Including Transparent Viewing Portion Patents (Class 248/444.1)
  • Patent number: 11421814
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable and tiltable stand (1) for multiple portable electronic devices with a screen (2) that allows the screens to be looked at also upwards from lower position. The stand (1) includes a base (3), a tray (4) with a fixation device (5) suitable to attach the electronic device or devises (2) to the tray (4) reversibly, and one or more torque joints (6), wherein at least one torque joint (6) is in the form of a torque hinge (6a), ball joint, condyloid joint and/or saddle joint, through which the tray (4) is connected to the base (3). The one or more torque joints (6) allow the tray (4) to be tilted by at least an angle of ±30°, preferably at least ±45°, starting from the 90° upwards position relative to the base (3), and have a torque to allow the tray (4) with an attached electronic device (2) to remain in any position, and to tilt the tray (4) with the attached electronic device or devices (2) by hand without having to loosen and tighten an adjustable screw or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Inventor: Beat Affentranger
  • Patent number: 11234510
    Abstract: An assembly can include a rectangular device that includes an x dimension, a y dimension and a display; and a stand that supports the rectangular device in different orientations, where the different orientations include a horizontal orientation of the x dimension and a horizontal orientation of the y dimension, where the stand includes an adjustable coupling that physically supports at least a portion of a mass of the rectangular device in the horizontal orientation of the x dimension and that physically supports at least a portion of a mass of the rectangular device in the horizontal orientation of the y dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas Perelli, Brian H. Leonard, Ali Kathryn Ent, Cuong Huy Truong
  • Patent number: 10893759
    Abstract: A locker assembly having a backlit indicia includes a pair of sidewalls and a horizontal top defining a locker enclosure. At least one shelf extends at least partially between the sidewalls and defines a storage space in the locker enclosure. An illuminated panel extending at least partially between the sidewalls includes: an at least partially translucent sheet, a plurality of powered lighting elements disposed under the sheet, and a lighting enclosure cooperating with the panel to enclose the lighting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Inventor: Sam Allen
  • Patent number: 10485335
    Abstract: A computer workstation lift and tilt assembly for providing a stable platform to raise, lower, and tilt various computing device. Here, the assembly can include a base, a first column, wherein the first column is secured to the base, and a second column. The assembly can further include a mount, wherein the mount is secured to a top region of the second column and configured to pivot relative to the second column, a first main slide having a first sub slide, and a second main slide having a second sub slide. Here, the first main slide can be secured to one side of the first column and the second main slide is secured to an opposing side of the first column, wherein the first sub slide is secured to one side of the second column and the second sub slide is secured to an opposing side of the second column, and wherein the second column is adapted slide relative to the first column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: ERGOTECT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Simon Nicholas Johnson, Michael John Sears
  • Patent number: 10041252
    Abstract: A sleeve lock locks concrete reinforcing steel bars within rigid support structure retainers for stabilizing the reinforcing bars in place, while allowing the bars to spin freely within sleeves or holes within the retainers. The sleeve locks are stable couplings holding concrete reinforcing bars in position while allowing the bars to spin within the couplings. This reduces the need for tightening locks or fasteners at elevated heights of vertically positioned concrete reinforcing steel bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Inventor: Steven James Bongiorno
  • Patent number: 9949561
    Abstract: A computing stand for supporting an electronic device, the stand comprising: a work surface; one or more magnets positioned on the work surface; a riser attached to the work surface; and a base attached to the riser, wherein the one or more magnets are positioned to attract to one or more magnets associated with at least one of the electronic device, a keyboard of the electronic device, and a kickstand of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.
