Patent Publication Number: US-2013233984-A1

Title: Height-adjustable stand

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The instant disclosure relates to a height-adjustable stand; more particularly, to a height-adjustable stand adaptable to a screen/monitor. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     A screen/monitor typically is incapable of standing stably by itself on a mounting surface. A support stand mounted to the rear portion of the screen/monitor is required to arrange the screen/monitor stably on the mounting surface, such as the surface of a table. One type of the abovementioned support stand is a height-adjustable stand, as described in a Taiwan patent (Pat. No. M311200, Pat. Appl. No. 095218265). 
     However, existing stands such as the one mentioned hereinabove is compatible with only a particular sized monitor having a certain weight. Accordingly, for various sized monitors on the market, the manufacturers must provide different sized support stands. Much manufacturing cost is thus wasted. 
     In addition, while storing or transporting the existing support stands, the height of the support stands must be minimized, such that the support stands would occupy least amount of space. This procedure keeps the spring member often found in the support stands at a stressed state, which may result in elastic fatigue. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The object of the instant disclosure is to provide a height-adjustable stand adaptable to a screen/monitor. The stand of the instant disclosure can prevent the occurrence of elastic fatigue to the spring and is adaptable to different sized monitors/screens. 
     For disposing on a working surface, the stand of the instant disclosure comprises: a base disposed on the working surface; a frame slidably disposed on the base; a plurality of springs, where one end of each spring is fixed to the base; and a plurality of force members corresponding to respective springs, where each force member is capable of engaging independently and selectively to the frame and the respective spring. When the frame rides along the base, the force members are urged into a sliding motion. Accordingly, a counter force is generated by the corresponding springs. The frame may be maintained at any position between a first position and a second position. 
     Preferably, at least one of the force members is forced to move by the frame. 
     Preferably, the base includes a support and a stopping member. The frame is slidably disposed on the support, while the stopping member is fixedly mounted on the support. The stopping member is capable of blocking the force members. 
     Preferably, the aforementioned springs are constant-force springs. Each of the constant-force springs has a rolled portion and a tip portion. The rolled portion of each constant-force spring is received by the corresponding force member. The tip portion of each constant-force spring is fixed to the base. 
     Preferably, each of the force members has a main portion defining a receiving structure. The rolled portion of each constant-force spring is accommodated by the receiving structure of the corresponding force member. 
     Preferably, when the constant-force spring is at its natural position, the corresponding force member is abutted by the stopping member. Each force member defines a retaining hole through which a corresponding retaining member of the stopping member is led. 
     Preferably, the springs are tension springs. Each of the tension springs has a main body, where a pair of raised hooks is formed on opposite ends of the main body. The respective raised hooks of each tension spring are fixedly mounted to the corresponding force member and the stopping member. 
     Preferably, the stopping member has a plurality of arms. Each force member has a main portion defining a receiving structure. The respective raised hooks of each tension spring are fixed to the receiving structure of the corresponding force member and the corresponding arm of the stopping member. 
     Preferably, the support defines a plurality of elongated guide slots extending parallely to the stretching direction of the tension springs. The main portion of each force member is fitted with a coupler, where the main portion and the corresponding coupler are movably disposed on the support and capable of riding along the guide slots. 
     Preferably, each of the force members includes a locking stud connected to the frame. 
     Based on the foregoing, the height-adjustable stand provided by the instant disclosure utilizes the force members and the frame to prevent elastic fatigue during product storage or transportation. The stand itself is also adaptable to monitors/displays having different sizes. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a height-adjustable stand without a locking stud for a first embodiment of the instant disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the stand in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional side view of the stand in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the stand in  FIG. 1  fitted with the locking studs, where a frame is at a highest position. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional side view of the stand in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 5A  is a partial enlarged view of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the stand in  FIG. 4  with the frame being at the lowest position. 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional side view of the stand in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a stand without the locking stud for a second embodiment of the instant disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded view of the stand in  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional side view of the stand in  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the stand in  FIG. 8  fitted with the locking studs, where the frame is arranged at the highest position. 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional side view of the stand in  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the stand in  FIG. 11  with the frame being arranged at the lowest position. 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional side view of the stand in  FIG. 13 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     In order to further appreciate the characteristics and technical contents of the instant disclosure, references are hereunder made to the detailed descriptions and appended drawings in connection with the instant disclosure. However, the appended drawings are merely shown for exemplary purposes, rather than being used to restrict the scope of the instant disclosure. 
