WO2013154441A1

WO2013154441A1 - A modular floor stand assembly and kit therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2013154441A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2013/000065
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter James Turner
Original assignee: Eyecan Support Limited
Priority date: 2012-04-13
Filing date: 2013-04-15
Publication date: 2013-10-17

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to a mobile modular floor stand assembly having a substantially upright column supporting hinged, clamped arms on which may be mounted one or more assistive devices or appliance attachments. Assistive devices or appliances may include aids for those individuals having restricted mobility, impaired functionality, or the handicapped, visual display units, medical, scientific or industrial equipment. The method of attachment of the arms to the assistive device is governed by a number of factors including the accessibility of screw mounting holes, the desired optimum orientation, or whether the fabric of the device may be damaged by the process of attachment.

Description

A MODULAR FLOOR STAND ASSEMBLY AND KIT THEREFOR Field of the invention

The present invention relates generally to a mobile modular floor stand having a substantially upright column supporting hinged, clamped arms on which may be mounted one or more assistive devices or appliance attachments. Assistive devices or appliances may include aids for those individuals having restricted mobility, impaired functionality, or the handicapped, visual display units, medical, scientific or industrial equipment. The method of attachment of the arms to the assistive device is governed by a number of factors including the accessibility of screw mounting holes, the desired optimum orientation, or whether the fabric of the device may be damaged by the process of attachment.

Backgound to the Invention

A limited number of assistive devices to support equipment about the person are available as wheelchair attachments, but no universally adaptable system has been identified for the home or institutional environment.

Most people suffering from restricted mobility, impaired functionality or physical handicaps wish to access Information Technology for social connection, entertainment and vocationally opportunities. However they generally cannot position aids and appliances within their joint range of motion or line of vision, other than on an ad hoc basis. The success of the solution is frequently dependent upon the innovative skill of their caregiver. Background

Supporting aids, appliances or instruments temporarily or permanently in unusual positions for accessibility to the operator is a challenge for handicapped persons and scientific, medical or industrial institutions.

Restricted mobility, impaired functionality or handicaps may be temporary or permanent. Distortions of human body positions caused by conditions such as arthritis and cerebral palsy may reduce the joint range of motion and dexterity of the extremities to the extent that the positioning of communication systems is severely compromised. Muscular weakness resulting from neurological pathology and stroke may be progressive, requiring periodic adjustment of the apparatus. Following orthopaedic procedures a patient may be incapacitated for a considerable period, preventing normal access to aids, appliances and IT equipment. The modular floor stand assembly of the invention may potentially sling limbs, traction mechanisms or other equipment about the immobile patient. It is an object of the present invention to provide a modular floor stand assembly that is easy to move, easy to assemble and easy to locate one or more devices in optimised locations near a user.; or to at least provide the public with a useful alternative.

Summary of the Invention

In a first aspect the present invention provides a modular floor stand assembly including:

at least two base support members on one or more conveyance members that in use allow the floor stand assembly to be moved along a ground surface;

at least one upwardly extending support column extending from the base support members; at least one support arm that in use is positionable at a desired height above the base support member and wherein the support arm includes at least one device mount member that in use is attached to and secured to a device, and wherein the device mount is further adapted to allow the device to be optimally positioned proximate a user of the device.

In one embodiment the two base support members are positioned at about 90 degrees apart.

In another embodiment the modular floor stand assembly as defined above includes a base casting that secures the base support members together at about 90 degrees apart and wherein the base casting is further adapted and dimensioned to receive and secure the upwardly extending support column. In a further embodiment the base casting secures one end of a first base support member and secures proximate one end of the second base support member, the second base support member having a conveyance member mounted at each of its ends while the first base support member has a conveyance member positioned at the end remote from the base casting.

In one embodiment the support arm is adapted to pivot about the upwardly extending support column through about 90 degrees.

In one embodiment the conveyance members are castor type wheels.

In one embodiment the floor stand assembly includes at least two arm supports to secure at least two devices. In one embodiment the floor stand assembly includes at least three arm supports to secure at least three devices.

In one embodiment the device mount is adapted and dimensioned to connect to and secure a video display unit.

In one embodiment the device mount is adapted and dimensioned to connect to and secure a laptop.

In one embodiment the device mount is adapted and dimensioned to connect to and secure an e-reader or tablet computer.