    Inventor: Stuart Ripley Aldrich
  • Patent number: 9915393
    Abstract: A mobile device support is provided herein. The support may include a support element having a support surface having first and second longitudinal ends, the support surfacing supporting a mobile device that operably rests thereon. The support may include a base connected to the support element. The base may be operable to rest on an underlying surface defining a contact plane. The base stably positions the support element holding the mobile device. The support surface defines a gap that interrupts the support surface between the longitudinal ends. The gap opens laterally with respect to the support surface, while providing a clearance above the base that is sufficiently large to enable a user to insert at least a finger into the gap between the longitudinal ends and between the base and the mobile device. The gap allows the user to directly grasp the mobile device from both a face up side and a face down side when the mobile device rests on the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Inventor: Evan Bingham Grove
  • Patent number: 9439511
    Abstract: A space saving, door or wall-mountable artist's easel with a framework adapted to receive and hold an artist's canvas, art panel, clipboard, or some other item that would normally be affixed to an easel with a mounting bracket attached to the frame so the entire device may be hung on a door or wall. The easel can be used while mounted. In one example, a front pivoting frame enables the mounted piece to be extended outward from a back stationary frame. A height adjustment mechanism allows the mounted piece to be raised or lowered to a desired position, enabling the artist to stand or sit. The compactness of the easel enables an art piece being worked on to be left mounted to the easel for drying or viewing, and the door can still be opened and closed normally with the easel mounted to it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventor: Robert W. Hickman
  • Patent number: 9339107
    Abstract: A portable bedside table including a base, a pair of vertical side supports disposed atop a top surface of the base, and a pair of U-shaped apertures including a right aperture and a left aperture. The right aperture and the left aperture is disposed within a back edge of a right side support and a left side support of the pair of side supports, respectively. An L-shaped first shelf is continuously disposed between an interior surface of each of the right side support and the left side support. A horizontally disposed rectangular second shelf has a rear surface attached to a front side of the base. The pair of apertures is configured to removably encircle a mattress and, alternately, the second shelf is configured to removably attach to an underside of the mattress, such that the pair of side supports is adjacent to the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventor: Robert Madore
  • Patent number: 9103980
    Abstract: An adjustable mirror device is provided that includes a free-standing or wall-mountable construction, whereon a mirror frame is slidably mounted thereto without the use of fasteners. A free-standing mirror support comprises an upstanding mirror frame support having a first and second side rail and lower support legs that allow the side rails to remain in an upright configuration without secondary support. The wall-mountable mirror support comprises a fastenable frame that affixes to a wall for supporting the mirror frame in the same manner as the free-standing embodiment. The mirror frame backside surface comprises a first and second magnetic strip running vertically therealong. These strips secure to ferric material strip extending along each side rail of the free-standing or wall-mountable mirror frame support embodiment. The magnetic attachment allows the user to slidably reposition the mirror without fasteners or tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Inventor: Glenfield Gipson
  • Patent number: 9010714
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting an electronic device includes a primary support member. Secondary support components at each end of the primary support member may rest upon spaced apart parallel upper surfaces of a device such as a bath tub. An assembly for receiving an electronic device is mounted on the primary support member. An electronic device such as an e-reader or a tablet computer is supported and protected by the apparatus. A transparent front panel extends upwardly in front of the electronic device but does not cover the entire touch screen of the electronic device to allow access to a top portion of the touch screen to turn pages of a displayed file. The transparent front panel may be hinged to pivot to a horizontal orientation to support a keyboard and allow access to the entire screen of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Peter Marvin Weldon
  • Patent number: 8899535
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus for repeatable positioning of an item may include a first mount, a second mount, and a third mount. The first mount may be configured to receive a first member coupled to the item wherein the first mount may constrain the first member against movement along three mutually-orthogonal directions. The second mount may be configured to receive a second member coupled to the item and constrain the second member against movement along two of the directions. The third mount may be configured to receive a third member coupled to the item and constrain the third member against movement along one of the directions. The first, second, and third member may be at least partially-spherical and may be engaged to the respective first, second, and third mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Curtis M. Ashford, Brian A. Bollinger
