Apparatus for supporting modular and cooperating components

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 6508370
  • Patent Number
    6,508,370
  • Date Filed
    Monday, May 7, 2001
    23 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, January 21, 2003
    21 years ago
Abstract
An apparatus for supporting modular and cooperating components which includes a base assembly, a work surface, a vertical support pole extending upward from the work surface, at least one bushing concentrically engaging the vertical support pole at a particular axial location, at least one support arm extending radially outward from the bushing, and at least one support surface secured to the support arms in a position substantially orthogonal to the support pole, which minimizes the space requirements for supporting modular and cooperating components, particularly in an office environment. The support apparatus according to the present invention increases the functionality of the modular and cooperating components without exposing the modular and cooperating components to unnecessary risk of harm.
Description




BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION




1. Field of the Invention




The present invention relates in general to techniques for arranging and supporting modular, cooperating components such as, for example but not limitation, computing equipment, audio equipment, and video equipment.




2. Description of the Prior Art




Recent rapid advances in the computing industries have been driven largely by a reduction in the price of both processing power and computer memory. One result in the increased availability of inexpensive computing equipment is a tremendous increase in consumer demand for modular computing equipment, such as computers, computer displays, printers, and peripheral devices such as tape back-up devices and CD ROM devices. There appears to be an increased integration of computing equipment with traditional audio-visual entertainment devices, such as tuners, amplifiers, equalizers, video cassette recorders, laser discs, CD audio players, CD video players, and display screens of all types.




The computing equipment, audio equipment, and video equipment is still rather expensive and delicate, so conventional cabinet work is frequently utilized for supporting these modular components in the safest possible manner. However, the increased integration of computing equipment, audio equipment, and video equipment necessarily requires increased electrical connectivity between such devices, and it is not uncommon for an operator to frequently reconfigure devices to accomplish a particular short-term goal with such modular equipment. Traditional equipment supporting furniture does not allow easy access to all sides of the modular equipment, in particular the back portions of the modular equipment, and thus frustrates operator-initiated attempts to reconfigure the modular components for a particular purpose. However, since the modular components are still relatively expensive, exposing them to unnecessary risk of damage is generally not considered to be an acceptable risk when compared to the temporal needs of a particular operator.




A need exists for a support apparatus for utilization with modular cooperating components, such as computing equipment, audio equipment, and video equipment, which enhances the overall coordinated functionality of these components without unnecessarily exposing the modular components to risk of damage.




SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION




It is one objective of the present invention to provide an apparatus for supporting modular and cooperating components which includes a base assembly, a substantially planar work surface with a port formed therein, and a vertical support pole extending upward through the port in the work surface, at least one bushing concentrically engaging the vertical support pole at a particular axial location, at least one support arm extending radially outward from the bushing, and at least one support surface secured to the support arms in a position substantially orthogonal to the support pole, which minimizes the space requirements for supporting modular and cooperating components, particularly in an office environment. The support apparatus according to the present invention increases the functionality of the modular and cooperating components without exposing the modular and cooperating components to unnecessary risk of harm.




In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base assembly includes a number of frame segments which cooperate to fully support the load of the vertical support pole and any associated modular and cooperating components which are carried by the vertical support pole. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the substantially planar work surface does not carry the load of either the vertical support pole or the modular and cooperating components which are carried by the vertical support pole. Accordingly, the substantially planar work surface may be formed of any conventional or unconventional material. For example, the substantially planar work surface may be formed from glass or from a fairly brittle stone. This is allowed due to the fact that the substantially planar work surface is not a load bearing surface. It is bolted into place relative to the base assembly. All the loads associated with the vertical support pole and the modular and cooperating components are carried solely by the base assembly.




In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base assembly is comprised of a plurality of modular corner frame members, a plurality of horizontal tie bars which interconnect the plurality of modular corner frame members, and a pole receptacle member which is coupled to a particular one of the modular corner frame members. In accordance with the particular embodiment discussed herein, each of the modular corner frame members are formed from an upper horizontal frame member, a lower horizontal frame member and first and second spaced apart vertical frame members. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the upper and lower horizontal frame members are spaced apart from one another a predetermined distance. The first and second spaced apart vertical frame members extend between the upper and lower horizontal frame members. Preferably, the upper horizontal frame member includes first and second generally orthogonally positioned framed segments. Likewise, the lower horizontal frame member includes first and second generally horizontal frame segments. Preferably, the first and second generally orthogonal positioned frame segments come together at an apex portion. Additionally, and in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the vertical frame members extend between the upper and lower horizontal frame members at locations distally located from the apex portion of the upper and lower horizontal frame members, allowing relatively unrestricted access to the substantially vertical support pole. This is advantageous in that it allows for particular ones of the modular and cooperating components to be placed on a support arm located underneath the substantially-planar work surface. For example, one may want a central processing unit of a personal computer to be located underneath the work surface, while the keyboard and monitor are located on or above the substantially planar work surface.




