Modular Monitor Support Apparatus

Abstract

A modular apparatus for supporting a monitor is provided. First and second pairs of substantially vertically oriented and opposed columns are spaced a lateral distance apart. A support member is arranged between and coupled to the first and second pairs of columns. The support member is adapted to support a monitor at a viewing angle. The height and angle of the support member, and thus the monitor, can be easily adjusted via slot and tab connections between the support member and columns and/or by adjusting the lateral distance between the respective pairs of columns.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present application relates to a modular apparatus for supporting a screen or monitor. In the illustrated example, the apparatus supports a computer monitor beneath a work surface.

Individuals that use monitors, such as computer or television monitors, invariably have different physical characteristics and unique ergonomic necessities. Additionally, monitors vary in size and shape and are replaced periodically. These factors contribute to a continuing need in the art for an apparatus that structurally supports a monitor and also allows for quick and effective adjustment of the position of the monitor.

SUMMARY

The present application meets the continuing need in the art for apparatus that allow for quick and effective positioning of a monitor to provide proper viewing and ergonomics for the user.

In one illustrated example, a modular apparatus for supporting a monitor has first and second pairs of substantially vertically oriented and opposed columns that are spaced a lateral distance apart. A support member is arranged between and coupled to the first and second pairs of columns and is adapted to support the monitor. Outwardly directed tabs that are on the support member are sized and shaped to fit in inwardly directed slots that are on the opposed columns. The height of the support member can be easily adjusted by attaching the tabs to a higher or lower slot on the column. The angle of the support member can be easily adjusted by changing the lateral distance between the respective pairs of vertically oriented opposed columns and also changing the height of the slot and tab connections on the first pair of columns relative to the height of the slot and tab connections on the second pair of columns.

In another example, the modular apparatus for supporting a monitor has first and second pairs of substantially vertically oriented and opposed columns that are spaced a lateral distance apart. A support member is arranged between and coupled to the first and second pairs of columns and is adapted to support the monitor. Open ended slots are provided on the opposed columns and are sized and shaped to receive engagement members on the support member. The height of the support member can be easily adjusted by attaching the engagement members to a higher or lower open ended slot on the column. The angle of the support member can be easily adjusted by changing the lateral distances between the respective pairs of vertically oriented opposed columns and also changing the height of the open ended slot and engagement member connections on the first pair of columns relative to the height of the connections on the second pair of columns.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments, including the best mode, are depicted in the attached drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a workstation including one example of a modular apparatus for supporting a monitor.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a view of section 3-3 taken in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3, showing adjustment of the height and angle of a support member and the monitor.

FIG. 5 is a view of section 5-5 taken in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a workstation including another example of a modular apparatus for supporting a monitor.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the apparatus of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a view of section 8-8 taken in FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8, showing adjustments of the height and angle of a support member and the monitor.

FIG. 10 is a view of section 10-10 taken in FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a workstation 10 having a work surface 12 and opposed side portions 14. The work surface 12 has a transparent window 16 and is arranged such that a person sitting at the workstation 10 facing in the direction of arrow 11 can view a monitor 18 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) positioned beneath the work surface 12 through the transparent window 16. This type of workstation 10 is known in the art.

FIGS. 1 and 2 depict a modular apparatus 20 for supporting the monitor 18. The modular apparatus 20 includes a first pair of columns 22a, 22b and a second pair of columns 24a, 24b. The first pair of columns 22a, 22b are opposed and are substantially vertically oriented. The second pair of columns 24a, 24b are also opposed and substantially vertically oriented. The first pair of columns 22a, 22b are spaced a lateral distance D (see FIG. 3) away from the second pair of columns 24a, 24b. Each column 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b includes a plurality of vertically aligned slots 26. Each slot 26 in the alignment includes a wide top half 28 and a narrow bottom half 30.

Each column 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b is attached at its upper end 44 to the bottom 32 of the work surface 12 via a slotted rail connection 34. Each slotted rail connection 34 includes an L-shaped bracket 36 having a first face 38 fixedly attached to the bottom 32 of the work surface 12 and a second face 40 depending at an angle from the first face 38. The second face 40 has a slot 42. The upper end 44 of each column 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b includes an aperture 46. A screw 48 is threaded through the aperture 46 and the slot 42 and fixedly attached therethrough by a nut 50 to slidingly couple the respective column to the second face 40. Accordingly, the slotted rail connection 34 provides each column 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b with lateral movement capability along the width of slot 42, as shown in FIG. 4 at arrow 106.