  • Patent number: 8888063
    Abstract: Novel stands for tablet computers and other electronic devices. A stand for a tablet may comprise a body having one or more attachment mechanisms at one location and a crossbar at a second location. The crossbar may comprise a portion of a first material disposed to magnetically interact with a portion of a second material that is provided by the tablet. The magnetic interaction may cause the crossbar to serve as one or more detents that movably affixes the stand in a desired position relative to the tablet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Qwest Communications International Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Mack, James Yurchenco, Matthew Robert Adams, Andrew Switky, Adam Vollmer, Michael Gibson
  • Publication number: 20140209776
    Abstract: A support apparatus is disclosed for presenting successive printed sheets, such as those of music, in proper sequence for reading. The apparatus comprises a series of rigid panel members rectangular in configuration and transparent in appearance, each of the panel members being formed having a thin pocket chamber open at the top and extending longitudinally from top to bottom of the panel member for holding a printed sheet contained therein. The panel members are aligned side-by-side and successive panel members are pivotally coupled together along immediately adjacent edges by one or more living hinge members having clamp sections running the length of the hinge members on opposite sides thereof to engage the respective edges and a flexible intermediate web extending between the clamp sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventor: Tehmaas Gorimaar
  • Patent number: 8675354
    Abstract: A memo board, including: a front housing including a first opening; a display module disposed behind a front side of the front housing, a front panel of the display module being exposed through the first opening of the front housing; a circuit board disposed behind the front side of the front housing, the circuit board including a memory and a controller; a back housing configured to receive the circuit board, the display module and the front housing through an opening at a front side of the back housing, the back housing including a mounting connector at a back side of the back housing; and a screen disposed at the front side of the front housing, the front panel of the display module being viewable through the screen, the screen being secured to and removed from the front housing by first and second fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Voxx International Corporation
    Inventor: Jean-Jacques L'Hénaff
  • Patent number: 8657248
    Abstract: A supporting apparatus for a thin electronic product is composed of a main body having a chamber, a plurality of fillers received in the chamber, an external lateral surface, and a locating portion located on the external lateral surface. The thin electronic product can be visibly fastened to the external lateral surface by the locating portion. Because the supporting apparatus can be firmly put on a surface and define a predetermined angle with respect to the surface, while the thin electronic product is fixed to the external lateral surface of the main body, the thin electronic product can define the predetermined angle with respect to the surface to allow the user to conveniently operate the thin electronic product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Salero, LLC
    Inventors: Laura Marie Rowzee, Andreas Philipp Rowzee, Ricardo Salas
  • Patent number: 8613156
    Abstract: A method of providing a shelf-attached tag holder defining an upwardly-open slot for receiving a main price tag and further having a slip-fit top attachment system; and placing a main price tag into the upwardly-open slot in a visible position. The method also includes temporarily attaching a supplemental information tag by sliding a top edge of the supplemental information tag into the downwardly-open front throat with a folded attachment flange providing positive engagement with the slip-fit top attachment system, with the supplemental information tag being positioned in front of the main price tag. The method also includes, after the step of temporarily attaching, a step of pulling the supplemental information price tag downwardly with sufficient force to overcome the positive engagement of the folded attachment flange to thus remove the supplemental information tag without disturbing the main price tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Grandville Printing Company
    Inventors: Chris E. Nunez, Robert J. Wojczynski
  • Publication number: 20120068037
    Abstract: Multi-layer paper structures and processes of producing the same are described. An easel includes a backer layer associated with a first web roll, the backer layer comprising a planar portion and a support structure and a display layer associated with a second web roll different from the first web roll, the display layer comprising a front face and a back face, the back face coupled to the backer layer. The front face includes information associated with a recipient of the easel or an organization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventor: Joshua Johnson
  • Patent number: 8136785
