Patent Publication Number: US-2007108791-A1

Title: Lifting device for a display

Description:
This is a Continuation-in-Part of application Ser. No. 10/428,674 filed may 5, 2003. The entire disclosure of the prior application, application Ser. No. 10/428,674 is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      1. Field of the Invention  
      The present invention relates to a device for lifting and lowering visual displays, such as television sets, video monitors, art pieces, flat plasma displays and the like.  
      2. Background of the Invention  
      The development of television technology has been very progressive, with television sets becoming very large and thin. The most recent aspect of this technology is thin, flat plasma TV displays. Since it is preferable to hide a display when not in use, there is a need for a lifting device, which would enclose a plasma display within any type of cabinet, and elevate the display above such cabinet. Existing devices are esthetically unsightly or impractical. For example, U.S. Design Pat. No. 6,494,150 provides a lift having a very heavy construction and does not provide a way of mounting the lift along its height. Since prior art lifts can only be attached at their base, they lack vertical stability and therefore are unlikely to be used successfully as a lift for a Plasma TV. Accordingly, a lift device is needed, which is compact, light, efficient, stable and safe.  
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      An aspect of the invention is to provide a simple, practical and safe design, which can work with different types and sizes of plasma displays. An embodiment of the present invention includes a sliding frame within a frame construction, where two frames slide independently inside or outside a third fixed frame.  
      An illustrative embodiment of the invention is designed to be light and compact. For example, it is possible to make the lift as thin as 1¾″ for lower weight visual displays and 2¼″ thick for heavy weight visual displays. A plasma TV or visual display may be mounted to the lift by two horizontally placed display-supporting bars. A mounting height of the bars may be adjustable. In an exemplary embodiment, the lifting device itself is mounted along its full height, to a back panel (e.g., ¾″ Veneer Core Plywood), which replaces an original furniture back. This is done because in many cases, the back of the furniture is made out of ¼″ thick MDF or Flake Board, for example, which doesn&#39;t provide enough stability to support the weight of a lift and the display. A further aspect of the invention is an achievement of horizontal and vertical stability, which is lacking in the prior art. In an embodiment, the stability is achieved by mounting the lift directly to a vertical surface along its full height.  
      The present invention is also highly efficient. In an exemplary embodiment, a small dimensioned 24VDC right angle gear motor is used, which is hidden inside the lift&#39;s enclosure. High efficiency is further achieved with the use of ball bearing slides and Teflon based lead screw nuts. Lifting action is provided, for example, with a combination of ¾″ lead screws, chains or belts and pulleys or roller chain sprockets.  
      In an exemplary embodiment, a visual display comprises a mounting frame, a mounting frame and a plurality of movable frames comprising a first movable frame slidably engaged to the mounting frame; a second movable frame slidably engaged to the first movable frame; at least a third movable from slidably engaged with the second movable frame. A last of the plurality of movable frames is configured to support a display. At least one linear actuator engages the first movable frame to raise and lower the first movable frame, the linear actuator is disposed between the first movable frame and the mounting frame. At least a first pulley is attached to the first movable frame and at least one first pliable member engages the at least one first pulley. A side of the first pliable member is coupled to the mounting frame and another side of the pliable member is coupled with the second frame, such that the second movable frame moves at a greater rate than the first movable frame due to a mechanical advantage provided by the at least one pulley.  
      At least a second pulley is attached to the second movable frame and at least one second pliable member engages the at least one second pulley. A side of the first pliable member is coupled to the first movable frame and another side of the second pliable member is coupled with the third frame, such that the third frame moves at a greater rate than the second movable frame due to a mechanical advantage provided by the at least one second pulley.  
      The movable frames are disposed in relation to each other in one of a retracted configuration and an extended configuration, and at least a portion of the second movable frame extends vertically past a portion of the first movable frame, and at least a portion of the third movable frame extends vertically past a portion of the second movable frame.  
      In an exemplary embodiment, the linear actuator is positioned behind a backside of the visual display when the elevating apparatus is in the retracted configuration, such that a portion of the linear actuator is disposed at a height equal to a height of a portion of the visual display in a horizontal plane.  
      At least a portion of the plurality of movable frames may comprise a panel and ball bearings maybe provided between the first movable frame and the mounting frame.  
