GB2501054A

GB2501054A - A support unit for supporting platform for a computer or keyboard onto an upright body

Info

Publication number: GB2501054A
Application number: GB201200838A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Bosson
Original assignee: Icon Office Design Ltd
Current assignee: Icon Office Design Ltd
Priority date: 2012-01-18
Filing date: 2012-01-18
Publication date: 2013-10-16
Also published as: GB201200838D0

Abstract

The support unit 1 comprises a support body which is configured to slide along an upright body 2, such as a column or post, such that the support unit is disposable at various positions, the unit being held at a particular position by use of a locating unit. The locating unit preferably comprises a counter balancing unit 6, preferably using constant force springs 30, a locking unit 7 and a retention unit 8. The retention unit may comprise a frictional O ring 51 locatable against a longitudinally extending rod 50. The locking unit may act as a brake, operated by a handle, and prevent motion along the longitudinal axis of the upright body by pressing an arm into abutment with the walls of a channel within the upright body. Also claimed is an upright body with the support unit mounted to it.

Description

A support unit

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a support unit for mounting to an upright body.

The present invention also rdates to an upright body.

Background

Upright supports, for example a support stand or a support column, are generally known for mounting components thereto. Such an upright support may comprise an upright body to \vhich one or more components are mounted. Such an upright support may have a plurality of longitudinal slots formed therein, into which mounting points of a partition panel are slid such that the partition panels are fixedly mounted thereto. The partition panels are then supported by a floor and held in an upstanding position by the upright support.

An upright support may have a mounting arrangement to enable a component, or a support for a component, for example a shelf, to he fixedly mounted to the upright support. Such a component, or a support for a component, will generally have a mounting fixture which is received in the upright support and is fixedly mounted thereto. Alternatively a fixture may extend from the upright support to which one or more components are attached.

I lowever, one prob'em with such an arrangement is that the component is then mounted to the upright support in a fixed position and is not adjustahle without disassembling the mounting arrangement and/or the upright support.

The present invention seeks to provide a support stand which overcomes or Jo substantially alleviates the problems with support units discussed above.

Summary

According to embodiments of the invention, there is provided a support unit for mounting to an upright body comprising a support body for supporting one or more components mountable to an upright body which is configured to slide along the upright body so that the support body is disposable at different positions along the upright body, and a locating unit configured to maintain the support body at one of said positions along the upright body when the support unit is disposed at said one position.

The locating unit may comprise a counter-balancing unit configured to balance at least part of the weight of the table.

Thc counter-balancing unit may comprise a constant-force spring.

The constant-force spring may he configured to mount between the support body and the upright body.

The support unit may further comprise a spring holder for holding the constant-force spring which is configured to he mounted in the upright body.

The locating unit may further comprise a retention unit configured to restrict initial movement of the support body in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the upright body.

The retention unit may comprise a frictional element locatable against a longitudinally extending surface.

The longitudinally extending surface may he a rod. The frictional element may he an o-ring.

The locating unit may further comprise a locking unit mounted to the support body which may be configured to engage with the upright body to prevent movement of the support body in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the upright body.

The locking unit may he configured to locate in a channel formed in the upright body.

The locking unit may comprise a locking arm configured to move into abutment with a side of the channel when the locking unit is engaged.

The locking arm may he configured to rotate between an engaged position in which the locking arm is in abutment with a side of the channel and a disengaged position.

The support unit according to any of claims 9 to II may further comprise a handle configured to operate the locking unit.

The handle may he disposed below the support body and may he configured to he moved towards the support body to operate the locking unit and disengage the locking unit from the upright body.

The support unit may comprise a guide unit configured to guide the support body along the upright body.

The guide unit may he receivable in a channel formed in the upright body.

The support body may comprise a platform to receive components thereon.

According to another aspect of embodiment of the invention, there is provided an upright body comprising a support unit.

The upright body may be a support column.

The upright body may comprise two elongate members. Each member may have an elongate channel formed therein.

Brief description of drawings )

Embodiments of the present invention wii now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic rear perspective view of a support unit for mounting to an upright support column with a platform element omitted; Figure 2 shows a diagrammatic plan view of the support unit shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a diagrammatic cross-sectional side view of the support unit shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a diagrammatic front view of an upright support column with part of a counter-balancing unit of the support unit shown in Figure 1 mounted thereto and the remainder of the support unit omitted; Figure 5 shows a diagrammatic plan view of the support unit shown in figure 1 mounted to upright members of the upright support column shown in Figure 4; Figure 6 shows a diagrammatic cross-sectional side view of the support unit shown in Figure 1 mounted to upright members of the upright support column shown in Figure 4; Figure 7 shows a diagrammatic perspective view of part of the counter-balancing unit of the support unit and part of a retention unit of the support unit shown in Figure 1; Figure 8 shows a diagrammatic cross-sectional perspective view of part of thc support unit shown in Figure 1 mounted to an upright member of the upright support column shown in Figure 4; Figure 9 shows a diagrammatic perspective view of a locking unit of the support unit sho\vn in Figure 1; and Figure 10 shows a diagrammatic partial perspective view of the locking unit shown in Figure 1.

