US 4,836,478 · Granted 1989-06-06
The Patent That Let Office Workers Move Their Monitors Like Magic
Imagine a robotic arm that holds your computer monitor and lets you move it anywhere—up, down, sideways, even rotate it—without lifting a finger. This patent describes a whole suspension system that balances the monitor with air pressure and lets it slide along a track, so your desk setup changes shape depending on what you're doing.
The plain-English version
What it protects
The claim covers a suspension apparatus for computers and monitors that includes a carriage to hold the device, a swivel-and-tilt mechanism secured by friction, a pivotable and rotatable support arm, and a track system that allows horizontal movement. What's protected here is the specific combination of these elements working together—the pneumatic balancing cylinder, the roller assembly that rides along the track, and the ability to simultaneously adjust height, tilt, rotation, and lateral position. Someone copying this exact mechanical linkage and track design would be infringing.
Why it matters
In the 1980s, ergonomics was becoming a workplace concern as computers became standard office equipment. This patent represents an early solution to a real problem: static monitor positions caused neck strain and fatigue. By making monitors mobile and adjustable, Ergotron pioneered the concept of dynamic, adaptable workstations. The patent enabled the company to build a product category around monitor arms and suspension systems that is still dominant today, with competitors licensing the technology or designing around it.
Real-world use
When you see an office worker with a monitor on an adjustable arm that glides smoothly across the desk and tilts to eye level, that's this patent's DNA at work—especially in high-end ergonomic setups and healthcare or design studios where positioning matters.
Original USPTO abstract
A suspension system for a personal computer or monitor comprising a carriage in which the monitor or computer is mounted, the carriage being supported from above by a frictionally secured swivel and tilt mechanism in turn attached to a pivotable and rotatable support arm. The support arm is balanced by an adjustable pneumatic pressure cylinder, and is mounted on a roller assembly such that it may be carried along a path defined by a track assembly, thereby permitting the monitor or computer to be transported between first and second positions, as well as simultaneously being raised or lowered vertically, tilted, rotated, or swiveled. The track assembly may be attached to the underside of a shelving unit and incorporated into a modular partition system, or attached to a freestanding frame.
Patent details
- Publication number
- US 4,836,478
- Filing date
- 1987-10-15
- Grant date
- 1989-06-06
- Assignee
- Ergotron, Inc.
- Inventor(s)
- SWEERE; HARRY C.
- CPC class
- F16M11/2021
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