Device positioning supports
A device positioning support for selectively positioning a device in one of a plurality of positions comprising a base, a pair of links which are each connected to the base and to a device, a manually operable self-locking release comprising a biasing member which normally biases a first constraint connected to one of the links into engagement with a second constraint connected to the other link in order to prevent relative movement of the links. The release is manually operable to relieve the biasing force and thereby permit relative movement between the first link relative to the second link in order to reposition the device.
The present invention relates to device positioning supports, such as supports for lamps, which allow a device to be manually positioned in one of a plurality of positions.
BACKGROUNDVarious devices have been previously suggested which utilize four-bar linkages or other arrangements comprising two substantially parallel links to support a useful device, such as a lamp, while permitting the selective repositioning of the lamp by the user. Such devices typically rely upon frictional engagement between the links and one or more blocks or slidable “shoes” which are intended to provide sufficient friction to support the lamp in one of a plurality of positions in which it is positioned by the user. Such devices permit the user to overcome the friction by simply forcibly moving the lamp from one position to a new desired position while causing relative movement between the links despite the friction provided by the block or shoe. One disadvantage of such devices is that they often require the use of two hands in order to reposition the lamp and the forces required for the angle adjustment are usually large. Another disadvantage is that the frictional block or shoe often wears or becomes loose over time and requires maintenance, e.g. tightening or replacement.
It would therefore be desirable to provide a device positioning support for selectively positioning a device in one of a plurality of positions which provides a stable and secure support. It would also be desirable to provide embodiments of a device positioning support which can be quickly and easily operated, preferably with one hand.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONOne embodiment of the present invention comprises a device positioning support for selectively positioning a device in one of a plurality of positions comprising a base, a first pair of relatively movable links which are each connected to the base and to an intermediate base, a second pair of relatively movable links connected to the intermediate base and to a device, and self-locking releases for fixing the relative positions of the links in each pair of links wherein at least one of the releases is manually operable. In one preferred embodiment the releases are operably connected so that actuation of one release simultaneously actuates the other release. A preferred version of this embodiment comprises a linkage connecting a first one-hand operated release with a second release. Squeezing the first release actuates the second release thereby simultaneously relieving pressure and allowing the disengagement of teeth on two releases with a single squeezing action. This permits two sets of substantially parallel links to be repositioned simultaneously and, preferably, with one hand. In this manner a plurality of pairs of relatively movable links are each provided with a self-locking release and all releases are controlled by the actuation of one or any one of the releases.
One preferred manually operable self-locking release comprises a plurality of relatively movable and engageable teeth and a biasing member which normally biases a first plurality of teeth which are connected to one of the links into engagement with a second plurality of teeth which are connected to the other link in order to prevent relative movement of the links. This release is manually operable to disengage the teeth and/or relieve the biasing force and thereby permit uninhibited relative movement between the respective teeth thereby allowing movement of the first link relative to the second link in order to reposition the device. In one embodiment of the present invention, at least a first plurality of teeth are integrally formed on one of the links.
In one preferred embodiment of the present invention the release comprises a spring-biased clip which comprises the second plurality of teeth. According to this embodiment of the present invention, the spring-biased clip is connected to one of the links, most preferably pivotally connected to one of the links.
Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a base, a pair of generally parallel links which are connected to the base and a device, and a manually operable self-locking release. The linkage preferably comprises a sheathed wire. As used herein, the term “wire” is meant to include a cable or similar flexible strand of material. It is also within the scope of the present invention to have one release out of sight and generally inaccessible to a user, and wherein such hidden release is actuated by the actuation of another release.
According to still further embodiments of the present invention, the links are selectively elongatable in order to further extend the range of possible positions of the lamp or other device. The positioning of the links in one of their possible longitudinal configurations is also preferably controlled by a manually operable self-locking release which is selectively engageable with a third plurality of teeth. The elongatable links preferably comprise a plurality of telescoping elements.
According to a still further embodiment of the present invention, one of the links is at least partially disposed in another link. In one such embodiment, a release for controlling the selective engagement and disengagement of pluralities of teeth is also partially disposed in one of said links. In still other embodiments, the links are not generally parallel.
The various embodiments of the present invention provide significant improvements over supports of the prior art, such as those shown in
The various embodiments of the present invention provide a more secure and stable connection.