In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of modular corner frame members include a predetermined number of end portions with connection ports formed therein. The plurality of horizontal tie bars terminate in connection members which releasably mechanically couple with the connection ports of the plurality of modular corner frame members. Preferably, the plurality of horizontal tie bars and the plurality of modular corner frame members do not require positive mechanical locks therebetween during ordinary use.




In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pole receptacle member includes a pair of generally orthogonal connection flanges which are adapted in size to extend between particular orthogonal portions of a particular modular corner frame member. A plate member extends between the generally orthogonal connection flanges. A vertically-lined pole sleeve is coupled to (and through) the plate member. The pole sleeve includes a central bore adapted in size and shape to receive the substantially vertical support pole.




The preferred embodiment of the support apparatus of the present invention further includes at least one bushing, which concentrically engages the substantially vertical support pole at a particular axial location. Preferably, a plurality of bushings are provided, each disposed at a particular axial location relative to the substantially vertical support pole. Each bushing is rotatable relative to the vertical support pole, but preferably over a predetermined rotation range.




Preferably, each bushing includes a hub portion which includes a central bore for concentrically receiving the vertical support pole, a hub pin for maintaining the hub portion in a fixed axial position relative to the vertical support pole, and a bushing insert which is carried within the hub portion, and which includes a particular contoured portion which defines the range of rotation of the particular bushing relative to the base member. More particularly, the bushing insert is adapted to be positioned within the hub portion in a particular orientation. The lowermost portion of the bushing insert extends outwardly of the bushing, and is contoured to provide a surface which slidably engages the hub pin over the predetermined range of rotation. Typically, the region which slidably engages the hub pin is defined by stop members. This contoured configuration is typically referred to as “castellation”.




In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hub pin includes an eyelet portion which is adapted for receiving and securing conductors which extend between the modular and cooperating components. The hub pin also includes a load bearing portion (preferably the shaft portion of an eye-bolt) for engaging the lowermost portion of the hub, and in particular the bushing insert. The hub pin and hub portion engagement serves two functions simultaneously. First, it prevents downward axial displacement of the bushing. Second, it limits the range of rotation depending upon the particular configuration of the base member, as was discussed above. The hub pin thus simultaneously serves three important functions in the present invention.




In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of bushing station ports are provided which extend through the vertical support pole, and which define a plurality of possible axial positions for engagement of bushings. In accordance with the present invention, the orientation of the bushing station ports corresponds to the particular base member provided. In other words, bushing station ports are provided at particular positions which ensure that the modular and cooperating components are maintained within the range of support provided by the particular leg configuration of the base member.




In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hub pin is externally threaded at the end opposite the eye portion. A hub pin retainer member is provided, which includes an internally threaded portion, which couples to the hub pin and prevents inadvertent removal of the hub pin.




The support apparatus of the present invention further includes at least one support surface, each of which is secured to a corresponding cantilevered support arm which extends radially outward from a particular bushing. Preferably, the support arms are orthogonal to the substantially vertical support pole. Loads are applied normal to the support surface and associated support arm. Preferably, the support surfaces are positioned substantially orthogonal to the support pole and are adapted for receiving and supporting the modular and cooperating component's particular axial and angular positions relative to the base member and the substantially vertical support pole




In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, each particular support surface is pivotally coupled to a selected support arm. Preferably, this support surface comprises a single piece of relatively low profile but sturdy material, such as an aluminum sheet. The pivotal coupling between the support surface and the support arm preferably comprises a coupling bore which extends through the support surface (for sturdy support surfaces, such as wooden support surfaces) at a central location, and a coupling pin which extends to the coupling bore and which serves to secure the support surface to the support arm or into a fastening plate or bracket (for less sturdy support surfaces, such as wooden support surfaces). This coupling allows for full 360° degrees rotation of the support surface, to allow any orientation of the modular components that is required by the operator. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a locking member is provided for fixing the rotational orientation of the support surface relative to the support arm. Additionally, male and female mating members are provided between the support surface and the support arm for slightly impeding rotational movement, and especially for impeding vibration-induced rotational movement, which is frequently present during the operation of such components as impact printers.




Additional objectives, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent with reference to the detailed description which follows.











BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS




The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:





FIG. 1

perspective view of one particular embodiment of the support apparatus of the present invention;





FIG. 2

is a pictorial representation of the pole portion of the support apparatus of the present invention equipped with modular computing equipment;





FIG. 3

is a side view of the embodiment of the support apparatus of the present invention depicted in

FIG. 1

;





FIGS. 4

,


5


and


6


depict an alternative embodiment of the support apparatus of the present invention, with

FIG. 5

depicting the apparatus of

FIG. 4

with the work surfaces removed, with

FIG. 6

depicting the support apparatus with the work surface removed and with the frame member components in fragmentary exploded view;





FIGS. 7



a


,


7




b


and


7




c


depict alternative support devices in accordance with the present invention and generally demonstrate the modularity and configurability of the support apparatus of the present invention;





FIG. 8

Depiction of the castellation the support bushing of

FIGS. 11

,


12


, and


13


, which define the range of rotation of the support arm;





FIG. 9

is a detail view of an arm bushing which couples a support arm to the support pole in the support apparatus depicted in

FIG. 1

, seen in cross-section;





FIG. 10

is a perspective and fragmentary view of the support bushing, support arm, and support pole which are depicted in

FIG. 9

;





FIG. 11

is a longitudinal section view of the support bushing A and support pole as seen along section line C-C of

FIG. 9

;





FIGS. 12



a


,


12




b,


and


12




c


depict the utilization of the castellation of the support bushing to provide a restricted range of movement of the associated support arm;





FIGS. 13



a


and


13




b


depict another utilization of the castellation of the support bushing to provide at least a pair of fixed positions of the associated support arm;





FIG. 14

depicts the utilization of no castellation on the support bushing to provide an unlimited range of movement of the associated support arm;





FIGS. 15



a


,


15




b


, and


15




c


depict the utilization of an eye bolt fastener to secure electrical cables which run between the various modular components of the computing equipment;





FIG. 16

detail view of a portion of

FIG. 1

, depicting a coupling of a support arm and a support shelf of the support apparatus;





FIG. 17

is a cross-section view of the detail view of

FIG. 16

of

FIG. 28

; and





FIG. 18

is a view from the bottom of the detail view of FIG.


16


.











DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION





FIG. 1

is a perspective view of one embodiment of support apparatus


11


of the present invention. As is depicted therein, support apparatus


11


includes base assembly


13


which is adapted for engaging a flooring surface


15


and a substantially vertical support pole


17


. A plurality of bushings


21


,


23


, each concentrically engage vertical support pole


17


at a particular axial location. A plurality of support arms


27


,


29


extend radially outward from bushings


21


,


23


at particular orientations relative to one another, and a plurality of support surfaces


33


,


35


are secured to the support arms


27


,


29


, respectively, and are positioned substantially orthogonal to the vertical support pole and adapted for receiving and supporting modular and cooperating components at particular axial and angular positions relative to base assembly


13


and vertical support pole


17


.




A substantially planar work space


30


is secured to base assembly


13


through a plurality of bolts or screws


12


. A support pole port


32


extends through a predetermined portion of substantially planar work space


30


. Substantially planar work space


30


does not support any of the loads associated with vertical support pole


17


or any of the modular and cooperating components which may be carried thereon. A receptacle member (concealed in the new

FIG. 1

) carried the entire mechanical load of vertical support pole


17


and distributes it directly to base assembly


13


. This load can be considerable.





FIG. 2

depicts a portion of vertical support pole


17


of

FIG. 1

, with an additional bushing


19


, support arm


25


, and support surface


31


, supporting modular computing equipment. As is shown, printer


37


is disposed on support surface


31


at a particular axial and angular position relative to base assembly


13


and vertical support pole


17


. Central processing unit and associated mass memories


39


are supported by support surface


35


in a particular and angular position relative to base assembly


13


and vertical support pole


17


. Monitor


41


is supported by support surface


33


at a particular axial and angular position relative to base assembly


13


and vertical support pole


17


. Cabling


43


extends between the modular and cooperating components which make up the data processing system depicted in FIG.


2


. The present invention is not intended to be limited for utilization in supporting components of a data processing system, and is intended to support all types of modular and cooperating components, including audio components and video components. The present invention may be utilized to support a combination of computing, audio, and video components in a particular location, with subgroupings of these components comprising cooperating components, and with not all of the components cooperating together.





FIG. 3

is a side view of the particular embodiment of the support apparatus depicted in FIG.


1


. As is shown, vertical support pole


17


may extend any predetermined distance below substantially planar work surface


30


, and may be utilized to support one or more support arms and support surfaces, such as support arm


42


and support surface


46


in order to maintain any particular component of the modular and cooperating components in a substantially concealed position beneath substantially planar work surface


30


. One particular application of this is the positioning of a central processing unit beneath substantially planar work surface


30


, while the keyboard monitor and other input/output devices are maintained above substantially planar work surface


30


and supported by substantially vertical support pole


17


.





FIGS. 4 through 6

will now be utilized to illustrate various mechanical features and components utilized in the support apparatus of the present invention.





FIGS. 4 and 5

depict one particular embodiment of the support apparatus, with

FIG. 4

depicting the apparatus with substantially planar support surfaces in place, while

FIG. 5

depicts the same apparatus of

FIG. 4

but with the substantially planar support surfaces removed to illustrate various mechanical features and components of the support apparatus.




