Patent ID: 8931748
Filing Date: 2015-01-13
Classification: F16M,Y10S

Abstract:
1. An arm for supporting an electronic device, the arm comprising: a base portion having a support mount that is attachable to a support surface such that the base portion is secured to the support surface when the support mount is attached to the support surface; an articulating portion having a first end, a second end, a top surface, and a range of angular positions, the first end being connected to a first endcap and being rotatable about a first pivot axis that corresponds with the first endcap, wherein the first endcap is connected to the base portion, the second end being connected to a second endcap, the range of angular positions comprising a positive range wherein the slope of a line drawn along the top surface from the first end to the second end has a positive value, a horizontal angular position wherein the slope of the line has a value of zero, a negative range wherein the slope of the line has a negative value, a maximum positive angular position, a maximum negative angular position, and a negative rotational direction, the articulating arm being operationally configured to maintain a substantially constant relative rotational position between the first endcap and the second endcap throughout the range of angular positions, the articulating portion further comprising upper and lower channel members that remain parallel to each other as the articulating portion is moved through its range of angular positions; a cable having first and second connection points, the first connection point being located within the articulating portion; a force-supplying component connected to the first or second connection point, the force-supplying component being operationally configured to exert a restorative force through the cable so that a supporting force is exerted on the articulating portion, the supporting force acting to oppose rotation of the second end of the articulating portion in the negative rotational direction; and a pivoting member including a bearing surface having a profile, the bearing surface being located such that it maintains contact with the cable throughout the range of angular positions, the profile being shaped so that the supporting force increases as the articulating portion is rotated from the maximum positive angular position to the horizontal angular position and decreases as the articulating portion is rotated from the horizontal angular position to the maximum negative angular position, wherein the pivoting member rotates with the articulating portion about the first pivot axis and wherein the second connection point of the cable is located external to the articulating portion and not directly on the bearing surface, wherein the pivoting member and the articulating portion are pivotable about a pin having a non-circular cross section.