     First Embodiment 
     Please refer to  FIGS. 1˜3 , where a height-adjustable stand is provided by the instant disclosure for disposing on a working surface  4  (e.g., a tabletop). The stand comprises a base  1 , a sliding mechanism  2 , and a plurality counter force-generating mechanisms  3 . For this particular embodiment, three counter force-generating mechanisms  3  are employed. 
     In certain condition, all of the counter force-generating mechanisms  3  are engaged to the sliding mechanism  2  and capable in being displaced. In other cases, none of the counter force-generating mechanisms  3  are engaged to the sliding mechanism  2 . For still other conditions, some of the counter force-generating mechanisms  3  are engaged to the sliding mechanism  2 , while the remaining counter force-generating mechanisms  3  are not engaged to the sliding mechanism  2 . 
     The sliding mechanism  2  is slidable with respect to the base  1  along a first direction Z (i.e.: perpendicular to the working surface  4  and directed upwardly). The sliding capability allows the sliding mechanism  2  to be selectively disposed at any position between a first position and a second position. The first position is defined as the highest position, where the sliding mechanism  2  is farthest away from the working surface  4 . Whereas the second position is defined as the lowest position, where the sliding mechanism  2  is closest to the working surface  4 . 
     The description that follows immediately is for the case where none of the counter force-generating mechanisms  3  are engaged to the sliding mechanism  2 , while the sliding mechanism  2  is disposed at the highest position. 
     The base  1  includes a base plate  11 , a support  12 , a pair of tracks  13 , a stopping member  14 , and three pairs of retaining members  15 . The base plate  11  is arranged on the working surface  4  and circular shaped. However, the exact shape of the base plate  11  is not restricted thereto. The support  12  has a main plate  121  and a pair of sidewalls  122  normally extended from opposite sides thereof. The main plate  121  and the sidewalls  122  are rectangular shaped and cooperatively define a receiving space  123 . 
     The long axis of each sidewall  122  is directed toward the first direction Z. A second direction Y is defined to be normal to the main plate  121  and the first direction Z and directed rightward in  FIG. 2 . Whereas a third direction X is defined to be normal to the first and second directions Z, Y and directed leftward in  FIG. 2 . However, the first, second, and third directions X, Y, and Z may be changed arbitrarily by the designer and are not restricted to the perpendicular relationship of the exemplary embodiment. 
     For the orientation shown in  FIG. 2 , the top portion of the main plate  121  defines three fastening holes  1211 . The main plate  121  and the sidewalls  122  are fixed to the base plate  11 . Each of the tracks  13  is strip-shaped with its long axis parallel to the first direction Z. The tracks  13  are fixed to the respective sidewalls  122  and face toward one another. 
     The stopping member  14  is accommodated in the receiving space  123  and has an L-shaped cross-section. Structurally, the stopping member  14  has a rest plate  141  and a stop plate  142  extending normally therefrom. 
     The long axes of the rest plate  141  and the stop plate  142  are parallel to the third direction X. The rest plate  141  further has three via holes  1411 , and the stop plate  142  defines three pairs of through holes  1421 . 
     To anchor the stopping member  14  to the main plate  121  of the support  12 , screws (not labeled) are passed through the via holes  1411  of the rest plate  141  and the fastening holes  1211  of the support  12 . 
     The retaining members  15  are penetrated through the through holes  1421  of the stop plate  142  in parallel to the first direction Z and fixed to the stop plate  142 . The protruded portion of each retaining member  15  passing through the stop plate  142  is directed away from the rest plate  141 . 
