US20020043601A1 - Adjustable computer keyboard platform support mechanism - Google Patents
Adjustable computer keyboard platform support mechanism Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20020043601A1 US20020043601A1 US10/022,432 US2243201A US2002043601A1 US 20020043601 A1 US20020043601 A1 US 20020043601A1 US 2243201 A US2243201 A US 2243201A US 2002043601 A1 US2002043601 A1 US 2002043601A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- platform
- keyboard
- support
- linkage arm
- spring
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B21/00—Tables or desks for office equipment, e.g. typewriters, keyboards
- A47B21/03—Tables or desks for office equipment, e.g. typewriters, keyboards with substantially horizontally extensible or adjustable parts other than drawers, e.g. leaves
- A47B21/0314—Platforms for supporting office equipment
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B21/00—Tables or desks for office equipment, e.g. typewriters, keyboards
- A47B21/03—Tables or desks for office equipment, e.g. typewriters, keyboards with substantially horizontally extensible or adjustable parts other than drawers, e.g. leaves
- A47B21/0314—Platforms for supporting office equipment
- A47B2021/0321—Keyboard supports
- A47B2021/0335—Keyboard supports mounted under the worksurface
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B21/00—Tables or desks for office equipment, e.g. typewriters, keyboards
- A47B21/03—Tables or desks for office equipment, e.g. typewriters, keyboards with substantially horizontally extensible or adjustable parts other than drawers, e.g. leaves
- A47B21/0314—Platforms for supporting office equipment
- A47B2021/0321—Keyboard supports
- A47B2021/0335—Keyboard supports mounted under the worksurface
- A47B2021/0342—Keyboard supports mounted under the worksurface having one double articulated arm
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S248/00—Supports
- Y10S248/917—Video display screen support
- Y10S248/918—Ancillary device support associated with a video display screen
Definitions
- This invention relates a computer keyboard platform support mechanism and, more particularly, to the construction of the linkage arm assembly that connects the keyboard platform to a support surface. Specifically the invention relates to the combination of a braking mechanism with a linkage arm assembly that allows for adjustment of tilting of the keyboard support platform relative to the linkage arm assembly and the linkage arm assembly relative to the support surface or structure.
- Various apparatus and mechanisms have been developed for supporting keyboards associated with computer terminals. One such apparatus is disclosed in Smeenge U.S. Pat. No.
- the present invention comprises a keyboard platform support mechanism which includes a keyboard support platform pivotally attached to linkage arms which, in turn, are pivotally attached to a bracket connected to a support surface.
- the first and second linkage arms are typically pivotally connected at their outer ends to a keyboard support platform and at their inner end to the support surface bracket.
- the linkage arms thus permit pivotal motion of the keyboard platform about a horizontal axis defining the connection between the linkage arms and the keyboard support platform as well pivotal motion about a horizontal axis defining the connection between the support surface bracket and the linkage arms.
- a braking mechanism is provided for each of the horizontal pivot connections defined at the opposite ends of the linkage arms.
- a slide rod member is pivotally attached to the keyboard support platform. That slide rod member is telescopically fitted through a housing which is pivotally attached to a linkage arm.
- a gripping element is integrated into the housing to engage or grip the slide rod member and retain the slide member in a fixed position within the housing, thereby precluding further pivotal movement of the keyboard support platform relative to the linkage arm.
- the gripping element is, however, releasable and may disengage from the slide member, thereby permitting the slide member to assume a distinct or different telescopic position associated with pivoting or tilting of the keyboard support platform about a horizontal axis.
- the gripping element in its preferred embodiment, automatically returns to a gripping position upon release of a manual force that effects disengagement of the gripping element from the slide member.
- a brake mechanism of the type described is incorporated to control each pivotal horizontal axis connection of the linkage arms, or, in other words, the described braking mechanism is provided at each of the opposite ends of the linkage arm.
- a braking mechanism is included in association with the horizontal axis pivotal connection of the keyboard support platform to the linkage arms and is also provided with respect to the horizontal pivotal axis connection associated with the opposite ends of the linkage arms which effect attachment to a support surface, such as a desk, or the like.
- Yet a further object of the invention is to provide an improved brake engagement and brake release mechanism associated with a keyboard support platform.
- Yet another object of the invention is to provide a rugged, yet adjustable keyboard support platform mechanism wherein the keyboard platform is independently adjustable relative to the adjustment associated with a linkage arm supporting the platform on or by a support surface.
- FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a typical computer support platform incorporating the mechanism of the invention
- FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the support platform of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 3 is an enlarged cut-away side view of the construction shown in FIG. 2;
- FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view depicting the braking mechanism depicted in FIG. 3;
- FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the braking mechanism associated with the connection of the linkage arm to the keyboard platform.
- FIG. 6 is an exploded isometric view of elements of the braking mechanism of the type depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5.
- FIGS. 1 through 3 illustrate the overall construction of a computer keyboard platform support arm mechanism incorporating the invention.
- the invention is not limited to the particular keyboard arm platform support mechanism depicted.
- the mechanism includes a generally planer keyboard support platform 10 which is connected to a support surface 12 such as a desk by means of a linkage arm assembly 14 .
- the linkage arm assembly 14 typically is attached to the underside of the desk or support surface 12 by means including a depending bracket 16 .
- the bracket 16 may be pivotally attached by pivot connection 25 to the underside of the surface 12 or rigidly or slidably attached thereto.
- the linkage arm assembly 14 is a modified quadrilateral-type connection mechanism comprised of a first or top linkage arm 20 and a second, or bottom linkage arm 22 .
- the top arm 20 connects to bracket 16 via a horizontal rod 17 which defines a horizontal pivot axis.
- the opposite end 27 of the top linkage arm 20 connects to a keyboard platform bracket 30 via a shaft or rod 26 which also defines a horizontal pivot axis.
- the bottom linkage arm 22 is connected at its opposite ends to bracket 16 and bracket 30 .
- the connection in one instance is a variable or movable axis connection and incorporates a brake and release mechanism.
- bracket 16 and bottom arm 22 are effectively connected by a horizontal rod or shaft 18 which defines a horizontal axis which is slidable in an accurate slot 31 in bracket 16 .
- the bottom arm 22 is connected effectively to bracket 30 associated with and depending from keyboard platform 10 by shaft or rod 28 which also defines a horizontal axis.
- the pivot rods 26 , 28 and thus the linkage arms 20 , 22 are linked by a spacing bracket or link 30 .
- the arms 20 , 22 in combination with pivot rods 26 , 28 , 17 , 18 define a quadrilateral connection between platform 10 and support surface 12 modified as described below.
- Bracket 30 may also pivot about rod 26 to thereby permit adjustment of tilt of the bracket 30 and thus attitude of platform 10 as described below.
- the use of pairs of linkage arms 20 , 22 in a quadrilateral array provides for controlled movement of platform 10 as it is raised and lowered.
- a biasing spring 65 on shaft 17 may be arranged to bias the arms 20 , 22 upwardly.
- An adjustable length connection or link and brake mechanism 32 between a bracket 36 at the forward end 35 of platform 10 and pivot rod 28 of bottom arm 22 may be manipulated to release or lock platform 10 at a desired tilt.
- brake mechanism 32 when brake mechanism 32 is released, the relative tilt of platform 10 may be adjusted as the arms 20 , 22 are both moved and pivoted about the horizontal axes to raise and lower the platform 10 .
- a similar adjustable length connection and braking mechanism 34 is included between the bracket 16 and lower arm 22 as described below.
- the improvement of the invention relates to the combination and incorporation of the brake mechanism 32 associated with the platform 10 and the lower arm 22 as well as the adjustable length link and brake mechanism 34 associated with the connection of arm 22 to bracket 16 .
- the link and brake mechanism 32 operates substantially in the same manner as the second link and brake mechanism 34 associated with the support platform bracket 16 and the linkage arm 22 . A description of the construction and operation of the mechanism 32 will thus be generally applicable to the mechanism 34 .
- FIG. 6 depicts the link and brake mechanism 32 in an exploded view and FIGS. 4 and 5 depict the mechanisms 32 , 34 incorporated in the embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 4 depicts the brake mechanism 32 incorporated in combination with the support platform 10 and linkage arms 20 , 22 .
- FIG. 5 depicts the brake mechanism 34 as incorporated in the connection between the linkage arm 22 and the bracket 16 which is associated with the underside of platform 12 .
- the platform 10 includes a depending support bracket 36 fixed to the underside thereof.
- An elongated, generally cylindrical shaft or rod 38 defining an axis 40 is pivotally attached to the bracket 36 at a pivot connection 42 .