Detailed description

Referring to Figure 1, a support unit I is shown. The support unit I is mountable to an upright support, such as an upright support column 2 (refer to Figure 4), which acts as an upright body to which the support unit is mountable. The support unit I is arranged to be slidabi mounted to the support co'umn so that the support unit I is slidable in a direction a'ong the longitudina' axis of the support column.

Therefore, the support unit I is disposable at different positions a'ong the upright body, and may he positioned at one of said positions a'ong the upright body.

The support unit I has a support body 3 comprising a carriage 4 and a platform (not shown). The platform extends horizontally from the carriage 4 and one or more components, for example a keyboard or a computer monitor, may he disposed and supported thereon. The platform (not shown) is disposed on a frame 5 extending from the carriage 4. However, the platform (not shown) may be integrally formed with the carriage 4. Although in the present embodiment the support unit I has a platform with a hori2ontal surface on which one or more components are received, it will he understood that in an alternative arrangement the support unit I may have a mounting assembly, for example a monitor fixture, to mount one or more components to the support body 3.

The support unit I further comprises a counter-balancing unit 6, a locking unit 7 and a retention unit 8. The counter-balancing unit 6 is mountable between the upright support column 2 and the carriage 4 to counterbalance the xveight of the support body 3 when the support unit I is slidably mounted to the upright support column 2, as will he explained in detail below. The locking unit 7 is mounted to the carriage 4 and is received in a longitudinally extending slot formed in the upright support column 2. The retention unit 8 acts to restrict movement of the support unit I in a longitudinal direction along the upright support column 2.

In the present arrangement, the support unit I is mountable to the upright support column 2. The upright support column 2 is shown in Figure 4. Although the support unit I is mounted to a support column 2, in the present arrangement it will he understood that the support unit 1 may he used with other upright supports. The upright support column 2 upstands from a base (not shown) which is disposed on a floor or other surface, and may be fixedly mounted thereto. Alternatively, the support column 2 may extend between a floor and a ceiling. )

The support column 2 comprises four upstanding elongate column members 9, although another number of elongate column members 9 may he used. The upstanding elongate column members 9 extend parallel to each other in a longitudinal direction and are disposed in a spaced relationship from each other.

Connector elements (not shown) retain the elongate column members 9 in spaced relationship by radially extending arms, each of which fixedly mounts to a respective elongate member 9. The elongate column members 9 are disposed equidistant about a central longitudinally extending axis by the support elements 2. The elongate column members 9 are formed from an extrusion.

Each elongate column member 9 has a longitudinally extending channel 10 formed in an outer surface 12 (refer also to Figure 5). Each longitudinal channel 10 has opposing side faces 13 and a base 14. Inwardly extending lips 15 extend longitudinally along either side of the mouth of the channel bA mounting slot 16 is formed in a side of each elongate column member 9. The mounting slots 16 extend longitudinally along the side of each elongate column member 9. When the support column 2 is assembled, mounting slots 16 in adjacent, but spaced, column members 9 oppose each other.

Outer panel members 17 are receivable between adjacent column members 9. The panel members 17 are mountable between opposing mounting slots 16 in adjacent column members 9 such that they bridge the gap between adjacent column members 9. An outer surface of each panel member 17 is arcuate and follows the arc of the outer surface 12 of the column members 9. The outer surface 12 of each column member 9 and each panel member 13 together form an outer surface of the support column 2.

The carriage 4 of the support unit 2 is shown iii Figures 1 and 2. The carriage 4 is formed by an dongate panel 18. The elongate panel 18 is areuate in cross-section.

The frame 5 on which the platform for receiving one or more components is mounted extends from a front face 19 of the carriage 4. The platform (not shown) is disposed to extend from an upper end 20 of the carriage 4. However, it will he understood that the platform may be disposed at a lower end 22 of the carriage 4, or at a position therehetween. Wheel units 23, acting as guide units, extend from a rear face 24 of the carriage 4.

