Having Parallel Arms Patents (Class 248/281.11)
  • Publication number: 20080237439
    Abstract: An extension arm suitable for mounting an electronic device. The extension arm also includes a pair of end caps. The extension arm also includes an upper channel and a lower channel. Each channel has at opposite ends a pair of integrally cast rollers which are pivotably attached to each of the end caps. The upper channel includes an integrally formed boss for securing a ball stud. A tensioning assembly is contained within the extension arm having one end coupled to the ball stud and the other end coupled to one of the end caps. The upper and lower channels and the end caps form an adjustable parallelogram.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Innovative Office Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Odd N. Oddsen
  • Patent number: 7413152
    Abstract: A carrier device includes a supporting base having one or more columns, a mounting seat for supporting an object and having an arm, and a linkage for adjustably coupling and supporting the mounting seat to the supporting base to the selected angular positions without spring members. Two or more fastener each include a non-circular shank engaged through one or more discs, and a pair of levers are disposed parallel to each other and pivotally coupled between the fasteners for forming a parallelogrammic structure and for adjustably and stably supporting the mounting seat to the columns of the supporting base at selected angular position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Kernan Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsin Hao Chen
  • Publication number: 20080111039
    Abstract: A height-adjustable carrying device with a parallelogram cranking mechanism has a self-locking pneumatic spring (6), with a valve for abolishing the blocking function. A release element (22), with which the valve (24) is actuated, is arranged according to the present invention at a handle (20) for swiveling the carrying device in one assembly unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: DRAGER MEDICAL AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Stefan PAPENDIECK, Gunnar WIEGANDT
  • Patent number: 7338022
    Abstract: A support apparatus for suspending a monitor with a back has a mounting seat, a support arm assembly, an extending arm and a mounting device. The support arm assembly is mounted on the mounting seat and has a proximal bracket, a positioning device, a upper arm, a lower arm, a loading element and a distal bracket. The extending arm is connected to the distal bracket. The connector is connected to the extending arm, connects to the back of a monitor and has a mounting assembly and an adjusting assembly. The mounting assembly is connected to the extending arm and has a connector and an axial connector. The adjusting assembly is connected to the mounting assembly and has a adjusting device and a connecting seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventor: Chin-Jui Hung
  • Patent number: 7338023
    Abstract: A keyboard carrier for adjusting elevation and inclination of a keyboard position thereon includes a locating mechanism, which includes an outer sleeve, a braking block axially movably disposed in the outer sleeve, a screw rod having an end pivotally connected to the keyboard carrier and the other end perpendicularly extended through the outer sleeve and a round hole on the braking block, a handle located at an end of the outer sleeve, and a pivoting mechanism connected to an inner end of the handle and having a screw bolt screwed into a central axis of the braking block. When the handle is pivotally turned to axially move the braking block in the outer sleeve with the screw rod engaged with a threaded section on the round hole of the braking block, the keyboard carrier is stably supported by the screw rod without the risk of moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventor: Chi Way Liu
  • Patent number: 7243892
    Abstract: A mounting system for a display such as a flat panel computer monitor or television includes a linkage of individual elements which are pivotally connected together with adjustable drag tapered bearings. Each tapered bearing allows individual elements to pivot with respect to one another about an axis defined by the tapered bearing, so that the display can be moved to a variety of different positions. By tightening the adjustable drag, the tapered bearing can lock the elements together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: CSAV, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel W. Pfister
  • Patent number: 7198239
    Abstract: A keyboard support mechanism containing a novel articulating arm mechanism for permitting vertical movement of the keyboard shelf. The articulating arm mechanism has six major components: (1) a mounting bracket, (2) a mounting bracket support in combination with a swivel bracket, (3) a shelf bracket, (4) an upper arm, (5) at least one side arm, and (6) at least one stopping means. The upper arm links the shelf bracket and the mounting bracket; the side arm and the stopping means cooperate to keep the shelf bracket (and hence the keyboard shelf) at a constant angle relative to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Ergo View Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: George Mileos, Robert King
