Patent Application
20090092441
The present invention relates to an apparatus that connects a device to a support, and more particularly, to a mechanical arm with multiple connections that allow the device to move into various positions and orientations.
Mechanical support arms utilizing four bar linkage assemblies are utilized in a variety of settings. Such arms are typically used to support loads at adjustable locations. For example, in a dental office or operatory setting, instruments, devices and fixtures may be supported by a mechanical, or “flex,” arm within reach of the practitioner. The arm typically includes a brake mechanism for locking the load in a selected position. When the brake is released, the load-bearing end of the arm may be raised or lowered as desired. The load-bearing end typically supports a fixture which maintains a selected level with respect to vertical and horizontal reference planes.
In a typical arrangement, an elongated arm member is pivotally fastened at a first end to an end post. The end post may be fixed or movable, but in any case comprises an anchor for the mechanical arm. A second end of the arm is pivotally fastened to a support post, which comprises a connection mechanism for a positionable load. The pivot axis of the arm member at the end post is ordinarily horizontally disposed so that the load-bearing end can be moved up or down vertically. A mechanism may also be provided to permit the arm to pivot around a vertical axis at the end post. The pivot axis of the arm member at the support post is also typically disposed in a general horizontal configuration. The head fixture is typically connected through a mechanism providing for pivoting around an approximately vertical axis at the support post.
Conventional four-bar assemblies used in dental and operatory flex arms are mechanically complex, yet do not allow for a broad range of movement. Moreover, they are often difficult to disassemble in the field for maintenance. It is generally impractical for a clinician to effect adjustments of spring tension and leveling. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved mechanical arm assembly for use in dental and medical operatories as well as other environments.
One aspect of the invention includes an apparatus that may be used to movably connect a device to a support. The apparatus may be a mechanical arm with multiple connections that allows the device to move into various positions and orientations. The connections may include a coupling attached to a connection assembly that movably secures a coupling to an elongated member. The device may be an instrument or fixture for dental or medical use, such as an operating room light, a dental examination light, a liquid crystal display (LCD), delivery head, a mirror, etc. The support may be attached to a surface such as a ceiling, floor, chair, wall, or cabinet.
Another aspect of the invention is an apparatus that includes at least two connection assemblies. The connection assemblies may be removably attached and allow the position and orientation of the apparatus to be easily adjusted. Each of the connection assemblies may provide a pivot point which allows rotation through use of sufficient force and provide a mechanism for removably securing a coupling at desired increments. For example, the connection assembly may allow the coupling to be rotated at increments of fifteen (15) degrees. Thus, the pivotal connection allows the apparatus to be moved between positions. The pivotal connection also allows the height of the device to be readily adjusted.
In a further aspect, the apparatus includes couplings movably attached to connection assemblies offset on a single side of an elongated arm. The connection assemblies allow the couplings to be removed and attached at a different orientation. Because the pivot points are provided on the side of the assembly rather than on the top and bottom, the mounting configuration of the assembly can be easily changed without redesign.
In yet another aspect, the apparatus may be a mechanical arm including an elongated member with a body and a cover that may be removably connected by at least one fastener, such as a bolt. The elongated member may include a gasket disposed between the body and the cover. The two-piece design allows for adjustment of internal mechanisms, such as connecting mechanism, biasing mechanisms, conduits or power sources. The two-piece design also forms a passage through the arm that permits tubing and wires to be passed therethrough, which acts to conceal tubing and wires in the arm.
While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming that which is regarded as the present invention, this invention can be more readily understood and appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art from the following description of the invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
Although the foregoing description contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention, but merely as providing illustrations of some representative embodiments. Similarly, other embodiments of the invention may be devised that do not depart from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Features from different embodiments may be employed in combination.
Reference will now be made to the drawings. Like elements are identified by like numerals. The drawings are not necessarily to scale.