With reference first to

FIG. 4

, support apparatus


11


includes a base assembly


13


, substantially planar support surfaces


20


,


30


, a plurality of support pole ports extending at various locations through substantially planar work surfaces


20


,


30


, and substantially vertical support pole


17


extending through a particular support pole port


32


, and having one or more bushings


19


, support arms


25


and support surfaces


31


coupled thereto. In the view of

FIG. 4

, a single support arm


25


is depicted for purposes of simplicity. In practice, a plurality of support arms are secured to vertical support pole


17


to locate particular modular and cooperating components relative to one another.





FIG. 5

is a pictorial representation of the embodiment of the support apparatus


11


of

FIG. 4

, but with work surfaces


20


,


30


removed to allow exposition and depiction of the various mechanical features and components. As is shown, base assembly


13


is composed of a plurality of horizontal and vertical components which cooperate together to support the substantially planar work surfaces and to support the loads associated with the substantially vertical support pole


17


and the modular and cooperating components which are carried thereon. As is shown, a plurality of modular corner frame members


201


,


203


,


205


are provided. The plurality of modular corner frame members


201


,


203


,


205


are interconnected with a plurality of horizontal tie bars such as horizontal tie bars


207


,


209


. Modular corner frame member


201


is permanently connected to pole receptacle member


211


. Pole receptacle member


211


includes a substantially vertical and cylindrical pole sleeve


213


which is adapted in size and shape to receive substantially vertical pole


17


. Preferably, the lower portion of pole sleeve


213


is adapted with ports to allow for connecting pin


221


to be passed through ports provided in substantially vertical poles


17


to fix the relative vertical position of substantially vertical pole


17


relative to base assembly


13


. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a variety of adjustment holes are provided within substantially vertical pole


17


to allow for the raising and lower of substantially vertical pole


17


relative to base assembly


13


. Additionally, pole receptacle member


211


includes a metal plate


215


which is permanently secured to pole sleeve


213


(preferably by weldment). Plate


215


is generally triangular in shape, and has its left and right ends formed into flanges


217


,


219


which are adapted to be screwed into position relative to frame assembly


13


. Together, modular corner frame member


201


, pole receptacle member


211


and substantially vertical pole


17


provide a rigid, inflexible, and load bearing structure which passes the loads associated with substantially vertical pole


17


at any modular and cooperating components carried thereon throughout frame assembly


13


. The substantially planar work surfaces coupled to the upper surface of base assembly


13


(preferably by screws or bolts at screw holes


86


) is not a load bearing surface with respect to the loads carried by substantially vertical support pole


17


. As is shown in the view of

FIG. 5

, plate member


215


further includes cable ports


223


,


225


which are generally orthogonally aligned with pole sleeve


213


, and which are adapted to be in alignment with the pole port provided in the substantially planar work surface. Cables for the modular and cooperating components may be passed through either of ports


223


,


225


and the pole port in the substantially planar surface which is directly above either of these. Modesty panels may be secured to the base assembly


13


by bolts or screws at the screw holes


88


which are shown in phantom.





FIG. 6

is a fragmentary and exploded view of a portion of the base assembly of FIG.


5


. In particular, in

FIG. 6

, the relationship between modular corner frame member


201


and the other portions of base assembly is illustrated. As is shown, modular corner frame member


201


includes upper horizontal frame member


251


and lower horizontal frame member


253


. Additionally, modular corner frame member


201


includes first and second spaced apart vertical frame members


265


,


267


. As is shown in the view of

FIG. 6

, upper horizontal frame member


251


includes substantially orthogonally positioned frame segments


255


,


257


which come together at an apex (which is obstructed within the view of

FIG. 6

by substantially vertical support pole


17


). Likewise, lower horizontal frame member


253


includes first and second generally orthogonally positioned frame segments


259


,


261


, which come together at apex


263


. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first and second spaced apart vertical frame members


265


,


267


are located distally from the apexes of the upper and lower horizontal frame members. This allows relatively unrestricted access to the substantially vertical support pole


17


from underneath the substantially planar work surface. Additionally, this allows support arms to be suspended from substantially vertical support pole from beneath the substantially vertical work surface in any location exterior of the base assembly between an arc defined between first and second spaced apart vertical frame members


265


,


267


which spans (in the preferred embodiment) 270°. The advantage of this relative unrestricted access is depicted in the configuration depicted in

FIG. 7



b


which will be discussed below.




As is shown in

FIG. 6

, the modular corner frame member


201


include a predetermined number of end portions with connection ports


281


,


283


,


285


,


287


formed therein. These connection ports are utilized for connection to the horizontal tie members, such as horizontal tie member


209


. As is shown, the connection ports


281


,


283


,


285


,


287


are square (in the preferred embodiment) and sized in a manner which adapts to the male end pieces


291


,


293


of horizontal ties such as horizontal tie


209


. The male members simply slide in position within the connection ports. No screws, bolts or other mechanical positive locks are required. Also shown in the fragmentary view of

FIG. 6

, horizontal tie member


301


is shown with male connector


303


adapted for insertion in connection port


287


.