In one embodiment the device mount is adapted and dimensioned to connect to and secure a keyboard.

In one embodiment the device mount is adapted and dimensioned to connect to and secure a table.

In one embodiment the device mount is adapted and dimensioned to connect to and secure a piece of medical equipment.

In one embodiment the device mount is adapted and dimensioned to connect to a piece of scientific equipment.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a kit for assembling a modular floor stand assembly including:

at least two base support members;

at least one or more conveyance members;

an upwardly extending support column; at least one support arm;

at least one device mount member.; and

instructions to assemble the floor stand assembly.

In one embodiment the kit further includes a base casting.

In another embodiment the conveyance members are castor wheels.

The term "about" as used herein in connection with a referenced numeric indication means the referenced numeric indication plus or minus up to 10% of that referenced numeric indication. For example, the language "about 90" degrees covers the range of 81 degrees to 99 degrees.

The term "conveyance member" as used herein includes any means that may be used to convey the stand across a ground surface, including wheels, tracks, rollers or the like.

The term "device" as used herein means (i) a device with a screen, such as a video display unit, an e-reader, a tablet, a laptop, a television, a scientific monitor or the like (ii) a work surface such as a table, a keyboard (iii) scientific or medical devices that aid a user or monitor a user or the like.

The term "modular" as used herein means that the members of the floor stand assembly are created to provide standardized units or dimensions, to provide for easy assembly and repair or flexible arrangement and use

Detailed Description of the Invention

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which is given by example only, with reference to the accompanying figures:

Figure 1 shows the base support members of the modular floor stand.

Figure 2 shows a substantially upwardly extending column member and its corresponding receiving socket in a base casting member of the modular floor stand.

Figure 3 shows the junction point of the base support members and the base casting member.

Figure 4 shows the left hand and right hand configurations of the base support members of the modular floor stand.

Figure 5 shows a support arm connected and secured to the upright member of the modular floor stand.

Figure 6 shows a device mount member of one embodiment suitable for securing a screen.

Figure 7 shows another device mount member suitable for securing a screen, laptop or keyboard.

Figure 7a shows the bottom perspective view of the device mount member shown in Figure 7.

Figure 8 shows a device mount member suitable for securing an e-reader.

Figure 9 shows a device mount member suitable for securing a table surface.

Figure 10 shows a side perspective view of a modular floor stand assembly supporting a laptop on one support arm and on two other support arms, a presentation screen. Figure 10a shows a top perspective view of the modular floor stand assembly shown in Figure 10.

Figure 11 shows an alternative embodiment of a modular floor stand assembly including two upwardly extending column members supporting a plurality of screen devices. Figure 12 is a photo of a bedridden user and a modular floor stand assembly supporting a laptop optimally positioned for use by the bedridden user on one support arm, a suitably positioned screen on another support arm and a table on a third support arm.

Figure 13 is a photo of a bed ridden user and a modular floor stand assembly supporting a table/ reading surface and mounted light, wherein the table and light are optimally positioned to allow the bedridden user to read material and a side table on another supporting arm.

Figure 14 is a photo of a user in a chair wherein the modular floor stand assembly has a support arm that supports a laptop and another support arm that supports an ipad within close proximity to the user.

Figure 15 is a photo of an alternative set up for a modular floor stand assembly. In this embodiment one support arm supports a laptop and the other support arm supports a large presentation screen.

In industrial and scientific contexts measuring, calibration or information technology frequendy has to be positioned close to a permanent installation and accessible to the operator. This modular floor stand assembly of the present invention provides the opportunity to support large displays on a portable stand that can be optimally positioned for viewing by assemblies of individuals.

Exemplary features of the invention as described below comprises a number of modules that allow flexible assembly to accommodate handedness, range and height about furniture, beds or a wheelchair.

Steel components are linked by aluminium castings providing strength and rigidity as well as convenience of assembly.

For convenience when positioning the floor stand in the corner of a room, a column of an appropriate height rises from a base casting anchored onto two legs at right angles to each other. The supporting legs ride on castors to ease movement of the assembly under load.

The construction has been optimized to ensure that any devices mounted on support arms are constrained to maintain the centre of gravity within the boundary formed by the base support members.

Multiple support arms may be stacked at any height on the upwardly extending support column and locked at any angle within 90° by a quadrant clamp supported by column pivot castings.

