Abstract: A musical instrument stand holds at least one and preferably a number of musical instruments by a supporting structure that partly includes the structure of a case having top and bottom halves that are hinged together. The top and bottom halves are pivoted open to place the top half in a substantially vertical position where the top half holds a supporting yoke for holding an instrument, such as the neck of a guitar resting against a pad in the bottom half. A frame mounted to the case has two vertical legs mounted on the top half and a laterally extending support between the legs. Each leg is pivotally fastened in spaced relation to the other and is pivoted down for storage in the case or up to hold the lateral support and the instrument(s). In the pivoted-up position the legs snap resiliently into cutouts in a front edge of the top half, which provides part of the structural support for the instrument. The lateral support is coupled to and extends between the two legs at a selectable height.

Abstract: A collapsible stand of the type used to display sheet music for a musician is provided. The stand has a music support and a hinge attached to the music support for connecting the music support to a base having a telescopic post and legs releasably attached to the post. The music support includes rectangular first and second platens which can be moved about the axis of the hinge between an open position in which they are co-planar to support music in a closed position to define a cavity for containing the base after it has been disassembled.

Abstract: An easel or book stand for the support of a book or booklet utilizing front and rear panels movable into a spread-apart relationship. An elongate base member attached between the lower edges of the panels includes a first flexible elongate component hingedly connected along the lower edge of the front panel as well as to a second elongate component. The second elongate component has a slightly greater width than the first elongate component, and through an intermediate base member, has a connection with the lower edge of the rear panel. The front panel, when its lower edge is moved a bit rearwardly from its spread-apart relationship with the rear panel, causes the first and second elongate components to move into an adjacent, substantially coplanar relationship.

Abstract: A portable music stand includes a panel assembly composed of hinged elongate panel sections, two spaced-apart elongate walls or shelves running along one of the panel sections, and opposed end walls mounted to that same panel section and to the shelves, thus to form a container with one open side. The music stand also includes a mounting assembly with a base, a telescoping column extending upwardly from the base, and a brace at the top of the column and releasably coupled to the panel assembly. When in an open, flat configuration, the panel assembly cooperates with the shelves to provide a desk to support sheet music and accessories. Alternatively, the panel sections can be pivoted to a closed position in which the panel sections are wrapped about the container to close it. The mounting assembly is collapsible into a configuration that fits inside the container, and thus can be carried within the closed container.

Abstract: A portable, collapsible work support is suitable for use as a desk, table, drafting table, projections table, lectern, trolley, flip chart holder, easel, white board, tack-board stand, notice board, work support in carpentry and other types of work support. The work support has an inner shell that is slideable within an outer shell and releasably lockable in various positions to achieve different heights. A support top can be moved and releasably locked in various positions from horizontal to vertical. A table top can be removably affixed to the support top when a larger work surface is desired. The table top can be folded and stored in the case that results when the work support is collapsed into a case. The work support has wheels to make it mobile.

Abstract: A multi-purpose easel is provided for use by children, artists, and the like. The inventive easel includes a lower housing portion, an upper housing portion hingedly attached to the lower housing portion for movement between a multiplicity of operating positions including a closed position and an inclined position, a stand hingedly attached to the upper housing portion for supporting the upper housing portion in the inclined position, and at least one drawer slidably installed within the lower housing portion for selective inward and outward movement with respect thereto. In the closed position, a panel section of the upper housing portion is substantially parallel to an interior surface of the lower housing portion, and the upper and lower housing portions form a portable carrying case in which supplies may be stored and transported.

Abstract: An easel transporter 100 is easily attached to a French easel. The easel transporter has wheels 5 and a handle 4 mounted on a frame 1 allowing the French easel to be easily rolled to the chosen location. The device also has a drawer 2 with a cover 3 for transporting materials. A central opening 10 allows the central leg D2 of a French easel to extend for set up of the French easel. The easel transporter is quickly and easily attached to a French easel by clasps 11, tabs 22, and tray 17. Release of the locking pins allows the wheels 5 to be folded to a storage position B, thereby allowing transport of the easel transporter under an airliner seat or other similarly cramped space.