    Abstract: In accordance with the aspects of the present invention, an improved book holder for reading in bed is disclosed. The present invention includes a base panel, back panel, central slotted unit and moveable plexiglass plate rectangular in shape. The plexiglass includes a windowed region such that when using the invention with an e-book reader, the controls of the e-book reader can be accessed through the windowed region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: John Christopher Polster
  • Publication number: 20120018609
    Abstract: A supporting apparatus for a thin electronic product is composed of a main body having a chamber, a plurality of fillers received in the chamber, an external lateral surface, and a locating portion located on the external lateral surface. The thin electronic product can be visibly fastened to the external lateral surface by the locating portion. Because the supporting apparatus can be firmly put on a surface and define a predetermined angle with respect to the surface, while the thin electronic product is fixed to the external lateral surface of the main body, the thin electronic product can define the predetermined angle with respect to the surface to allow the user to conveniently operate the thin electronic product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: Laura Marie ROWZEE, Andreas Philipp ROWZEE, Ricardo SALAS
  • Patent number: 7887021
    Abstract: A laptop holder for an exercise apparatus is provided which includes a base having a generally planar front surface for receiving a laptop computer and a rear surface configured for engaging a generally planar surface of the exercise apparatus. At least one strap extends from the base and is configured to wrap around a portion of the exercise apparatus to form a loop with the base. Disposed on the base is a pocket defining a pocket opening for receiving a laptop computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Dard Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Bonni Shevin-Sandy
  • Patent number: 7845611
    Abstract: Door/lid operated page turner devices, systems and methods for reading materials such as books is provided for hands-free reading for the able-bodied and disabled reader. A platform supports a book that is covered by a bottomless box having an open top, with left and right transparent lids slidably attached to cover the open top with a small space between the lids when closed. A single protruding member with a tip is adapted to slide the right transparent lid to the right exposing a page of the stacked reading pages, the tip is also used to lift up an outer edge of the page to be above the right transparent lid, followed by the tip of the protruding member pushing against and sliding the right transparent lid to the left until the right transparent lid abuts against the spacer, wherein the tip of the protruding member pushes both the closed left and right transparent lids to the left until the raised first page is turned and overlaying the left portion of the supporting platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Inventor: Alfred M. Sholander
  • Patent number: 7841574
    Abstract: An organizer that attaches to a computer monitor or other display monitor and has a transparent dust, glare, and/or UV radiation shield and at least one lateral storage panel with pockets that hold various documents and materials and maintain them in a convenient location for easy access or viewing while working on the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Inventor: Duane J. Harris
  • Patent number: 7735799
    Abstract: A book holding device comprising a base plate, a pair of book contact plates, and at least one resilient compression end member. The book holding device having an associated removable, fold-able stand coupled to the rear surface of the book holding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Inventor: Roger Antici
  • Patent number: 7736281
    Abstract: An exercise machine has a number of features relating to ease of use. The machine has a widened step through design, improved foot straps, an adjustable reading display or a pivotal arm rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Unisen, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin P. Corbalis, Mark William Chiles, Victor Torres Cornejo, Felipe J. Marin
  • Patent number: 7616390
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for magnifying and illuminating reading materials through the use of a plurality of magnifying lens which are adjustably placed on posts which are movable above the surface of the reading materials which materials are supported on a desk top or reading platform which is placed on the upper surface of a supporting base. The magnifying lens are supported by a series of manually and motor-driven posts which are placed on horizontal and vertical posts so that they can be moved above the surface of the reading material in an appropriate unique position which is adjustable to the requirements of the eye of the user, which user is suffering from muscular degeneration of the retina. The lens are moved by a series of screw drives which are housed in the vertical and horizontal posts. Means for lighting is adjustably supported on an arm placed above the lens so that light from the lamp can shine through the lens and onto the surface of the reading materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Inventor: Pryor E. Cosby
  • Publication number: 20090166504
    Abstract: A protective book stand including a base, a support member removably insertable in said base, and arranged to extend upwardly at an angle from said base, and a transparent shield pivotally secured to said base, wherein said support member and said transparent shield are operatively arranged to hold an object therebetween at substantially said angle relative to said base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: Umbra LLC