FIGS. 7



a


,


7




b


and


7




c


depict a variety of the numerous types of configurations which can be obtained utilizing the support apparatus of the present invention. As is shown in the view of

FIG. 7



a


, corner base members


401


,


403


may be utilized to support substantially vertical support poles


405


,


407


. A substantially planar work surface


409


is secured to the upper portion of the base members


401


,


403


(including a horizontal tie member) which is obscured in the view of

FIG. 7



a


). These substantially vertical support poles


405


,


407


support shelf


411


which is load bearing. The loads provided through shelf


411


pass through substantially vertical support poles


405


,


407


to the base members


401


,


403


, without loading substantially vertical work surface


409


.





FIG. 7



b


depicts another embodiment of the support apparatus of the present invention. Modular corner frame members


421


,


423


,


425


in the view of

FIG. 7



b


, modular corner frame member


425


is obscured, vertical support poles


427


,


429


,


431


. A variety of support surfaces are suspended from these vertical support poles


427


,


429


,


431


, including support arm


435


, shelf


437


, shelf


439


and support arm


441


. As is shown in

FIG. 7



b


, support arm


441


is placed low within this support unit, in fact below the work surface


451


.





FIG. 7



c


depicts yet another configuration of the support apparatus of the present invention. As is shown, a plurality of modular corner frame members


461


,


463


,


465


,


467


and


469


are utilized to support a plurality of substantially vertical support poles


471


,


473


,


475


which support a plurality of support arms which are adapted to support modular and cooperating components. A plurality of horizontal tie members connect the modular corner frame members and allow for support of, and connection of, the substantially planar work surfaces.




It will be appreciated that the present invention is modular and will support a variety of particular configurations.




While the particular orientation of the latching cavities and the key-feed port determine the angular orientation of vertical support pole


17


relative to base assembly


13


, the rotational freedom of the modular and cooperating components supported by the various support surfaces determined by the functional components of the bushing members which circumferentially engage vertical support pole


17


at particular axial locations, as will now be described with particular reference to

FIGS. 8

,


9


,


10


, and


11


. As is shown in these figures, bushing


121


includes hub portion


115


which includes a central cylindrical bore


114


which is adapted to receive vertical support pole


17


. As is shown in these figures, hub portion


115


is secured to support arm


117


which extends radially outward therefrom. Bushing


121


further includes hub pin


119


which includes an eyelet portion


123


, a load bearing portion


125


, and an externally threaded fastening portion which is adapted to mate with an internally threaded hub pin retainer member


129


which prevents the inadvertent or accidental removal of hub pin


119


from vertical support pole


17


. As is best depicted in

FIGS. 15



a


and


15




b,


eyelet portion


123


of hub pin


121


is utilized to secure conductors which extend between the various modular and cooperating components in a secure position relative to vertical support pole


17


. Returning now to

FIG. 11

, load-bearing portion


125


of hub pin


119


is utilized to maintain hub portion


115


in a fixed axial position relative to vertical support pole


17


. Also, as is best depicted in

FIG. 11

, externally threaded fastening portion of hub pin


119


engages hub pin retainer member


129


to prevent hub pin


119


from being inadvertently removed from vertical support pole


17


. As is best depicted in

FIG. 11

, a plurality of axially positioning holes, such as holes


133


,


135


of

FIG. 11

are adapted in size to receive load bearing portion


125


of hub pin


119


. In this configuration, hub portion


115


bears down upon load bearing portion


125


of hub pin


119


.




In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, bushing


121


further includes a bushing insert


137


which is preferably formed of plastic, and which includes a radially reduced portion


139


which is adapted to slide inward of hub portion


115


and be disposed in the space between vertical support pole


17


and interior cylindrical surface


114


of hub


115


, and radially enlarged and contoured lower portion


141


. A female mating notch


143


is provided on the lower lip of hub portion


115


, while a male mating notch


145


is provided on the radially-enlarged contoured portion of bushing insert


137


. When these male and female mating portions are aligned, bushing insert


141


is in its proper alignment relative to hub portion


115


. In

FIG. 8

, bushing insert


137


is depicted slightly retracted from the interior cylindrical bore


114


of hub portion


115


of bushing


121


; however, in the view of

FIG. 10

, the male and female portions are depicted as mating, thus indicating a proper orientation of bushing insert


131


relative to hub portion


115


. As is best shown in

FIG. 10

, radially-enlarged contoured portion


139


of bushing insert


137


includes a range limiting portion


147


for slidably engaging hub pin


119


over a preselected acceptable range of rotation, with the range limiting portion being defined between stop members, such as stop members


149


,


151


of

FIG. 10

which prevent further rotation of bushing


121


.