A range of temporary or permanent attachments to mounting arms may be substituted and are described below. Each has unique features addressing a wide range of support problems.

They include a range of mounts for a:

A LCD /Visual Display Screen

A Device to be Clamped

A eReader or Tablet Computer

A Table

A Presentation Screen

A Gaming assembly The Modular Floor Stand Assembly

Figure 1

With reference to Figure 1 , the present invention provides a floor mounted modular stand assembly supported by two Base Support Members 3 and 4 at about right angles having a square profile of material, such as extruded aluminium, of a length suitable for the specified application, to be clamped to a Base Casting 5 at the convergence of the Base Support Members. The Base Support Members 3 and 4 are attached to the Base Casting 5 by

Thumbscrews 2.

Three Castor wheels 1 , provide freedom of movement of the Assembly under load or on even or uneven flooring. The construction of the Base Support Members and Base Casting provides for positioning close to a wall in either a left or right handed configuration.

Figure 2

With reference to Figure 2, Support Column 6, also constructed from a square profile extrusion, is inserted into the cavity between the Base Casting 9 and the Clamp Casting 7.Four Screws 8 through Clamp Casting 7 retain the Support Column firmly in the Base Casting 9. The length and position of the Base Support Members is determined to prevent the assembly from overbalancing, by ensuring that the centre of any mass supported from the upwardly extending Support Column remains within the boundary of the assembly, defined by the Base Support Members while allowing the one or more Support Arms to traverse through 90° .

The square column prevents the Support Column from rotating in its base casting. Figure 3

With reference to Figure 3, Support Column 11 abuts the top of Base Support Member 10, before being clamped. Figure 4

With reference to Figure 4 the Base Support Members may be assembled in a right or left hand configuration to provide the appropriate range of swing for the one or more Support Arms (not shown).

The Support Arm(s)

The Support Arm can pivots about the upwardly extending Support Column through 90°.

More than one Support Arm may be stacked on the Support Column at any height, supporting a range of attachment and clamping devices at the outer end as described below. A Support Arm may be left free to rotate about the pivot casting or constrained by clamping onto the quadrant plate, ensuring that the position of any device supported by it will be maintained in an optimised position for a preferred operation.

It is to be appreciated that a number of Support Arms may be stacked on the Support

Column to support a range of devices.

Figure 5

With reference to Figure 5 a Support Arm 11a rotates on an Axle 12, that is inserted into a Column Pivot casting 13, clamped on the Support Column 14 at the selected height.

Clamping is achieved with quick release Lever Nuts 15.Device Mounts are pivotable connected by way of Screws 17 at the remote end of the Support Arm, and the swing may be restrained at any angle between 0° - 90° by clamping Quadrant 16 with a Lever Nut. The Screen Display Mount

A screen, such as an LCD screen, or any other device such as a Communication Board used by a non-verbal handicapped person, may be positioned at any angle or rotation using the Screen Display Mount.

The Screen Display Mount is pivoted on the end of the Mounting Arm remote from the Column. The screen can be lifted off the Display Mount using a VESA compliant VDMI [Flat Display Mounting Interface] mounting plate pre-drilled with the range of holes within the 100mm x 100mm format. Figure 6

With reference to Figure 6, a Screen Display Device Mount 18 is shown attached to the Support Arm. The Quadrant Yoke 22 rotates about a pivot and is locked by the Lever Nut 23 to present the face of the Trunnion 25 at a desired angle. The VESA compliant VDMI Display Mount 18 mounting plate anchors onto the Trunnion 25 by sliding down the face onto Tapered Fingers 19. The angle of presentation for the Screen can be altered by loosening the Lever Nut 21 and rotating the Trunnion 25 about its axis and locking it onto a one of the detente's 20 arrayed in a circle about the axis of rotation.

In a preferred embodiment the Screen Display Mount may be pivoted on the end of the Support Arm in a vertical axis about a quadrant plate that may be locked within an angle of +/- 90° of end of the Support Arm providing a total range of movement of 180°. Video displays conventionally are manufactured with mounting holes on the back surface in conformance with the VESA standards, VDMI [Flat Display Mounting Interface] mounting plate pre-drilled with the range of holes within the 100mm x 100mm format.