    Inventor: Luciano Lorenzatti
  • Publication number: 20090065674
    Abstract: The Invention is a music stand having a wind guard to prevent sheet music from being disturbed by the wind. A substantially transparent wind guard panel is attached generally normal to a base. A spring clamp attached to the base resiliently and releasably attaches the base to the music stand shelf. The spring clamp and base support the wind guard panel generally parallel to the music stand desk. The resilient attachment of the base to the shelf allows a musician to tilt the base and wind guard panel to allow access to sheet music on the music stand desk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: Michael Angelo Spinelli
  • Patent number: 7458555
    Abstract: A book holder includes a tray for holding a book, a ball joint and swivel assembly connected between the back of the tray and one end of a gooseneck, and a C-clamp connected to the other end of gooseneck, whereby the book holder can be attached to an arm of indoor and outdoor furniture with the tray being rotatable in the plane of its front face over 360° to a desired position, rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the gooseneck to a desired position, and the gooseneck bent to further position the tray, thereby permitting a user to be sitting or prone with a book positioned on the tray in a desired reading position, or permitting the book holder to be moved while still attached to the furniture, to a non-use position out of the way of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Together Us Two LLC
    Inventors: Cosmo D. Mastropaolo, Mary Ann Mastropaolo, Joseph R. Petrella, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7374143
    Abstract: A removable cover for use with a clipboard, the cover comprising a transparent dome, the dome having two ends and two sides, each side of the dome meeting opposite sides of the clipboard, a closure at the spring-biased end of the clipboard, an aperture in the closure, a coverlet affixed to the aperture, the coverlet covering the spring-biased clip, an opening in a bottom of the coverlet, battery powered LED's illuminating the clipboard via low light sensors, a track around the sides and closure end of the cover providing slideably removable attachment to the clipboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Victor Wittke
  • Patent number: 7328878
    Abstract: A book holder includes a generally rigid rear panel, generally rigid, spaced-apart front panels that are at least partially transparent, generally parallel to and rigidly coupled to the rear panel, a ferromagnetic strip attached to a lower exterior portion of each front panel, and a plurality of magnetic clips, each of which may be attached to a page of a book which must be turned. The covers of a book and pages thereof which need not be turned, may be placed between the front and rear panels. The space between the two front panels permits the pages which must be turned to be secured to either ferromagnetic strip. The holder may optionally include, beneath the front panels, a tubular base portion, equipped with a finger slot at each end to facilitate grasping the magnetic clips and turning the pages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventor: Michael D. Ross
  • Patent number: 7240887
    Abstract: A book holder for supporting and protecting an article of reading material is provided. The book holder includes a spine, a pair of cover panels, each of the cover panels is hingidly to the spine permitting the pair of cover panels to be rotated into an open position and to be rotated into a closed position. The book holder is adapted to receive and support an article of reading material in an open position when the book holder is open and for enclosing and protecting the reading material when the book holder is closed. A page holder assembly is provided to hold the reading material open and for marking a page. The page holder assembly can also include a line marker for marking a line of text in the reading material. In additional embodiments, an illumination means for illuminating the reading material and a magnify sheet for magnify the reading material may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: Brian Buote
  • Patent number: 7152840
    Abstract: A book holder removably attachable to a vehicle or structure such as a stroller, walker, wheelchair or car seat for mobile applications. The book holder for holding a book or drawing surface in a usable position thereon for by the occupant of the vehicle. The book holder comprising an adjustable clasp on the vehicle, an arm extending to a book platform, the arm providing rotational pivotal and axial adjustment to hold the platform in spaced relation to the clasp. A plurality of spring biased clamps on the platform to secure the book to the book holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Inventors: Chikezie Ottah, Chineye Ottah, Keneth Ottah
  • Patent number: 7051463
    Abstract: A device for displaying and exchanging a plurality of documents of various shapes and sizes and for organizing the same. The device of the present invention comprises at least two layers of pliable sheet material. If multiple sheets are used, the sheets may be nested together. The sheets may then be inserted into a binder mechanism where the binder mechanism compressibly engages the layers to create a pressure region adjacent thereto. The frictional force between the sheet material and the inserted document retains a document inserted into the pressure region formed between two adjacent layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Corbitz, Ltd.