Abstract: An adjustable book holder that includes a stand support member; an angularly adjustable book support assembly pivotally mounted to the stand support member; an X-Y positionable, transparent copy arm slidably mounted on a vertically oriented track member that itself is slidable along a horizontal positioning rod; a locking mechanism between the transparent copy arm and the vertically oriented track member; a page holding mechanism including a pivot block in connection with the book support assembly and a page holder including first and second lengths of wire, each length of wire being pivotally connected to the pivot block and having a ball secured at a far end thereof; and a angular positioning assembly including an angular positioning rod affixed to a back surface of the book support assembly and a stand off member slidably mounted on the angular positioning rod and extending away from the angular positioning rod at a right angle.

Abstract: A portable easel and seat for artists is foldable into a compact unit and has wheels for pushing or towing to a site. The easel comprises a box having removable wheels mounted at a rear end, and two legs pivoted at the front end of the box, the legs extend down to a locked lowered position. A seat is provided at the rear end of the box with a folding back, and an easel frame with first pairs and second pairs of foldable arms pivoted together and to the front end of the box that can either be flat on the box in a folded position or open up to form an easel. Mounting strips are provided on the arms to support canvases or boards.

Abstract: A combination presentation easel and carrying case for use in transporting and displaying items related to an audience presentation. The portable presentation easel consists of a two-part cover supported by extendable legs for the display of visual aids at a variety of heights, and for use with a white board or paper flipchart. The easel is equipped with storage compartments and attachments for any items related to the presentation. The easel may be folded in half and its legs retracted for easy transport. A hard outer covering protects the easel's contents. The easel is further equipped with a carrying handle, a display window for identification information, and security locks.

Abstract: In a combination stand and rack releasably secured atop the stand, the stand is convertible between an extended use position and a collapsed storage position. The rack includes a hollow spine for storage of the stand in the collapsed storage position. The stand comprises a main telescopic post and a plurality of support legs all of which are secured to a common housing. The main post extends upwardly from the housing and the legs are attached to the housing by connectors which are bendable through an angle of more than 90.degree. such that the legs fold upwardly beside the main post in the storage position and unfold downwardly from the housing to the use position.

Abstract: A foldable one-piece tablet stand comprising a base section, a back rest section which can be raised and lowered into the base section, a pair of protrusions which can be raised and lowered into the base and disposed at a front part of the base section so that when both the back rest section and protrusions are in the raised conditions, a tablet will be held by the back rest section with a bottom of the tablet held by the base section and secured by the pair of protrusions, and a holder section which is foldable into the base section and hinged on the back of the back rest section and held on parts of the base section so that the back rest section will be fixed thereby, whereby an inexpensive one piece plastic construction is possible to form the tablet stand with efficiency and economy.

Abstract: A folding book stand including a base plate having a pivot at the front side, a back plate pivotably connected to the pivot by a first connecting arm and supported in any of a series of tilted positions by a back stand, and a book holder pivotably connected to the pivot by a second connecting arm ad supported in a tilted position perpendicular to the first connecting arm, wherein the base plate defines a flat bottom chamber for receiving the back plate, the back stand and the book holder when the book stand is folded up.

Abstract: A novel presentation board has a body of molded plastic which forms a strong, hollow, lightweight unit with a projecting tray and grip on a front surface and a corresponding recesses on a rear surface so the units can be conveniently stacked. The front surface of the body bears an extruded track for insertion and replacement of a whiteboard or other writing surface. The whiteboard is secured at a top edge of the body by two metal pegs, sized and spaced apart to accept a prepunched pad of flip chart paper, that pass through the whiteboard into threaded inserts in the plastic body. The grip protrudes from a top edge of the whiteboard and is slidably mounted on the pegs. When slid into a lower position, the grip hides the pegs and locks the pad in position. A pair of U-shaped tubular metal legs can be slid into channels in a rear surface of the body. The channels are covered, at all but part of their lower ends, by cover plates. Grasping the lower leg ends allows one to slide the legs from the unit.

Abstract: A folding stand including two parallel supports joined by a folding brace for supporting a notebook computer, wherein the folding brace includes two bracing bars pivotably joined by a link and pivotably connected between the supports; the supports have a respective sloping top wall for supporting the notebook computer in a tilted position for comfortable operation and an elongated bottom opening for receiving one bracing bar when the folding brace is folded up to collapse the stand.