  • Patent number: 7104512
    Abstract: An articulated arm for the alignment or a capturing device for optically capturing an object to be placed on a support surface, has—as a conventional double parallelogram arm—a base part, a top part, an articulate part and two pairs of rods which connect the base part or the top part to the articulated part. The articulated arm furthermore has a shaft which is rotatably fastened to the top part and has an operative mechanical connection to one of the rods pivotably fastened to the top part. This operative connection results in a rotation of the shaft relative to the top part on pivoting of the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Wolfvision GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Wolf, Wilfried Pfister, Martin Schwab
  • Patent number: 7097145
    Abstract: A surgical theater system includes a boom rotating about a hub and coupled to a counterbalance arm assembly having a counterbalance arm and a monitor mount assembly configured to permit a monitor or other device to be positioned horizontally and vertically within a surgical suite and maintain the vertical elevation selected. The counterbalance arm includes a proximal hub, a first parallel link, a second parallel link, a spring link, a spring and a distal hub. First, second and third proximal pivot axes extend through the proximal hub with the third pivot axis being movable along a radial line forming an angle with a line intersecting the first and second proximal pivot axes. The spring link is coupled to the third proximal pivot axis, spring and second parallel link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan D. Turner
  • Patent number: 7077373
    Abstract: A mount for an appliance such as a TV monitor which includes a box-like frame having a catch part at the top of the frame. A swivel part which may be attached to either the ceiling or the wall is provided. The catch part has a slot into which the swivel part is fitted, thus engaging the catch part to support the frame and the appliance. The disclosed support provides for ease of assembly as the appliance is supported from the ceiling or wall by the mere placement of said swivel in the catch part, without requiring any other assembly. The appliance may be tilted or rotated in the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Da-Lite Screen Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Christian M. Hoebener, Jon A. Lofgreen, Troy A. Bush
  • Patent number: 6991199
    Abstract: A pop-up mechanism working in parallel pairs used for lifting the tabletop part of a piece of furniture has a pair of cantilever arms joined together by an upper oblong member and a lower oblong member, both said upper oblong member and lower oblong member being parallel relative to each other and each being rotationally attached to opposite ends of said pair of cantilever arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventor: Guy Carpentier
  • Patent number: 6963444
    Abstract: The invention relates to a stand arrangement (100) for a medical-optical instrument. The stand arrangement includes a first link (104) which is pivotally supported on a holding unit (101) by a first rotational joint. The stand arrangement (100) further includes a second link (106) which is rotatably connected to the first link (104) via a second rotational joint (105). A take-up unit (109) for medical-optical equipment is held in a forward section (107, 108) of the second link (106) by a third rotational joint. The take-up unit (109) includes a front link (111) which, in turn, is connected via a third link (112) and a fourth link (113) to the second rotational joint (105). The holding unit (101) and the fourth link (113) are coupled with the aid of a toothed gear unit (118) in such a manner that the orientation of the front link (111) does not change with the movement of the first link (104).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung
    Inventors: Roland Brenner, Klaus Abele
  • Patent number: 6905102
    Abstract: An angularly adjustable keyboard support bracket includes a mounting rack attached to a desktop, a movable arm coupled with the mounting rack through a pin, and a bracing rack coupled with another end of the movable arm through another pin for holding a tray. A rotary mechanism is located between the bracing rack and the tray to enable the tray to swivel to the left side and the right side for a selected angle relative to the bracing rack to provide users with a desired operating angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Puu Rong Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sheng-Hsiung Lin
  • Patent number: 6883764
    Abstract: A keyboard support mechanism containing a novel articulating arm mechanism for permitting vertical movement of the keyboard shelf. The articulating arm mechanism has six major components: (1) a mounting bracket, (2) a mounting bracket support in combination with a swivel bracket, (3) a shelf bracket, (4) an upper aim, (5) at least one side arm, and (6) at least one stopping member. The upper arm links the shelf bracket and the mounting bracket; the side arm and the stopping means cooperate to keep the shelf bracket (and hence the keyboard shelf) at a constant angle relative to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Humanscale Corp.
