Mounting device for attaching a support apparatus to a support surface

Abstract

A mounting device for removably attaching a support apparatus to a work surface. The mounting device utilizes a single clamp or bracket for engaging a support surface and a connection means for the support apparatus. The clamp comprises a single substantially C-shaped planar member for slidably engaging the edge of a work surface. The mounting device comprises a one piece planar member defined by a upper support member, an end member, and a base member which define a receptacle for receiving a portion of a support surface. A retractable arm attaches to the base member of the mounting device which interconnects the support surface mounting device and the computer input device support.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a mounting device for a support apparatus for supporting computer input devices. In particular, the present invention relates to a single “clamp” for removably attaching computer input devices, such as keyboards, to support surfaces.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] In order to conserve space, computer keyboards are often placed in computer keyboard platforms that are either fixedly, rotationally, or slidably mounted to a desk or table through a support. Generally, the supports for these platforms are fixedly attached to the underside of a work surface such as a desk or table. Retractable support arms allows keyboard platforms to be moved out and away from underneath the desk or table for use by an operator. The keyboard platform can then be moved back under the table or desk for storage purposes and conservation of space when the operator is no longer using the keyboard. The prior art keyboard platforms and their supports are limited since they are usually fixedly attached (i.e., screwed) to the underside of a work surface. This poses a problem for people with glass, metal, or very expensive work surfaces. Heretofore, several mounting brackets exist in the field such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,876,002, wherein a pair of mounting brackets are disclosed limited by a screw fitted in the attachment clamp for securing the clamp to the work surface. Another example is U.S. Pat. No. 5,836,562, wherein a mounting device is disclosed using of a pair of clamps. Yet another example is U.S. Pat. No. 6,079,680, wherein a mounting device is disclosed using only a single clamping device limited by a screw fitted in the attachment clamp for securing the clamp to the work surface.

[0003] It is well known in the prior art to screw or otherwise fasten a mounting bracket to the underside of a work surface. Such brackets typically have an attachment means which connects to a mounting arm. The mounting arm, in turn, is connected to and supports a keyboard platform on which a keyboard rests. A problem is that it is difficult and time-consuming to fasten the mounting bracket to the underside of the work surface. Another problem is that, once installed, the mounting bracket is also difficult to remove, and thus may be a hindrance to other work that may need to be done under the work surface. Yet another problem is that the mounting bracket is not easily portable, i.e., it is difficult to transfer the mounting bracket to another location or position, such as another desk.

[0004] Accordingly, the present invention provides a portable and easily removable mounting device for supporting a computer keyboard platform that is an improvement over the prior art keyboard supports brackets and overcomes the previously mentioned disadvantages associated with such prior art keyboard supports. The apparatus of the present invention utilizes a single fixed mounting bracket that is simple in design, easy to use, compact in size, and relatively inexpensive. Most importantly, the apparatus of the present invention provides for an easy method of attaching a keyboard support device to a work surface with minimum effort.

[0005] Also, the present invention provides for a simple and non-destructive mounting device for removably attaching a support surface for supporting a computer keyboard to a support surface. The simple mounting device utilizes a single C-shaped clamp to attach the keyboard support apparatus to a support surface, and then allows easy removal of the keyboard support apparatus from the support surface.

[0006] What is needed in the art is a portable keyboard support system mounting bracket which can be quickly and easily removably attached to a support surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of the keyboard support apparatus mounting device according to the present invention with the optional shim device.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of the keyboard support apparatus mounting device according to the present invention with the optional shim device.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a side exploded view of one embodiment of the keyboard support apparatus mounting device according to the present invention with the auxiliary support apparatus and a connection means.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a side view of one embodiment of the keyboard support apparatus mounting device according to the present invention with the optional shim device slidably engaged upon the edge of a support surface.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the keyboard support apparatus mounting device according to the present invention engaging a portion of a support surface with an auxiliary support apparatus attached which is supporting a computer keyboard input device.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the keyboard support apparatus mounting device according to the present invention engaging the edge of a work surface with an auxiliary support apparatus attached which is supporting a computer keyboard support apparatus that is supporting a computer keyboard input device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0013] For the purposes of the following description, it is understood that the specific embodiments of the invention described below and the methods or processes described and/or illustrated in the attached drawing figures, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts as defined in the appended claims. Specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to different embodiments are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0014] The various embodiments of the present invention offer several advantages over other currently available devices. Due to the intuitive nature of its operation, stability, affordability, life cycle cost, and minimum number of parts, the mounting capabilities should be seen as beneficial to the perspective end user. This invention solves a problem with the modern work environment. It is understood that the present invention may be used with additional elements. Some common, but not exclusive, additional elements are a keyboard platform support, a pointer platform support, and a monitor platform support.