Abstract: An apparatus for rack mounting electronic components includes a frame structure defining a storage compartment having a front access opening and a pair of rack rails pivotally mounted to opposite sides of the frame structure for movement between a retracted position in which the rack rails lie entirely within the frame structure and an extended position in which the rack rails project out from the frame structure. Connected between the rack rails and the sides of the frame structure are slide members which are capable of locking the rack rails at the extended position and at a number of discrete angular positions intermediate the extended and retracted positions. With electronic components mounted to the rack rails, pivoting the rack rails from the retracted position to the extended position will provide access to the rear panels of the these components to facilitate the completion of electrical interconnections and maintenance and repair procedures.

Abstract: A portable reading holder which has a loading frame, a base and a dust-proof cover. The loading frame has fixing ears formed at its lower end, which can be fixed on pivot seats of the base plate and can be rotated freely so as to regulate the angle. The best viewing angle when keying in data or a document laid on the reading holder is thus obtained. The portable reading holder is small and can be carried or repositioned conveniently.

Abstract: A transportable easel is self contained within a box that holds the workpiece support and tray for paints and brushes. A detachable wheeled tripod support folds up against the box for storage and may be used to roll the box and collapsed easel to the desired location.

Abstract: An audio mixer console and a power amplifier are mounted in a self contained carrying case that provides both protection for the console and amplifier during transportation and storage and a support during use. A power amplifier is fixedly connected between lower portions of first and second spaced sides at the upper end of which is pivoted a front section of the mixer console. In stored position the mixer console extends downwardly between the sides to a position adjacent the amplifier, and a detachable cover is secured to the sides to extend over both the mixer console and amplifier. Parts of the mixer console and amplifier form at least portions of a forward cover of the completed carrying case.

Abstract: A device for providing support for drawing media is provided. The device has a first support member, a second support member and one panel having a drawing face. The panel is supported by the first support member and the second support member. The panel has a drawing face oriented upwardly at an angle to the horizontal. The device can include a supply tray for storing drawing supplies. The device can also include a second panel having a drawing face.

Abstract: This invention aims to provide a portable and retractable book-reading stand which is easily carried, does not require spacious installing space, and is providable at low cost.This invention is characterized in having a case having a bottom plate and a covering body rotatably connected to the bottom plate which holds the bottom plate at a specified inclined angle by rotating the covering body, and a supporting assembly for holding a document which is expandable along the inclined bottom plate in expanded condition, and retractable up to the size being housed in the case in retracted position, and a clip installed on the upper portion of the supporting assembly.

Abstract: A folding book support including a main support member having an attachment jaw which flexes to allow it to be affixed to the edge of a flat surface such as a table or desk. A pivoting cross-member is provided to extend the support diameter of the device. The cross-member is folded to a position colinear with the main support member for storage and transport. An optional support leg is provided for use when the edge of a suitable flat surface is not available to affix the holder.

Abstract: An easel and pad pack and method including first and second generally rectangular, planar panels constructed of a unitary, folded paperboard to provide relatively stiff surfaces and having two pairs of opposite sides, tape closing the first and second panels temporarily on two opposite sides to provide an openable holder, the first and second panels being integral on the other two sides, an easel pad removably confined within said panels the first panel being equipped with a generally L-shaped cut defining a stand and arranged for pivotal movement out of the plane of the first panel to provide support for the holder, the first panel also being equipped with a generally C-shaped cut adjacent the L-shaped cut and defining brace means for stabilizing said stand means in non-planar relation to said first panel and an opening in said first panel for hand insertion to carry the pack.

Abstract: A lightweight structure for oil and acrylic painting that converts to a self-contained backpack, capable of transporting a canvas, paint supplies and the like. The structure is composed of three legs (31L, 31R, 31B) joined at the top, braced by a detachable pack frame (175) suspended between the legs near the middle, with each adjacent pair of legs crossbraced by flexible non-resilient cords (71L, 71R, 71B) between the bottom of each leg and the approximate junction between each adjacent leg and the pack frame. The system is comprehensive, including pallet (267), solvent jar (268) and brush racks (191, 193), all suspended from the pack frame exterior. All paint supplies are securely held, readily accessible from the painting position in front. The canvas is rapidly moved up and down by pivoting canvas supports (300) on the legs, and a canvas support rig (376) sliding on a mast (37) above the legs. Canvas upper corners can be stabilized with a canvas stabilizer rig.