    Inventors: George Mileos, Robert King
  • Patent number: 6837810
    Abstract: A height adjustable basketball standard, including a fixed support pole configured to support a backboard assembly above a playing surface. A lifting link is provided which includes a base end, a traveling end, and a hollow section therebetween. The base end of the lifting link is pivotally coupled to the fixed support pole while the traveling end is pivotally coupled to the backboard assembly. A parallel link is also included and positioned within at least a portion of the hollow section of the lifting link, the parallel link including a parallel base end pivotally coupled to the fixed support pole and a parallel traveling end pivotally coupled to the backboard assembly. A drive mechanism, coupled to the support pole and engaging the lifting link is configured to provide a force which is sufficient to pivot the lifting link relative to the fixed support pole, thereby adjusting the height of the backboard assembly relative to the playing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Doman Sports, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin McAllister, Bryce Doman
  • Patent number: 6833950
    Abstract: The microsurgical microscope system with a stand and with a parallelogram linkage is characterized in that a bar, which connects two substantially horizontal bars and to which the microscope is connected, also has a receiving device connected to it for accessory parts of the microscope and/or additional weights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Moller-Wedel GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20040245419
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a load is disclosed. A support arm in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of present invention comprises a first strut, a second strut, a proximal link, and a distal link. A proximal portion of the first strut is pivotally coupled to the proximal link at a first proximal joint. Additionally, a proximal portion of the second strut is pivotally coupled to the proximal link at a second proximal joint. A distal end of the second strut is pivotally coupled to the distal link at a second distal joint. A distal end of the first strut is pivotally coupled to the distal link at a first distal joint. The support arm also includes a cam mechanism comprising a cam and a cam follower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: Harry C. Sweere, Thiem Wong, Khalid Al-Zebdeh, Mustafa A. Ergun
  • Publication number: 20040232298
    Abstract: A mounting system for connecting a flat panel display to a fixed structure, such as a building wall or ceiling, or display structure, includes a plurality of fastening buttons and a corresponding display connecting portion having keyhole slots. Each keyhole slot has an access hole and a notch. The fastening buttons are seated in the keyhole slots to hold the flat panel display adjacent the display connecting portion of the mounting system. The button has a head portion, a base portion, and a throat portion, the base portion preferably having a beveled region so that the device is self-aligning or self-guiding. At least part of the display connecting member adjacent the access hole may be ramped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: Jeff Bremmon, Bruce Laughton
  • Publication number: 20040188578
    Abstract: A surgical theater system includes a boom rotating about a hub and coupled to a counterbalance arm assembly having a counterbalance arm and a monitor mount assembly configured to permit a monitor or other device to be positioned horizontally and vertically within a surgical suite and maintain the vertical elevation selected. The counterbalance arm includes a proximal hub, a first parallel link, a second parallel link, a spring link, a spring and a distal hub. First, second and third proximal pivot axes extend through the proximal hub with the third pivot axis being movable along a radial line forming an angle with a line intersecting the first and second proximal pivot axes. The spring link is coupled to the third proximal pivot axis, spring and second parallel link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: Jonathan D Turner
  • Publication number: 20040159757
    Abstract: A mounting system for a display such as a flat panel computer monitor or television includes a linkage of individual elements which are pivotally connected together with adjustable drag tapered bearings. Each tapered bearing allows individual elements to pivot with respect to one another about an axis defined by the tapered bearing, so that the display can be moved to a variety of different positions. By tightening the adjustable drag, the tapered bearing can lock the elements together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: Decade Industries, Inc. d/b/a Sanus Systems
    Inventor: Joel W. Pfister
  • Publication number: 20040099779
    Abstract: A keyboard support mechanism containing a novel articulating arm mechanism for permitting vertical movement of the keyboard shelf. The articulating arm mechanism has six major components: (1) a mounting bracket, (2) a mounting bracket support in combination with a swivel bracket, (3) a shelf bracket, (4) an upper arm, (5) at least one side arm, and (6) at least one stopping means. The upper arm links the shelf bracket and the mounting bracket; the side arm and the stopping means cooperate to keep the shelf bracket (and hence the keyboard shelf) at a constant angle relative to the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventors: George Mileos, Robert King
  • Patent number: 6736364
    Abstract: An articulated modular mounting arm for mounting electronic peripheral devices in a statically balanced adjustable position is disclosed. This mounting arm differs from the prior art in that several of its components are constructed from lengths of stock materials that are cut down to a user specified length within preset limits. This enables the manufacture to reduce inventory of the various components because one stock component may serve the need for several length arms. In addition, molds for each of the various lengths are not required, further lowering the production costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Innovative Office Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Odd N. Oddsen, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6732988
    Abstract: The invention relates to an articulated arm system (20) for attaching different medical imaging devices (11) to support structures (14) in an articulated manner. The articulated arm comprises at least one parallelogram device (15a, 15b) including a counterbalancing mechanism for holding the articulated arm and the device (11) supported by it in place when the device is located in the desired imaging position. The system further comprises braking and/or locking means (2: 22) which act on at least one strut bar (6, 7) of the said at least one parallelogram device (15a, 15b) and/or on the at least one additional strut bar (1) in order to prevent mutual linear movement of the strut bars (6, 7) of the parallelogram device, and which braking and/or locking means comprise actuators (3-5; 23; 24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Instrumentarium Corp.