[0015] FIGS. 1 and 2 are bottom perspective views of the mounting device 5 according to the present invention with an optional shim device 37 attached to the upper surface 31 of the base member 30. The shim device 37 as seen in this embodiment is for the secured attachment of the present invention to a portion of a support surface (not shown in this figure). The optional shim device 37 may be positioned within the receptacle 40 an any manner to better secure the attachment of the mounting device 5. FIGS. 1 and 2 are descriptive of the bottom perspective views of one embodiment of the invention. The perforations 34 in the base member 30 are seen in this embodiment for the attachment of a retractable support arm (not shown in this figure). Optionally, screws or bolts (not shown in this figure) are used to connect the retractable support arm (not shown in this figure) to the mounting device 5 through perforations 34 of the base member 30. The preferred embodiment has at least one hole 34 in the base member 30 to which a retractable support arm (not shown in this figure) is attached. Similar perforations could also be adapted upon the base member 30, the upper support member 10 or the end member 20 or any combination thereof. The upper support member 10, the end member 20, and the base member 30 define a receptacle 40 to receive an edge of a support surface (not shown in this figure).

[0016] FIG. 3 is a side exploded view of the mounting device 5 according to the present invention. A perforation 34 is seen in this embodiment for the attachment of a retractable support arm 60. Optionally, screws 3 8 or bolts 39 are used to connect a retractable support arm 60 to the mounting device 5 through perforation 34 in the base member 30. The upper support member 10, the end member 20, and the base member 30 define a receptacle 40 to receive an edge of a support surface (not shown in this figure).

[0017] FIG. 4 is a side view of the mounting device 5 according to the present invention with an optional shim device 37 attached to the base member's 30 upper surface 31. The shim device 37 as seen in this embodiment for the secured attachment of the present invention to a portion of a support surface 50. FIG. 4 also shows the mounting device comprising a single clamp having a upper support member 10, an end member 20, and a base member 30 integrally connected forming a C-shaped planar member engaging the edge 51 of a support surface 50. The upper support member 10, the end member 20, and the base member 30 define a receptacle 40 to receive an edge of a support surface 51.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the mounting device 5 according to the present invention slidably attached to the edge 51 of a support surface 50. FIG. 5 shows the mounting device 5 wherein a retractable support arm 60 is attached to he base member 30 of the mounting device 5. The retractable support arm 60 is also connected to and supporting a computer keyboard 65 input device.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the mounting device 5 according to the present invention slidably attached to the edge 51 of a support surface 50. FIG. 6 shows the mounting device 5 where the retractable support arm 60 is attached to the base member 30 of the mounting device 5. The retractable support arm 60 is also connected and supporting a computer keyboard support device 63 which in turn is supporting a computer keyboard 65 input device.

Claims

1. A mounting device for removably attaching a support apparatus to a work surface comprising:

(a) a single clamp member; and

(b) a retractable mounting arm attached to the clamp member.

2. The mounting device of claim 1 where in the clamp member comprises:

(a) a base member;

(b) an upper support member;

(c) an end member, wherein the base member and the upper support member are connected to said end member maintaining said base member and upper support member in general spaced relationship defining a receptacle therebetween for receiving a portion of a support surface; and

(d) an attachment means for attaching the retractable support arm to the clamp member.

3. The mounting device of claim 2 wherein any one of the base member, the upper support member, or the end member or any combination thereof is adapted to be mounted to a variety of articulated and/or stationary platform device mounting arms.

4. The mounting device of claim 2 wherein the base member, the end member, and the upper support member are integral with each other in such a manner that the clamp has an overall C-shaped appearance.

5. The mounting device of claim 1 wherein the clamp member comprises a generally C shaped planar member formed from a single planar sheet of material.

6. The mounting device of claim 2 wherein the end member interconnecting the base member and the upper support member is being configured to resiliently bias a portion of a received support surface.

7. The mounting device of claim 1 wherein the clamp member is configured to dimensionally fit and receive a portion of a support surface.

8. The mounting device of claim 2 wherein the mounting means is defined by at least one hole for attaching a variety of articulated and/or stationary platform device mounting arms.

9. The mounting device of claim 2 wherein the upper support member has a first length in a direction substantially perpendicular to end member, the base member having a second length in said direction substantially perpendicular to said end member, said first length being substantially greater than said second length.

10. A mounting device of claim 2 wherein a shim device is positioned onto either the lower surface of the upper support member or the upper surface of the base member whereby the receptacle resiliently biases the received portion of a support surface.

11. A mounting device of claim 2 wherein a surface protection material is attached to portions of the base member, the upper support member, and the end member in contact with the received portion of a support surface.

12. A mounting device of claim 2 wherein portions of the base member, the upper support member, and the end member in contact with the received portion of a support surface have a sufficient coefficient of friction to preclude inadvertent movement/slippage thereon.

13. A mounting device of claim 1 wherein the attachment means is adapted attach a variety of articulated and/or stationary platform device mounting arms.