Flexible support arm
US4568051A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 5, 1984 |
| Grant date | Feb 4, 1986 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 5, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16M2200/068
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A flexible support arm attached to a base at one end and supporting an object attached at the other end in a selected position is comprised of a plurality of segmented modules having segments arranged in partial overlapping relationship at their ends to form an elongated arm, pivot pins connecting the overlapping parts of the segments together so that adjacent modules are rotatable with respect to each other about the pivot axes, and the modules having a gradually decreasing number of segments from the base end to the outer end. The modules can be a plurality of parallel spaced elongated flat planar elements interfitted at their ends into spaces between the segments of adjacent modules, or the segments can be parallel spaced planar elements extending in opposite directions from the opposite sides of a central part of a single module. The large number of segments and the large contacting area at the interfaces of the segments of adjacent modules provide substantial friction to retain the flexible arm in any set position and even with a substantial load supported on the end.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.