      The mounting frame comprises mounting brackets and slide members respectively attached to the mounting frame. A motor is attached to the linear actuator.  
      The plurality of movable frames are provided with at least one support member attached to the visual display. The at least one support member is operable to swivel. The support member may swivel by means of a rotary actuator. The rotary actuator may comprise a motor. A mounting panel may be attached to the mounting frame. The mounting panel may comprise a one piece element.  
      In an exemplary embodiment, the elevating apparatus has a front area where the display is located, and the linear actuator is positioned behind the front area, such that a portion of the linear actuator is disposed at a height equal to a height of a portion of the display in a horizontal plane the elevating apparatus is in the contracted configuration.  
      At least one motor that drives the at least one linear actuator to elevate the display to a desired height, and to lower the display. The at least one linear actuator may comprise a chain, belt, lead screw, ball screw, cable. The at least one linear actuator may also be spring driven, pneumatic, hydraulic, electro-hydraulic, or comprises a rack and pinion.  
      In an exemplary embodiment the visual display comprises a mounting frame and a first movable frame slidably engaged to the mounting frame, such that the first movable frame supports a display. At least one linear actuator engages the first movable frame to raise and lower the first movable frame. The linear actuator is disposed between the first movable frame and the mounting frame. At least a portion of the movable frame configuration may comprise a panel. Ball bearings may be provided between the movable frame configuration and the mounting frame. A motor drives the linear actuator so as to elevate the display to a desired height, and to lower the display. Wherein the at least one linear actuator may comprise a chain, belt, lead screw, ball screw, cable. The at least one linear actuator may also be spring driven, pneumatic, hydraulic, electro-hydraulic, or comprises a rack and pinion.  
      An exemplary embodiment comprises an elevating apparatus for a visual display comprising a mounting frame; a first movable frame slidably engaged to the mounting frame; and a second movable frame to support a display, the second movable frame being slidably engaged to the first movable frame to provide movable frame configuration. A linear actuator engages the first movable frame so as to raise and lower the first movable frame. At least one pulley is attached to the first movable frame and at least one pliable member engages the at least one pulley, wherein one side of the pliable member is coupled to the mounting frame and another side of the pliable member is coupled with the second movable frame. The movable frame configuration is provided with at least one support member attached to the visual display, the support member being rotatable around at least a portion of the movable frame configuration.  
      According to another exemplary embodiment, an elevating apparatus is provided comprising a mounting frame; a first movable frame linearly movable within the mounting frame; and a second movable frame to support an object, the second movable frame being slidably engaged along the first movable frame to provide a movable frame configuration. A linear actuator engages the first movable frame so as to raise and lower the first movable frame. At least a first pulley and a second pulley are attached to the first movable frame and at least one pliable member which engages the first pulley and the second pulley, wherein one side of the pliable member is coupled to a lower portion of the mounting frame and another side of the pliable member is coupled with an upper portion of the mounting frame, a portion of the pliable member is non-movably fixed to the second movable frame, such that the second movable frame moves at a greater rate than the first movable frame due to a mechanical advantage provided by the first pulley.  
      According to an exemplary embodiment, all working parts are fully housed inside the lift&#39;s enclosure and not accessible by user. It is further contemplated that the lift doesn&#39;t have any horizontally placed parts, which could create a cutting action. These features dramatically decrease the chance of injury by a user or child, while the lift is in action, making the present invention a much safer construction than prior lifts, which did not offer a way of enclosing all working parts. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is top view of a single screw exemplary embodiment;  
       FIG. 2  is a front view of an exemplary embodiment in a lowered position;  
       FIG. 3  is front view of an embodiment in an elevated position;  
       FIG. 4  is front view of an exemplary embodiment in an elevated condition; and  
       FIG. 5  is front view of an exemplary embodiment in a lowered condition.  
       FIG. 6  is a front view of an exemplary embodiment;  
       FIG. 7  is a top view of the embodiment in  FIG. 6 ;  
       FIG. 8  is a front view of the embodiment in  FIG. 7 , while being in an extended configuration;  
       FIG. 9  is a top view of a further exemplary embodiment; and  
       FIG. 10  is a front view of the embodiment in  FIG. 9 , while in an extended position.  