Four wheel units 23 are mounted to the carriage 4. One wheel unit 23 is disposed at each corner of the carriage 4, so that two wheel units 23 are disposed at the upper end 20 of the carriage 4 and two wheel units 23 at the lower end 22 of the carriage 4. Each wheel units 23 comprises a base part 25 and a wheel ekmcnt 26 rotatably mounted to the base part 25. The base part 25 is fixcdy mounted to the rear face 24 of the carriage 4. In the present embodiment, holes are formed through the base part 25, through which threaded elements 27 extend. The threaded elements 27 thrcadingly engage between flanges 28 extending outward'y from the rear face 24 of the carriage 4. Therefore, each wheel unit 23 is fixedly mounted to the carriage 4.

The rotational axis of each wheel element 26 extends perpendicular to the rear face 24 of the carriage 4. In the present embodiment the dongate panel 18 of the carriage 4 is arcuate and so the rotationa' axis of each whed e'ement 26 extends radially. The wheel elements 26 are configured to ocatc in the longitudinally extending channd 10 formed in an outer surface 12 of each co'umn member 9. The wheel elements 26 have a diameter which corresponds to or is less than the breadth of the channel between the opposing side faces 13, hut is greater than the breadth of the mouth of the channel 10 between the free edges of the lips 15. Each wheel element 26 is therefore received in and able to slide along a corresponding channel 10. Each wheel element 26 is retained in the respective channel 10 by the lips 15 at the mouth of the channel 10. The distance between the two wheel units 23 at the upper end 20 of the carriage corresponds to the distance between the channels 10 in two adjacent column members 9. Similarly, the distance between the two wheel units 23 at the lower end 22 of the carriage corresponds to the distance between the channels 10 in two adjacent column members 9. Each wheel element is formed from PTFE.

Although four wheel units 23 are shown it will be appreciated that an alternative number of wheel units may he used. Furthermore, although wheel units are used which locate in the channels 10 in the elongate column members 9 to act as guide units, it will he understood that alternative arrangements are envisaged. For example, in an alternative arrangement guide rails (not shown) may he used which locate in the channels 10 in the elongate column members 9.

Referring to the Figures, the counter-balancing unit 6 is shown comprising two constant-force springs 30. A constant-force spring, also known as a tensator spring, is a spring for which the force it exerts over its range of motion is generally a constant. The constant-force springs 30 of the present embodiment are constructed as a rolled ribbon of spring steel 32 such that the spring is relaxed when it is fully rolled up. Each constant-force spring 30 is rolled around a drum 31. The drums 31 are disposed in a spring holder 33. Therefore, the ribbon 32 is received in the spring holder 33 when the ribbon is rolled around the drum 31. As the ribbon 32 is unrolled, the restoring force comes primarily from the portion of the ribbon near the roll. Because the geometry of that region remains nearly constant as the spring unrolls, the resulting force is nearly constant.

The spring holder 33 has an upper wall 34, a rear wall 35 and two opposing side walls 36. The spring holder 33 defines a chamber for receiving the drums 31 and rolled ribbons with an opening 38 opposing the rear wall 35. The spring holder 33 is formed from a sheet of material, for example a plate of sheet metal. The spring holder 33 is fixedly mounted to the support column 2, as will be explained hereinafter. A ridge 38 protrudes from the outer face of each side wall 36. The ridge 38 extends vertically along the side walls 36 of the spring holder 33. The ridges 38 act as locating members to mount the spring holder 33 between two opposing upstanding elongate column members 9 of the support column 2. The spring holder 33 is configured to be mounted to the support column 2.

Each ribbon 32 has a free end 39 which extends from the spring holder 33. The free end 39 is able to be drawn away from the spring holder 33 as the ribbon 32 is unrolled. The counter-balancing unit 6 further comprises an end plate 40. The end p'ate 40 is fixedlly mounted to the free end 39 of each ribbon 32. The end plate 40 is fixed'y mounted to each ribbon 32 by mets, although it will be understood that alternative mounting means may be used.

The end plate 40 is fixedly mounted to the carriage 4. The end plate 40 is fixed'y mounted to the carriage 4 by rivets, although it will he understood that aliernative mounting means may be used. Tn the present embodiment, the end plate 40 is mounted to part of the retention unit 8 which is fixedly mounted to the carriage 4, however it will he understood that the end plate 40 may he affixed directly to the carriage 4. Alternativdy, it will he appreciated that the free end 39 of each ribbon 32 may he direcdy mounted to the rear face 24 of the carriage 4, and the end plate omitted. The end plate 40 is fixedly mounted at the lower end 22 of the carriage 4.