     The sliding mechanism  2  includes a frame  21 , a pair of slide bars  22 , and a divider  23 . The frame  21  has a substantially plate shaped central body  211  and a pair of side plates  212  extending normally from opposite sides thereof. The long axes of the central body  211  and the side plates  212  are parallel to the first direction Z. For the orientation shown in  FIG. 2 , the bottom portion of the central body  211  defines three penetrating holes  2111 . 
     A monitor (not shown) may be mounted on the frame  21 , where the mounting method is not restricted. For example, the monitor may be mounted directly or indirectly to the frame  21  per user&#39;s preference. 
     Each of the slide bars  22  is strip-shaped and its long axis is parallel to the first direction Z. The slide bars  22  are fixed on the outer surfaces of the respective side plates  212  facing away from each other. 
     The divider  23  is disposed in a region defined by the central body  211  and the side plates  212 . The divider  23  has a fixing plate  231  and a pair of partition walls  232  extending therefrom pararllely to the second direction Y. 
     The fixing plate  231  is substantially rectangular shaped and its long axis is parallel to the third direction X, and the fixing plate  231  has three securing holes  2311 . 
     One side of the fixing plate  231  is secured to the inner surface of the central body  211  of the frame  21 . The securing holes  2311  of the fixing plate  231  correspond to the penetrating holes  2111  of the frame  21 . 
     The interconnection between the base  1  and the sliding mechanism  2  is described herein. The slide bars  22  are movably disposed on the respective tracks  13 , where the slider bars  22  are operable synchronously. The slide bars  22  allow the frame  21  and the divider  23  to be movably received in the receiving space  123 . In other words, the slide bars  22  may ride along the tracks  13  in a direction parallel to the first direction Z. 
     Each counter force-generating mechanism  3  includes a spring  31 , a force member  32 , and a coupler  33 . Since all of the counter force-generating mechanisms  3  are the same, one of the counter force-generating mechanisms  3  is used as an example for explaining its structural characteristics and operating method hereinbelow. 
     For the instant embodiment, the spring  31  is a constant-force spring  311 . The constant-force spring  311  is disposed in the receiving space  123 , where the constant-force spring  311  has a rolled portion  3111  and a tip portion  3112 . For the orientation shown in  FIG. 2 , the upper region of the tip portion  3112  defines a mounting hole  3113 . 
     The rolled portion  3111  is arranged between the stop plate  142  and the base plate  11 , while the tip portion  3112  is secured in between the main plate  121  of the support  12  and the rest plate  141  of the stopping member  14 . A screw (not labeled) is passed through the corresponding via hole  1411  of the rest plate  141 , the mounting hole  3113  of the tip portion  3112 , and the corresponding fastening hole  1211  of the main plate  121  in sequence to secure the tip portion  3112  of the constant-force spring  311  on the support  12 . 
     Please refer to  FIG. 5A  in conjunction with  FIGS. 1˜3 . The abovementioned force member  32  has a main portion  32   a  that is substantially cubic shaped. The main portion  32   a  defines a reversed U-shaped slot  321  on the upper portion thereof and a pair of retaining holes  322  close to the U-shaped slot  321 . Whereas the bottom region of the main portion  32   a  defines a circular receiving structure  323 . The main portion  32   a  further has a ridge  328  cooperatively defined by the U-shaped slot  321 . 
     The constant-force spring  311  is fitted to the main portion  32   a  of the force member  32 . Namely, the rolled portion  3111  of the constant-force spring  311  is received by the receiving structure  323  of the force member  32 . The corresponding retaining member  15  is passed through the retaining hole  322  of the main portion  32   a.    
     It is worth noting the main portions  32   a  are separated from each other by the corresponding partition wall  232  of the divider  23 . While the main portion  32   a  holds the corresponding constant-force spring  311 , the partition wall  232  prevents the main portion  32   a  from tilting. If the main portion  32   a  is tilted, the corresponding operation of the constant-force spring  311  is adversely affected. 