According to this embodiment of the present invention, two substantially parallel links 13, 14 connect device 10 with base 12. Base 12 can be connected to a structure, e.g. a desk, that allows rotational and/or translational movement of base 12 relative to such a structure. A forward link 13 is pivotally connected to base 12 by a pivotal connection 17 and to a device 10 with a pivotal connection 15. Rearward link 14 is pivotally connected to base 12 with a pivotal connection 18 and to device 10 with pivotal connection 16. While one or more of the pivotal connections can be a frictional connection, each of the pivotal connections can also be substantially freely rotatable since the stability of the positioning support does not rely upon the friction provided by any of the pivotal connections 15-18. According to this embodiment of the present invention, the positional stability of device 10 relative to base 12 is provided by a manually operable self-locking release 20. The manually operable self-locking release 20 of this illustrated embodiment of the present invention comprises a spring-biased clip 24 comprising engageable teeth which engage a plurality of teeth 22 on right and left sides of link 14. The clip 24 comprises two pivotally mounted arms 21, 31. As best shown in
Due to the generally parallel and spaced positioning of links 13 and 14, in order for device 10 to be repositioned relative to base 12, a point on forward link 13 must move relative to a point on rearward link 14. Relative movement also occurs, but to a different extent, in embodiments where the links are not generally parallel. When relative movement between forward link 13 and rearward link 14 is prevented, the device 10 cannot be repositioned relative to base 12. Thus, to overcome the biasing force of biasing member 30 which normally biases two sets of engageable teeth 27 and 37 of the clip 24 into engagement with teeth 22 on rearward link 14, a user simply squeezes the handle portions 23, 33 together thereby disengaging teeth 27 and 37 from teeth 22 on rearward link 14. While continuing to apply squeezing pressure to the handle portions 23, 33, the handle portions are moved forwardly or rearwardly in order to reposition the device 10 to the desired position. The handle portions are then simply released and biasing member 30 accomplishes the self-locking action by reengaging teeth 27, 37 with teeth 22. Advantageously, a user does not need to actively engage the lock, e.g. by tightening a threaded locking mechanism. By simply releasing the squeezing force, the release securely fixes the relative position of the links.
A comparison of the position of the clip 24 on link 14 in
While teeth 22 in this illustrated embodiment are positioned on a central portion of link 14, it is also within the scope of the present invention to provide teeth 22 along the entire length of rearward link 14, or at positions other than illustrated in the Figures. The positioning of the clip 24 can also be varied without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the clip 24 can be positioned on the rear link. While the illustrated teeth are perpendicular to the direction of relative movement between the links, the teeth need not be positioned perpendicular but are preferably generally transverse to the direction of relative movement between the links.
According to this embodiment of the present invention, all of the links can be moved in the same direction, e.g. forwardly, or the links can be pivoted in opposite directions. If all four links illustrated in
A linkage 90, which in this embodiment of the present invention comprises an inner wire 94 movably disposed in a protective sheath 92, coordinates the opening of the releases 70, 80. Wire 94 is secured to right handle portion 73 of lower release 70 and the right engagement portion 85 of upper release 80. As best shown in
According to this embodiment of the present invention, a biasing member, such as the illustrated biasing member 72, can be used with either one or both of the releases. Using the handle portion of the upper release as the primary unlocking handle is preferred since it is closest to the weight of the device. When used in this manner, a spring can also be used to bias release 80 though such a spring is not illustrated in
According to this embodiment, a forward link 110 comprises a lower segment 112 and an upper segment 114 which comprises a hollow connector portion 116. Lower segment 112 is telescopingly received within hollow connector portion 116 of upper segment 114. Additionally, a longitudinal positioning bar 118 is connected to lower segment 112. Longitudinal positioning bar 118 comprises pluralities of teeth 119 on the right and left sides thereof. A manually operable self-locking release 120 is generally similar to the releases described above but release 120 comprises a second, forward pair of teeth 129 or a sufficiently wide set of teeth for also engaging teeth 119 on longitudinal positioning bar 118. Release 120 is pivotally connected to connector portion 116 of upper segment 114 and is fixed in a longitudinal direction on connector portion 116.