The Device Mount

The physically disabled, or persons temporarily compromised by a loss of mobility from disease or postural restraint from medical procedures, find it difficult to access consumer devices and IT appliances. Frequendy these cannot be easily attached or supported because of the potential to damage the exterior, the internal mechanism or to render the device or appliance electrically unsafe. The Device Mount provides an alternate method of attachment, by clamping rather from screwing into the equipment and substitutes for the Screen Display Mount [see Figure 6, feature 18 The Screen Display Mount above].

The Device Mount uses the same Support Arm as the Display Mount described above locking onto the Trunnion (see Figure 6, feature 25), constraining the apparatus within an adjustable clamp mechanism secure enough to suspend it overhead of a user reclining in bed or in a convenient position for access from a wheelchair.

The clamp system is adjustable to support a wide range of devices or appliances with dimensions as variable as a computer keyboard or a laptop. Figure 7

With reference to Figure 7, the Screen Device Mount has identical locking Tapered Fingers 31 to those shown in Figure 6 above (see feature 19).

To assemble, the keyboard or laptop (the Device) on the assembly is positioned against the two Base Clamps 32 at one end of the Device Mount. The thickness of the Device may be accommodated by altering the position of the hook in the Clamp 32 within Slides 35 and is locked with Thumb Nut 36.

The Base Clamps 2 may be laterally displaced within Slots 33 and locked in position with Thumb Nuts 34 to avoid features for example, such as switches and sockets along the bottom edge of a Laptop.

The laptop or keyboard rests on a Flat Surface 26 and is laterally restrained by two further

Clamps 27 pivoted about Pantoscopic Arms, see Figure 7 feature 28and Figure 7A feature 38. Clamps 27 are also adjustable for thickness in the same manner as Base Clamps 32 by sliding them up and down in their Slots (see Figure 7A feature40) and locking them with Lock Nut (Figure7, feature29 and Figure 7A feature44).

Apart from variations in thickness accommodated by the slot adjustments of the Clamps (see Figure 7, features 32 and 33), adjustment for the width and length of the device is accommodated by altering the position of the Pantoscopic Arms (see Figure 7, feature28 and Figure 7A feature 38 . The Pantoscopic assembly may translate along the Slots (see Figure 7 feature30) to accommodate a variation in width, the difference for example between a Computer Keyboard or a Laptop computer. The translation is locked by tightening the

Thumb Screws (see Figure 7, feature37 and Figure 7A, feature 39). Alternatively the whole pantoscopic assembly may be translated to position the clamps for wider devices. If one Thumb Screw is locked the other will move in the slot to alter the width of the Pantoscopic frame which is closed alongside the Device to be clamped.

In a preferred embodiment the Device Mount provides an alternate mode of attachment to the VDMI mounting plate whereby a device clamped into a Device Mount may be dropped over the quick release taper fingers. The full range of movement is available in two degrees of freedom about the mounting arm.

The Device Mount will clamp devices of a few kilograms such as laptops without damaging their housings. By using the flexibility of the translation of the pantoscopic arms within the mount, the clamps can usually be positioned to avoid covering critical components such as switches, found about the edges of the device.

The eReader Mount

Accessing Tablet and eReader technologies presents a slightly different support problem to that resolved by the Device Mount as described above.

Not only are these Devices designed to be very light and portable, but they also may be viewed in a Portrait or Landscape format. Being thin in profile, they need not be clamped as with the Device Mount above, but may be temporarily attached with Hook and Loop Fastening (eg Velcro™)to a surface. The hook surface of the Hook and Loop Fastening is cemented to the eReader Mount while the loop surface adhering to the Device is not a hindrance to carrying the Tablet or eReader in a travel case or pocket.

The Hook and Loop Fastening surface can be used for any Device that must be supported at an unusual angle or rotation.

Figure 8

With reference to Figure 8 the eReader device is an assembly pivoted about the end of the Support Arm 45 and limited in rotation by the Quadrant Yoke 46 that is locked by the Lever Nut 47.

Presenting a Vertical Surface 48, the face of the Quadrant Yoke 46 provides a mounting for a Barrel Mount 49 about which the Barrel 50 rotates. The rotation is locked by tightening the Thumb Screw 51.