       FIG. 11  is a front view of a further exemplary embodiment;  
       FIG. 12  is a top view of the embodiment in  FIG. 11 ;  
       FIG. 13  is a front view of the embodiment in  FIG. 11 , while being in an extended configuration;  
       FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a further exemplary embodiment;  
       FIG. 15  is a top view of the embodiment in  FIG. 14 ;  
       FIG. 16  is a side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 14 ; and  
       FIG. 17  is an alternative arrangement of the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 14 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS  
      Referring now to the  FIGS. 1-3 , an elevating apparatus  1  is shown having a pair of lift-mounting brackets  2  mounted to a mounting panel  3 , and a pair of outer slide members  4  attached to the lift-mounting brackets  2 . A stabilizing bar  3 ′ may also be added along a top of the mounting panel  3  to aid in resisting bending moments exerted upon the mounting panel  3 . A horizontal motor-mount bar  6  is attached to the lift-mounting brackets  2 , and a single shaft right angle gear motor  7  is mounted to the motor-mount bar  6 . A single vertical threaded rod  8  is mounted to a shaft of gear motor  7 . Two pairs of inner slide members  9  are attached to a back panel  10 . Ball bearings  5  are disposed between the inner slide members  9  and the lift-mounting brackets  2 . A horizontal bar  11  is attached to the back panel  10 . A single threaded nut  12  is mounted on the vertical threaded rod  8  and attached to the horizontal bar  11 . A sprockets/pulleys-bar  13  is attached to the back panel  10 . A pair of sprockets/pulleys  14  is attached to the sprockets/pulleys-bar  13  of the back panel  10 . A pair of chains/belts  15  are mounted on the sprockets/pulleys  14  where each is attached to the motor-mount bar  6  at one end and to a horizontal bar  19 , attached to the front panel  16  at the other end. A pair of outer slide members  17  is attached to the front panel  16  and ride on ball bearings  18 . Two display-supporting bars  20  are mounted to the front panel  16 .  
      In operation, the single shaft gear motor  7  rotates the vertical threaded rod  8 . The single threaded nut  12  on the rod  8  is attached to a sliding inner frame  24 . The sliding inner frame  24  comprises the back panel  10 , the four inner slide members  9 , the horizontal bar  11 , the sprockets/pulleys-bar  13  and the threaded nut  12 . The threaded nut  12  is mounted on the threaded rod  8  and attached to the horizontal bar  11 . Rotation of the threaded rod  8  causes the threaded nut  12  and sliding inner frame  24  to rise and fall under control of the motor  7 .  
      An exemplary additional lifting mechanism is provided that includes the two sprockets/pulleys  14  and the two chains/belts  15 , which causes a sliding outer frame  26  with the display-supporting bars  20  to elevate or lower to a height above the height of the retracted apparatus for concealment in shorter cabinet. The front panel  16 , two outer slide members  17  and the horizontal bar  19  constitute the sliding outer frame  26 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 4  an exemplary embodiment further provides for a pair of lift-mounting brackets  2 ′ to be mounted to a mounting panel  3  ( FIG. 1 ), and a pair of outer slide members  4 ′ to be attached to the lift mounting brackets  2 ′. Ball bearings having the same structure as the ball bearings  5  in  FIG. 1  are disposed between the inner slide members  9 ′ and the lift-mounting brackets  2 ′. A horizontal motor-mount bar  6 ′ is attached to the lift-mounting brackets  2 ′, and a double shaft-right angle gear motor  7   a  is mounted to the motor-mount bar  6 ′. A vertical threaded rod  8 ′ is mounted to one end of the double shaft gear motor  7   a , and the vertical threaded rod  8   a  is mounted inside the motor-mount bar  6 ′. Two pairs of inner slide members  9 ′ are attached to a back panel  10 ′. A horizontal bar  11 ′ is also attached to the back panel  10 ′. A pair of threaded nuts  12   a  is mounted on the vertical threaded rods  8 ′,  8   a  and are attached to the horizontal bar  11 ′. A sprockets/pulleys-bar  13 ′ is attached to the back panel  10 ′, and a pair of sprockets/pulleys  14 ′ are attached to sprockets/pulleys-bar  13 ′. A pair of chains/belts  15 ′ are mounted on the sprockets/pulleys  14 ′ and each is attached to the motor-mount bar  6 ′ at one end and to a horizontal bar  19 ′ at the other end. A pair of outer slide members  17 ′ is attached to the front panel  16 ′ and ride on ball bearings having the same structure as the bearings  18  in  FIG. 1 . A pair of display-supporting bars  20  ( FIG. 2 ) are to be mounted to the front panel  16 ′. A pair of sprockets  21  are provide such that one is attached to the shaft of double shaft motor  7   a  and other is attached to vertical threaded rod  8   a . A chain  22  connects the pair of sprockets  21 .  