Abstract: A folding book support including a main support member having an attachment jaw which flexes to allow it to be affixed to the edge of a flat surface such as a table or desk. A pivoting cross-member is provided to extend the support diameter of the device. The cross-member is folded to a position colinear with the main support member for storage and transport. An optional support leg is provided f or use when the edge of a suitable flat surface is not available to affix the holder.

Abstract: The case comprises two plan supporting sheet members, and a hinge pivotally connecting the sheet members together, such that the sheet members and the hinge form a substantially flat surface when the sheet members are pivoted to be in line with one another and in an open position. Detachable legs for supporting the sheet members in the open position are also provided, and the legs are stored by the case when the legs are detached and the sheet members are closed up.

Abstract: A unitized telescopic leg assembly (10) that is incorporated into one side of a hand carried case to allow the case to be propped upright in either an opened or closed configuration. The assembly (10) includes a U-shaped housing (22) mounted inside the briefcase and includes a pair of legs (30) which are slideably retained. A piston (54) is attached to the inside end of the legs permitting the legs to extend from the case slowly due to a slight vacuum formed inside the housing. A catch assembly consisting of a actuator (80) and contiguous rods (64) inside the housing retain the legs by the urging of the rods into a keeper (58) on each leg. When the actuator is manually depressed, the legs extend and when tilted open form a four leg stand. The legs are manually retracted and held in place by the arms interfacing with the keepers.

Abstract: A combination rack and carrying case for carrying and displaying sheets of paper such as sheets of music. As one of its sidewalls, the rack includes a swingable generally Z-shaped rack with outer and inner ledges for supporting the sheets of music. The outer ledge is operable when the rack is in a retracted position. The inner ledge becomes operational when the rack is swung to an elevated, extended position.

Abstract: A bingo caddy useful for transporting and containing bingo player's paraphernalia including a pillow and slanted fold-out multiple playing surfaces with a holding device to hold bingo cards or the like and user friendly placement of marker's etc. The bingo caddy has a unique two section lid or top which folds into a compartmentalized configuration for easy access to all paraphernalia.

Abstract: A book stand including a spring clip formed at its base, with a spine mounted to the clip. The spine pivotally mounts da plurality of "U" shaped support channels longitudinally aligned and in a contiguous relationship relative to one another in a first position and arranged parallel in an inter-folded second position, with a foldable linkage arrangement mounted overlying the support channels to permit inter-folding of the organization along the spine, with a self-contained illumination member mounted at an upper end of the spine. The organization is inter-folded to be received within a storage and transport pouch during periods of non-use.

Abstract: An improved bookholder comprises a lower part, which has a base member and upstanding, spaced, front and rear walls, and an upper part, which has a top member and spaced depending left and right side walls. The upper part is adapted to provide a complementary fit with the lower part so as to form a box-like structure. One or more hinges connect the top member with the rear wall, and a retaining strip clamped between the top member and rear wall lock the upper part in position.The side walls are pivotally attached near their centers to the top member by thumb screw tightened pivot pins for orientation into parallel spaced relationship, a mutually perpendicular position and a mutually co-planar position for temporarily re-orientating and fixing said side walls on said top member to provide ledges for holding a book.

Abstract: This comprises a lightweight support for books and magazines comprising a baseboard which seats on the lap of the user or other substantially horizontal surface, and a book plate which is adjustable to a desired angular position relative to the baseboard. A particular feature is a tensioning mechanism for holding the pages in place which comprises a line anchored between an adjustable spool at one end and a detachable elastically-biased hook at the other end, which functions to hold the center of the reading material relatively perpendicular to the reader's line of sight.