Rear link 130 similarly comprises a lower segment 132 and an upper segment 134 having a connector portion 136. Lower rear segment 132 is telescopingly received within connector portion 136 of upper segment 134. The right and left sides of connector portion 136 have pluralities of teeth for positively and securely engaging teeth 127 on release 120. Release 120 also comprises a biasing member in the form of a spring 128 for normally providing an outwardly biasing force to the handled portion 123 of release 120 thereby urging the teeth 127 of release 120 into engagement with teeth 119 on longitudinal positioning bar 118 and into engagement with the teeth connector portion 136 of rear link upper segment 134. Since release 120 is fixed in the longitudinal directions on the connector portion 116 which is part of upper link segment 114, when teeth 127 of release 120 are positively engaged with teeth 119 of longitudinal positioning bar 118, the longitudinal configuration of the forward link 110 is fixed
In this embodiment, if the telescopic fittings are loose, to ensure the correct angular orientation of the device 140, the operator may need to use one hand to level the device during positioning. Once the teeth of locking member 120 are engaged with positioning bar 118, they are positionally fixed together with upper links 134 and 114. This also fixes the rotational position of device 140. Theoretically if the telescopic and the related pivoting fittings are ideal, the two links will stay in a perfectly parallel orientation even when their lengths are being changed. The telescopic actions of the two links are thus generally synchronized. In other words, in a manner similar to that described above in connection with the embodiment illustrated in
The engagement and disengagement of teeth 225 on locking blocks 215 and teeth 219 on link housing 214 is best shown
From the present description, it will be understood that in order to permit relative movement between link 213 and 214, it is necessary to relieve the outwardly directed pressure on locking blocks 215. This is accomplished by moving plunger 217 downwardly against the biasing force of biasing member 218 to a position such as that shown in
As in the previously described embodiment, disengagement of the teeth is accomplished by moving plunger 247 downwardly. In this illustrated embodiment, downward movement of plunger 247 is accomplished utilizing lever 276 positioned on an outer surface of housing link 244 and a flexible linkage. Activation of lever 276, which is accomplished by squeezing lever 276 against the handle 286 on the outer surface of housing link 244, draws the outer portion of wire 292 further out of outer sheath 245 thereby pulling the inner end of wire 292 which is connected to plunger 247 downwardly. This pulls plunger 247 into the position in
According to another embodiment of the present invention at least one release is hidden from view and not directly accessible by the user. For example, if the lower release of the device shown in
While the manually applied forces described above are squeezing forces, the forces applied to plunger 247 of
While the preferred illustrated embodiments of the present invention described above use intermeshing teeth to provide a positive engagement for the self-locking releases and prevent undesired relative movement between parallel links, in other embodiments of the present invention, the teeth are replaced with other constraints, e.g. non-smooth frictional surfaces and/or sticky surfaces which prevent sliding under designed loads when biased into contact by a self-locking release comprising a biasing member which biases the surfaces into each other.
As used herein, the term “constraint” is used to indicate structure, such as teeth, projection(s) or frictional surfaces which, when biased together, prevent relative movement between the links under the designed load to avoid breaking the release.
Claims
1. A device positioning support for selectively positioning a device in one of a plurality of positions, said device comprising:
- a base,
- a pair of generally parallel links pivotally connected to said base and to a device, a first one of said links comprising a first plurality of teeth,
- a manually operable self-locking release comprising a biasing member and a second plurality of teeth, wherein said release is connected to the second one of said links,
- said release normally biasing said second plurality of teeth into engagement with said first plurality of teeth to prevent relative movement of said first plurality of teeth with respect to said second plurality of teeth,
- said release manually operable to reduce the biasing force applied to said teeth sufficiently to allow disengagement of said respective teeth thereby allowing movement of said first link relative to said second link.
2. A device positioning support according to claim 1 wherein said first plurality of teeth are integrally formed on said first link.
3. A device positioning support according to claim 2 wherein said release comprises a spring-biased clip connected to said second link.
4. A device positioning support according to claim 3 wherein at least one portion of said clip is pivotally connected to said second link.
5. A device positioning support according to claim 1 wherein said second plurality of teeth are integrally formed with said release.
6. A device positioning support according to claim 1 wherein said release is operable by one hand.
7. A device positioning support according to claim 1 wherein said device positioning support comprises a second plurality of links, a second pair of engageable teeth, and a second release.
8. A device positioning support according to claim 7 further comprising a linkage connecting said release with said second release, and wherein operation of one of said releases to allow disengagement of said first set of teeth also allows disengagement of said second plurality of engageable teeth.
9. A device positioning support according to claim 8 wherein said linkage comprising a sheathed wire.
10. A device positioning support according to claim 1 wherein said device positioning support comprises a device and said device comprises a lamp.