    Inventors: Howard M. Bing, Richard A. Bennett
  • Patent number: 6905104
    Abstract: A sign-in device having a privacy screen provides a clipboard which supports a sign-in sheet for patent or visitor sign-in purposes. An elongated spool of substantially opaque flexible sheet material is held within a housing or support of the paper clamp. An elongated header bar is movably attached to a side margin of the board. An exposed end margin of the opaque material is attached to the header bar whereby movement of the header bar along the length of the clipboard causes the opaque material to be withdrawn from the spool forming the privacy screen which covers and conceals a selected portion of the sign-in sheet which includes the names and/or signatures of previously signed-in patients or visitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Inventors: Keith Offenhauer, Harold Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 6830356
    Abstract: A magnifying and illuminating apparatus which can both be fitted onto existing lecterns or used as an integral part of an improved lectern and which combines a light source and a magnifying element in order to improve visibility of the viewable material placed under it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Inventor: André Larocque
  • Patent number: 6820852
    Abstract: A pillow book holder capable of allowing a reader to read a book without unnecessary hand muscle strain while at the same time the pillow book holder is capable of falling without damaging itself, the book, or losing the page place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Inventors: Joyce E. Wainscott, Lorin S. Park
  • Patent number: 6733043
    Abstract: A book holder including an elongated, flexible formed piece of material, the material having an elastic deformation characteristic so as to permit bending while remaining biased to an original position, a base formed from the material, the base having a first member substantially transverse to a second member and a third member substantially transverse to the second member, the first, second, and third members lying in a plane, a first arm, having a first and second portion and a tip, formed from the material, the first portion extending from the first member generally perpendicular to the plane and the second portion extending obliquely from the first portion, the tip being on an end of the second portion opposite the first portion, a second arm, having a first and second portion and a tip, formed from the material, the first portion extending from the first member generally perpendicular to the plane and the second portion extending obliquely from the first portion, the tip being on an end of the second por
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Harry P. Silverstein
  • Patent number: 6729653
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a book or magazine for reading includes a bottom member and a top member. The top member is elevated at one end above the bottom member and is adapted to pivot about an axis from a first closed position for reading into a second open position for turning the pages. At least a portion of the top member is transparent to permit viewing of printed matter through the top member, which is adapted to press upon the book or magazine when it is disposed in the first position. A lip is attached to the bottom member and is used to further retain the book or magazine in position. A marking device is optionally detachably-attached to a top portion of the apparatus. A stand is described upon which the apparatus may be placed for hands-free use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventor: Edwin Clarence Greer
  • Publication number: 20040065800
    Abstract: A display device for displaying a memorial presentation, such as, for example, at a memorial service, viewing, or gravesite, wherein the device includes one or more sleeves allowing for a multi-element presentation; provides a passive illumination feature to enhance safety, emphasis, and navigation; and includes one or more of a variety of attachment or other support mechanisms, including a hook, a magnet, hook-and-loop material, and one or more legs. A hinge mechanism connects the sleeves. Holes may be provided for receiving ribbon material. The legs may be provided with removable weighted feet for added stability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Debra Colbert
  • Publication number: 20040041067
    Abstract: Disclosed is a reading stand with attached magnifying glass, in which the magnifying glass is of a size substantially identical to a copy holder of the reading stand and is mounted at a parallel position spaced apart from the copy holder of the reading stand at a certain distance so as to allow a relative position to the copy holder to be adjusted. The reading stand with attached magnifying glass, which includes a base plate, a copy holder and a slant adjusting girder and is capable of adjusting the copy holder to have a preset slant angle relative to the base plate, comprises the magnifying glass having a size substantially identical to the copy holder, and a positioning means, coupled to an upper portion of the magnifying glass, for allowing shifting of the magnifying glass in at least one direction of y- and z-axial directions, so that the magnifying glass is positioned on a plane parallel to the copy holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventor: Ki-Su Jung
  • Patent number: 6691442
    Abstract: A clipboard apparatus includes a compact integrated slide viewer. The clipboard section comprises a top layer, a middle layer and a bottom layer plus a document holding, spring loaded clip attached to the upper edge of the multilayered board. According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the middle layer includes a cavity for receiving a rotatable wheel. Indicia on the rim of the wheel are viewable through a transparent window in the top layer of the multilayered clipboard. The wheel extends through an aperture in the side of the board so that the wheel can be rotated and information read off of the indicia through the transparent viewing window. According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the cavity is square and receives a rectangular slide that moves into and out of the cavity through a side aperture. Transparent windows on the top and bottom layers make it possible to view indicia on the slide from both sides of the multilayered clipboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: MDDM, Inc.