The spring holder 33 of the counter-balancing unit 6 is arranged to be fixed'y mounted to the support column 2. The free end 39 of each constant-force spring 30 is fixedly mounted to the carriage 4 of the support body 3. Therefore, it will he understood that the support body 3 is able to move relative to the support column 2 when the ribbon 32 of each constant-force spring 30 is unrolled or rolled. The end p'ate 40 of the counter-ba'ancing unit 6 is fixedly mounted to the sower end 22 of the carriage 4 so that the spring unit 8 is hidden behind the carriage 4 along the range of motion of the support unit 2.

Referring to the Figures, and in particular Figures 1, 2 and 7, the retention unit 8 is shown. The retention unit 8, or damper unit, comprises an elongate rod 50 and two friction elements 51. The rod 50 is cylindrical and has a pohshed surface. The rod is fixedly mounted to the carriage 4. The rod 50 is disposed to extend along the length of the carriage 4 between the upper and lower ends 20, 22 of the carriage 4.

The rod 50 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongate carriage 4. The rod 50 is mounted to the rear face 24 of the carriage 4. -10-

The rod 50 is supported at each end. A mounting arm 52 extends from each end of the rod 50 to mount the rod 50 to the rear face 24 of the carriage 4.A rod mount 53 comprises a back plate 54 from which the two mounting arms 52 extend. The rod mount 53 is formed from a metal sheet which is bent at each end to form the mounting arms 52. However, it will he understood that the rod mount may he formed by alternative means.

The rod mount 53 is received in an elongate gulley 55 formed on the rear face 24 of the carriage 4. The rod mount 53 extends parallel to the ongitudinal axis of the carriage 4, and so the rod 50 extends parallel therewith. The rod mount 53 is fixedly mounted to the carriage 4. As mentioned above, in the presett embodiment the end plate 4 of the counter-balancing unit 6 is fixedly mounted to the retention unit 8.

The rod mount 33 may have a return element 36 upstanding from the hwer mounting arm 52 of the rod mount 33 to which the end plate 4 is fixedly mounted.

Therefore, the free end 39 of each constant-force spring 30 is fixedly mounted to the lower end 22 of the carriage 4 of the support body 3.

Therefore, the rod 50 of the retention unit 8 is fixedly mounted with respect to the support body 3. The friction members 51 of the retention unit 8 are fixedly mounted with respect to the support column 2, when the support column 2 and support unit I are assembled, and so the friction members 51 slide along the rod 50.

The spring body 33 has a tab 57 extending from the end of its upper wall 34. The tab 57 is integrally formed with the spring body 33. The tab 57 is rigid and has an aperture 58 formed therethrough. The aperture 58 has a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the rod 50 so that the tab 57 is slidably mountable on the rod 50. It will he understood that in the present embodiment the spring body 33 forms part of the retention unit 8, however the tab 57 may he disposed separately to the spring body 33 and may also he mounted separately to the support column 2.

One friction element 51 is disposed on an upper side 59 of the tab 57, and the other friction element 51 is disposed on a lower side 60 of the tab 57. The friction element 51 is formed from a resilient material, for example rubber. In the present embodiment each friction element 51 is an o-ring. Each friction elements 51 is mounted to the tab 57 by a wire clip (not shown). A rod receiving hole is defined through the 0-rings and the aperture 58 in the tab 57. Although two friction elements are described in the present embodiment, it will be understood that an alternative number of friction elements may he used.

The rod 50 is received through the aperture 58 in the tab 57. The inner side of each friction element 51 acts on the outer surface of the rod 50. Therefore, the friction elements 51 exert a frictional force on the rod 50 and resist movement of the rod 51 relative to the tab 57. The rod 51 is restricted front sliding relative to the spring body 33.

When the support unit I is assembled with the support column 2 the spring body 33 is fixedly mounted to the support column 2. Therefore, the tab 57 and the friction elements 51 are fixedly mounted to the support column 2 at one position along the support column 2. The rod 50 extends through the tab 57 and through each friction element 51 so that the friction elements 51 act on the rod 50. The rod 50 is fixedly mounted to the carriage 4 of the support body 3. Therefore, the rod is arranged to move relative to the support column 2 together with the support body 3 as the support body 3 is slid along the longitudinal axis of the support column 2.

In the present embodiment the retention unit B is formed integrally with the counter-balancing unit. However, it will he understood that the retention unit B may he formed separately from the counter-balancing unit 6. For example, although the rod 50 is mounted to the carriage 4 and the friction elements 51 are mounted to the spring holder 33 in the Present embodiment, it will be understood that the rod 50 may he mounted to the spring holder 33 and the friction elements 51 mounted to the carriage 4.