      In operation, the double shaft gear motor  7   a  rotates the pair of vertical threaded rods  8 ′,  8   a  at the same rate through the set of sprockets  21  and the connecting chain  22 . A first sprocket is attached to one end of double shaft gear motor  7   a , and a second sprocket is attached directly to the second threaded rod  8   a . The two sprockets are connected with the chain  22  to rotate rods in synchrony. The two threaded nuts  12   a  on the rods  8 ′,  8   a , are attached to a sliding inner frame  24 ′. The sliding inner frame  24 ′ comprises the back panel  10 ′, four inner slide members  9 ′, the horizontal bar  11 ′, the sprockets/pulleys-bar  13 ′ and the two threaded nuts  12   a . The threaded nuts  12   a  are mounted on the threaded rods  8 ′,  8   a  and are attached to the horizontal bar  11 ′. Synchronous rotation of the threaded rods  8 ′,  8   a  causes the threaded nuts  12   a  and the sliding inner frame  24 ′ to rise and fall under control of the motor  7   a.    
      An exemplary additional lifting mechanism is provided that includes the two sprockets/pulleys  14 ′ and the two chains/belts  15 ′ and causes a sliding outer frame  26 ′ with the display-supporting bars  20  ( FIG. 2 ) to elevate or lower to a height above the height of the retracted apparatus for concealment in shorter cabinet. The sliding outer frame  26 ′ comprises the front panel  16 ′, the two outer slide members  17 ′ and the horizontal bar  19 ′.  
      A further exemplary embodiment is shown in  FIG. 5  that includes an elevating apparatus  1   b . A pair of lift-mounting brackets  2 ″ are mounted to a mounting panel  3  ( FIG. 1 ), and a pair of outer slide members  4 ″ are attached to lift mounting brackets  2 ″. Ball bearings are provided in the same manner as shown in  FIG. 1 . A horizontal motor-mount bar  6 ″ is attached to the lift-mounting brackets  2 ″ and a double shaft-right angle gear motor  7   a ′ is mounted to the motor-mount bar  6 ″. A vertical threaded rod  8 ″ is mounted to one end of the double shaft gear motor  7   a ′. A vertical threaded rod  8   a ′ is mounted inside the motor-mount bar  6 ″. Two pairs of slide members  9 ″ are attached to a back panel  10 ″ and a horizontal bar  11 ″ is also attached to the back panel  10 ″. A pair of threaded nuts  12   a ′ are mounted on the threaded rods  8 ″,  8   a ′ and attached to the horizontal bar  11 ″. A pair of sprockets/pulleys  14 ″ are attached to the front panel  16 ″ and a pair of chains/belts  15 ″ are mounted on the sprockets/pulleys  14 ″ such that the pair of chains/belts  15 ″ are respectively attached to the motor-mount bar  6 ″ at one end and to the horizontal bar  11 ″ at the other end. A pair of outer slide members  17 ″ is attached to the front panel  16 ″ and ride on ball bearings, as in  FIG. 1 . A pair of display-supporting bars  20  ( FIG. 2 ) are to be mounted to the front panel  16 ″. A pair of sprockets  21 ″ are provided such that one sprocket is attached to a shaft of the double shaft motor  7   a ′ and the other is attached to the vertical threaded rod  8   a ′. A chain  22 ″ connects the pair of sprockets  21 ″.  
