A counterbalance apparatus and/or method for supporting a load

A method of supporting a load having a load vector applied in a direction of the vector of gravity using a counterbalance apparatus, the method comprising:

• attaching the load to a distal end of a load bearing arm projecting from a base at an attachment point at a proximal end, the load bearing arm with a plurality of pivot points forming a parallelogram linkage;
• positioning a toggle linkage having an adjustment member, the toggle linkage pivotally connected to the base and movable between a non-load bearing position and a load bearing position, to define a distance between the adjustment member and the attachment point;
• and
• configuring a first resilient member to apply a force to the load bearing arm by connecting a first end to a first portion of the parallelogram linkage and a second end to the adjustment member;
• and configuring a second resilient member to apply a force to the load bearing arm by connecting a first end to a second portion of the parallelogram linkage and a second end to the adjustment member;
• and
• whereby moving the toggle linkage from the non-load bearing position to the load bearing position engages the forces of the first and second resilient members and moving the adjustment member varies the distance to adjust a support vector to counterbalance the load vector.

A counterbalance apparatus for supporting a load having a load vector applied in a direction of the vector of gravity, comprising:

• a base movable between a load bearing and a non-loading position;
• a load bearing arm with a plurality of pivot points forming a parallelogram linkage, the load bearing arm projecting from the base at an attachment point at a proximal end and adapted to support the load at a distal end;
• a first resilient member for applying a force to the load bearing arm having a first end connected to a first portion of the parallelogram linkage and a second end connected to an attachment point of the base;
• and a second resilient member for applying a force to the load bearing arm having a first end connected to a second portion of the parallelogram linkage and a second end connected to the attachment point of the base;
• and
• wherein movement of the base from the non-load bearing position to the load bearing position engages the forces of the first and second resilient members to apply a support vector to counterbalance the load vector.