     The coupler  33  is a U-shaped plate member. The coupler  33  is received by the U-shaped slot  321  and caps the ridge  328 . Furthermore, the coupler  33  does not protrude from the main portion  32   a.    
     More specifically, the opposite side portions of the coupler  33  cover the respective faces of the ridge  328 . The opposite side portions of the coupler  33  further define a pair of side holes  331 , and the ridge  328  defines a center hole  324 . The side holes  331  and the center hole  324  correspond to the respective securing hole  2311  of the divider  23  and are parallel to the second direction Y. The uncapped region of the main portion  32   a  defines a blind hole  325 , where the blind hole  325  is in axial alignment with the side holes  331  and the center hole  324 . 
     Based on the above, for the first embodiment shown in FIGS.  1 ˜ 3 , the counter force-generating mechanisms  3  are not connected to the sliding mechanism  2 . In other words, the constant-force springs  311  of the counter force-generating mechanisms  3  do not carry the sliding mechanism  2  and the mounted monitor. 
     Thereby, when the frame  21  of the sliding mechanism  2  is being adjusted from the highest to lowest position, the counter force-generating mechanisms  3  remain idle. In other words, the distance between the counter force-generating mechanisms  3  and the working surface  4  remains substantially the same. 
     Thus, when the stand is being stored or transported, the frame  21  of the sliding mechanism  2  may be adjusted to the lowest position to minimize the space occupied by the stand. The constant-force springs  311  of the counter force-generating mechanisms  3  remain unstretched. Accordingly, the issue of elastic fatigue can be prevented. However, during the transporting process, to keep the frame  21  of the sliding mechanism  2  from sliding aimlessly, styrofoam is typically used to package the frame  21  to restrict its movement. 
     Now refer to  FIGS. 4 ,  5 , and  5 A, which illustrate each of the counter force-generating mechanisms  3  are engaged to the sliding mechanism  2 . The description provided hereinbelow relates to the frame  21  of the sliding mechanism  2  oriented at the highest position. 
     Each of the force members  32  further includes a locking stud  32   b  (i.e.: an inserted shaft). For the instant embodiment, a screw is utilized as the locking stud  32   b . The locking stud  32   b  is oriented in a direction parallel to the second direction Y. Moreover, the locking stud  32   b  passes through the penetrating hole  2111  of the frame  21 , the securing hole  2311  of the divider  23 , the side holes  331  of the coupler  33 , the center hole  324  of the ridge  328  in sequence and is partially received in the blind hole  325  of the main portion  32   a.    
     For the coupler  33 , one of the side holes  331  that is arranged in close to the blind hole  325  is threaded. Correspondingly, the locking stud  32   b  has a threaded portion that is threadably engageable with the threaded side hole  331 . The diameter of the blind hole  325  is slightly less than that of the threaded portion of the locking stud  32 . Thus, when the threaded portion of the locking stud  32  is passed through the coupler  33  and driven into the blind hole  325 , a tight fit is provided between the locking stud  32   b  and the main portion  32   a . The tightness alarms the user that the locking stud  32   b  has already penetrated the coupler  33  and into the blind hole  325 . 
     Besides using the screw, other types of design may be applied to the locking stud  32   b . For example, the locking stud  32   b  may take the form of a button (not shown). With the button-like configuration, the user can press the locking stud  32   b  to engage/disengage the corresponding counter force-generating mechanisms  3  to/from the sliding mechanism  2 . Alternatively, the force member  32  and the coupler  33  may be replaced by the locking stud  32   b  alone to interact with the constant-force spring  311  and a similar effect would be achieved. 
     In other words, the counter force-generating mechanism  3  may utilize the locking stud  32   b  for connecting to the sliding mechanism  2 . Thus, the loads caused by the sliding mechanism  2  and its supported article (e.g., monitor) are transferred to the constant-force springs  311 . 