A monitor support member 52 is arranged between and removably coupled to the substantially vertically oriented and opposed columns 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b. In the example shown, the support member 52 comprises a basket having a triangular cross-section and including first 54 and second 56 support surfaces which are oriented at an angle θ to each other to define a monitor holding area 58 therebetween.

In the example shown, the support member 52 includes flanges 62, each having at least one outwardly directed tab 60 extending therefrom. The tabs 60 have an outer head portion 61 (see FIG. 5) that is sized slightly smaller in diameter than the width of the top half 28 of the slots 26, but larger in diameter than the bottom half 30 of the slots 26, and an inner narrow portion 63 that is smaller in diameter than the width of the bottom half 30 of the slots 26 (see FIG. 5). As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the tabs 60 are each received in a slot 26 on one of the columns 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b to couple the support member 52 to the first pair of columns 22a, 22b and second pair of columns 24a, 24b, as will be discussed further below. It is also recognized that the tab and slot connection described herein could be reversed, such that the support member 52 includes slots and the columns include a plurality of aligned tabs.

A pair of side braces 64a, 64b are connected to the columns 22a, 24a and 22b, 24b. Each side brace 64a, 64b includes a pair of overlapping, open-ended, slotted plates 66 which, when overlapped, form a closed slot 68. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the plates 66 are overlapped and fixed at their respective outer ends to the lower ends 70 of the columns 22a, 24a and 22b, 24b.

A bottom brace 72 connects the side braces 64a, 64b together. The bottom brace 72 comprises a pair of overlapped brace members 74a, 74b. Each brace member 74a, 74b includes a first end 76 having a plurality of aligned apertures 78 and a second end 80 extending transverse from the first end 76 and including at least one slot 82. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the bottom brace 72 comprises the overlapping brace members 74a, 74b, attached via preferably at least two screw and nut connectors 84, 86 extending through aligned apertures 78. Slots 82 in the second ends 80 of the brace members 74a, 74b align with the slot 68 on the side braces 64a, 64b. Another screw and nut connection 88, 90 facilitates connection between the respective second ends 80 and the closed slots 68.

According to the structure described above, the side braces 64a, 64b and bottom brace 72 are joined together in a slotted connection 79. The slotted connection 79 facilitates movement of the columns 22a, 22b and/or 24a, 24b, respectively as shown at arrow 81 (see FIG. 4). As shown in FIG. 4, the slotted connections 34 and 79 together facilitate lateral movement in direction D of the respective pairs of columns 22a, 22b and 24a, 24b. More specifically the slotted connection 34 facilitates the lateral movement while maintaining a structural connection between the columns 22a, 22b and 24a, 24b and the bottom surface 32 of the work surface 12. The slotted connection 79 facilitates the lateral movement of columns 22a, 24a, and 22b, 24b while maintaining the structural connection of side braces 64a, 64b and bottom brace 72 to the columns, and maintaining the structural support provided thereby.

Referring to FIG. 3, the modular apparatus 20 provides a secure means of support for a monitor 18. Advantageously, the support member 52, which is connected to the first and second pairs of columns 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, supports the monitor 18 such that the display 94 on the monitor 18 is oriented towards the transparent window 16 on the work surface 12 of the workstation 10. As such, a proper viewing angle, or viewing direction 96 is provided by the modular apparatus 20.