As illustrated in
The support 14 may be used to support the assembly 10 and to secure the assembly 10 to a stationary point. The support 14 may be, for example, a post that may be mounted to a surface, such as the ceiling or floor, chair, wall, or cabinet. The support 14 may be pivotally connected to the coupling 20a at a connection 16a to allow the apparatus 10 to rotate about the support 14. In some embodiments, the support 14 may be movably or pivotally attached to an opening in the coupling 20a to allow the apparatus 10 to rotate to a desired configuration. For example, the support 14 may be received within the opening by interference or friction fit to attach the support 14 to the coupling 20a, as shown in
The coupling 20a may have a generally L-shaped or angled configuration forming an angle of about ninety (90) degrees, or may alternatively have any other desired angle and suitable shape. For example, the coupling 20a may have a tubular elbow shape such as that shown in
The connection assembly 26 may be used to movably secure the coupling 20a to the elongated member 18 by a friction or interference fit. As a non-limiting example, the first connection assembly 26 may include a fasteners 28a and 28b, a block 30, a capture plate 32 and bushings (not shown), each of which is configured to form a stacked assembly. The block 30 may include an aperture 34 through which the fastener 28a may be inserted as well as an attachment point 36 for attaching a biasing member, such as a spring. The block 30 may be formed from a metal, such as steel, or any other suitable material. The capture plate 32 includes apertures 38 that extend through the capture plate 32 and align with threaded openings 24 in the coupling 20a. The capture plate 32 may be formed from a metal, such as aluminum, or any other suitable material. The bushing (not shown) is configured to surround the perimeter 40 and a contact surface 42 of the capture plate 32. The connection assembly 26 may form a pivot point which allows rotation of the coupling 20a about the elongated member 18. The connection assembly 26 allows the coupling 20a to be movably connected to the elongated member 18. The fastener 28a may be inserted through the aperture 34 in the block 30 and a selected aperture 38 in the plate 32, and may be removably secured to the coupling 20a via a threaded opening 24. The bushings (not shown) substantially reduce wear and friction on the plate 32, the coupling 20a and the internal surface 44 of the elongated member 18 while further restraining the motion of the connection assembly 26. The compression of the connection assembly 26 against the internal surface 44 of the elongated member 18 allows coupling to be selectively moveable upon application of pressure sufficient to overcome the frictional forces.
Referring to
As shown in
The elongated member 18 may form part of a housing that may contain, for example, a power source, a conduit, connection assemblies, or any type of biasing member, such as a spring or piston. The body 54 and the cover 56 may be detached from one another to allow, for example, the connection to be adjusted or to move the biasing member to a desired position. For example, the elongated member 18 may include a counterbalance spring to facilitate adjustment of the apparatus 10. The counterbalance spring may be positioned such that it provides support for the device at a desired height while providing fluid up and down motion. The counterbalance spring may consist of a spring attached within the elongated member 18. The counterbalance spring provides a force which substantially counterbalances the gravitational force acting on the apparatus 10. The counterbalance spring may include a first end attached to a movable point and a second end attached to a vertical fixed point. For example, the first end of the counterbalance spring may be attached to the block 30 or the plate 32 of the connection assemblies 26 and a second end of the counterbalance spring may be attached to a fixed point, such as a squaring arm (not shown), within the elongated member 18. One skilled in the art will appreciate that other suitable counterbalances could also be used in connection with the apparatus 10.
A connection assembly 26 may be used to movably attach the second elongated member 18 to another coupling 26b. The connection assembly 26 may include fasteners 28a and 28b, a block 30, a capture plate 32 and bushings (not shown), each of which is configured to form a stacked assembly, as described above and illustrated in
The coupling 20b may have a generally L-shaped or angled configuration forming an angle of about ninety (90) degrees, or have may any other desired angle and suitable shape. For example, the coupling 20b may have a tubular elbow shape such as that shown in
The bracket 17 may be attached to the apparatus 10 by another coupling 26 attached by a snap, interference or friction fit. The bracket 17 may include one or more connecting members such as flanges (not shown), that allow the bracket 17 to be connected to the device 12, as shown in
Thus, the apparatus 10 may be used in a variety of applications in a dental or operatory setting. Because the apparatus 10 includes multiple pivotal connections offset on at least one side as well as adjustable connections, the orientation of the apparatus may be easily reversed.
Although the foregoing description contains many specifics, these are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention, but merely as providing certain representative embodiments. Similarly, other embodiments of the invention can be devised which do not depart from the spirit or scope of the present invention. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated and limited only by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the foregoing description. All additions, deletions, and modifications to the invention, as disclosed herein, which fall within the meaning and scope of the claims, are encompassed by the present invention.