The Ball Mount 52 is free to rotate or swing within the limits of the opening in the housing, however provision is made for an excursion of 90deg if the Housing 50 is rotated to position the Slot 53 to allow the Ball Mount 52 to enter the slot for the maximum travel. The

Mounting Plate 54 on the Ball Mount 52 can be locked in any position by tightening the Lever Cam 55.

Spots or strips of hooked Hook Fastening may be adhered to the surface of the Mounting Plate 54 for attachment of a Tablet or eReader that has Looped Fastening positioned to accurately mirror the Hooked half of the Fastening on the Mounting Plate.

In a preferred embodiment the eReader Mount may be pivoted in a vertical axis on the end of the Support Arm about a quadrant plate that may be locked within an angle of + /- 90° of end of the mounting arm providing a total range of movement of 180°.

The distinction between the eReader Mount and the foregoing Screen Display and Device Mounts is the facility to rotate the supported device about a third degree of freedom, to translate the mode of operation from Portrait to Landscape and back. The ball and socket joint provides a completely flexible manner of orienting the device. The Hook and Loop method of attachment to the Mounting Device provides a convenient and rapid method of detaching the device when not being used in a supported mode.

The Table Mount

The Table Mounting of auxiliary aids and appliances will generally be assembled on a separate Support Arm to provide a rest for supplementary equipment. As previously advised, the

Support Arm for the Table is constrained to ensure that its centre of gravity remains .within the Base Support Members to prevent the Floor stand Assembly from overbalancing. The Table Mount provides a surface to place other articles in a convenient position while operating any equipment supported about the Support Column. This may include a printer, telephone, rest for refreshments, manuals or the like.

Figure 9

With reference to Figure 9 a Casting 58 rotates about Pivot Pin 57, fitted on the end of a Support Arm 56. No provision has been made to lock the rotation of the Table 59 in this particular example. However if the object on the Table is relatively heavy, it would be important to keep its centre of gravity over the pivot to prevent the Floor stand Assembly from becoming unbalanced.

The Presentation Mount

The Presentation Mount has VESA compliant VDMI mounting brackets to anchor one or more large Flat Screen on one or more Support Arms suspended from the upwardly extending Support Column.

Freely mounted on Castors, the Presentation Mount can readily be located in a Classroom, Seminar or Board room to optimise sightlines for the occupants.

The Support Arms can be raised on the Support Column to any height and may be mirrored back to back on the mounting casting to support two screens alongside for gaming or back to back for conference equipment displays or public assemblies. The height of the Support Column is limited only by the height of the ceiling and the stability of the assembly.

The addition of a Table Mount, see above, provides a support for a Laptop connected to a large display on the Presentation Mount. The Table Mount pivoted on the Support Arm can be raised or lowered on the Support Column to provide access for the presenter to the Laptop for slide changing.

Figure 10

With reference to Figure 10, Castors 60 again provide a three point bearing for two Base Support Members 61 and 62 at right angles to each other, is stable on even or uneven floor surfaces and may be positioned in the corner of a room.

The Support Column 63 can be of any dimension less than the ceiling height and supports two Support Arms 64and 65 that can be clamped by Clamps 66 at a desired height The Support Arms 64 and65 can swing through nearly 90 degrees ensuring that the centre of gravity of the assembly is always within the Base Support Members 61 and62 to maintain stability. If necessary the Support Arms 64 and65 can be locked in position by clamping the Quadrants 67. The Presentation Screen 68 is attached to VESA compliant VDMI Mounting Brackets 69 by either four, M6 or M8 Screws 70. The Mounting Brackets 69 pivot on the end of the two Support Arms 64 and65 allowing an optimum angle of presentation to the audience.

Figure 10A

With reference to Figure 10A the general layout of the modular floor stand Assembly 72 in relation to the Presentation Screen 73 and Laptop 74 is illustrated. In a preferred embodiment the Presentation Mount supports larger LED /LCD/Plasma screens and an associated Laptop at a convenient height and enables them it to be positioned before a casual audience when a fixed screen precludes its use in any other environment.

The Gamer Mount

The Gamer Mount arrays larger displays horizontally at a comfortable height for prolonged viewing by Gamers. Associated audio equipment may be attached above or below the displays to provide biaural sound to follow action displayed on the screen.

A 3 x 2 matrix display may be supported using taller Columns and a duplicate set of components mounted one above the other.

