Monitor support system

Abstract

A system for providing support and position control of a monitor. In one embodiment, a method of supporting a monitor includes converting an ascending energy storage member force curve into a substantially constant supporting force against the monitor. In one aspect, a method of supporting a monitor includes providing an energy storage member and a cam which are cooperatively positioned so as to move relative to each other along the path of motion. As the energy storage member moves along the path relative to the cam, the cam displaces the energy storage member and thereby changes a force applied by the energy storage member on the cam, and wherein the cam converts the force applied by the energy storage member into a supporting force on the monitor.

1 - 49 . (canceled)  
     
     
         50 . A method of supporting a monitor which is movable along a path of motion, the method comprising: 
 providing an energy storage member and a cam which are cooperatively disposed so as to move relative to each other thereby defining the path, wherein as the energy storage member moves relative to the cam, the energy storage member applies a varying first force in a generally normal direction against the cam, and wherein the cam converts said first force into a substantially constant supporting force in the direction of the path on the monitor.    
     
     
         51 . The method of  claim 50 , wherein the cam has a generally vertical orientation relative to the path.  
     
     
         52 . The method of  claim 50 , wherein the energy storage member applies the first force in a generally lateral direction relative to the path.  
     
     
         53 . The method of  claim 50 , wherein as the energy storage member moves, the cam displaces the energy storage member at a different rate than a rate of travel by the energy storage member along the path.  
     
     
         54 . A monitor support mechanism comprising: 
 an energy storage member; and    a cam;    wherein, the energy storage member and the cam are cooperatively positioned so that, as the energy storage member moves along a path relative to the cam, the cam displaces the energy storage member and thereby changes a force of the energy storage member, and wherein the cam converts the force of the energy storage member into a substantially constant supporting force on the monitor.    
     
     
         55 . The monitor support mechanism of  claim 54 , wherein the supporting force is parallel to the path.  
     
     
         56 . The monitor support mechanism of  claim 54 , wherein as the energy storage member moves along the path, the cam displaces the energy storage member at a different rate than a rate of travel by the energy storage member along the path.  
     
     
         57 . The monitor support mechanism of  claim 54 , wherein the cam is oriented so that the cam runs in a direction generally alongside the path of motion.  
     
     
         58 . The monitor support mechanism of  claim 54 , wherein the energy storage member is positioned so that the force applied by the energy storage member is oriented in a direction non-parallel to the path.  
     
     
         59 . A monitor support mechanism for supporting the monitor which is movable along a path of motion, the monitor support mechanism comprising: 
 a cam having a cam surface;    a cam follower for riding along the cam surface; and    an energy storage member for providing a force against the cam follower in a direction which is non-parallel to the path, wherein the cam follower transfers said force to the cam surface in a direction which is non-parallel to the path;    wherein said cam surface converts said force into a first reaction force component which is parallel to the path and a second reaction force component which is perpendicular to the first reaction force, wherein as the energy storage member moves relative to the cam along the path, said energy storage member force varies, and wherein the first reaction force component provides a substantially constant supporting force on the monitor as the energy storage member force varies.    
     
     
         60 . The monitor support mechanism of  claim 59 , wherein the cam surface has a generally vertical orientation.  
     
     
         61 . The monitor support mechanism of  claim 59 , wherein the energy storage member is positioned so that the force applied by the energy storage member is oriented in a direction non-parallel to the path.