11. A device positioning support according to claim 1 wherein said links are generally parallel.
12. A device positioning support according to claim 1 wherein at least one of said links is selectively elongatable.
13. A device positioning support according to claim 12 further comprising a third plurality of teeth connected to said elongatable link.
14. A device positioning support according to claim 13 wherein said third plurality of teeth are arranged in a row which is substantially parallel to said elongatable link.
15. A device positioning support according to claim 13 wherein said release is selectively engageable with said third plurality of teeth to maintain the longitudinal configuration of said elongatable link.
16. A device positioning support according to claim 1 wherein both of said links are elongatable.
17. A device positioning support according to claim 16 further comprising a third plurality of teeth arranged in a row which is substantially parallel to said elongatable link.
18. A device positioning support according to claim 17 wherein said release is selectively engageable with said third plurality of teeth to maintain the longitudinal configuration of said elongatable link.
19. A device positioning support according to claim 16 wherein at least one of said links comprises a plurality of telescoping elements.
20. A device positioning support according to claim 1 wherein said second link is at least partially disposed in said first link.
21. A device positioning support according to claim 20 wherein said release is at least partially disposed in said first link.
22. A device positioning support according to claim 21 wherein said release is also at least partially disposed in said second link.
23. A device positioning support according to claim 1 wherein said release is at least partially disposed in said first link.
24. A device positioning support according to claim 23 wherein said release is also at least partially disposed in said second link.
25. A device positioning support according to claim 23 wherein said release comprises a sheathed wire.
26. A device positioning support according to claim 1 wherein said release comprises a sheathed wire.
27. A device positioning support for selectively positioning a device in one of a plurality of positions, said device comprising:
- a base,
- a pair of links pivotally connected to said base and to a device, each of said links comprising a longitudinal axis extending from said base to a device; a manually operable self-locking release comprising at least one projecting member, said release connected to a first one of said links,
- a second one of said links comprising at least one receptor, said receptor configured to receive at least a portion of said projecting member with said receptor positioned on both sides of said projection generally along said axis;
- said release normally biasing said at least one projection member into at least one receptor, so that movement of said projection relative to said longitudinal axis of said second link is prevented, and
- said release manually operable to reduce the biasing force and permit said projection to move out of said receptor.
28. A device positioning support according to claim 27 wherein said links are generally parallel.
29. A device positioning support according to claim 27 wherein said projection and said receptor both comprise teeth.
30. A device positioning support according to claim 27 wherein said receptor comprises a resilient material.
31. A device positioning support according to claim 27 wherein said release is a one-hand-operated release.
32. A device positioning support according to claim 27 wherein said device positioning support comprises a second plurality of links, a second pair of engageable teeth, and a second release.
33. A device positioning support according to claim 32 further comprising a linkage connecting said release with said second release, and wherein operation of one of said releases to allow disengagement of said first set of teeth also allows disengagement of said second plurality of engageable teeth.
34. A device positioning support for selectively positioning a device in one of a plurality of positions under a designed load, said device comprising:
- a base,
- a first pair of links pivotally connected to said base and to an intermediate base,
- a second pair of links connected to said intermediate base and a device,
- a first release engageable with said first pair of links to prevent relative movement, under the designed load, between said links of said first pair of links; and
- a second release engageable with said second pair of links to prevent relative movement, under the designed load, between said links of said second pair of links.
35. A device positioning support according to claim 34 further comprising a linkage operably connecting said first release with said second release so that the actuation of said first release causes the actuation of said second release.
36. A device positioning support according to claim 35 wherein said linkage comprising a wire.
37. A device support positioning support according to claim 35 wherein said linkage comprises a sheathed wire.
38. A device positioning support according to claim 34 wherein at least one of said pairs of links comprise links which are generally parallel.
39. A device positioning support according to claim 34 wherein said first pair and said second pair of links comprise links which are generally parallel.
40. A device positioning support for selectively positioning a device in one of a plurality of positions, said device comprising:
- a base,
- a pair of links pivotally connected to said base and to a device,
- a manually operable self-locking release comprising a first constraint, said release connected to a first one of said links, said release comprising a biasing member which normally biases said first constraint into engagement with a second one of said links.