Screens of variable dimensions may be installed, but generally identical models will be used for the array. To improve the peripheral view, the plane of the outer two screens in the array are angled +/-15deg to the centre. Each screen has a bezel surrounding the viewing area that is a barrier to the impression of a continuous display from one side of the array to the other. To reduce this barrier, the outer screens may be overlapped with the centre screen so that the bezel of the outer screen is over the top of the inner screen, reducing the parallax of the sight line.

Figure 11

With reference to Figure 11, three Displays 75 and76 are arrayed horizontally in a line, the outer two angled inwards approximately 15 degrees to improve the sightlines to the outer edge of the viewing area. It would be unusual to mount screens larger than 106cm [42"] because the combined width would be such that the outer extremities would be beyond the view of the Gamer. It would also be difficult to accommodate the assembly against a wall that would need to be longer than 3 metres.

Each of the Displays 75 and76 bolts onto Left 77 and Right 78 Handed, VESA compliant VDMI Mounting Brackets extended forward for the outer Displays to overlap the bezel of the inner Display. The inner VESA compliant VDMI Mounting Left 79 and Right 80 Brackets bolt directly onto Chassis 83 and project only far enough to allow the back surface of Display 76 to clear Chassis 83.

The Mounting Brackets 77 and 78 bolt onto the Left Chassis Extension 81 and the Right Chassis Extension 82. The bolts pass through Slots 86 wide enough on Brackets 77 and 78 to allow the Displays to be rotated a little to achieve contact at the overlap of the Bezels. The Slots 86 also allow for variations in thickness of the Displays using different technologies. The Slots 86 drop over M6 Threaded studs 88 spaced at 50mm intervals to allow the Mounting Brackets to be spaced appropriately for the width of the selected Display width and for the MIS-D 100, MIS-E and MIS-F Mounting Interfaces.

Further adjustment of the position of the Left Chassis Extension 81 and the Right Chassis Extension 82 is achieved by sliding them along the Chassis 83 within the range of the Slots 84 and 85 and the position of the Bolts 89 in the Chassis 83 front and rear rails. Sliding channels restrain the Chassis Extensions 81 and 82 from falling off the Chassis 83 before the bolts can be inserted. The range of adjustment adjusts continuously to accommodate the smallest to the largest displays.

The Chassis 83 is bolted onto pairs of Stays 90 and 91 to attach the assembly to the supporting Columns 92 that can be any length, but must be within the ceiling height. The Column 92 end of the Stays 90 and 91 are welded onto Pivot Axles 93 to allow for minor misalignments associated with ambient temperature variations and floor irregularities.

The Pivot Axles 93 are supported by Column Pivot Blocks 94, and clamped by Lever Nuts 95 at the preferred height.

The Support Columns 92 are clamped into the Base Castings 96 that are separated by the Spreader 97. Two Support Base Members 98 are fitted with Castors 99 to allow the assembly to be positioned in the room.

In a preferred embodiment the Gamer Mount provides a solution to the assembly of large screens favoured by Gamers who may associate their array with a purpose designed seating arrangement such as a driving seat with full control of the simulation. The column mounting provides a full range of height adjustment for an optimum viewing angle before the seat.

The Gamer mount provides a versatile range of horizontal positional adjustments to accommodate all of the currently used screen dimensions.

Associated speaker systems to enhance the realism of the simulation may be mounted from the mount above or below the displays but in line with each of them to traverse the sound, synchronised with the visual experience.

Among other advantages, the present invention provides a great deal of flexibility in function by using the same components assembled in different configurations supplemented by additional features to refine the method of attachment to alternate aids and appliances.

For portable operation of computer equipment in a scientific, industrial, medical or any environment by an able or disable bodied person, this embodiment enables the screen to tilt +/- 90° about a horizontal axis, above or below the plane of rotation of the mounting arm in addition to rotation about the vertical axis referred to above.

A number of arms with LCD Display Mounts may be stacked on the column where different data must be concurrently monitored. The quick release taper fingers allow LCD Displays to be removed quickly at any time.

Any other associated equipment may be accessed conveniently from a column support system described herein in addition to the displays, for example a laptop or therapeutic devices.

This preferred embodiment does not preclude any other device being screwed onto the VDMI mounting plate, such as a communication board positioned at an unusual angle for access by a disabled person.