      In operation, the double shaft gear motor  7   a ′ rotates the pair of threaded rods  8 ″,  8   a ′ at the same rate through the set of sprockets  21 ″ and the connecting chain  22 ″. The first sprocket is attached to one end of the double shaft gear motor  7   a , and the second sprocket is attached directly to the second threaded rod  8   a ′. The two sprockets  21 ″ are connected with the chain  22 ″ to rotate the rods  8 ″,  8   a ′ in synchrony. The two threaded nuts  12   a ′ on the rods  8 ″,  8   a ′ are attached to a sliding inner frame  24 ″. The sliding inner frame  24 ″ comprises the back panel  10 ″, the four inner slide members  9 ″, the horizontal bar  11 ″ and the two threaded nuts  12   a ′. The threaded nuts  12   a ′ are mounted on the threaded the rods  8 ″,  8   a ′ and are attached to the horizontal bar  11 ″. Synchronous rotation of the threaded rods  8 ″,  8   a ′ causes threaded nuts  12   a ′ and the sliding inner frame  24 ″ construction to rise and fall under control of the motor  7   a′.    
      An additional lifting mechanism comprising the two sprockets/pulleys  14 ″ and the two chains/belts  15 ″ cause a sliding outer frame  26 ″ with the display-supporting bars  20 , to elevate to a desired height or retract for concealment in a shorter cabinet. The sliding outer frame  26 ″ comprises the front panel  16 ″, the two outer slide members  17 ″ and horizontal bar  19 ″.  
      An aspect of the invention is a three-frame system including a frame-within-a-frame design, where two frames slide independently inside of a third one. Moreover, for vertical guides, a combination of ball bearing slides with an open track is used. The frame-within-a-frame construction that uses the open truck slides provides a means to allow an over-extending lift to be attached along its full height.  
      An exemplary embodiment employs standard industrial, rolled coil steel, and a ball bearing slide, in an open truck design. However, it will be understood that any type of slide or vertical guide with an open track design, which provides ability for a frame-within-frame-construction, could be used. The arrangement or the description of the frames or slides may be changed. Therefore, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise than as herein specifically illustrated or described and that certain changes in form and arrangement of parts and the specific manner of practicing the invention may be made within the underlying idea or principles of the invention.  
      In addition, if the lift is used in pairs with a platform attached in between, it could lower large dimensional objects, such as video projectors and regular TV sets.  
      Referring now to the  FIGS. 6-8 , a further exemplary embodiment of an elevating apparatus  28  is shown having a pair of lift-mounting brackets or mounting frame  30  mounted to a mounting panel  34 , and a pair of slide members  38  attached to the lift-mounting brackets  30  to form a frame on which the slide members  38  are mounted. A stabilizing bar  35  may also be added along a top of the mounting panel  34  to aid in resisting bending moments exerted upon the mounting panel  34 . A moveable frame  43  comprises linearly extending side portions  44  that are slidably engaged with the slide members  38 . The moveable frame  43  may also include a base portion  45  extending between the side portions  44 .  
      A linear actuator  46  extends from a base portion  47  of the lift-mounting bracket  30  or an area adjacent thereto to a base  48  of the movable frame  43 , to elevate an object or display to a desired height and to lower the display. A portion of the linear actuator  46  is fixedly attached to the base portion  48 . The linear actuator may comprise, for example, a chain, a belt, a lead screw, a ball screw, a cable, rack and pinion and the like. The linear actuator  46  may also be, for example, spring driven, pneumatic, hydraulic, electro-hydraulic. This linear actuator  45  may also comprise features know in the art to provide a desired lifting force. The base portion  48  is engaged by the linear actuator  46 , such that the base portion  48  is raised and lowered in accordance with the type of linear actuator that is chosen for the application. Ball bearings  50  may be disposed between the slide members  38  and the movable frame  43 . It will be appreciated that ball bearings are described in regard to various embodiments discussed in the application. However, other suitable means for allowing frames to slide along each other may also be used, such as a surface treatment to reduce friction or other types of friction reducing means, if needed.  
      A rotatable support or swivel arm  54  is coupled with the moveable frame  43  via a rotary actuator  62  and is moveable around an axial direction of the lift  28  as represented by the arrows in  FIG. 7 . The exemplary swivel arm of  FIGS. 6-8  includes a cross member  55  having two downwardly extending portions  58 . The rotary actuator  62  may be motor driven or configured to be rotatably supported such that when a force is applied to the swivel arm  54  by a user, the swivel arm  54  is moved. Support members  66  may be attached to the swivel arm  54  to support a display. The support members  66  can be disposed in various configurations to provide a mounting area for the display. The exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 6  illustrates the support members  66  as extending across the swivel arm  54 . It will be appreciated that the number and positioning of support members  66  may change depending on the size and weight of the object or display to be supported. In some cases, a single support member  66  may be sufficient. It is also contemplated that a display may be directly mounted to the swivel arm  54  with an appropriate attachment mechanism.  