    Inventor: Janice Gross
  • Patent number: 6637714
    Abstract: A support apparatus for suspending reading material above an individual lying in a substantially horizontal position comprises in one embodiment a transparent platform, a pair of spaced apart support members that are secured to the platform, and at least one flexible suspension device. Upon assembly, the support apparatus permits the individual lying beneath the transparent platform to view reading material that is supported by the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Leslie Margaret Hall
  • Publication number: 20030168570
    Abstract: The subject invention is a multipurpose art unit and workplace assembly for young children or adults for play and educational purposes, such assembly comprising a double-sided member having two opposing solid plant members, joined together at their upper edges, in an angular manner, such planar members having on their outer sides work surface upon which on can place a paper or similar materials for rendering art work thereon, with the inner spatial area between the conjoined and opposing planar members having means to hold finished work for drying purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: William H. Peters
  • Patent number: 6547202
    Abstract: A novel book stand arrangement capable of sustaining common reading material above the surface of water. An angled shelf capable of accommodating books, magazines, and folded newsprint is positioned at a height and angle optimal for users lounging and submersed within pools, spas, hot tubs, indoor jet tubs, or conventional residential bathtubs. The shelf is attached to a horizontal buoyant base and angled in such a way so that the weight of the reading material distributes the displacement evenly onto the base to promote stability and balance. The rear support arm may detach from the base and swivel flush onto the back of the shelf. The shelf may then swivel down and rest on the base to fold the unit flat for storage and transport. A clear plastic retainer is provided to hold bound material like paperbacks and hard/soft cover books in place against the shelf. The retainer slides down the front of the shelf to provide a transparent cavity for which the bound material can reside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Inventor: Eric Ramsay Paton
  • Publication number: 20030057344
    Abstract: A pillow book holder capable or allowing a reader to read a book without unnecessary hand muscle strain while at the same time the pillow book holder is capable of falling without damaging itself, the book, or losing the page place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Joyce E. Wainscott, Lorin S. Park
  • Patent number: 6536803
    Abstract: A folder (1) is provided which may be used to aid in document management and in the giving of formal presentations. The folder (1) is provided with an integral stand mechanism (25) for supporting the folder in an upright position, with the stand mechanism being moveable between a retracted position and a deployed position. The folder may also include other novel features, including a timepiece (23) and detachable wallets (11, 19) or papers that permit a user to configure the presentation folder in their preferred arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Sofos Partnership Limited
    Inventor: Dave Masson
  • Publication number: 20020195534
    Abstract: The Book Holder Support Stand holds a book receiver which permits a person to read in many positions. The orientation of the book receiver attached to the stand can be adjusted with a single control. The invention is counterbalanced to permit substantial overhang, allowing the book holder to be placed close to furniture that extends down to the floor. It may be rolled around easily and can be carried up and down stairs using one hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventor: Herbert E. Goldberg
  • Publication number: 20020088915
    Abstract: A document holder for use in a workstation is provides, wherein the document holder comprises a generally planar easel member having front and back opposite surfaces, a top edge, a bottom edge, first and second side edges extending from the top edge to the bottom edge on opposite sides of the easel member, a first side rail adjacent to the first side edge and extending along at least a portion of the first side edge, and a second side rail adjacent to the second side edge and extending along at least a portion of the second side edge. The document holder further includes a first support base, a second support base, and first and second adjustable bracket assemblies extending from the first and second support bases, wherein each of the first and second adjustable bracket assemblies is pivotally and slideably attached to the first and second side rails of the easel member, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventors: James E. Nash, Kenneth J. Kirchhoff, Warren J. Wasescha
  • Patent number: 6386589
    Abstract: A clipboard comprises a clip mechanism comprising a body having two spaced protuberant members, a flexible plate member, two U-shaped fastening members for fastening body and plate member for being capable of holding papers, and a retractable hanging device, and a board mechanism comprising four bottom channels for securing to clip mechanism, and a recessed portion surrounded by channels. In an unused state hanging device is retracted while in a use state hanging device is extended for being capable of banging object. A space is formed between spoon-like members and recessed portion for holding an elongate object such as a pen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Su Shyi Yuh