公开(公告)号：WO0244646A8

公开(公告)日：2003-04-10

申请号：PCT/US0147676

申请日：2001-11-30

Applicant: CALAM & ASSOCIATES INC

Inventor： CALAM HENRY D ,  LOVETT DOUGLAS

IPC: B60N2/75 ,  B60R11/00 ,  B60R11/02 ,  F16M11/40 ,  G01B

CPC classification number: B60R11/0252 ,  B60N2/468 ,  B60R2011/0007 ,  B60R2011/0082 ,  B60R2011/0084 ,  B60R2011/0091 ,  F16M11/18 ,  F16M11/40 ,  F16M13/00 ,  F16M2200/02

Abstract: The invention relates to a personal computer system in a vehicle, a system for supporting a utility station relative to a base, a flexible support mechanism, a console for retractably supporting a utility station in an automobile, and a method for supporting an object. The flexible support mechanism includes a plurality of links connected together to form a chain of links, a plurality of connectors for connecting the links, and a locking mechanism for selectively locking the links to rigidize the support mechanism. The systems include a flexible support mechanism and a utility station. The flexible support mechanism is connected to the utility station and a base. The base may be provided in a console or housing. A computer may be provided in the utility station. The system may also include a movable connection point where the support mechanism connects to the base. The method of supporting an object includes providing an object at the end of a flexible support mechanism, moving the object to a desired location by moving the flexible support mechanism, and rigidizing the flexible support mechanism such that the support mechanism becomes rigid to firmly position the object at the desired location. A break-away feature is provided where the support mechanism de-rigidizes in the event a vehicle is in an accident. A lock out feature is also provided to deter the driver from using the personal computer while the vehicle is moving. The invention also relates to a support mechanism for supporting objects, such as medical or dental devices, and is, thus, useful in industries such as the medical and dental fields, in addition to the automobile industry, among others.

Abstract translation: 本发明涉及车辆中的个人计算机系统，用于相对于基座支撑公用事业站的系统，柔性支撑机构，用于可伸缩地支撑汽车中的公用事业站的控制台以及用于支撑物体的方法。 柔性支撑机构包括连接在一起以形成链条链条的多个连杆，用于连接链接件的多个连接器，以及用于选择性地锁定连杆以使支撑机构刚性化的锁定机构。 这些系统包括一个灵活的支撑机构和一个公用事业站。 灵活的支撑机构连接到公用事业站和基地。 基座可以设置在控制台或壳体中。 可以在公用事业工作站中提供计算机。 系统还可以包括支撑机构连接到基座的可移动连接点。 支撑物体的方法包括在柔性支撑机构的末端提供物体，通过移动柔性支撑机构将物体移动到期望的位置，以及使柔性支撑机构刚性化，使得支撑机构变得刚性以牢固地定位 对象在所需的位置。 在车辆发生事故的情况下，提供了一种脱离功能，其中支撑机构去硬化。 还提供锁定功能以在车辆移动时阻止驾驶员使用个人计算机。 本发明还涉及用于支撑诸如医疗或牙科装置的物体的支撑机构，并且因此除了汽车工业之外还可用于医疗和牙科领域等行业。