The apparatus 20 and monitor 18 are easily adjusted for different work situations and different individuals requiring different ergonomics. Referring to FIG. 5, the tabs 60 on the support member 52 are easily detached from and attached to the slots 26 on the first and second pair of columns 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b. More specifically, at least two of the columns 22a, 24a and/or 22b, 24b are flexible enough in an outward direction arrow 98 to allow a user to remove the support member 52 from between the pairs of columns 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b. The support member 52 is raised slightly in the direction 102 so that the tabs 60 align with the wide top half 28 of the slots 26. Then, with the column 22a, 24a or 22b, 24b flexed outward, the tabs 60 can be removed from the slots 26 in the direction 104. More specifically, the support member 52 is raised until the tab 60 aligns with the wide top half 28 of the slot 26. Thereafter the tabs 60 are withdrawn from the slots 26 to disengage the support member 52 from the respective column. In order to reconnect the support member 52 at a different height, the above described operation is completed in reverse. That is, at least one of the pairs of columns 22a, 24a, or 22b, 24b are flexed outward and the tab(s) 60 is inserted into the wide top half 28 of the slots 26. The weight of the support member 52 and monitor 18 is typically sufficient to cause the support member 52 to lower itself until tab(s) 60 nest in the bottom half of slots 26.

Referring to FIG. 4, the height of the monitor 18 is easily adjusted using the modular apparatus 20 described and depicted herein. FIG. 4 depicts the support member 52 connected to the columns 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b at a first height (shown in phantom). If the user desires to raise the height of the monitor 18, the tabs 60 are removed from the slots 26 on the columns 22a, 24a, and 22b, 24b, as described above regarding FIG. 5. Once removed, the tabs 60 are inserted in a selected set of the aligned slots 26 at a position that is higher than the previous position. This movement or repositioning of the support member 52 is shown illustratively in FIG. 4 and the change in height is particularly referenced by arrow 96. If the user wishes to lower the height of the monitor 18, the above process is performed in reverse. It is of course possible to adjust the height of the support member 52 with or without the monitor 18 in the monitor holding area 58. That is, the user can remove the monitor 18 from the support member 52 prior to adjusting its height. Thereafter, the monitor 18 can be placed back into the monitor holding area 58.

Referring to FIG. 4, the viewing angle or direction 100 for the monitor 18 is easily adjusted using the modular apparatus 20. Adjustment of the viewing angle 100 of the monitor is facilitated by (A) lateral movement of the first pair of columns 22a, 22b with respect to the second pair of columns 24a, 24b and (B) changing the height of the connection between one of the pair of columns with respect to the height of the connection between the other pair of columns. In the examples shown in FIG. 4, the tabs 60 attached to the first pair of columns 22a, 22b are removed from the slots 26 on the columns 22a, 22b, according to the process described above. The tabs 60 are then inserted in slots 26 that are either higher or lower in the alignment of slots, depending upon the desired change in viewing angle 100. Movement of the first pair of columns 22a, 22b in the lateral direction with respect to the second pair of columns 24a, 24b facilitates this adjustment. More specifically, the slotted rail connections 34, 79 facilitate movement of the first pair of columns 22a, 22b in the lateral direction, arrows 109 and 81. As shown in FIG. 4, when the tabs 60 are inserted into a lower slot 26 on the columns 22a, 22b, the viewing angle 100 is altered as the front end 105 of support member 54 is lowered, as shown at arrow 106. The viewing angle 100 can also be changed by raising the front end 105 of the support member 54 by engaging the tabs 60 in a higher slot 26 on the columns 22a, 22b. Alternately, the rear end 107 of the support member 54 can be raised or lowered according to a similar procedure. It will also be recognized by those skilled in the art that changes to the respective heights of the front 105 and rear 107 ends of the support member 54 can be made simultaneously to achieve a more significant change in the viewing angle 100.

It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that the modular apparatus 20 depicted and described herein provides a greatly simplified support apparatus that allows for adjustment of the monitor angle and height, while accommodating all types and sizes of monitors. The support apparatus meets the continuing need in the art for an apparatus that allows for quick and effective positioning of a monitor to provide proper viewing and ergonomics for a wide variety of computer users.

FIG. 6 depicts a workstation 110 having a work surface 112 and opposed side portions 114. The work surface 112 has a transparent window 116 and is arranged such that a person sitting at the workstation 110 facing the direction of arrow 111 can view a monitor 118 (see FIGS. 8 and 9) positioned beneath the works surface 112 through the transparent window 116. This type of work station 110 is known in the art.