- the rod or shaft 38 is elongated and generally cylindrical.
- the free distal end 44 of the shaft 38 includes projecting lugs 46 which serve to retain the shaft 38 in a housing 51 and limit sliding movement as described below.
- the shaft 38 thus fits through spaced, cylindrical passages 48 defined in spaced housing sections 50 , 52 mounted in housing 51 .
- the shaft 38 is retained within the housing 51 for sliding movement between the extremes defined by a flange 60 and the lugs 46 .
- the shaft 38 is telescopically inserted through the passages or openings 48 as described.
- first and second coil springs 62 , 64 Encircling the shaft 38 in the space between the housing sections 50 , 52 , are first and second coil springs 62 , 64 .
- the coil springs 62 , 64 each have a first end 66 , 68 , respectively, which are retained by and engaged by the housings 50 , 52 , respectively.
- the opposite ends of the coil springs 62 , 64 namely, ends 70 , 72 , respectively, are connected to a bracket arm 74 which includes an encircling, cylindrical section 76 that fits over the coil springs 62 , 64 in order to keep all of the component parts properly aligned and retained about the shaft or rod 38 .
- the arm 74 may be rotated about the axis 40 by movement in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 6.
- Such movement causes the coil springs 62 , 64 to be partially uncoiled and release their grip on the shaft 36 .
- the coil springs 62 , 64 in their normal configuration will be biased in a counter-clockwise direction as depicted in FIG. 6, so as to engage tightly around the shaft 38 precluding the shaft from axial movement and, in fact, further precluding the shaft from any rotary or axial movement and release from shaft 38 .
- the tension associated with the coil springs 62 , 64 engaging the shaft 38 is altered by rotating the bracket arm 74 in the clockwise direction in FIG. 6. Such rotation is effected by means of a control wire or rod 80 .
- the housing bracket 51 connects pivotally about a pivot axis 84 to the linkage arm 22 , the connection being effected by the shaft or rod 28 .
- the housing 51 may pivot as necessary in order to accommodate telescopic movement of shaft 38 within the housing sections 50 , 52 .
- the bracket arm 74 is engaged by the rod or wire 80 and moved in the clockwise direction in FIG. 6. This releases the grip of springs 62 , 64 on shaft 38 .
- the platform 10 may then be pivoted as the shaft 38 moves within the housing, 52 . The pivoting is effected about the axis of rod 28 .
- the attitude of the platform 10 is thereby altered or changed in a desired fashion.
- the control wire or rod 80 is connected to a control button 86 on the platform 10 .
- the brake mechanism 34 is substantially identical in construction and function to the brake mechanism 32 . That is, the brake mechanism 34 includes a telescoping shaft or rod 38 which fits within a housing 51 mounted on a bracket assembly 82 which is pivotally attached to the bracket 16 by means of a pivot connection 88 . The shaft 38 is connected to the linkage arm 22 by a pivot connection 90 and bracket member 92 . A control wire 94 is provided to drive or manipulate a bracket on 74 of the brake mechanism 34 . The wire or rod 94 again may be connected to operate in unison with the wire rod 80 by being connected to control member or button 86 . The brake mechanism 34 adjusts the attitude of the linkage members 20 , 22 relative to the surface 12 and effects a locking or a release of the locking arrangement as described.
- both brake mechanisms 32 , 34 are released simultaneously merely by operating the button 86 , the total attitude and orientation of the keyboard support platform 10 may be adjusted.
- the brake mechanisms 32 and 34 may be independently adjustable.
- two linkage arms 20 , 22 may not be required. That is a single linkage arm 20 in combination with braking mechanisms 32 , 34 may be utilized.
- the assembly may also include merely one of the braking mechanisms 32 and/or 34 in combination with other types of braking mechanisms.
Abstract
Description
- This invention relates a computer keyboard platform support mechanism and, more particularly, to the construction of the linkage arm assembly that connects the keyboard platform to a support surface. Specifically the invention relates to the combination of a braking mechanism with a linkage arm assembly that allows for adjustment of tilting of the keyboard support platform relative to the linkage arm assembly and the linkage arm assembly relative to the support surface or structure. Various apparatus and mechanisms have been developed for supporting keyboards associated with computer terminals. One such apparatus is disclosed in Smeenge U.S. Pat. No. 4,616,798 entitled “Adjustable Support For CRT Keyboard.” Smeenge teaches, inter alia, a keyboard support mechanism comprised of first and second sets of arms which link first and second brackets associated respectively with a keyboard platform and a sliding plate attached beneath a desk surface service. The Smeenge patent is incorporated here by reference. Subsequent patents relating to the same subject matter include: U.S. Pat. No. 5,037,054 entitled “Adjustable Support Mechanism For A Keyboard Platform,” issued Aug. 6, 1991 also incorporated herewith by reference.