     When the frame  21  of the sliding mechanism  2  is adjusted from its highest position (as shown in  FIG. 4 ) to the lowest position (as shown in  FIG. 6 ), the force member  32  of each counter force-generating mechanism  3  is urged to move accordingly through the corresponding locking stud  32   b.    
     More specifically, when the frame  21  of the sliding unit  2  is adjusted to the lowest position (i.e.: adjusting the frame  21  of the sliding unit  2  from the highest position shown in  FIG. 4  to the lowest position shown in  FIG. 6 ), the state of the counter force-generating mechanism  3  is shown in  FIG. 7 . The applied force in moving the frame  21  of the sliding unit  2  is transferred to the main portion  32   a  of each force member  32  through the corresponding locking stud  32   b . This transferred force enables the main portion  32   a  to disengage away from the corresponding retaining member  15 , as the main portion  32   a  and the frame  21  of the sliding mechanism  2  jointly move downward. While moving downward, the rolled portion  3111  of each constant-force spring  311  is pressed against by the corresponding main portion  32   a . The pressing force unrolls the rolled portion  3111 , where the constant-force spring  311  is changed from its relaxed state (fully rolled up) to an extended state (partially straightened). 
     The length of the straightened segment of the rolled portion  3111  is approximately the same as the distance travelled by the frame  21  of the sliding mechanism  2 . In other words, the respective distance travelled by the frame  21  of the sliding unit  2  and the counter force-generating mechanisms  3  with respect to the working surface  4  are substantially the same. 
     When the frame  21  of the sliding mechanism  2  is changing its position, regardless the length of the straightened segment of the rolled portion  3111 , a substantially constant counter force is provided by the constant-force spring  311  directed in an upward direction. The counter force is approximately the same as the total weight of the sliding unit  2  and its supported article (monitor). The sliding unit  2  and its supported article may be selectively stopped at any position along the tracks  13 . 
     Furthermore, the counter forces between respective constant-force springs  311  do not need to be identical. Depending on the total weight of the sliding unit  2  and supported article, the user may change the number of counter force-generating mechanisms  3  that are engaged to the sliding mechanism  2  (i.e.: some counter force-generating mechanisms  3  may remain unengaged). Thus, the sliding unit  2  and the supported article may be stopped arbitrarily along the tracks  13 . 
     For example, the counter forces for a constant-force spring A, a constant-force spring B, and a constant-force spring C are 1 unit, 2 units, and 4 units, respectively. The table below shows the possible combination in using the springs. 
                                                 Total Counter           Spring (s)   Force                          Constant-Force Spring A   1           Constant-Force Spring B   2           Constant-Force Spring C   4           Constant-Force Spring A + B   3           Constant-Force Spring A + C   5           Constant-Force Spring B + C   6           Constant-Force Spring A + B + C   7           None   0                        
In other words, seven possible scenarios are presented, with each scenario having a particular total counter force exerted by the spring (s). When no spring is utilized, as shown in  FIGS. 1˜3 , the total counter force is zero.
 
     Alternatively, one of the force members  32  may be permanently connected to the sliding mechanism  2 . For example, after the locking stud  32   b  has penetrated the penetrating hole  2111 , the securing hole  2311 , the side holes  331  of the coupler  33 , the center hole  324  of the main portion  32   a , and into the blind hole  325  in sequence, the locking stud  32   b  is welded to the sliding mechanism  2 . Thus, the sliding mechanism  2  now has an inherent counter force. 
     Second Embodiment 
     Please refer to  FIGS. 8˜10 , which show a second embodiment of the instant disclosure. The instant embodiment is similar to the previous embodiment, where the same description is not repeated herein. The main difference being for the instant embodiment, the aforementioned constant-force spring is replaced by a tension spring. Furthermore, the instant embodiment is without the divider  23 . The counter force-generating mechanism  3  and the components connected thereto also vary from the previous embodiment. The abovementioned differences are discussed in detail hereinbelow. 