FIGS. 6 and 7 depict a modular apparatus 120 for supporting the monitor 118. The modular apparatus 120 includes a pair of columns 122a, 122b and a second pair of columns 124a, 124b. The first pair of columns 122a, 122b are opposed and substantially vertically oriented. The second pair of columns 124a, 124b are also opposed and substantially vertically oriented. The first pair of columns 122a, 122b are spaced a lateral distance D (see FIG. 8) away from the second pair of columns 124a, 124b. Each column 122a, 122b, 124a, 124b, includes a plurality of vertically aligned open ended slots 127. Each slot 127 in the alignment includes a lateral top portion 129 and a vertical bottom portion 131.

Each column 122a, 122b, 124a, 124b is attached at its upper end 144 to the bottom 132 of the work surface 112 via a slotted rail connection 134. Each slotted rail connection 134 includes an L shaped bracket 136 having a first face 138 fixedly attached to the bottom 132 of the work surface 112 and a second face 140 depending at an angle from the first face 138. The second face 140 has a slot 142. The upper end 144 of each column 122a, 122b, 124a, 124b includes an aperture 146. A screw 148 is threaded through the aperture 146 and the slot 142 and fixedly attached therethrough by a nut 150 to slidingly couple the respective column to the second face 140. Accordingly, the slotted rail connection 134 provides each column 122a, 122b, 124a, 124b with lateral movement capability along the width of slot 142, as shown in FIG. 9 at arrow 206.

A monitor support member 152 is arranged between and removably coupled to the substantially vertically oriented opposed columns 122a, 122b, 124a, 124b. In the example shown, the support member 152 comprises a basket having a triangular cross section and including first 154 and second 156 support surfaces which are angled at an angle θ to each other to define a monitor holding area 158 therebetween.

In the example shown, the support member 152 includes engagement members 163. The engagement members 163 extend outwardly and have a diameter that is slightly smaller than the width of the slot portions 127, 131 on the columns 122a, 122b, 124a, 124b. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the engagement members 161 are each received in a respective slot 127 on the column 122a, 122b, 124a, 124b to couple the support member 152 to the first pair of columns 122a, 122b and second pair of columns 124a, 124b, as will be further discussed below. It is also recognized that the open ended slot and engagement member connection described herein could be reversed, such that the support member 152 includes open ended slots and the columns include a plurality of aligned engagement members.

Referring to FIG. 8, the modular apparatus 120 provides a secure means of support for a monitor 118. Advantageously, the support member 152, which is connected to the first and second pairs of columns 122a, 122b, 124a, 124b, supports the monitor such that the display 194 on the monitor 118 is oriented towards the transparent window 116 on the work surface 112 of the work station 110. As such, a proper view angle, or viewing direction 200 is provided by the modular apparatus 120.

The apparatus 120 and monitor 118 are easily adjusted for different work situation and different individuals requiring different ergonomics. Referring to FIG. 10, the engagement members 163 on the support member 152 are easily detached from and attached to the slots 127 on the first and second pairs of columns 122a, 122b, 124a, 124b. More specifically, the support member 152 is raised slightly in the directional 202 so that the engagement members 163 align with the upper slot portions 127. The engagement members 163 can thus be removed from the slots 127. In order to reconnect the support member 152 at a different height, the above described operation is completed in reverse. That is, the engagement members 163 are inserted into the upper portion 129 of the open ended slots 127. Thereafter, the support member 152 is lowered and the engagement members 163 engage the lower portions 131 of the open ended slots 127. The weight of the support member 152 and monitor 118 is typically sufficient to cause the support member 152 to lower itself until engagement members 163 nest in the bottom half 131 of slots 127.

Referring to FIG. 9, the height of the monitor 118 is easily adjusted using the modular apparatus 120 described and depicted herein. FIG. 9 depicts the support member 152 connected to the columns 122a, 122b, 124a, 124b at a first pipe (shown in phantom). If the user desires to raise the height of the monitor 118, the engagement members are removed from the slots 127 on the columns 122a, 124a, 122b, 124b, as described above regarding FIG. 10. Once removed, the engagement members 163 are inserted in a selected set of aligned open ended slots 127 at a position that is higher than the previous position. This movement or repositioning of the support member 152 is shown illustratively in FIG. 9 and the change in height is particularly referenced by arrow 196. If the user wishes to lower the height of the monitor 118, the above process is performed in reverse. It is of course possible to adjust the height of the support member 152 with or without the monitor 118 in the monitor holding area 158. That is, the user can remove the monitor 118 from the support member 152 prior to adjusting its height. Thereafter, the monitor 118 can be placed back into the monitor holding area 158.