- The mechanisms disclosed in these prior patents are quite useful for supporting a keyboard on a platform adjacent to a work surface and for permitting upward and downward adjustment of that keyboard platform as well as lateral or side to side adjustment and tilt of the keyboard platform. When adjusting the elevation and attitude or tilt of such keyboard platforms, it is desirable to have a braking mechanism which maintains the keyboard platform in a fixed position by locking the arms, but which may be easily released to permit desired readjustment of the position of the platform. It is further desirable to have all of the adjustments independent, one from the other. It is also desirable to have a keyboard platform support mechanism which is compact, easily stored, of simple construction, yet rugged enough to support a significant weight. It is also desirable to have a construction which will fold away quite easily and can be easily moved from one position to another. These, among other objectives, provided an incentive for development of the present construction.
- In a principal aspect, the present invention comprises a keyboard platform support mechanism which includes a keyboard support platform pivotally attached to linkage arms which, in turn, are pivotally attached to a bracket connected to a support surface. Thus, the first and second linkage arms are typically pivotally connected at their outer ends to a keyboard support platform and at their inner end to the support surface bracket. The linkage arms thus permit pivotal motion of the keyboard platform about a horizontal axis defining the connection between the linkage arms and the keyboard support platform as well pivotal motion about a horizontal axis defining the connection between the support surface bracket and the linkage arms.
- As an important feature of the invention, a braking mechanism is provided for each of the horizontal pivot connections defined at the opposite ends of the linkage arms. Thus in one embodiment, a slide rod member is pivotally attached to the keyboard support platform. That slide rod member is telescopically fitted through a housing which is pivotally attached to a linkage arm. A gripping element is integrated into the housing to engage or grip the slide rod member and retain the slide member in a fixed position within the housing, thereby precluding further pivotal movement of the keyboard support platform relative to the linkage arm. The gripping element is, however, releasable and may disengage from the slide member, thereby permitting the slide member to assume a distinct or different telescopic position associated with pivoting or tilting of the keyboard support platform about a horizontal axis. The gripping element in its preferred embodiment, automatically returns to a gripping position upon release of a manual force that effects disengagement of the gripping element from the slide member. In a preferred embodiment, a brake mechanism of the type described is incorporated to control each pivotal horizontal axis connection of the linkage arms, or, in other words, the described braking mechanism is provided at each of the opposite ends of the linkage arm. Thus, a braking mechanism is included in association with the horizontal axis pivotal connection of the keyboard support platform to the linkage arms and is also provided with respect to the horizontal pivotal axis connection associated with the opposite ends of the linkage arms which effect attachment to a support surface, such as a desk, or the like.
- Thus, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved keyboard support mechanism which is easily adjustable and which includes a releasable brake mechanism.
- Yet a further object of the invention is to provide an improved brake engagement and brake release mechanism associated with a keyboard support platform.
- Yet another object of the invention is to provide a rugged, yet adjustable keyboard support platform mechanism wherein the keyboard platform is independently adjustable relative to the adjustment associated with a linkage arm supporting the platform on or by a support surface.
- These and other objects, advantages and features of the invention will be set forth in a detailed description which follows:
- In the detailed description which follows, reference will be made to the drawing comprised of the following figures:
- FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a typical computer support platform incorporating the mechanism of the invention;
- FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the support platform of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 3 is an enlarged cut-away side view of the construction shown in FIG. 2;
- FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view depicting the braking mechanism depicted in FIG. 3;
- FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the braking mechanism associated with the connection of the linkage arm to the keyboard platform; and
- FIG. 6 is an exploded isometric view of elements of the braking mechanism of the type depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5.
- FIGS. 1 through 3 illustrate the overall construction of a computer keyboard platform support arm mechanism incorporating the invention. However, the invention is not limited to the particular keyboard arm platform support mechanism depicted.