41. A device positioning support according to claim 40 wherein at least one of said links is selectively elongatable,
- further comprising a third constraint connected to said elongatable link, and
- wherein said release is selectively engageable with said third constraint to maintain the longitudinal configuration of said elongatable link,
- said release operable to reduce the biasing force applied to said third constraint to allow the elongation of said at least one elongatable link.
42. A device positioning support according to claim 40 wherein at least one of said constraints comprises teeth.
43. A device positioning support according to claim 40 wherein a plurality of said constraints comprise teeth.
44. A device positioning support according to claim 40 wherein said release is a one-hand-operated release.
45. A device positioning support according to claim 40 wherein said device positioning support comprises a second plurality of links, a second pair of engageable teeth and a second release.
46. A device positioning support according to claim 45 further comprising a linkage connecting said release with said second release, and wherein operation of one of said releases to allow disengagement of said first set of teeth also allows disengagement of said second plurality of engageable teeth.
47. A device positioning support for selectively positioning a device in one of a plurality of positions, said device comprising:
- a base,
- a first link pivotally connected to said base and a device;
- a second link disposed at least partially in said first link, said second link pivotally connected to said base and to said device, said second link comprising a second constraint,
- a manually operable self-locking release at least partially disposed in said first link, said release comprising a first constraint, said release also comprising a biasing member which normally biases said first constraint into engagement with said second constraint.
48. A device positioning support according to claim 47 wherein said release is manually operable to reduce the biasing force on said first constraint sufficiently to allow disengagement of said constraints thereby allowing movement of said first link relative to said second link.
49. A device positioning support according to claim 47 wherein said release is a one-hand-operated release.
50. A device positioning support according to claim 47 wherein at least one of said constraints comprises a plurality of teeth.
51. A device positioning support according to claim 47 wherein said first constraint comprises a plurality of teeth and said second constraint comprises a plurality of teeth engageable with said teeth of said first constraint.
52. A device positioning support according to claim 47 wherein said device positioning support comprises a second plurality of links, a second pair of engageable teeth, and a second release.
53. A device positioning support according to claim 52 further comprising a linkage connecting said release with said second release, and wherein operation of one of said releases to allow disengagement of said first set of teeth also allows disengagement of said second plurality of engageable teeth.
54. A device positioning support for selectively positioning a device in one of a plurality of positions under a designed load, said device comprising:
- a base,
- a first link comprising a first end and a second end, said first link pivotally connected to said base proximate said first end and pivotally connected to a device proximate said second end,
- a second link comprising a first end and a second end, said second link pivotally connected to said base proximate said first end and pivotally connected to a device proximate said second end,
- said first link comprising a first plurality of teeth,
- said second link comprising a second plurality of teeth which are movable relative to said first plurality of teeth when at least one of said links is pivoted relative to said base, said second plurality of teeth arranged for selective engagement with said first plurality of teeth,
- a manually operable self-locking release connected to said second link and comprising a second plurality of teeth arranged for selective engagement with said first plurality of teeth, said release comprising a biasing member operatively connected to said second plurality of teeth to bias said second plurality of teeth toward engagement with said first plurality of teeth of said first link wherein engagement of said teeth of said second link with said teeth of said first link prevents movement of said first link, under the designed load, relative to said second link, said release manually operable to reduce the biasing force applied to said teeth of said second link sufficiently to allow disengagement of said respective teeth thereby allowing movement of said first link relative to said second link.
55. A device positioning support according to claim 54 wherein said release is a one-hand-operated release.
56. A device positioning support according to claim 54 wherein said first plurality of teeth are integrally formed on said first link.
57. A device positioning support according to claim 54 wherein said release is in the form of a spring-biased clip connected to said second link.
58. A device positioning support according to claim 57 wherein at least one portion of said clip is pivotally connected to said second link.
59. A device positioning support according to claim 54 wherein said second plurality of teeth are integrally formed with said release.
60. A device positioning support according to claim 54 wherein said device positioning support comprises a second pair of links, a second pair of engageable teeth, and a second release.
61. A device positioning support according to claim 60 further comprising a linkage connecting said release with said second release and wherein operation of said release allows disengagement of said first set of teeth and the second set of teeth.
62. A device positioning support according to claim 54 wherein said device positioning support comprises a device and said device comprises a lamp.
63. A device position support according to claim 62 wherein said device comprises a lamp.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 9, 2010
Publication Date: Oct 13, 2011
Inventor: Sik Leung Chan (Tsuen Wan)
Application Number: 12/798,762
International Classification: A47G 29/00 (20060101);