      In operation, the linear actuator  46  exerts a lifting force on the moveable frame  43  so that a user may position the swivel arm  54  at a desired position. The linear actuator  46  is also operable to lower the support area and display. Depending on the type of linear actuator used, the lowering force may be provided by a mechanism of the linear actuator or may be gravity assisted at least in part.  
       FIG. 8  illustrates an exemplary display  67 , such as a flat panel or plasma television mounted on the support members  66 . The other exemplary lift embodiments disclosed herein may have a similar type display mounted thereon. It will also be appreciated that all the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to use with such visual displays. For example, the exemplary lifting apparatuses disclosed herein could be used as a portable mini crane or extender, which lifts or lower object, such as lights, speakers, studio microphones, antennas, cutters, for example. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention may also be used in an alternative manner, such as for a table leg to provide adjustable height. It will further be appreciated that the uses for the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the present specification are not limited to the above noted purposes and that embodiments consistent with the present invention may be applied in any appropriate circumstance that requires a controlled lifting motion.  
      Referring now to the  FIGS. 9-10  an exemplary elevating apparatus  80  is shown having a pair of lift-mounting brackets  84  mounted to a mounting panel  88 , and a pair of slide support members  92  are attached to the lift-mounting brackets  84  to form a frame. A base member  96  is attached to a lower portion of the lift-mounting brackets  84 , and a linear actuator  100  is mounted to, or adjacent, the base member  96 . A stabilizing bar  89  may also be added along a top of the mounting panel  88  to aid in resisting bending moments exerted upon the mounting panel  88 . The linear actuator  100  may be similar to that described. A first moveable frame  102  is provided comprising first slide members  104  and second slide members  106 . The first slide members  104  are slidably engaged with the slide support members  92 .  
      The movable frame  102  includes a support section  112  downwardly extending along a side of the movable frame  102 . In an exemplary embodiment, the support section  112  comprises a panel or the like.  
      Ball bearings  108  are disposed between the slide support members  92  and the first slide members  104 , such that the first movable frame  102  is slidably engaged with the slide support members  92 . Similar to the embodiment of  FIGS. 6-8 , the linear actuator  100  extends from the base member  96  to elevate the first moveable frame  102 .  
      A pulley member  116 , such as standard sprocket, pulley or the like is attached to the support section  112  of the first movable frame  102 . A pliable member  120 , such as a chain, belt or the like is mounted on the pulley member  116  and has one end attached to the base member  96  and another end attached to a bottom  122  of a second moveable frame  124 . It will be appreciated that more than one pulley member  116  may be used, along with additional pliable members  120 .  
      The second moveable frame  124  comprises third slide members  128  and fourth slide members  132 . The third slide members  128  are slidably engaged with the second slide members  106  of the first moveable frame  102 . The second movable frame  124  includes a support section  128  downwardly extending along a side of the second movable frame  124 . In an exemplary embodiment, the support section  128  comprises a panel or the like.  
      Ball bearings  128  are disposed between the second slide members  106  and the third slide members  128 , such that the second movable frame  124  is slidably engaged with the first moveable frame  102 . A pulley member  132  or the like is attached to the support section  128  of the second movable frame  124 . A pliable member  136 , such as a chain, belt or the like is mounted on the pulley member  132  and has one end attached to a base  129  of the first movable frame  102  and another end attached to a bottom  140  of a third moveable frame  144 . Similar to above, it will be appreciated that more than one pulley member may be used, along with additional pliable members.  
      The third moveable frame  144  comprises fifth slide members  148  that are slidably engaged with the forth slide members  133  of the second moveable frame  124 . The third movable frame  144  includes a rotatable support or swivel arm  149  that is coupled with the third moveable frame  144  via a rotary actuator  152  and is moveable around an axial direction of the lift, similar to the embodiments of  FIGS. 6-8 . The exemplary swivel arm of  FIGS. 9 and 10  includes a cross member  156  having two downwardly extending portions  160 . The rotary actuator  152  may be motor driven or configured to be rotatably supported such that when a force is applied to the swivel arm  149  by a user, the swivel arm  149  is moved. Support members  164  may be attached to the swivel arm  149  to support a display. The support members  164  can be disposed in various configurations to provide a mounting area for the types of displays or objects described herein. The exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 10  illustrates the support members  164  as extending across the swivel arm  148 . It will be appreciated that the number and positioning of the support members  164  may change depending on the size and weight of the display to be supported. In some cases, a single support member  164  may be sufficient. It is also contemplated that a display may be directly mounted to the swivel arm  148  with an appropriate attachment mechanism.  