- The mechanism includes a generally planer
keyboard support platform 10 which is connected to asupport surface 12 such as a desk by means of alinkage arm assembly 14. Thelinkage arm assembly 14 typically is attached to the underside of the desk orsupport surface 12 by means including a dependingbracket 16. Thebracket 16 may be pivotally attached bypivot connection 25 to the underside of thesurface 12 or rigidly or slidably attached thereto. - In the embodiment depicted, the
linkage arm assembly 14 is a modified quadrilateral-type connection mechanism comprised of a first ortop linkage arm 20 and a second, orbottom linkage arm 22. Thetop arm 20 connects tobracket 16 via ahorizontal rod 17 which defines a horizontal pivot axis. Theopposite end 27 of thetop linkage arm 20 connects to akeyboard platform bracket 30 via a shaft orrod 26 which also defines a horizontal pivot axis. Thebottom linkage arm 22 is connected at its opposite ends tobracket 16 andbracket 30. However, the connection in one instance is a variable or movable axis connection and incorporates a brake and release mechanism. Thusbracket 16 andbottom arm 22 are effectively connected by a horizontal rod orshaft 18 which defines a horizontal axis which is slidable in an accurate slot 31 inbracket 16. - The
bottom arm 22 is connected effectively tobracket 30 associated with and depending fromkeyboard platform 10 by shaft orrod 28 which also defines a horizontal axis. The pivot rods 26, 28 and thus thelinkage arms link 30. Thus, thearms pivot rods platform 10 andsupport surface 12 modified as described below.Bracket 30 may also pivot aboutrod 26 to thereby permit adjustment of tilt of thebracket 30 and thus attitude ofplatform 10 as described below. The use of pairs oflinkage arms platform 10 as it is raised and lowered. A biasingspring 65 onshaft 17 may be arranged to bias thearms - An adjustable length connection or link and
brake mechanism 32 between abracket 36 at theforward end 35 ofplatform 10 andpivot rod 28 ofbottom arm 22 may be manipulated to release or lockplatform 10 at a desired tilt. Thus, whenbrake mechanism 32 is released, the relative tilt ofplatform 10 may be adjusted as thearms platform 10. A similar adjustable length connection andbraking mechanism 34 is included between thebracket 16 andlower arm 22 as described below. - The improvement of the invention relates to the combination and incorporation of the
brake mechanism 32 associated with theplatform 10 and thelower arm 22 as well as the adjustable length link andbrake mechanism 34 associated with the connection ofarm 22 tobracket 16. The link andbrake mechanism 32 operates substantially in the same manner as the second link andbrake mechanism 34 associated with thesupport platform bracket 16 and thelinkage arm 22. A description of the construction and operation of themechanism 32 will thus be generally applicable to themechanism 34. - FIG. 6 depicts the link and
brake mechanism 32 in an exploded view and FIGS. 4 and 5 depict themechanisms brake mechanism 32 incorporated in combination with thesupport platform 10 andlinkage arms brake mechanism 34 as incorporated in the connection between thelinkage arm 22 and thebracket 16 which is associated with the underside ofplatform 12. - Referring to these figures, and also FIG. 6, the
platform 10 includes a dependingsupport bracket 36 fixed to the underside thereof. An elongated, generally cylindrical shaft orrod 38 defining anaxis 40 is pivotally attached to thebracket 36 at apivot connection 42. The rod orshaft 38 is elongated and generally cylindrical. The freedistal end 44 of theshaft 38 includes projectinglugs 46 which serve to retain theshaft 38 in ahousing 51 and limit sliding movement as described below. - The
shaft 38 thus fits through spaced,cylindrical passages 48 defined in spacedhousing sections housing 51. Theshaft 38 is retained within thehousing 51 for sliding movement between the extremes defined by aflange 60 and thelugs 46. Theshaft 38 is telescopically inserted through the passages oropenings 48 as described. - Encircling the