Referring to the Figures, in particular Figures 1, and 8 to 10, the locking unit 7 is shown. The locking unit 7 is configured to lock the support body 3 of the support unit 2 in a position along the support column 2. The locking unit 7 comprises a locking body 60 and a locking arm 61, acting as a locking element, which is rotatable -12-relative to the locking body 60 to extend from the locking body 60. The locking body 60 has two mounting holes 62 formed therethrough through which threaded elements 63 extend to fixedly mount the locking body 60 to the carriage 4.

The locking unit 7 is arranged to he received in the channel 10 formed in one of the elongate column members 9. A first part 60a of the locking body 60 has a width which is less than the width between opposing side walls 13 of the channel 10 so that the locking arm 61 is rotatable into engagement with the side wall 13 of the channel 10, and out of engagement therewith, when the locking utlit 7 is received in the channel!0. The width of the first part 60a of the locking body is configured to he greater than the width of the mouth of the channel 10 between the lips t 5 of the channel 10 so that the locking unit 7 is retained in the channel 10. A second part 601) of the locking body 60 extends from the first part 60a and has a width that is less than the width of the mouth of the channel 10 between the lips of the channel 15 so that part of the locking unit 7 extends hom the channel 10 and is located against the carriage 4.

The locking unit 7 further comprises a lever 64 which is pivotably mounted in the locking body 60. The lever 64 is fixedly connected to the locking arm 61 by a shaft 65 extending between therebetween. Therefore, the locking arm 61 is rotated as the lever 64 rotates. A locking arm recess 66 is formed on one side of the locking body to receive the locking arm 61 and from which the locking arm 61 extends. A lever recess 67 is formed on one side of the locking body 60 to receive the lever 64 and from which the lever 64 extends. The shaft 65 extends through a hole in the locking body 60 between the two recesses 66, 67. Therefore, the locking arm 61 and lever 64 are fixedly attached to each other and pivotably mounted in the locking body 60. The locking arm 61 and lever 64 extend radially from the longitudinal axis of the shaft 65.

A spring element 68 is disposed in the locking arm recess 66. The spring element 68 extends between the locking body 60 and the locking arm 61. Alternatively, the spring element 68 acts on the shaft 65 or the lever 64. The spring element 68 is a torsion spring. The spring element 68 acts on the locking arm 61 to urge the locking -13-arm 61 to rotate. The spring element 68 acts on the locking arm 61 to urge it to rotate into engagement with the adjacent side face 13 of the channel 10 when the locking unit 7 is received in the channel 10.

The locking arm 61 is received in the first part 60a of the locking body 60 which is received iii the channel 10 of the column member 9. The lever 64 is received in the second part 6Db of the locking body 60 which extends from the channel 10 of the column member 9 and locates against the carriage 4. Therefore, when the support unit I is assembled together with the support column 2, the lever 64 is disposed between the outer surface of the support column 2 and the carriage 4.

A cable mount 69 extends from the locking body 60. The cable mount 69 extends from the second part 6Db of the locking body 60 in generally the same direction as the lever 64. A cable slot 70 is formed through the lever 64 proximate to the end of the lever 64. The cable slot 70 is L-shaped.

The locking unit 7 is actuated by an actuating handle (not shown) which operates the locking unit 7, and a cable 73 which communicates between the handle and the lever 64 to actuate the lever when the handle is operated, as will he explained hereinafter.

The actuating handle is pivotable mounted to the underside of the frame 5 and platform on which one or more components are disposed. The actuating handle is disposed below the support body 3. The handle is pivotably mounted to the support body 3, and is initially disposed to he pivoted away from the lower side of the support body 3. In this Position the handle is in an engaged postioi. That is the handle acts on the cable 73 to engage the locking unit 7. The handle is pivotable towards the lower side of the support body 3. \XThen the handle is pivoted towards the lower side of the support body 3, the handle is moved into a disengaged position. That is, the handle acts on the cable 73 to disengage the locking unit 7. A resilient member (not shown), for example a torsion spring, urges the handle to pivot away from the lower side of the support body into its engaged position. -14-

The cable 73 extends between the handle and the locking body 60. The cable 73 comprises an inner part and an outer part. The outer part acts as a sheaf to thc inner part. The inner part is slidable in the outer part. The inner part of the cable 73 is fixedly mounted to the handle at one end so that, when the handle is moved from its engaged position to its disengaged position, a section of the inner part of the cable 73 is drawn from the outer part of the cable 73 at the handle end. The other end of the inner part of the cable 73 is fixedly mounted to the surface of the cable mount 69. The inner part of the cable 73 extends through the slot 70 formed in the lever. The outer part of the cable 73 abuts the upper surface of the lever 64. As the actuating handle operates the end of the cable inner Part is drawn towards the end of the cable outer part. The cable outer part has some rigidity, and so the end of the cable outer part urges the lever towards the cable mount.