Abstract: A case particularly adapted to be utilized when playing Bingo. The case includes a lid which can be opened and expand to have an enlarged playing area substantially twice the surface area of the lid itself, and when thusly deployed, a marker storage area is exposed to allow access to Bingo markers. A pair of swinging doors is provided adjacent the front of the case which swing out and allows a plurality of different markers to be stored thereat whereby a plurality of Bingo games can be played simultaneously in a limited amount of space.

Abstract: An improved bookholder consists of a box with a base and an opening at the top, a lid for the box which is pivotable from a first position extending in a substantially vertical direction above the base to a second position in which the lid covers the opening of the box, a pair of separately movable arms with ledges for supporting a book on the ledges when the lid is open, means for holding said book on the ledges and against the lid, the arms being arranged to be moved to a location on the lid where they will enter the opening of the box as the lid is pivoted to the second position. In its preferred form, the arms are attached to the lid to be pivotable, together with fixing means for holding them in selected positions, and are also hinged in the middle. An illuminating lamp is contained in the box, and arranged to illuminate the pages of the book.

Abstract: A folding support stand especially adapted to be collapsed into a compact unit for storage or transport. The support stand comprises one or more main support members which interfit in slideable telescopic relationship with one another. Positioned circumjacent the main support members is a brace support structure which comprises an upper tubular brace section having a cross-sectional configuration corresponding to that of the main support members, and a plurality of bracing struts hingedly affixed to the upper tubular brace section. A leg support structure is positioned circumjacent the brace support structure and comprises an upper tubular leg section having a cross-sectional configuration corresponding to that of the main support member and the brace support structure, and a plurality of leg members hingedly affixed to the upper tubular leg section.

Abstract: An artist's kit including an easel, a bench, and a storage compartment unit. The easel includes three legs which may be disassembled into leg segments. The seat includes detachable legs and a storage compartment. The easel leg segments and the detachable bench legs may be stored in the storage compartment of the seat. The storage compartment unit includes a plurality of pockets for storing various artist's painting and drawing supplies. The storage compartment also includes a cover and a plurality of straps for securing the storage compartment and cover to the seat bushings when the seat is disassembled. The storage compartment unit further includes a plurality of straps whereby the seat, easel, and storage compartment unit may be carried as a unitary back pack. A canvas carrying apparatus is provided for transporting a framed canvas on the back pack.

Abstract: A collapsible book rest includes a first panel having a transversely medially located rectangular opening and divided into similar side sections by a medially longitudinally extending self hinge, a rectangular second panel self hinged to the rear edge of the opening and divided into side by side and end to end sections by a transverse self hinge and a medial longitudinal self hinge colinear with the first panel longitudinal hinge. Follower slides project transversely from the front corners of the second panel and slidably engage tracks along the opening side edges and separably engage detents along the track to releasably lock the first panel sections in coplanar positions and the second panel in a depending dihedral defining position.

Abstract: A main plate having a bookstop on its lower end and having a cavity on its inside. The cavity slidably retains two slide plates which are extendable from its lateral sides and one top plate which is extendable from its top. The top plate itself also has two slide plates which are extendable from its lateral sides when the top plate and the slide plates are extended. A support rod is adjustable in a multiplicity of grooves on the base plate and also adjustable on the back of the main plate for allowing a wide range of reading angles and support stability.

Abstract: An art board support comprising a solid leg plate pivotally attached on one end to the internal rim of a base plate aperture, and on the opposite end, pivotally attached to a U-shaped leg plate, in cross-section. The opposite end of the U-shaped leg plate is secured to the base plate by lateral sliding members. The two legs combined with the base plate form a triad, when in the open position, whereby downward pressure maintains the legs in a locked position. In the closed position, the leg assembly is secured by a latch assembly being recessed in the base plate aperture.

Abstract: A writing board for use as an accessory to a brief or attache case has a main housing and four telescopically received auxiliary panels. The auxiliary panels may be telescoped outward to form together with the main housing a large surface on which to rest papers and files or telescoped into the housing in overlapping relationship to form a compact unit readily stored within a brief or attache case. The housing is formed of three parallel plates spaced apart to form two passages in each of which a pair of auxiliary panels is received. Strips of panel material, metal channels or special clips may be used to hold the plates of the housing in proper spaced relation. The two lateral auxiliary panels include pockets to secure papers and the edges of one auxiliary panel and the housing include lips to limit slippage of papers or writing tools into a seated user's lap.