shaft 38 in the space between thehousing sections first end 66, 68, respectively, which are retained by and engaged by thehousings bracket arm 74 which includes an encircling,cylindrical section 76 that fits over the coil springs 62, 64 in order to keep all of the component parts properly aligned and retained about the shaft orrod 38. Thearm 74 may be rotated about theaxis 40 by movement in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 6. Such movement causes the coil springs 62, 64 to be partially uncoiled and release their grip on theshaft 36. The coil springs 62, 64 in their normal configuration will be biased in a counter-clockwise direction as depicted in FIG. 6, so as to engage tightly around theshaft 38 precluding the shaft from axial movement and, in fact, further precluding the shaft from any rotary or axial movement and release fromshaft 38. The tension associated with the coil springs 62, 64 engaging theshaft 38 is altered by rotating thebracket arm 74 in the clockwise direction in FIG. 6. Such rotation is effected by means of a control wire orrod 80. Such rotation and release of the force of thesprings 62, 64 from the shaft orrod 38 will thus permit therod 38 to be adjusted telescopically within thehousing 51. Thehousing bracket 51 connects pivotally about apivot axis 84 to thelinkage arm 22, the connection being effected by the shaft orrod 28. Thus, thehousing 51 may pivot as necessary in order to accommodate telescopic movement ofshaft 38 within thehousing sections - In order to adjust the attitude of the
platform 10 relative to thelinkage arms bracket arm 74 is engaged by the rod orwire 80 and moved in the clockwise direction in FIG. 6. This releases the grip ofsprings 62, 64 onshaft 38. Theplatform 10 may then be pivoted as theshaft 38 moves within the housing, 52. The pivoting is effected about the axis ofrod 28. The attitude of theplatform 10 is thereby altered or changed in a desired fashion. The control wire orrod 80 is connected to acontrol button 86 on theplatform 10. - The
brake mechanism 34 is substantially identical in construction and function to thebrake mechanism 32. That is, thebrake mechanism 34 includes a telescoping shaft orrod 38 which fits within ahousing 51 mounted on abracket assembly 82 which is pivotally attached to thebracket 16 by means of apivot connection 88. Theshaft 38 is connected to thelinkage arm 22 by apivot connection 90 andbracket member 92. Acontrol wire 94 is provided to drive or manipulate a bracket on 74 of thebrake mechanism 34. The wire orrod 94 again may be connected to operate in unison with thewire rod 80 by being connected to control member orbutton 86. Thebrake mechanism 34 adjusts the attitude of thelinkage members surface 12 and effects a locking or a release of the locking arrangement as described. - If both
brake mechanisms button 86, the total attitude and orientation of thekeyboard support platform 10 may be adjusted. However, in another embodiment, thebrake mechanisms linkage arms single linkage arm 20 in combination withbraking mechanisms braking mechanisms 32 and/or 34 in combination with other types of braking mechanisms. Thus, the subject matter of the invention is susceptible of many combinations and permutations. The invention is, therefore, to be limited only by the following claims and equivalents thereof.
Claims (4)
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US10/022,432 US6460816B1 (en) | 1999-10-15 | 2001-12-13 | Adjustable computer keyboard platform support mechanism |
US10/266,912 US6598844B2 (en) | 1999-10-15 | 2002-10-08 | Adjustable computer keyboard platform support mechanism |
US10/267,227 US6601812B2 (en) | 1998-01-30 | 2002-10-09 | Keyboard support tray with releasable wedge lock |
US10/395,922 US6726168B2 (en) | 1999-10-15 | 2003-03-24 | Adjustable computer keyboard platform support mechanism |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US15966099P | 1999-10-15 | 1999-10-15 | |
US09/467,697 US6336618B1 (en) | 1999-10-15 | 1999-12-21 | Adjustable computer keyboard platform support mechanism |
US10/022,432 US6460816B1 (en) | 1999-10-15 | 2001-12-13 | Adjustable computer keyboard platform support mechanism |
Related Parent Applications (4)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US09/467,796 Continuation US6463337B1 (en) | 1999-12-20 | 1999-12-20 | Railroad vital signal output module with cryptographic safe drive |
US09/467,697 Continuation US6336618B1 (en) | 1999-10-15 | 1999-12-21 | Adjustable computer keyboard platform support mechanism |
US09/467,697 Division US6336618B1 (en) | 1999-10-15 | 1999-12-21 | Adjustable computer keyboard platform support mechanism |
