Patent ID: 8801319

Claim:
A support arm comprising; a proximate support arm segment; a distal support arm segment; a hinge system having a proximate end pivotally connected to the proximate support arm segment at a proximate pivot, the proximate pivot providing angular motion in a plane substantially perpendicular to a lifting plane of the proximate support arm segment and a distal end pivotally connected to the distal support arm segment at a distal pivot, the distal pivot providing angular motion in a plane substantially perpendicular to a lifting plane of the distal support arm segment; an elastic tensile member having a first end and a second end, the tensile member first end extending into and secured at a termination point either the proximate support arm segment or the distal support arm segment and beyond the associated pivot, and the tensile member second end extending into and secured at a termination point either the proximate support arm segment or the distal support arm segment and beyond the associated pivot, the tensile member thereby biasing one or both of the proximate support arm segment and the distal support arm segment about the proximate pivot or the distal pivot; wherein the termination point is not coincident with the proximate pivot or the distal pivot and, an axle disposed substantially parallel to, and in an area between, the proximate pivot and the distal pivot, and wherein the tensile member is disposed at least partially around the axle.