The one possible configurations are best depicted in the views of

FIGS. 12



a


,


12




b


,


12




c


,


13




a


,


13




b


, and


14


. The views of

FIGS. 12



a


,


12




b


,


12




c


, depict hub pin


119


cooperating with castellations or range limiting portions


147


in lower enlarged portion


139


of bushing insert


137


.

FIGS. 12



a


through


12




c


illustrate range limiting portions


147


arranged to provide a 30 ° range of motion.

FIG. 12



a


illustrates support arm


117


at a 30° orientation relative to vertical support pole


17


. In this 30° position, hub pin


119


abuts the end walls of range limiting portions


147


in lower portion


139


of bushing insert


137


.

FIG. 12



b


illustrates support arm


117


in an intermediate position in which hub pin


119


is intermediate the end walls of range limiting portion


147


.

FIG. 12



c


illustrates support arm


117


in a 60° position in which hub pin


119


abuts the end walls of range limiting portions


147


opposite from those abutted in the 30° position illustrated in

FIG. 12



a


. Thus,

FIGS. 12



a


through


12




c


illustrate a pattern of crenellations or range limiting portions


147


that restrict movement of support arm


117


to a 30° range of motion.





FIGS. 13



a


and


13




b


represent an embodiment of the present invention in which lower end


139


of bushing insert


137


is provided with two pairs of crenellations or range limiting portions


147


that are dimensioned to be coextensive with the diameter of hub pin


119


. Thus, two fixed positions of support arm


117


, a 150° position and a 30° position are selectable, depending on which pair of range limiting portions


147


engage hub pin


119


. In this arrangement, support arm


117


is not freely movable but occupies one of two fixed positions defined by range limiting portions


147


. Of course, any number of fixed positions may be selected, limited only by the ability to provide lower end


139


of bushing insert


137


with range limiting portions


147


.





FIG. 14

depicts an arrangement in which lower end


139


of bushing insert


137


is smooth and provided with no range limiting portions. Thus, the arrangement illustrated in

FIG. 14

provides for unrestricted movement of support arm


117


a full 360° around vertical support member


17


. In this arrangement, hub pin


119


serves only to maintain bushing


121


in a selected axial or vertical position relative to vertical support member


17


.

FIGS. 12



a


through


14


illustrate various arrangements in which movement of support arm


117


about vertical support member


17


.

FIGS. 15



a


,


15




b


, and


15




c


illustrate the utility of eye portion


123


of hub pin


119


in securing cables


131


, cords, and the like of equipment supported by the apparatus according to the present invention. As shown in

FIG. 15



b


, cords


131


can be secured within eye portion


123


of support hub pin


119


to prevent tangling and catching of cables


131


on other equipment or the apparatus itself.

FIG. 15



c


illustrates an alternative arrangement in which the cords are first bundled utilizing a sheathing member


131




a


prior to securing the cables in the hook portions of hub pins


119


.





FIGS. 16

,


17


, and


18


depict support surface


201


, support arm


203


, and pivotal coupling


211


which includes externally threaded bolt


205


, internally threaded sleeve


207


with beveled seating head


209


, beveled seating washer


213


, and locking member


215


. A coupling bore


217


is provided in a central location in support surface


201


. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, support surface


201


comprises a low profile sturdy material, such as an aluminum plate. Internally threaded sleeve


207


is placed into bore


219


of support arm


203


. Externally threaded bolt


205


serves as a coupling pin for securing support surface


201


to support arm


203


in a manner which allows


3600


of rotation for support surface


201


relative to support arm


203


. Locking member


205


is provided with a knob component and an internally threaded bore for engaging externally threaded bolt


205


and fixing the position of support surface


201


relative to support arm


203


. Locking member


215


may be loosened or tightened depending upon the operator's desires for repositioning of the modular component supported by support surface


201


. Since only a very unobtrusive bolt head


221


of externally threaded bolt


205


extends outward from support surface


201


, the coupling mechanism


211


does not interfere with, or impede the operation of, the modular and cooperating component which is carried and supported by support surface


201


. Since coupling bore


217


is disposed in a central location within support surface


201


, an advantageous load bearing configuration is obtained so that pure bending forces are applied through support surface


201


to support arm


203


through a region of support surface


201


which substantially coincides with the center of gravity of the modular and cooperating component which is carried by support surface


201


.




The male and female mating members defined by beveled head


209


and beveled washer


213


provide a means for slightly impeding the rotational movement of support surface


201


relative to support arm


203


, which is especially useful in impeding vibration-induced rotational movement of support surface


201


relative to support arm


203


in response to highly kinetic equipment, such as impact printers. This male and female mating configuration allows for infinite rotational adjustability without presenting rotational instability.