Abstract: A foldable easel for supporting sheet material includes three sheet members pivoted end to end for selective movement between a folded condition with the members in stacked parallel relation and an erected condition with the members in triangular relation. The free end of one of the two outer members has a lip for supporting the sheet material to rest against the upstanding sheet member in the erected condition. In one embodiment, a mating pin-and-hole connecting system is provided at the free ends of the outer members and at the ends of the intermediate member for permitting releasable connection of the members in either their erected or folded conditions. In another embodiment, one of the outer members has a perimetric border within which the other members are contained in the folded condition and which acts as the lip for engagement therewith of the other outer sheet member when in the erected condition.

Abstract: A collapsible table is formed of a base 10, a lid 14, a foldable planar member 20 and two rectangular box-like structures 22 and 24. The member 20 and structures 22 and 24 can be collapsed and folded to fit into a closed box formed of the base 10 and the lid 14.

Abstract: Music stand which is convertible to a carrying case, including a base, a supporting post removably attachable to the base, a music tray removably attachable to the supporting post and adapted to overlie the base upon removal of the supporting post to form a completely enclosed carrying case, and means for fastening the music tray to the base so that the carrying case can be transported as a unitary structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting solar energy and converting it to electrical energy utilizing solar panels pivotally mounted to a base such that the panels may be pivoted to a storage position inside said base. Additional solar panels may be pivotally mounted on retractable frame trays which stow inside the base when the panels are pivoted to a horizontal position.

Abstract: A notebook display stand and portfolio is disclosed which consists of a flat portfolio equipped with a collapsible support stand. The support stand is relatively narrow and detachably mounted on the interior surface of the portfolio in alignment with the folding line of the portfolio. The support stand may be erected to form a triangular brace having clips thereon for holding a notebook to be displayed at various angles of inclination. The support stand may be folded flat within the portfolio and may also be detached from the portfolio for independent use.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting solar energy and converting it to electrical energy utilizing solar panels pivotally mounted to a base such that the panels may be pivoted to a storage position inside said base. Additional solar panels may be pivotally mounted on retractable frame trays which stow inside the base when the panels are pivoted to a horizontal position.

Abstract: A device which serves alternatively as an easel and as a drawing board and which provides a carrying case for art supplies and the components of the easel and support legs. The easel can be set up in the lower section of the case and is supported by a rigid triangular framework formed by the upper and lower sections of the case and a folding easel arm. The drawing board is located on the upper section. A reversible hinge arrangement permits the hinge connection between the upper and lower sections to be reversed for drawing. Strategically located compartments within the upper and lower sections make the painting supplies conveniently accessible for painting and the drawing supplies conveniently accessible for drawing. The legs can be broken down for storage in the case and have a male-female joint for increased strength and stability.

Abstract: A stand for supporting a plurality of guitars; including a collapsible frame, which, when folded up, fits into a carrying case; the frame being made of a plurality of telescopic posts, fitted with rest units and yokes, that support the guitars, and braces for holding the posts upright, and both the posts and braces being pivotable into a folded-away position inside the case.

Abstract: The specification discloses a folding book reading rest comprising a pair of box sections hingedly connected together and movable between open and closed position. A book rest member is foldable out of each box section to provide a tilting surface. Also provided are shelf means, page restraining means and telescoping extensions for the book rest members.

Abstract: A display board comprises a frame, two longitudinally displaceable legs extending in the plane of the board, a support articulated to the top of the display board and arranged to be swung at an angle to the plane of the board and a pair of struts between the board and the support to secure the latter in a swung-out position. Each of the struts is articulated to a respective leg of the board and to a component which is axially displaceable to a limited extent on the support. When the support is swung-in to a position in which it extends substantially parallel to the plane of the frame, the articulation points of the struts on the respective legs are located above the said axially displaceable component and therefore above the articulation points of the struts on the support. An extension member is telescopically arranged in the support and can be secured in position by a clamping member mounted on the support. The clamping member also serves to limit axial movement of the axially displaceable component.