The locking body 60 is mounted to the carriage 4. The threaded elements 63 threadingly engage between flanges 28 extending outxvardly from the rear face 24 of the carriage 4. The locking body 60 is aligned with the wheel units 23 on one edge of the carriage 4 so that the locking body 60 is received in the respective channel 10 when the wheel units 23 are received in said channel 10.

Operation of the support unit will now he described xvith reference to the Figures.

To assenthie the support unit I with the support column 2, the wheel elements 26 of the wheel units 23 are slid into and received in the channels 10 formed in the outer surface 12 of two adjacent upright column members 9 of the support column 2. The locking body 60 of the locking unit 7 is also received in onc of the channels 10. Although only one locking unit is used in this embodiment, it will he appreciated that two or more locking units 7 may be used, if necessary. The locking unit 7 is initially in its disengaged position, with the handle moved towards thc lower side of the platform to alloxv the locking unit 7 to slide easily along the channel 10. The wheel units 23 act to I evem the support body 3 of the support unit I from being drawn away from the support column I. The wheel units 23 also allow the support body 3 of the support unit I to easily slide in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the support column 2. -15-

The spring holder 33 of the counter-balancing unit 6 is received in the space between the two adjacent column members 9. The ridges 38 extending from the side WallS 36 of the spring holder 33 arc received in the corresponding mounting s'ots 16 which extend parallel, hut spaced from, each other on opposing column memhers 9.

The spring holder 33 is fixedly mounted between the column members 9 and is mounted at a desired position along the column memhers 9 hy conventional fixing means. The spring holder 33 may be held in position hy the lower end of the spring holder resting on the upper end of an outer panel member 17 mounted hetween the col urnn tnernhers 9 below the spring holjer. Sitnil at] y, another outer panel member 7 may he JisposeJ above the spring holder 33.

When the spring holdcr 33 of the counter-halancing unit 6 has heen mounted bctwecn the cAumn mcmhcrs ¶), and the whccl units 23 and locking unit 7 rcceivcd in the channels 10, the support body 3 is mounted to the support column 2 in its initial position. The support body 3 is supported by the two constant-force springs of the countcr-halancing unit 6 extending bct\vccn thc spring hoixicr 33 fixcdly mounted to the support column 2 and the end plate 40 fixedly mounted to the lower end 22 of the carriage 4. The constant-force springs 30 are configured to support the weight of the support body 3. The support body 3 is further supported and hek in position by the socking unit 7.

When the locking unit 7 is engaged, with the locking arm 61 locating against one of the side faces 13 of the channel 10 and the locking hody 60 locating against the other side face 13 of the channel 10 the locking unit 7 is engaged in the channel 10 and prevents movement of the locking unit 7 along the channel 10. The spring element 68 urges the locking arm 61 against the side face 13 of the channel. The locking arm 61 is urged to rotate about the axis of the shaft 65 and so the end of the arm 61 acting against the side wall 13 is urged to move outwardly and upwardly.

The locking arm 61 therefore acts on the side face 13 of the channel 10 and the opposing side of the locking body 60 is urged against the opposing side face of the channel 10. -16-

It will he understood that as one or more components is disposed on the platform of the support body 3, the force acting downwardly on the on the support body 3 urges the locking unit 7 to slide downwardly along the channel 10. The locking unit 7, and therefore the support body 3 is prevented from moving relative to the support column 2 by the locking arm 61 and locking body 60 acting between the opposing side faces 13 of the channel 10. \Vhen a/or another component is disposed on the platform, the force acting on the locking unit 7 is increased.

Therefore, the locking arm 61 is urged to rotate further in a clockwise direction and so is further urged against the side wall 13 of the channel 10. Therefore, the locking unit is further wedged in the channel 10, and the engagement is increased.

It will be understood that the counter-balancing unit 6 bears the weight of the support unit 3, and so the locking force that is required by the locking unit 7 to lock the support body 3 in position on the support column 2 is reduced. Therefore, the locking unit 7 does not need to support the combined weight of the support body 3 and any components mounted thereon.