    Inventors: Pekka Ihalainen, Jukka Salminen
  • Patent number: 6646798
    Abstract: The microsurgical microscope system with a stand with three parallelogram linkages and a microscope arranged thereon is characterized in that a second parallelogram linkage and a third parallelogram linkage have a common bar inclined at an angle of approximately 30° to 60° to the vertical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Möller-Wedel GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Schmidt, Wilhelm Duis
  • Patent number: 6609691
    Abstract: An adjustable extension arm for mounting an electronic device includes interconnected members which are rotatable or pivotable relative to each other. The interconnected members provide a cable pathway through which a cable for the electronic device may extend for protecting and/or obscuring the cable from view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Innovative Office Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Odd N. Oddsen, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6604723
    Abstract: A keyboard and monitor mount assembly includes an extruded body, a slide support, a support arm and a mounting member. The extruded body is adapted to mount to a solder paste inspection machine and includes at least one channel. The slide support is slidable within the channel. The support arm is pivotally attached to the slide support. The mounting member is coupled to an end of the support arm and is adapted to support either a keyboard or a monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: CyberOptics Corporation
    Inventors: Steven A. Rose, John T. McElreath
  • Patent number: 6550734
    Abstract: Cantilevered apparatus for supporting a wired device such as a microphone, video camera, lamp, or illuminated microscope in any desired position comprising boom arms having a U-shaped channel which receives the wire for the device. A method of supporting the wired device wherein the wire can be easily removed and replaced, and yet is essentially hidden from view in most directions, is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: LBP Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas G. Spadea
  • Patent number: 6478279
    Abstract: An adaptor bracket for attaching a keyboard arm having a plate to a base frame wherein the adaptor bracket includes a housing having a projecting hook at one end and a projecting flange at the other end and the hook is adapted to fit over a slide member of the base frame and further wherein the adaptor is connectable to the slide member by engaging the hook with the slide member and attaching the flange to the slide member with a fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: CompX International Inc.
    Inventor: Peter M. Barber
  • Patent number: 6471165
    Abstract: The surgical microscope with a stand, the microscope having altogether up to six degrees of freedom and being fixed on the microscope mounting by means of elements of the stand which has two vertical pivoting axes and for the height adjustment a parallelogram linkage with weight compensation is distinguished by the fact that the microscope is mounted on the stand by means of a third vertical axis, a first further axis perpendicular to said third vertical axis and a second further axis perpendicular to the first further axis, the further axes being designed such that they are essentially perpendicular to the optical axis of the microscope objective and can be adjusted by motor, and the further axis that is closer to the microscope permitting a lateral pivoting of the viewing direction and the further axis that is arranged between the third vertical axis and the further axis that is closer to the microscope permitting a pivoting of the viewing direction forward/backward or upward/downward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Moller-Wedel GmbH
    Inventor: Lorenz Twisselmann
  • Patent number: 6364265
    Abstract: A swivel mounting bracket couples a heavy and cumbersome object to a casing attached to an undersurface. Slide members can attach the mounting bracket to the casing and allow the mounting bracket to be extendable. The mounting bracket comprises a support surface, and a bridge integral with the support surface. A rotatable plate slides and releasably locks in between the support surface and the bridge. The plate attaches to the object to be mounted, and allows the object to rotate with respect to the desk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Accuride International, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles A. Milligan, Avi Bilu
  • Patent number: 6302811
    Abstract: A height adjustable basketball goal system has a backboard with a hoop attached. A hollow vertical support member has brackets proximate its upper end. An upper and a lower support each having a pair of support arms attached at one end to the backboard and at the other ends to the brackets in a prism-like shape. A fulcrum is attached to the vertical support, and a lever arm is attached at one end to one of the upper and lower supports. A linear actuator is disposed within the hollow vertical support member and is pivotally linked to the lever arm. The linear actuator moves the end of the lever arm and in doing so deforms the parallelogram structure to effect arcuate movement of the backboard and hoop thus changing the height of the backboard and hoop relative to a playing surface. The linear actuator is connected to a rack and pinion or jack screw operable by the user to urge the linear actuator and in turn the lever arm to move the backboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventor: Michael Topham
  • Patent number: 6286794