US09/994,984 Continuation US6523797B2 (en) | 1998-01-30 | 2001-11-27 | Keyboard support tray with releasable wedge lock |
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US10/266,912 Continuation US6598844B2 (en) | 1999-10-15 | 2002-10-08 | Adjustable computer keyboard platform support mechanism |
US10/267,227 Continuation US6601812B2 (en) | 1998-01-30 | 2002-10-09 | Keyboard support tray with releasable wedge lock |
US10/395,922 Continuation US6726168B2 (en) | 1999-10-15 | 2003-03-24 | Adjustable computer keyboard platform support mechanism |
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US20020043601A1 true US20020043601A1 (en) | 2002-04-18 |
US6460816B1 US6460816B1 (en) | 2002-10-08 |
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US10/022,432 Expired - Lifetime US6460816B1 (en) | 1998-01-30 | 2001-12-13 | Adjustable computer keyboard platform support mechanism |
US10/266,912 Expired - Lifetime US6598844B2 (en) | 1999-10-15 | 2002-10-08 | Adjustable computer keyboard platform support mechanism |
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US09/467,697 Expired - Lifetime US6336618B1 (en) | 1999-10-15 | 1999-12-21 | Adjustable computer keyboard platform support mechanism |
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US10/266,912 Expired - Lifetime US6598844B2 (en) | 1999-10-15 | 2002-10-08 | Adjustable computer keyboard platform support mechanism |
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US6533229B1 (en) * | 2001-12-14 | 2003-03-18 | Ray Hung | Adjustable keyboard tray for a desk |
US20040099779A1 (en) * | 1997-03-12 | 2004-05-27 | George Mileos | Keyboard support mechanism |
US20070080564A1 (en) * | 2005-10-07 | 2007-04-12 | Chau-Lung Chen | Furniture for placing electronic device |
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AUPR501701A0 (en) * | 2001-05-16 | 2001-06-07 | Intellec Pty Ltd | Mounting assembly |
US6726168B2 (en) * | 1999-10-15 | 2004-04-27 | Compx International Inc. | Adjustable computer keyboard platform support mechanism |
US6336618B1 (en) | 1999-10-15 | 2002-01-08 | Compx International Inc | Adjustable computer keyboard platform support mechanism |
US6478279B1 (en) * | 2000-06-12 | 2002-11-12 | Compx International Inc. | Adapter bracket for a keyboard platform support mechanism |
US20040041716A1 (en) * | 2002-08-29 | 2004-03-04 | Compx International Inc. | Virtual keyboard and keyboard support arm assembly |
US6915995B2 (en) | 2002-10-30 | 2005-07-12 | Peerless Industries, Inc. | Underbody mounting system |
US6772980B2 (en) | 2002-12-06 | 2004-08-10 | O'neill John M. | Ergonomic apparatus for personal computer use |
TWM243106U (en) * | 2003-09-30 | 2004-09-11 | Tay Huah Furniture Corp | Height adjustment device of auxiliary desk plate |
US7448585B2 (en) * | 2004-12-16 | 2008-11-11 | Sunway, Incorporated | Keyboard support assembly |
US7188813B2 (en) * | 2005-06-06 | 2007-03-13 | Knape & Vogt Manufacturing Company | Adjustable support assembly |
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Cited By (10)
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US20040099779A1 (en) * | 1997-03-12 | 2004-05-27 | George Mileos | Keyboard support mechanism |
US6883764B1 (en) * | 1997-03-12 | 2005-04-26 | Humanscale Corp. | Keyboard support mechanism |
US20060157628A1 (en) * | 1997-03-12 | 2006-07-20 | George Mileos | Keyboard support mechanism |
US7198239B2 (en) * | 1997-03-12 | 2007-04-03 | Ergo View Technologies Corp. | Keyboard support mechanism |
US20090090832A1 (en) * | 1997-03-12 | 2009-04-09 | Humanscale Corporation | Keyboard Support Mechanism |
US7841570B2 (en) | 1997-03-12 | 2010-11-30 | Humanscale Corporation | Keyboard support mechanism |
US7841569B2 (en) | 1997-03-12 | 2010-11-30 | Humanscale Corporation | Keyboard support mechanism |
US6533229B1 (en) * | 2001-12-14 | 2003-03-18 | Ray Hung | Adjustable keyboard tray for a desk |
US20070080564A1 (en) * | 2005-10-07 | 2007-04-12 | Chau-Lung Chen | Furniture for placing electronic device |
US20070169674A1 (en) * | 2005-10-07 | 2007-07-26 | Chau-Lung Chen | Supporting device for placing an electronic device |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US6598844B2 (en) | 2003-07-29 |
US6460816B1 (en) | 2002-10-08 |
US6336618B1 (en) | 2002-01-08 |
US20030029980A1 (en) | 2003-02-13 |
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