     The description that follows immediately is with regard to when the counter force-generating mechanisms  3  are disconnected from the sliding mechanism  2 , and where the frame  21  is oriented at the highest position. 
     In a direction parallel to the first direction Z, the main plate  121  of the support  12  further defines a plurality of elongated guide slots  1212  (only two guide slots can be seen in the figures). For the instant embodiment, the number of guide slots  1212  is three, and each of the guide slots  1212  is spaced apart from each other. The stopping member  14  is accommodated by the receiving space  123 . The stopping member  14  includes the rest plate  141 , the stop plate  142  normally extended from one side of the rest plate  141 , and a plurality of L-shaped arms  143  protruding from an edge portion of the stop plate  142  and being spaced apart from each other. 
     Fasteners (not shown), such as screws, are utilized to pass through the via holes  1411  of the rest plate  141  and the fastening holes  1211  of the support  12 , for fixing the stopping member  14  to an inner surface of the main plate  121  of the support  12  that defines the receiving space  123 . 
     The stand of the instant embodiment also utilizes three counter force-generating mechanisms  3 . Each counter force-generating mechanism  3  includes the spring  31 , the force member  32 , and the coupler  33 . Since all three counter force-generating mechanisms  3  have the same structural features, the description provided hereinbelow describes one of the counter force-generating mechanisms  3  in detail. 
     The spring  31  used in the instant embodiment is particularly a tension spring, which is represented by the numeral  312 . The tension spring  312  is disposed in the receiving space  123 , where the tension spring  312  has a main body  3121  and a pair of raised hooks  3122  extending from opposite ends thereof. The main body  3121  is arranged between the stop plate  142  and the base plate  11 . One of the raised hooks  3122  is hung on the corresponding arm  143  of the stopping member  14 . 
     For the instant embodiment, the main portion  32   a  of the force member  32  is substantially cylindrical-shaped. The main portion  32   a  is divided into a first sub-portion  326  and a second sub-portion  327  separated by the receiving structure  323  formed centrally on the main portion  32   a . The second sub-portion  327  has a greater diameter than the first sub-portion  326 . The retaining hole  322  is formed on an end portion of the first sub-portion  326  facing away from the second sub-portion  327 . The end portion of the second sub-portion  327  facing away from the first sub-portion  326  defines the blind hole  325 . 
     The first sub-portion  326  has a non-circular cross-section, where the smallest width of the first sub-portion  326  is substantially the same as the width (not labeled) of the guide slot  1212  in the direction parallel to the third direction X. The first sub-portion  326  is inserted into the corresponding guide slot  1212 . Whereas the blind hole  325  is aligned axially to the corresponding penetrating hole  2111  of the frame  21 . The other raised hook  3122  of the tension spring  312  is hung on the receiving structure  323  of the main portion  32   a.    
     The coupler  33  has a fastening plate  332  and a protrusion  333  extended therefrom. The side hole  331  is formed through the fastening plate  332  and the protrusion  333 . The side hole  331  is shaped matchingly to the first sub-portion  326 . 
     For the portion of the side hole  331  formed on the protrusion  333 , the first sub-portion  326  is received therein. The fastening plate  332  is abutted to the outer surface of the main plate  121  of the support  12 . Screws (not labeled) are passed through the side holes  331  of the coupler  33  and the retaining holes  322  of the main portions  32   a . Thus, the coupler  33  and the main portions  32   a  are paired to move jointly along the corresponding guide slot  1212 . 
     Based on the above, the counter force-generating mechanisms  3  of the instant embodiment shown in  FIGS. 8˜10  are not connected by any means to the sliding mechanism  2 . In other words, the tension springs  312  of the counter force-generating mechanisms  3  are not exposed to applied loads from the sliding mechanism  2  and the mounted article (e.g., monitor). 
     Thereby, when the frame  21  of the sliding mechanism  2  is adjusted from the highest to the lowest positions while under the exerted force, the counter force-generating mechanisms  3  remain at the same position. In other words, the distance between the counter force-generating mechanisms  3  and the working surface  4  remains constant. 