Among other advantages, the present invention:

1. Can be assembled in a right or left handed configuration so that the supporting

column can be positioned on the most convenient side of a bed, seating, etc. allowing access to the patient for care providers, alternate sites for example, medical equipment and egress from the assembly for the user.

2. The quick release clamps provide rapid adjustment of the height of the support arms to accommodate changes in position or posture from turning and tilting beds, alternate use between a bed, seating, a wheelchair, etc.

3. Gravity locked mounting clamps allow devices to be quickly substituted on the

support arms for flexible functionality.

4. The range of mounting devices and their inherent strength and rigidity will support within 180° about both the horizontal and vertical axes, almost any domestic or medical appliance for access by the user.

5. The assembly is logically designed for assembly by semiskilled operators between different environments. Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to integers having known equivalents thereof, then those equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. It is appreciated that modifications and variations may be made to the embodiments and invention described herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS . A modular floor stand assembly including: at least two base support members on one or more conveyance members that in use allow the floor stand assembly to be moved along a ground surface; at least one upwardly extending support column extending from the base support members, at least one support arm that in use is positionable at a desired height above the base support member and wherein the support arm includes at least one device mount member that in use is attached to and secured to a and wherein the device mount is further adapted to allow the device to be optimally positioned proximate a user of the device.

2. The modular floor stand assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein two base support members are positioned at about 90 degrees apart.

3. The modular floor stand assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein a base casting secures the base support members together at about 90 degrees apart and wherein the base casting is further adapted and dimensioned to receive and secure the upwardly extending support column.

4. The modular floor stand assembly as claimed in claim 3 wherein the base casting secures one end of a first base support member and secures proximate one end of the second base support member, the second base support member having a conveyance member mounted at each of its end while the first base support member having a conveyance member positioned at the end remote from the base casting

5. The modular floor stand assembly as defined in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the conveyance members are castor type wheels.

6. The modular floor stand assembly as defined in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the support arm is adapted to pivot about the upwardly extending support column through about 90 degrees.

7. The modular floor stand assembly as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the device mount is adapted and dimensioned to connect to and secure a video display unit.

8. The modular floor stand assembly as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the device mount is adapted and dimensioned to connect to and secure a laptop.

9. The modular floor stand assembly as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the device mount is adapted and dimensioned to connect to and secure an e- reader or tablet computer.

10. The modular floor stand assembly as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the device mount is adapted and dimensioned to connect to and secure a keyboard.

11. The modular floor stand assembly as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the device mount is adapted and dimensioned to connect to and secure a table.

12. The modular floor stand assembly as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the device mount is adapted and dimensioned to connect to and secure a piece of medical equipment.

13. The modular floor stand assembly as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the device mount is adapted and dimensioned to connect to a piece of scientific equipment.

14. The modular floor stand assembly as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the floor stand assembly includes at least two arm supports to secure at least two devices.

15. The modular floor stand assembly as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the floor stand assembly includes at least three arm supports to secure at least three devices.

6. A kit for assembling a modular floor stand assembly including:

at least two base support members;

at least one or more conveyance members;

an upwardly extending support column;

at least one support arm;

at least one device mount member.; and instructions to assemble the floor stand assembly.

17. A kit as defined in claim 16 further including a base casting.

18. A kit as defined in claim 16 wherein the conveyance members are castor wheels.

19. A kit as defined in claim 16 wherein the device mount member is device mount is adapted and dimensioned to connect to and secure a video display unit.

20. A kit as defined in claim 16 wherein the device mount member is adapted and dimensioned to connect to and secure a laptop.

21. A kit as defined in claim 16 wherein the device mount member is device mount is adapted and dimensioned to connect to and secure an e-reader or tablet computer.

22. A kit as defined in claim 6 wherein the device mount member is device mount is adapted and dimensioned to connect to and secure a keyboard.

23. A kit as defined in claim 16 wherein the device mount member is device mount is adapted and dimensioned to connect to and secure a table.

24. A kit as defined in claim 16 wherein the device mount member is device mount is adapted and dimensioned to connect to and secure a piece of medical equipment.

25. A kit as defined in claim 16 wherein the device mount member is device mount is adapted and dimensioned to connect to a piece of scientific equipment.

26. A kit as defined in claim 6 including at least two arm supports to secure at least two devices.

27. A kit as defined in claim 16 including at least three arm supports to secure at least three devices.