Referring to FIG. 9, the viewing angle or direction 200 for the monitor 118 is easily adjusted using the modular apparatus 120. Adjustment of the viewing angle 200 of the monitor is facilitated by (A) lateral movement of the first pair of columns 122a, 122b with respect to the second pair of columns 124a, 124b and (B) changing the height of the connection between one of the pair of columns with respect to the height of the connection between the other pair of columns. In the examples shown in FIG. 9, the engagement members 163 attached to the first pair of columns 122a, 122b are removed from the slots 127 on the columns 122a, 122b, according to the process described above. The engagement members 163 are then inserted in the slots 127 that are either higher or lower in the alignment of slots, depending upon the desired change in viewing angle 200. Movement of the first pair of columns 122a, 122b in the lateral direction with respect to the second pair of columns 124a, 124b facilitates this adjustment. More specifically, the slotted rail connections 134 facilitate movement of the first pair of columns 122a, 122b in the lateral directions, arrows 206 and 181. As shown in FIG. 4, when the engagement members 163 are inserted in a lower slot 127 on the columns 122a, 122b, the viewing angle 200 is altered as the front end 205 of support member 154 is lowered, as shown at arrow 209. The viewing angle 200 can also be changed by raising the front end 205 of the support member 154 by engaging the tabs 160 in a higher slot 126 on the columns 122a, 122b. Alternately, the rear end 207 of the support member 154 can be raised or lowered according to a similar procedure. It will also be recognized by those skilled in the art that changes to the respective heights of the front 205 and rear 207 ends of the support member 154 can be made simultaneously to achieve a more significant change in the viewing angle 200.

It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that the modular apparatus 120 depicted described herein provides a greatly simplified support apparatus that allows for adjustment of the monitor angle and height, while accommodating all types and sizes of monitors. The support apparatus meets the continuing need in the art for an apparatus that allows for quick and effective positioning of a monitor to provide proper viewing and ergonomics for a wide variety of computer users. Although the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-10 does not include side braces or a bottom brace, it is recognized that these structures could be included to provide additional stability.

While this invention is susceptible to embodiments in many different forms, the drawings and specification describe in detail preferred embodiments of the invention. They are not intended to limit the broad aspects of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

Claims

1. A modular apparatus for supporting a monitor, said apparatus comprising:

a work station having a work surface and a substantially transparent window;

first and second pairs of elongated and opposed columns connected to said work surface, said first pair of columns being spaced a lateral distance away from said second pair of columns;

a monitor support member connected to said first and second pairs of columns and extended between said first and second pairs of columns and positioned proximate to said window; and

tab and slot connections for releasably connecting said support member to said first and second pairs of columns and facilitating adjustment of said support member to a plurality of fixed positions, said plurality of fixed positions including positions that are closer to said window and positions that are further away from said window.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first and second pairs of columns each comprise a plurality of aligned slots and said support member comprises tabs for engaging said slots.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said positions of said support member relative to said window is changed by inserting said tabs into different slots of said aligned slots.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said support member comprises first and second support surfaces that are oriented at an angle to each other to define a monitor holding area.

5. A modular apparatus for supporting a monitor, said apparatus comprising:

first and second pairs of opposed elongated columns attached to a fixed structure, said first pair of columns being spaced a lateral distance away from said second pair of columns;

a monitor support member connected to said first and second pairs of columns, said support member extending between said first and second pairs of columns and at an angle to the direction of elongation of said first and second columns;

said first pair of columns being laterally movable relative to said second pair of columns to change said lateral distance;

wherein changing said lateral distance and changing at least one point of connection location between said support member and the first and second pairs of columns, respectively, changes the angle of said support member.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, comprising a slotted-rail connection connecting at least one of said columns to said fixed structure, said slotted-rail connection facilitating the lateral movement of said at least one column.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, comprising a tab and slot connection for connecting said support member to at least one of said first and second pairs of columns.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein each of said at least one of said first and second pairs of columns comprises a plurality of vertically aligned and inwardly directed slots and wherein said support member comprises a plurality of outwardly directed tabs, each tab arranged to engage one of said slots to couple said support member to said at least one of said first and second pairs of columns.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the height of said support member relative to said at least one of said first and second columns is changed by inserting said tabs on said support member into different slots of said aligned slots.

