Patent ID: 7448583
Filing Date: 2008-11-11
Classification: A61B,F16M,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A supporting device for a monitor for use in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a main body and a monitor installed to the main body for displaying ultrasound images, the supporting device comprising: a base frame rotatably mounted to the main body and including two opposing side walls; a first arm hingedly jointed at one end thereof to each of the side walls by means of hinge shafts; a second arm disposed under the first arm and being hingedly jointed at one end thereof to each of the side walls by means of hinge shafts; two connecting member for interlocking the first and second arms, each of the connecting members being hingedly coupled to the other end of the first arm and the other end of the second arm by means of hinge shafts, the other ends of the first and second arms being interposed between the connecting members; two supporting shafts mounted to the connecting members, respectively, and extending in parallel with the hinge shafts; a pair of brackets for supporting the monitor, the brackets being rotatably mounted to the supporting shafts, respectively, the monitor being fixed to the brackets; and means for maintaining the monitor stationary at a certain position by providing the arms and the brackets with a force for restraining the arms and the brackets from being rotated with respect to the base frame and the connecting member against a moment due to a weight of the monitor, wherein the means for maintaining the monitor stationary includes a spring washer fitted to the hinge shafts and the supporting shafts for pressing the arms and the brackets toward the base frame and the connecting member, respectively, to generate a force for restraining the rotation of the arms and the brackets, and a nut coupled to the hinge shafts and the supporting shafts for compressing the spring washer, wherein as the nut is tightened, the spring washer is compressed and the resilient restoring force of the spring washer increases the force for restraining the rotation of the arms and the brackets.