      Ball bearings  168  are disposed between the fourth second slide members  133  and the fifth slide members  148  that, such that the third movable frame  144  is slidably engaged with the second moveable frame  124 . Because the pliable member  136  has one end attached to the bottom  140  of the third moveable frame  144 , the third moveable frame  144  is raised in accordance with the mechanical advantage provided by the pulley or sprocket  132  and the pliable member  136 .  
      In operation, the linear actuator  100  exerts a lifting force on the first moveable frame  102 , which thereby imparts a lifting motion to the pulley member  116 . Because one end of the pliable member  120  is attached to the second movable frame  124 , the second movable frame  124  is also lifted along with the pulley member  132 . Also, because one end of the pliable member  136  is attached to the third movable frame  144 , the third movable frame  144  is lifted. Thus, the configuration of pulleys provides various degrees of mechanical advantage such that the successive movable frames  124  and  144  are each raised at a speed faster than a previous moveable frame.  
      Referring now to the  FIGS. 11-13  an exemplary two-stage elevating apparatus  200  is shown having a pair of lift-mounting brackets  204  mounted to a mounting panel  208 , and a pair of slide support members  212  are attached to the lift-mounting brackets  204 . A stabilizing bar  209  may also be added along a top of the mounting panel  208  to aid in resisting bending moments exerted upon the mounting panel  208 . A base member  216  is attached to a lower portion of the lift-mounting brackets  204  to provide a mounting frame, and a linear actuator  218  is mounted to, or adjacent, the support base member  216 . The linear actuator  218  may be similar to that described with regard to the above-noted embodiments. A first moveable frame  222  is provided comprising first slide members  226  and second slide members  230 . The first slide members  226  are slidably engaged with the slide support members  212 .  
      The first movable frame  222  includes a support section  226  downwardly extending along a side of the movable frame  222 . In an exemplary embodiment, the support section  226  comprises a panel or the like.  
      Ball bearings  227  are disposed between the slide support members  212  and the first slide members  226 , such that the first movable frame  222  is slidably engaged with the slide support members  212 . A linear actuator  234  extends from the support base member  216  to elevate the first moveable frame  222 .  
      A pulley member  238 , such as standard pulley, sprocket or the like is attached to the support section  226  of the first movable frame  222 . A pliable member  242 , such as a chain, belt or the like is mounted on the pulley member  238  and has one end attached to the support base member  216  and another end attached to a bottom  246  of a second moveable frame  250 . It will be appreciated that more than one pulley member  238  may be used, along with additional chains or belts  242 .  
      The second moveable frame  250  comprises third slide members  254  that are slidably engaged with the second slide members  230  of the second moveable frame  250 , via bearings  255 . The second movable frame  250  includes a rotatable support or swivel arm  258  that is coupled with the second moveable frame  250  via a rotary actuator  262  and is moveable around an axial direction of the lift, similar to the above-noted embodiments. The exemplary swivel arm of  FIGS. 11-13  includes a cross member  266  having two downwardly extending portions  270 . The rotary actuator  262  may be motor driven or configured to be rotatably supported such that when a force is applied to the swivel arm  258  by a user, the swivel arm  258  is moved. Support members  274  may be attached to the swivel arm  258  to support a display and may be disposed in various configurations, similar to the above-noted exemplary embodiments. The exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 11  illustrates the support members  274  as extending across the swivel arm  148 . It will be appreciated that the number and positioning of the support members  274  may change depending on the size and weight of the display to be supported. In some cases, a single support member  274  may be sufficient. It is also contemplated that a display may be directly mounted to the swivel arm  148  with an appropriate attachment mechanism.  