While the invention has been shown in only one of its forms, it is not thus limited but is susceptible to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.



Claims
  • 1. An apparatus for supporting modular and cooperating components comprising:(a) a base assembly for engaging a flooring surface; (b) a substantially planar work surface; (c) a substantially vertical support pole releasably coupled to said base assembly and extending upward located proximate to said substantially planar work surface; (d) at least one support structure, being adapted for receiving and supporting said modular and cooperating components at particular axial and angular positions relative to said base member and said substantially vertical support pole; (e) wherein said base assembly directly supports all loading associated with said substantially vertical support pole and said substantially planar work surface; (f) wherein said substantially planar work surface does not support any portion of the loading associated with said substantially vertical support pole; and (g) wherein said substantially vertical support pole does not support any portion of the loading associated with said substantially planar work surface.
  • 2. An apparatus for supporting modular and cooperating components, according to claim 1, wherein said base assembly comprises:a plurality of modular corner frame members; a plurality of horizontal tie bars interconnecting said plurality of modular corner frame members; a pole receptacle member coupled to a particular one of said modular corner frame members.
  • 3. An apparatus for supporting modular and cooperating components according to claim 2, wherein each of said plurality of modular corner frame members comprise:a upper horizontal frame member; a lower horizontal frame member spaced apart from said upper horizontal frame member and substantially parallel therewith; and first and second spaced apart vertical frame members extending between said upper and lower horizontal frame members.
  • 4. An apparatus for supporting modular and cooperating components, according to claim 3:wherein said upper horizontal frame member includes first and second generally orthogonally positioned frame segments; and wherein said lower horizontal frame member includes first and second generally orthogonally positioned frame segments.
  • 5. An apparatus for supporting modular and cooperating components, according to claim 4: wherein said first and second generally orthogonally positioned frame segments come together at an apex portion;wherein said first and second spaced apart vertical frame members extend between said upper and lower horizontal frame members at locations distally located from said apex portion of said upper and lower horizontal frame members, allowing relatively unrestricted access to said substantially vertical support pole.
  • 6. An apparatus for supporting modular and cooperating components, according to claim 2:wherein said plurality of modular corner frame members include a predetermined number of end portions with connection ports formed therein; and wherein said plurality of horizontal tie bars terminate in connection members for releasably mechanically coupling with said connection ports of said plurality of modular corner frame members.
  • 7. An apparatus for supporting modular and cooperating components, according to claim 6:wherein said plurality of modular corner frame members and said plurality of horizontal tie bars coupled together without requiring positive mechanical couplings therebetween during ordinary use.
  • 8. An apparatus for supporting modular and cooperating components, according to claim 2:wherein said pole receptacle member includes a pair of generally orthogonal connection flanges adapted in size to extend between particular orthogonal portions of a particular modular corner frame member.
  • 9. An apparatus for supporting modular and cooperating components, according to claim 8, further including:a plate member extending between said generally orthogonal connection flanges.
  • 10. An apparatus for supporting modular and cooperating components, according to claim 9, further including:a pole sleeve coupled to said plate and including a central bore adapted in size and shape to receive said substantially vertical support pole.
  • 11. An apparatus for supporting modular and cooperating components, according to claim 1 further comprising:at least one bushing engaging said substantially vertical support pole; wherein said at least one bushing is rotatable relative to said substantially vertical support pole over a predetermined rotation range.
  • 12. An apparatus for supporting modular and cooperating components, according to claim 1 further comprising:at least one bushing concentrically engaging said substantially vertical support pole; wherein said at least one bushing includes (a) a hub portion which is rotatable and which includes a central bore for concentrically receiving said substantially vertical support pole, and (b) a hub pin for maintaining said hub portion in a fixed axial position relative to said substantially vertical support pole.
  • 13. An apparatus for supporting modular and cooperating components, according to claim 12:wherein a lower portion of said hub portion engages said hub pin.
  • 14. An apparatus for supporting modular and cooperating components, according to claim 13:wherein said lower portion of said hub portion includes at least one contoured portion to define a predetermined range of permissible rotation for said hub portion.
  • 15. An apparatus for supporting modular and cooperating components, according to claim 14:wherein said at least one contoured portion comprises castellation which limits rotation of said hub portion to said predefined range of permissible rotation.
  • 16. An apparatus for supporting modular and cooperating components, according to claim 12:wherein said at least one bushing further includes (c) a bushing insert carried within said hub portion, which includes a particular contoured portion which limits rotation of said hub portion to a predefined range of permissible rotation for said hub portion.