    Abstract: A computer workstation mounting device is provided which permits devices to be accessed by operators in a variety of positions including sitting, standing, or from a wheelchair. The invention permits said devices to be moved in a wide variety of vertical, horizontal, and rotational ranges of motion, and permits the devices to be moved clear of the work area while performing other tasks, or safely moved to a position near the ceiling for security or additional workspace conservation. The invention uses a simple, low maintenance counterweight principle for its vertical travel. It also possesses a simple tilt and swivel mechanism, swivel bracket (32), and dual parallelogram arm assembly for its horizontal and rotational ranges of motion. The invention also incorporates the counterweight principle for maintaining the data cables (14) in an organized, aesthetically pleasing manner without loops or kinks through all ranges of motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventor: Bradley Harbin
  • Patent number: 6273382
    Abstract: A keyboard support device having a structure for being slidably secured to an underside of a desktop. The structure includes first and second side members. First and second tray support side members are vertically adjustably secured to respective structure first and second side members. The tray support side members are positionable between a lowest position and a highest position. A keyboard support is secured to the first and second tray support members. The keyboard support includes a front portion pivotably secured to the tray support members such that the keyboard support can be tilted to a downwardly sloping position away from the front portion while the vertical position of the front portion remains substantially the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: Gregory L. Pemberton
  • Patent number: 6270047
    Abstract: There is disclosed an adjustable tilt mechanism for a keyboard support platform. The keyboard support platform is of the type that includes a linkage for connecting the platform to a work surface. The linkage further includes connecting arms which pivotally connect the keyboard support platform to the work surface. The adjustable tilt mechanism of the present invention includes a tilt adjustment member that is movable transversely relative to the pivot axis of the platform. Engaging the tilt adjustment member is an angled shaft which is fixed to the platform between the sides of the platform. The tilt adjustment member is also pivotal about a second fixed shaft that is parallel to the pivot axis of the platform. A releasable latching member is mounted on the connecting arms for engaging and releasing the tilt adjustment member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: CompX International Inc.
    Inventor: Randy Hudson
  • Patent number: 6199809
    Abstract: A keyboard support device includes a frame and a link pivotally secured to a base at a pin and a shaft respectively, and a support pivotally secured to the frame. A bolt is detachably engaged through the support and the frame and the link for securing the support to the frame and the link before the support is adjusted to the required height and angular position relative to the frame. The bolt has a head secured to the support and is prevented from rotating relative to the support. A spring may elevate the support relative to the base to the required height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: May Chung Hung
  • Patent number: 6186458
    Abstract: A support arm has a support structure and an arm structure connected to the support structure through a pivotal connection for pivoting about a horizontal axis. A device is provided for adjusting the elevation of the arm structure by pivoting it about the horizontal axis. A support base is connected to the arm structure through a pivotal connection for pivoting relative to the arm structure about an axis that is parallel to the horizontal axis. A support member is connected to the support base through a pivotal connection for pivoting about a vertical pivot axis, and auxiliary structure such as an air extraction arm may be connected to the support member. A linkage between the support base and the support structure maintains the pivot axis of the support base parallel to a vertical axis as the elevation of the arm structure is adjusted, and avoids the auxiliary structure from swinging under the influence of gravity to a neutral position different from that desired by an operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Henning Hansen
  • Patent number: 6179733
    Abstract: A mobile or permanently fixed basketball goal system wherein the backboard and hoop can be adjusted to a desired height by a user. The goal has a vertical support member having a base end, a backboard end and an intermediate portion, and a backboard including a hoop. Crossmembers pivotally connect the backboard to the vertical support member on one side of the backboard end to form an adjustable parallelogram. At least one of the crossmembers extends beyond the vertical support member to an extension end. In one embodiment, a weighted pad and clamp are fixedly adjustable within a continuous range on the support member and connect with the extension end via an extension member. Movement of the pad and clamp acts to raise or lower the backboard and hoop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Indian Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John K. Story
  • Patent number: 6176456
    Abstract: A keyboard support mechanism employs a mounting member adapted to be fixed to a base, such as a desk or table top; a support adapted to support a keyboard; upper link having its front and rear ends connected to the support and mounting member by first and second pivot pins; a lower link having its front end connected to the support by a third pivot pin and its rear end formed with a bearing surface slidiably and pivotally enagaging the second pivot pin; and a locking device for selectively maintaining the support at a desired vertical position relative to the mounting member, wherein such locking device includes a downwardly facing planar locking surface on the mounting member and an upwardly facing curved locking surface on the rear end of the lower link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Weber Knapp Company
    Inventor: Michael G. Wisniewski