprise a head or a nut at one end with the lever-operated cam at the opposing end. The links 120a, 120b may be mounted on the shaft between the head or a nut and the lever-operated cam. The links 120a and 120b may rotate freely about the shaft when the lever is in a first position. When rotated from the first position, the lever-operated cam may increase the tension in the shaft, urge the links 120a, 120b together, and thereby increase the friction between the neighbouring links 120a, 120b meeting at the joint 125b.

-13 -When a spring washer is provided in the joint 125b this will be compressed by the lever-operated cam and thereby apply a greater friction force to the two links 120a, 120b meeting at the joint 125b.

An alternative friction-increasing mechanism may comprise a shaft with a head, or a nut, at one end and a manuallyactuatable nut engaging a thread on the opposing end of the shaft (such that the manually-actuatable nut replaces the lever-operated cam). Rotation of the manually-actuatable nut may increase the tension in the shaft, urge the links 120a, 120b together, and thereby increase the friction between the neighbouring links 120a, 120b meeting at the joint 125b.

While such an alternative works in a similar way to the lever-operated cam embodiment of Figure 9, the Figure 9 embodiment can be actuated more quickly by the user.

Whilst Figure 4 shows that a linkage 100 having two meshing sets of links can provide relative orientation about rotational axis 150 whilst preventing rotation about the rotational axes 115c, 125c of the linkage 100, this can be achieved in other ways and is not essential.

For example, a single set of links 110, all intersecting at a single point on the rotational axis 150 of the load 11 can be used, with a pair of cables 210a, 210b wrapped around joints 115a, 115b, 115c and tethered to load support means 10 and support attachment means 20. Such an alternative embodiment can be seen in the perspective view of Figure 5a. Figure 5b shows the same apparatus, but with the first link 110a missing for improved clarity.

-14 -For example, the two cables 210a, 210b may include a plurality of beads spaced therealong for meshing with a plurality of notches in gears at each joint 115a, 115b, 115c.

A first cable 210a may mesh with a first gear 211a attached to the support attachment means such that it does not rotate relative thereto. The first cable 210a may also mesh with a second gear 211b' located at joint 115b and arranged to freely rotate about axis 116b. The second gear 211b' may be affixed to a third gear 211b", also located at joint 115b and arranged to rotate with the second gear 211b'.

A second cable 210b may mesh with a fourth gear 211c attached to the load support means 10 such that it does not rotate relative thereto. The second cable 210b may also mesh with the third gear 211b".

By this configuration, the second and third gears 211b', 211b" will be held in a fixed orientation relative to first gear 211a, irrespective of rotation of the first link 110a about rotational axis 116a. Similarly, the fourth gear 211c will be held in a fixed orientation relative to the second and third gears 211b', 211b", irrespective of the rotation of the second link 110b about the rotational axis 116c. Accordingly, the load support means 10 will maintain a fixed orientation relative to the support attachment means 20 about the rotational axes 115c, 125c of the linkage 100.

Figure 6 demonstrates another alternative apparatus having a linkage 100 that includes only a single set of links 100 that all intersect at a single point on the desired -15 -rotational axis 150 of the load 11. In this example, a guide 300 is provided in addition to the single set of links 100 to prevent the load support means 10 from rotating relative to the support attachment means 20. Unlike the D-shaped members of the prior art, the guide 300 does not need to carry the weight of the load 11 (this is achieved by the linkage 100), but merely prevents the load support means 10 from rotating relative to the support attachment means 20 about rotational axis 115c of the linkage 100.

Whilst the first embodiment has been described as having a second set of links 120 having orientations opposite to the corresponding links of the first set of links 110, this is not essential, even when two sets of links are provided. As can be seen in Figure 7, the second set of links 120 may be similarly arranged to the first set of links 110, but with each of the second set of links 120 having an equal orientation, and in the same direction, as the corresponding one of the first set of links 110.

Claims

-16 -CLAIMS: 1. An apparatus for supporting a load such that it may be rotated about a load rotation axis, the apparatus comprising: load attachment means for attachment to a load; support attachment means for attaching the apparatus to a support structure; and a linkage, extending from the support attachment means 10 to the load attachment means, wherein the linkage is articulated such that the load attachment means is movable along an arc of a circle centred on the load rotation axis.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the linkage comprises at least a first plurality of links and a corresponding first plurality of joints rotatably connecting neighbouring links of the first plurality of links; each of the first plurality of joints defines a joint rotation axis; and each of the joint rotation axes intersect at a point on the load rotation axis.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein each of the joint rotation axes intersect with the load rotation axis.
4. The apparatus of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein: the linkage comprises a first plurality of links and a 30 second plurality of links; -17 -the joints rotatably connecting neighbouring links of the first plurality of links have joint rotation axes that intersect the load rotation axis at a first point; and the joints rotatably connecting neighbouring links of 5 the second plurality of links have joint rotation axes that intersect the load rotation axis at a second point.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein: a first link of the first plurality of links has formed 10 thereon a set of teeth that mesh with a set of teeth formed on a first link of the second plurality of links; and a second link of the first plurality of links has formed thereon a set of teeth that mesh with a set of teeth formed on a second link of the second plurality of links. 15
6. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising a friction-increasing mechanism arranged to urge two neighbouring links together and thereby prevent relative rotation of those neighbouring links about a joint rotation axis.
7. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the circle centred on the load rotational axis lies in a vertical plane and the load rotational axis is horizontal 25 and perpendicular to the vertical plane.
8. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising a cam mounted on one of the support attachment means and load attachment means and one or more guides mounted on the linkage, the guides arranged to constrain the motion of the cam.-18 -
9. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising one or more guides mounted on one of the support attachment means and load attachment means and a cam mounted on the linkage, the guides arranged to constrain the motion of the cam.
10. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein: a load is attached to the load attachment means; a support structure is supported by the support attachment means; and the load rotation axis passes through the centre of gravity of the load.
11. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising 15 an arm attached to the support attachment means.
12. The apparatus of claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the load is at least one of: a display; a touch-screen display; a computer monitor; a tablet PC; a machine tool; a clamp; a workpiece; a seat; and/or an element of a piece of furniture.