Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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ADJUSTABLE COMPUTER KEYBOARD PLATFORM SUPPORT MECHANISM
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to 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.
Patent 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. Subsequent patents relating to the same
subject matter include: U.S. Patent 5,037,054 entitled
"Adjustable Support Mechanism For A Keyboard Platform",
issued August 6, 1991.
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
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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.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
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 retums to a gripping position upon release of a
manual force that effects
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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.
According to one aspect of the invention, there is
provided a keyboard platform support mechanism comprising,
in combination: (a) a platform; (b) a linkage arm pivotally
connected to the platform; (c) an assembly for attaching the
linkage arm to a surface; (d) a brake mechanism connecting
the linkage arm to the platform, said brake mechanism
including a slide member connected to one of the platform
and the linkage arm and having an opposite end, said brake
mechanism further including a housing connected to the other
of the platform and linkage arm and slidably receiving the
slide member, said slide member slidable in the housing,
said housing including a gripping element surrounding, at
least in part, the slide member, said gripping element
including a projecting arm for movement of the gripping
element between a first position where in the slide member
is engaged by the gripping element and prevented from axial
movement and a second position wherein the slide member is
released for movement to alter a length of a connection
effected by the brake mechanism between the linkage arm and
platform whereby upon such movement the platform is pivotal
about the connection to the linkage arm.
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According to another aspect of the invention,
there is provided a keyboard platform support mechanism
comprising, in combination: (a) a platform; (b) a linkage
arm pivotally connected to the platform; (c) an assembly for
attaching the linkage arm to a surface; (d) a brake
mechanism connecting the linkage arm to the platform, said
brake mechanism having a housing and including a slide
member, the housing slidably receiving the slide member, the
housing connected to one of the platform and the linkage
arm, the slide member connected to the other of the platform
and the linkage arm, the housing further including a
gripping element surrounding, at least in part, the slide
member, the brake mechanism further including a projecting
arm connected to the gripping element, whereby movement of
the projecting arm provides movement of the gripping element
between a first position where the slide member is engaged
by the gripping element and prevented from axial movement,
and a second position where the slide member is released to
permit movement of the slide member.
According to another aspect of the invention,
there is provided a keyboard platform support mechanism
comprising, in combination: (a) a platform; (b) a linkage
arm pivotally connected at a first end to the platform; (c)
a connection assembly for pivotally connecting the linkage
arm to a support surface; (d) a brake mechanism for
preventing pivotal movement of a pivotal connection of the
linkage arm to the platform, said brake mechanism including
a slide member pivotally connected to the platform and a
housing for the slide member attached to the linkage arm,
said brake mechanism further including a gripping element
mounted on the housing and movable between a first slide
member gripping and holding position and a second slide
member release position, said gripping element including a
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spring for biasing the gripping element toward the first
position and a spring release arm for releasing the spring
from the first position.
According to yet another aspect of the invention,
there is provided a keyboard platform support mechanism
comprising, in combination: (a) a platform; (b) a support
bracket; (c) a linkage arm having a first end connected to
the platform and a second end attached to the support
bracket; (d) a brake mechanism for preventing pivotal
movement of platform relative to the linkage arm, said brake
mechanism comprising a slide member pivotally connected to
the linkage arm, a housing attached to the platform slidably
receiving the slide member, a slide gripping member mounted
in the housing and movable between a first slide gripping
position and a second slide release position, said slide
gripping member including a spring for biasing the gripping
member toward the first position and a spring release arm
for releasing the spring from the first position.
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.
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These and other objects, advantages and features
of the invention will be set forth in a detailed description
which follows:
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
In the detailed description which follows, reference will be made to the
drawing comprised
of the following figures:
Figure 1 is an isometric view of a typical computer support platform
incorporating the
mechanism of the invention;
Figure 2 is a side elevation of the support platform of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is an enlarged cut-away side view of the construction shown in Figure
2;
Figure 4 is a bottom-plan view depicting the braking mechanism depicted in
Figure 3;
Figure 5 is a bottom plan view of the braking mechanism associated with the
connection of
the linkage arm to the keyboard platform; and
Figure 6 is an exploded isometric view of elements of the braking mechanism of
the type
depicted in Figures 4 and 5.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Figures 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 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.
In the embodiment depicted, 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. However, the
connection in one instance
is a variable or movable axis connection and incorporates a brake and release
mechanism. Thus
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
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and thus the linkage arms 20, 22 are linked by a spacing bracket or link 30.
Thus, 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. Thus, 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.
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Figure 6 depicts the link and brake mechanism 32 in an exploded view and
Figures 4 and 5
depict the mechanisms 32, 34 incorporated in the embodiment of the invention.
Specifically, Figure
4 depicts the brake mechanism 32 incorporated in combination with the support
platform 10 and
linkage arms 20, 22. Figure 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.
Referring to these figures, and also Figure 6, 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.
.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
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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
Figure 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 Figure 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 Figure 6. Such
rotation is effected by
means of a control wire or rod 80. Such rotation and release of the force of
the springs 62, 64 from
the shaf3 or rod 38 will thus permit the rod 38 to be adjusted telescopically
within the housing 51.
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. Thus, the housing 51 may
pivot as necessary in
order to accommodate telescopic movement of shaft 38 within the housing
sections 50, 52.
In order to adjust the attitude of the platform 10 relative to the linkage
arms 20, 22, the
bracket arm 74 is engaged by the rod or wire 80 and moved in the clockwise
direction in Figure 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.
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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.
If 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. However,
in another embodiment, the brake mechanisms 32 and 34 may be independently
adjustable. Further,
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. 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.
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