  • 17. An apparatus for supporting modular and cooperating components, according to claim 16:wherein said contoured portion of said bushing insert slidably engages said hub pin over a predetermined region on said contoured portion of said bushing insert.
  • 18. An apparatus for supporting modular and cooperating components, according to claim 12:wherein said hub pin includes an eyelet portion for receiving and securing conductors which extend between said modular and cooperating components.
  • 19. An apparatus for supporting modular and cooperating components, according to claim 12, further comprising:a sheath for enclosing said conductors which extends between said modular and cooperating components.
  • 20. An apparatus for supporting modular and cooperating components, according to claim 12:wherein said hub portion further includes a contoured lower portion between stop members; wherein said hub pin includes (a) an eyelet portion for receiving and securing conductors which extend between said modular and cooperating components, (b) a load bearing portion for engaging a lowermost portion of said hub portion and preventing downward axial displacement and (c) a range limiting portion for slidably engaging said contoured lower portion of said hub portion between said stop members to allow a predetermined range of rotational movement relative to said substantially vertical support pole.
  • 21. An apparatus for supporting modular and cooperating components, according to claim 20:wherein said hub portion includes a bushing insert which defines said contoured lower portion.
  • 22. An apparatus for supporting modular and cooperating components, according to claim 12:wherein each of said at least one bushing further includes (c) a bushing insert which is adapted to be inserted concentrically within said hub portion in a preselected orientation.
  • 23. An apparatus for supporting modular and cooperating components, according to claim 12:wherein said substantially vertical support pole includes a plurality of bushing station ports which extend therethrough and which define a plurality of possible axial positions for engagement of a selected one of said at least one bushing.
  • 24. An apparatus for supporting modular and cooperating components, according to claim 23:wherein, during installation, said hub pin is inserted in a particular one of said plurality of bushing station ports, and said hub portion is lowered over said substantially vertical support pole into engagement with said hub pin.
  • 25. An apparatus for supporting modular and cooperating components, according to claim 24:wherein said hub portion is rotatable relative to said substantially vertical support pole over a range defined by interaction of said hub portion and said hub pin.
  • 26. An apparatus for supporting modular and cooperating components, according to claim 25:wherein said at least one bushing further include a bushing insert which is received by said hub portion; and wherein said at least one bushing is rotatable relative to said substantially vertical support pole over a range of rotation defined by interaction of said bushing insert and said hub pin.
  • 27. An apparatus for supporting modular and cooperating components, according to claim 12:wherein each of said at least one bushing further includes (c) a hub pin retainer member which prevents inadvertent removal of said hub pin.
  • 28. An apparatus for supporting modular and cooperating components, according to claim 1 further comprising:at least one support arm; wherein said at least one support structure is pivotally coupled to a selected one of said at least one support arm.
  • 29. An apparatus for supporting modular and cooperating components, according to claim 28:wherein said at least one support structure comprises a single piece of a relatively low profile but sturdy material.
  • 30. An apparatus for supporting modular and cooperating components, according to claim 28:wherein a pivotal coupling between said at least one support structure and said at least one support arm comprises: a coupling bore extending through said at least one support structure at a central location; a coupling pin extending through said coupling bore and securing said at least one support structure to said at least one support arm; wherein said at least one support structure is fully rotatable relative to said at least one support arm.
  • 31. An apparatus for supporting modular and cooperating components, according to claim 30, further comprising:a locking member for fixing said at least one support structure in rotational orientation relative to said at least one support arm.
  • 32. An apparatus for supporting modular and cooperating components, according to claim 31:wherein said locking member includes an internally threaded locking knob for engaging an externally threaded portion of said coupling pin.
  • 33. An apparatus for supporting modular and cooperating components, according to claim 28, further comprising:male and female mating members coupled between said at least one support structure and said at least one support arm, for slightly impeding rotational movement and especially impeding vibration-induced rotational movement.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending application Ser. No. 08/786,325, filed Jan. 23, 1997 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,746,334 entitled Apparatus for Supporting Modular and Cooperating Components, which is a continuation under 37 CFR 1.62 of Ser. No. 08/157,949, filed Nov. 24, 1993, now abandoned which is incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth. This is a Continuation, filed Oct. 7, 1997 now U.S. Pat No. 6,234,331. 199A “n&>L A

US Referenced Citations (10)
Number Name Date Kind
554661 Doolittle Feb 1896 A
1409609 Stockle Mar 1922 A
3076557 Husted et al. Feb 1963 A
3458234 Bates Jul 1969 A
3637179 Marschak Jan 1972 A
3648892 Morgan Mar 1972 A
4666118 Busche May 1987 A
5117806 Soat Jun 1992 A
5178286 Allison, III Jan 1993 A
5318175 Stevens Jun 1994 A
Continuations (2)
Number Date Country
Parent 08/946445 Oct 1997 US
Child 09/850918 US
Parent 08/157949 Nov 1993 US
Child 08/786325 US
Continuation in Parts (1)
Number Date Country
Parent 08/786325 Jan 1997 US
Child 08/946445 US