     Now refer to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , which show the state where the counter force-generating mechanisms  3  are engaged to the sliding mechanism  2 . Again, the description that follows immediately is for the state when the frame  21  of the sliding mechanism  2  is arranged at the highest position. 
     For the three force members  32 , each force member  32  further includes one locking stud  32   b . For the instant embodiment, a screw is utilized as the locking stud  32   b . The locking stud  32   b  is passed through the corresponding penetrating hole  2221  of the frame  21  and the blind hole  325  of the main portion  32   a , along a direction parallel to the second direction Y. 
     Other than the screw, the locking stud  32   b  may take on other form. For example, the locking stud  32   b  may be a button (not shown). The user can press the locking stud  32   b  to connect the corresponding counter force-generating mechanism  3  to the sliding mechanism  2 . 
     Therefore, by utilizing the locking stud  32   b , the corresponding counter force-generating mechanism  3  of the instant embodiment can be connected to the sliding mechanism  2 . The connection allows the tension springs  312  to bear the loads, which are the sliding mechanism  2  and the mounted article (e.g., the monitor). 
     When the frame  21  of the sliding mechanism  2  is adjusted from the highest position ( FIG. 11 ) to the lowest position ( FIG. 13 ), the counter force-generating mechanisms  3  are moved accordingly through the respective locking studs  32   b.    
     More specifically, when the frame  21  of the sliding mechanism  2  is moving toward the lowest position (i.e.: the frame  21  is adjusted from the position shown in  FIG. 11  to the position shown in  FIG. 13 ), the applied force to the frame  21  is transferred to each main portion  32   a  through the corresponding locking stud  32   b  (as shown in  FIG. 14 ). The main portion  32   a  stretches the corresponding tension spring  312  and moves along with the frame  21  downwardly. The main body  3121  of the tension spring  312  is stretched by the applied force. 
     The stretching length is approximately the same as the distance travelled by the frame  21 . In other words, the respective distances travelled by the frame  21  and the counter force-generating mechanisms  3  with respect to the working surface  4  are substantially the same. 
     The description provided thus far is for describing the frame  21  of the sliding mechanism  2  oriented at the highest and lowest positions. However, in practice, the counter force provided by each tension spring  312  directed upwardly varies according to the stretching distance of the corresponding tension spring  312 . In other words, the allowable range where the frame  21  and its mounted article (e.g., monitor) may stop arbitrarily along the tracks  13  is probably more restricted. 
     For example, the sliding mechanism  2  and the mounted article have a total weight W, and the tension springs  312  have a total counter force F. The maximum frictional force of the stand is f. When W+f□F□W−f, the sliding mechanism  2  and the mounted article may be stopped arbitrarily. However, for the instant embodiment, the allowable height adjustment may be more restricted relative to the previous embodiment. 
     Like the previous embodiment, the counter force provided by each tension spring  312  may be different. The locking studs  32   b  may be utilized to establish different spring combinations. 
     Thus, when the stand is being stored or transported, the counter force-generating mechanisms  3  are not connected to the sliding mechanism  2 . When the frame  21  of the sliding mechanism  2  is adjusted to the lowest position to minimize the occupied space by the stand, the springs  31  of the counter force-generating mechanisms  3  remain unstretched. Thus, elastic fatigue can be prevented. 
     Furthermore, based on the total weight of the sliding mechanism  2  and the mounted article, an appropriate number of counter force-generating mechanisms  3  may be connected to the sliding mechanism  2 , while other counter force-generating mechanisms  3  remain unconnected. Thus, the frame  21  and the mounted article may be adjusted to a desired elevation according to the user. 
     The descriptions illustrated supra set forth simply the preferred embodiments of the instant disclosure; however, the characteristics of the instant disclosure are by no means restricted thereto. All changes, alternations, or modifications conveniently considered by those skilled in the art are deemed to be encompassed within the scope of the instant disclosure delineated by the following claims.