      Referring now to the  FIGS. 14-16  an exemplary two-stage elevating apparatus  300  is shown having a base or mounting frame  304  for containing a linear actuator  308 , a first moveable frame  312  and a second movable frame  316 . The linear actuator  308  may be of the type comprising, for example, a chain, a belt, a lead screw, a ball screw, a cable, rack and pinion and the like. The linear actuator  308  may also be, for example, spring driven, pneumatic, hydraulic, electro-hydraulic.  
      Although not shown, the first movable frame  312  and the second movable frame  316  may be engaged with each other using slide members and bearings as discussed in the above embodiments. Other suitable means of engaging together the first and second movable frames  312  and  316  may also be used to reduce friction and allow the frames to slide along each other. It will be appreciated that the movable frames may also be disposed so that they do not need additional assistance to facilitate to their sliding engagement. Also, if needed, a friction reducing material may be disposed between the movable frames and between the movable frames and mounting frame.  
      A first pulley  320  is attached to a lower portion of the first moveable frame  312  and another pulley member  324  is attached to an upper portion of the first movable frame  312 . The pulley members  320  and  324  may be in the form of a standard pulley or sprocket, or the like, for example. A pliable member  328  is engaged with the pulley members  320  and  324 , which may be in the form of a belt or chain, or the like. The pliable member  328  has a first end fixed to a lower area  332  of the base  304  at a first connection point  334  and a second end fixed to an upper area  340  of the base  304  at a second connection point  342 . A fastener  344  is attached to the second movable frame  316  for fixedly securing the pliable member  328  to the second moveable frame  316  so it does not move. The pliable member  328  is fixed to the second movable frame  316  at the fastener  344  so that when the pulley member  324  is raised, an upward force is applied to the second moveable frame  316  to raise the second moveable frame  316 .  
      The linear actuator  308  is provided with an attachment piece  348  for mounting the first movable frame  312 . The linear actuator  308  is operable to raise and lower the attachment piece  348  and, thus, raise and lower the first movable frame  312 . The attachment piece  348  may be connected to the first movable frame  312  by using fastening techniques know in the art.  
      In operation, the linear actuator  308  raises the attachment piece  348 , which in turn raises the first movable frame  312 , along with the pulley members  320  and  324  that are attached to the first moveable frame  312 . Accordingly, an upward force is applied to the second moveable frame  316  due to the pliable member  328  being attached at the fastener  344 .  
      The second movable frame  316  includes a rotatable support or swivel arm  352  that is coupled with the second moveable frame  316  via a rotary actuator  356 , which is best seen in  FIG. 15 . The swivel arm  352  is moveable around an axial direction of the lift, similar to the above-noted embodiments. A cross member  360  is provided that has two downwardly extending portions  364 . The rotary actuator  356  may be motor driven or configured to be rotatably supported such that when a force is applied to the swivel arm  352  by a user, the swivel arm  352  is moved. Support members  360  may be attached to the swivel arm  352  to support a display and may be disposed in various configurations, similar to the above-noted exemplary embodiments. It will be appreciated that the configuration of the swivel arm  352  and support members  360  may change depending on the element or object to be supported by the elevating apparatus  300 .  
      The exemplary embodiment of  FIGS. 14-16  may also be used in an alternative manner by being mounted to a ceiling or other similar elevated surface. As shown in  FIG. 17 , the apparatus  300  includes the same features represented in  FIGS. 14-16 , while substituting a platform  368  for the swivel arm  352 . The bottom  372  of the base  304 , or an area proximate thereto, is mounted on a ceiling or otherwise elevated surface. Thus, the apparatus  300  is operable to lower and raise a device, such as a display or object, which is attached to the platform  368 . It will be appreciated that the rotary actuator  356  and swivel arm  352  in the embodiment of  FIGS. 14-16  may be used in the embodiment of  FIG. 17  in place of the platform  368 . Likewise, the platform  368  of  FIG. 17  may be used in place of the rotary actuator  356  and swivel arm  352  in the embodiment of  FIGS. 14-16 .  
      In the above-described exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated that a display or object may be mounted in various configurations, such as to a last moving frame, or to the swivel arm, or to the support members. Also, the platform  368  of  FIG. 17  may be rotatable by providing an actuator, or other rotating means, between the platform  368  and the last frame, such as  316 .  
      The previous description of the exemplary embodiments is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the present invention. Moreover, various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles and specific examples defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without the use of inventive faculty. Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments described herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope as defined by the limitations of the claims and equivalents thereof.