10. The apparatus of claim 5, said first and second pairs of columns comprising open-ended slots and said monitor support member comprising engagement members, the open-ended slots for releasably receiving said engagement members and releasably connecting said support member to said first and second columns and facilitating adjustment of said support member to a plurality of fixed positions including positions that are closer to said window and positions that are further away from said window.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the height of said support member relative to at least one of said first and second columns is changed by inserting said engagement members on said support member into different slots of said open-ended slots.

12. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said support member comprises first and second support surfaces that are oriented at an angle to each other to define a monitor holding area.

13. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a pair of side braces connected to said first and second pairs of columns.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a bottom brace connected to said pair of side braces.

15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said side braces each comprise a slotted connection that allows said first pair of columns to move laterally relative to said second pair of columns.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a bottom brace connected to said pair of side braces, wherein said bottom brace comprises slots for connecting to said slotted connection of at least one of said side braces.

17. A modular apparatus for supporting a monitor, said apparatus comprising:

a work station having a work surface and a substantially transparent window;

first and second pairs of substantially vertically oriented and opposed columns suspended from said work surface, said first pair of columns being spaced a lateral distance away from said second pair of columns;

a monitor support member connected to said first and second pairs of columns, the support member extending between said first and second pairs of columns and at an angle to the direction of elongation of said first and second columns and positioned beneath said window;

wherein at least one of said first and second pairs of columns is movably suspended from said work surface such that said at least one of said first and second pairs of columns is laterally movable relative to said other to change said lateral distance therebetween;

wherein changing said lateral distance and changing at least one point of connection between the support member and said first and second pairs of columns, respectively, changes the angle of said support member.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, comprising a slot and tab connection for releasably connecting said support member to at least one of said first and second pairs of columns.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said slot and tab connection comprises a plurality of vertically aligned and inwardly directed slots on said at least one of said first and second pairs of columns and a plurality of outwardly directed tabs on said support member, each tab arranged to engage one of said slots on one of said columns to couple said support member to said at least one of said first and second pairs of columns.

20. The apparatus of claim 17, said first and second pairs of columns comprising open-ended slots and said monitor support member comprising engagement members, the open-ended slots for releasably receiving said engagement members and releasably connecting said support member to said first and second columns and facilitating adjustment of said support member to a plurality of fixed positions including positions that are closer to said window and positions that are further away from said window.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the height of said support member relative to at least one of said first and second columns is changed by inserting said engagement members on said support member into different slots of said open-ended slots.

22. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the height of said support member relative to said transparent window is changed by inserting said tabs on said support member into different slots of said aligned slots.

23. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a pair of side braces connected to said first and second pairs of columns, wherein said side braces each comprise a slotted connection to allow said overlapping plates to move laterally relative to each other when said lateral distance between said columns is changed.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, further comprising a bottom brace connected to said pair of side braces, wherein said bottom brace connects to said slotted connection of at least one of said side braces.

25. A modular apparatus for supporting a monitor, said apparatus comprising:

a work station herein, a work surface and a substantially transparent window;

first and second pairs of elongated and opposed columns connected to said work surface, said first pair of columns being spaced a lateral distance away from said second pair of columns;

a monitor support member connected to said first and second pairs of columns and extended between said first and second pairs of columns and positioned proximate to said window; and

said first and second pairs of columns comprising open-ended slots for releasably connecting said support member to said first and second pair of columns and facilitating adjustment of said support member to a plurality of fixed positions, said plurality of fixed positions including positions that are closer to said window and positions that are further away from said window.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein said first and second pairs of columns each comprise a plurality of aligned slots and said support member comprises engagement members for engaging said slots.

27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein said positions of said support member relative to said window is charged by inserting said engagement members into different slots of said open-ended slots.

28. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein said support member comprises first and second support surfaces that are oriented at an angle to each other to define a monitor holding area.