Position-adjustable support assembly

Abstract

A position-adjustable support assembly comprises at least one surface mount, an actuator affixed thereto, and a body coupled to and supported on the actuator free of the at least one surface mount. The body is moveable relative to the at least one surface mount in response to a motive force applied by the actuator. The actuator may be affixed to the at least one surface mount inboard of an outer perimeter defined by a frame portion of the body so as to be accommodated interstitially between the at least one surface mount and the body. In some embodiments, the support assembly may further comprise a strain gauge, coupled to the body at a terminal region thereof, which may be configured to detect a strain force acting on the body in the terminal region and control movement of the body based on the strain force detected by the strain gauge.

1 . A position-adjustable support assembly, comprising
 at least one surface mount;   an actuator affixed to the at least one surface mount;   a body comprising a frame portion coupled to and supported on the actuator free of the at least one surface mount, wherein the body, in response to a motive force applied by the actuator, is moveable relative to the at least one surface mount; and   wherein the actuator is affixed to the at least one surface mount inboard of an outer perimeter defined by the frame portion so as to be accommodated interstitially between the at least one surface mount and the body.   
     
     
         2 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the actuator comprises:
 an arm affixed to each of the body and the at least one surface mount; and   a drive system operatively coupled to the arm and controllable so as to move the arm between retracted and extended positions, extension and retraction of the arm inducing movement of the body relative to the at least one surface mount.   
     
     
         3 - 30 : (canceled)