To operate the locking unit 7, the actuating handle is operated. The handle is pivoted upwards, towards the underside of the frame and/or platform to disengage the locking unit 7. The cable 73 is caused to move to rotate the lever 64 in an anti-clockwise direction (as shown in Figures 1, 8 and 9). Therefore, the locking arm 61 is rotated downwardly in the same anti-clockwise direction together with the lever 64, away from the side face 13 of the channel 10 of the column member 9.

To move the support body 3 relative to the support column 2 in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the support column 2, a user holds the handle and urges the handle to pivot upwardly. The handle is urged towards the lower side of the frame 3 and/or platform of the support body. The action of exerting a force on the handle tO move it upwardly ensures that the user is exerting a force in an upwardly extending direction. This ensures that the user exerts an upwardly extending force to counteract the weight of any components supported thereon. Although the counter-balancing unit 6 is configured to support the weight of the support body 3, it will be appreciated that this may be varied. -17-

When the actuating handle is operated, the inner part of the cable 73 is drawn in a direction away from the locking unit 7. The inner part of the cable 73 slides relative to the outer part of the cable 73. The distal end of the inner part of the cable 73 extends through the slot 70 in the lever 64 and is fixedly mounted to the cable mount 69, The end of the outer part of the cable 73 abuts the upper surface of the lever 64. As the actuating handle is operated the end of the cable inner part is drawn towards the end of the cable outer part. The cable outer part has some rigidity, and so the end of the cable outer part urges the lever 64 towards the cable mount 69.

Therefore, the lever 64 is urged to rotate relative to the locking body 60 in an anti-clockwise direction (as shown in Figures t, 8 and 9) towards the cable mount 69.

The force exerted by the cable 73 on the lever 64 is sufficient to overcome the resilient force of the spring element 68 and so the actuating arm 61 rotates together with the lever 64. The actuating arm 61 is rotated in the same direction as the lever 64 and so moves away from the side face 13 of the channel 10 in the column member 9. The locking arm 61 is not urged against the channel 10 and the locking body 60 is not urged against the opposing side face 13 of the channel 10. Therefore, the locking unit 7 is disengaged from the channel 9. The locking unit 7 is then free to slide in the channel 9.

When the locking unit 7 is released, the weight of the support body 3 is counteracted by the counter-balancing unit 6. That is, the constant force springs counteract the weight of support body 3 so that a user releasing the locking unit 7 does not have to bear the combined weight of the support body 3 and any components supported by the support body 3.

When the spring holder 33 is mounted in the support column 2 and the wheel elements 26 are slidably mounted in the channel 10, it will he understood that the ribbons 32 of the constant force springs extend parallel to the rear face of the carriage 4. The ribbons 32 also extend parallel to, hut spaced from the longitudinal axis of the channels 10 formed in the elongate column members 2. Therefore, it will be understood that the resilient force of the constant force springs acts in a co-axial direction to the path of the support body 3 along the support column 2 -18-The retention unit 8 acts to prevent a sudden movement of the support body 3 when the locking unit 7 is released and is free to slide rdative to the support column 2. The friction elements 51 act on the rod 50 and cause a frictional resistance to movement of the rod 50 along the longitudinal axis of the rod.

Therefore, movement of the carriage 4 fixedly mounted to the rod 50 is also restricted. When the locking unit 7 is released the retention unit acts to prevent an initia' movement of the support body. Therefore, a user has an opportunity to bear the weight of any components that are not supported hy the counter-balancing unit to 6.

A user is then able to exert a force, or release a force, to allow the support body 3 to slide along the support column 2 hetween a numher of positions. When the user urges the support body 3 to move, the frictiona' force of the friction ekments 51 acting on the rod 50 is overcome and the support body 3 is free to slide. The constant-force springs 30 ensure that the counter-balancing unit 6 exerts a constant force on the support body 3, and so the force that a user has to apply to support and/or move the support body does not vary along the range of motion of the support body 3 relative to the support column 2.

When a user disengages the socking unit 7 by moving the actuating handle towards the platform, the user is caused to support the support body 3 by the handk and the underside of the platform. Thcrc&)re, the user is in a natural position to support the support body 3 and any components disposed thereon. This action dso ensures that the handle is disposed in an unlocked position as the support body 3 is slid along the support column 2.

The range of motion of the support body is limited by the tab 57 and friction elements 51 locating against the mounting arms 52 at either end of the rod 50.

Therefore, the mounting arms 52 act as end stops to control the range of motion of the support body 3 a'ong the support column 2. -19-

The wheel elements 26 of the wheel units 23 are received in the channels 10 in the adjacent column members 9. Once the wheel elements 26 are slid into the channels the wheel elements 26 are prevented from being drawn from the respective channel 10 through the mouth of the channel 10 by the lips 15 of the channel 10.

