Supports – Brackets – Adjustable
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-30
2001-08-14
Ramirez, Ramon O. (Department: 3632)
Supports
Brackets
Adjustable
C248S284100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06273383
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an extension arm apparatus for mounting electronic devices, and more specifically to an extension arm that can house the cables to and from the electronic devices within the extension arm.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Adjustable extension arms for mounting electronic devices, such as computer monitors or televisions, are well known in the prior art. The extension arms normally include a plurality of arms connected together so that an electronic device mounted thereto can be adjusted with respect to all three axis. That is the device may have a first arm pointing in the x-direction, a second arm pointing in the y-direction connected to the first arm, and a third arm pointing in the z-direction connected to the second arm. The arms are usually made of a rigid material, such as steel, so that they can support the weight of an electronic device mounted thereto. Manufacturing the extension arm from steel produces an extension arm that is relatively heavy. Moreover, as steel is relatively expensive, it follows that the cost of the extension arm is also relatively expensive. Furthermore, manufacturing an extension arm from steel requires additional manufacturing steps, such as painting, in order to produce a product with a finished look.
Alternatives to steel, such as plastic, have been considered, but have been rendered not practical because these materials do not have the required strength necessary for an extension arm. Thus, there is a need for an extension arm that is strong enough to support the weight of electronic devices that will be mounted thereto, but that is cheaper and less expensive than steel. Moreover, it would desirable for the extension arm to be able to house the cables for an electronic device therewithin and provide easy access to the cables. Furthermore, it would also be desirable for the extension arm to be able to be manufactured with a finished look with minimal or no manufacturing steps purely associated with providing the finished look.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention, in accordance with one embodiment, relates to an extension arm that can be manufactured at a low cost while maintaining a high strength. The extension arm is inexpensive and easy to manufacture and assemble, and permits cables to and from an electronic device to be housed therein.
According to one embodiment, the extension arm consists of an arm mount, a main arm, and a forearm extension. Each of these components includes at least one plate and one tube, each made of a rigid material, such as steel, and connected together by, for example, welding. The diameter of the tubes is large enough so that power and data cables can fit therewithin. Each of these components is then coated with a finishing material, such as plastic, to provide a finished look. Preferably, the finishing material is applied to the components by cast molding. Advantageously, the finishing material creates a channel on one side of the plates, which can be used to house cables. In order to be able to hide the cables within the channel from view while providing easy access to them, it is preferable to have a removable channel cover placed over the channels.
This embodiment provides an extension arm that has the required strength to support electronic devices, has a finished look, and can hide cables therewithin. That is, the steel within the extension arm provides the necessary strength while the plastic provides the finished look. Since, the entire arm is not made of steel the weight of the extension arm as well as the cost is greatly reduced. Moreover, the cost is reduced because the manufacturing required to provide a finished look is significantly reduced.
According to one embodiment, the arm mount includes a first tube connected perpendicular to a first plate by, for example, welding. The first tube has a hole formed therein so that cables can be inserted in the hole and travel through the interior of the tube. The mount is then coated with the finishing material, such as plastic, to give it a finished look.
According to one embodiment, the main arm includes a second tube, a second plate and a third tube. The second plate has holes formed in each of two opposite sides. The second tube is connected to the second plate so that an inner diameter of the second tube is aligned with one of the holes. The third tube is connected to the second plate so as to be aligned with the other hole. The main body is then coated with the finishing material to provide a finished look and a first channel above a surface of the second plate upon which a cable can travel. A first channel cover is provided to place over the first channel so as to hide the cables therein.
According to one embodiment, the forearm extension includes a fourth tube, a third plate and a fifth tube. The third plate has holes formed in each of two opposite sides. The fourth tube is connected to the third plate so that an inner diameter of the second tube is aligned with one of the holes. The fifth tube is connected to the third plate so as to be aligned with the other hole. The forearm extension is then coated with a finishing material to provide a finished look and a second channel above a surface of the third plate upon which a cable can travel. A second channel cover is provided to place over the second channel so as to hide the cables therein.
According to one embodiment, the second tube has a diameter that is less than the diameter of the first tube so that it can be placed within the first tube. The second tube has a height control device, such as a collar, adjustably connected to an outer surface thereof. The height control device has a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the first tube so that it rests upon the top of the first tube when it comes in contact with the first tube. That is, the height control device prevents the second tube from entering further into the first tube and thus maintains the second tube at a set height. The second tube can rotate within the first tube.
According to one embodiment, the fourth tube has a diameter that is less than the diameter of the third tube so that it can be placed within the tube. The fourth tube has a slot formed in an outer surface thereof and the third tube has a lip formed in an inner surface thereof so that the third and fourth tubes can be locked together while still allowing the fourth tube to rotate within the third tube.
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DeLuca J.
Innovative Office Products, Inc.
Lerner David Littenberg Krumholz & Mentlik LLP
Ramirez Ramon O.
LandOfFree
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