Patent ID: 6076785
Filing Date: 2000-06-20
Classification: A47B,F16M

Abstract:
An adjustable support apparatus for supporting a computer keyboard adjacent an associated work surface, the work surface having an underside and a front edge, the apparatus comprising:parallel link means having forward and rearward portions, the parallel link means having an upper member and a lower member;a mounting bracket adapted for attachment to the underside of the work surface;a rear housing pivotally and slidably attached to the mounting bracket and adapted for pivotal attachment to the rearward portion of the parallel link means;a front housing adapted for pivotal attachment to the forward portion of the parallel link means;a keyboard support platform pivotally attached to the front housing;lift assist means for assisting in lifting the keyboard support platform, the lift assist means including a pneumatic cylinder located within the parallel link means for counterbalancing the weight of the keyboard placed on the keyboard support platform, a clevis attached to one end of the pneumatic cylinder, and a threaded shaft in threaded engagement with the clevis, wherein the clevis slides up and down the threaded shaft in response to the threaded shaft rotating; andmeans for releasably locking the parallel link means at a selected position;wherein the attachment of the rearward portion of the parallel link means to the rear housing is spaced sufficiently below the underside of the work surface to permit the positioning of the keyboard support platform adjacent to the vertical plane at the front edge of the work surface in a range of positions extending from the work surface to a position substantially above the work surface; andwherein the threaded shaft and the clevis are located within the rear housing, and a desired position of the one end of the pneumatic cylinder within the rear housing is selected by rotating the threaded shaft until the pneumatic cylinder substantially counterbalances the weight of the keyboard.