Therefore, the support body 3 is retained in a spaced relationship with the outer surface of the support column along its range of motion. Furthermore., the wheel units 23, counter-balancing unit 6, locking unit 7, with the exception of the actuating handle, and the retention unit 8 are all disposed behind the carriage 4.

This prevents a user from interfering with the components which may cause damage or injury and increases the aesthetic appearance of the support unit 1. The end plate of the counter-balancing unit 6 is fixedly mounted to the lower end 22 of the carriage 4 so that the spring unit 8 is hidden behind the carriage 4 along range of motion of the support unit 2.

When a user has located the support body 3 in the desired position, the user releases the handle so that the handle pivots downwardly, away from the platform.

It will be understood that when the support body 3 is held stationary with respect to the support column 2, the friction elements 51 of the retention unit 8 apply a stationary frictional force on the rod 50. Therefore, the friction elements 51 resists movement of the support body 3 along the support column and enables the user to release the handle and remove their weight bearing force without the support body 3 dropping downwardly. As the user releases the handle, the locking unit 7 is engaged and locks the support body 3 in position.

It will be understood that the combination of the counter-balancing unit and the locking unit ensures that a user is able to manoeuvre the support unit to different positions along the support column without having to bear the comhined weight of the support body 3 and any components mounted thereon, hut is able to vary the weight of any components disposed thereon without having to adjust the counter-balancing unit to compensate for the weight adjustment.

-20 - It will he understood that the combination of the retention unit and the counter-ba'ancing unit prevents sudden movement of the support body 3 relative to the support column 2.

The counter-hahncing unit, retention unit and locking unit together form a ocating unit which is configured to maintain tile support body at a position along the support column. Alihough the counter-balancing unit, retention unit and locking unit are described iti combination, it will be understood that otie or more of the units may be omitted. /0

Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will he appreciated by those skilled in the art that these are preferred embodiments only and that changes may be made to these embodiments, or ahernative embodiments are induded, within the scope of the invention which is defined in the claims hereafter. -21 -

Claims

Claims 1. A support unit for mounting to an upright body comprising a support body for supporting one or more components mountabk to an upright body which is configured to slide along the upright body so that the support body is disposable at different positions along the upright body, and a locating unit configured to maintain the support body at one of said positions along the upright body when the support unit is disposed at said one position.
2. A support unit according to claim 1, wherein the locating unit comprises a counter-balancing unit which is configured to balance at least part of the weight ofthe table.
3. A support unit according to claim 2, wherein the counter-balancing unit comprises a constant-force spring.
4. A support unit according to claim 3, wherein the constant-force spring is configured to mount between the support body and the upright body.
3. A support unit according to claim 4, further comprising a spring holder for holding the constant-force spring which is configured to be tnounted in the upright body.
6. A support unit according to any of claims I to 3, wherein the locating unit further comprises a retention unit configured to restrict initial movement of the support body in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the upright body.
7. A support unit according to claim 6, wherein the retention unit comprises a frictional element locatable against a longitudinally extending surface.
8. A support unit according to claim 7, wherein the longitudinally extending surface is a rod and the frictional eletnent is an 0-ring.

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9. A support unit according to ally preceding claim, wherein the locating unit further comprises a locking unit mounted to the support body which is configured to engage with the uptight body to prevent movement of the support body in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the upright body. )
10. A support unit according to claim 9, wherein the locking unit is configured to locate in a channel formed in the upright body, and the locking unit comprises a locking arm configured to move into abutment with a side of the channel when the locking unit is engaged.
1. A support unit according to claim 10, wherein the locking arm is configured to rotate between an engaged position in which the locking arm is in abutment with a side of the channel and a disengaged position.
12. A support unit according to any of claims 9 to ii, further comprising a handle configured to operate the locking unit.
13. A support unit according to claim 12, wherein the handle is disposed below the support body and is configured to he moved towards the support body to operate the locking unit and disengage the locking unit from the upright body.
14. A support unit according to any preceding claim, further comprising a guide unit configured to guide the support body the upright body.
13. A support unit according to claim 14, wherein the guide unit is configured to he received in a channel formed in the upright body.
16. An support unit according to any preceding claim, xvherein the support body comprises a platform to receive components thereon.
17. An upright body comprising a support unit according to any preceding claim.

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18. An upright body according to claim 17, wherein the upright body is a support column.
19. An upright body according to claim 17 or claim 18, comprising two elongate members, each member having an elongate channel formed therein.