Abstract: The present invention is a display support comprising a bracket that is attachable to a display and having at least one wing adjacent to a bracket channel. The bracket channel has at least two keyways. An optional sleeve is held within the channel and has keyways aligned with the keyways of the bracket channel to form aligned keyways. A support arm, held within the bracket channel, has a key that can be received in one of the keyways. Rotation of the support arm in the bracket channel is prevented when the key is received in one of the keyways and rotation of the support is permitted when the key is not received in one of the keyways.

Abstract: A folding shelf includes a first sheet body and a second sheet body. The first sheet body has a first block, a second block, a third block, a fourth block, a fifth block and a sixth block. The first block is in a trapezoidal shape and the second block is in a trapezoidal shape and its upper bottom edge is connected to an upper bottom edge of the first block to define an engaged status. The third block is in a triangular shape and connected to one of the side edges of the first block, and the fourth block is in a triangular shape and connected to the other side edge of the first block and configured to be symmetrical to the second block. The fifth block is in a trapezoidal shape and its side edge is connected to one of the side edges of the second block, and the sixth block is in a trapezoidal shape and its side edge is connected to the other side edge of the second block and configured to be symmetrical to the fifth block.

Abstract: The present invention is a display support comprising a bracket that is attachable to a display and having at least one wing adjacent to a bracket channel. The bracket channel has at least one keyway. A sleeve is held within the channel and has a keyway aligned with the keyway of the bracket channel to form an aligned keyway. A support arm, held within the sleeve, has a key that can be received in the aligned keyway. Rotation of the support arm in the sleeve is prevented when the key is received in the aligned keyway and rotation of the support is permitted when the key is not received in the aligned keyway.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to quick-assembly, articulating easel that moves from a planar orientation to an extended orientation with minimal manual manipulation. The easel components are movably interconnected, both in a compressed position during storage and in an extended position after assembly. The opposing writing surfaces of the easel may be oriented in upward positions parallel to the upward-facing bottom tray when in the compressed and/or disassembled position. Based on disengaging at least a portion of the interconnected easel components, such as by raising at least a portion of the easel components in an upward direction, the opposing writing surfaces may then be shifted in orientation to provide outward-facing writing surfaces in the assembled easel position. The articulating legs may then follow an arcuate curvature in travel between the various positions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a portable storage assembly including a plurality of poles, a support attachable to each of the poles and a storage container mountable to the support; wherein in use the poles are positioned to intersect forming an apex in an upper section and a wide base in a lower section, the storage container is positionable within the space defined by the poles in the lower section.

Abstract: A stand, which includes a body portion comprising a relatively flat panel; a pair of angled support legs attachable vertically to a back side of the body portion; a slider arm mountable to the back side of the body portion of the stand, the slider arm having a means for connecting a medium to an upper portion of the slider arm; and a lip on a lower portion of a front side of the body portion, which holds at least one page of the medium in place.

Abstract: A bipod mount for positioning a PDA device for ease of use by a recumbent person comprises a rigid post with slidably adjustable clamping jaws thereon for engaging upper and lower edges of the PDA device. The rigid post is held in a structure including a pair of friction hubs affixed to upper ends of a pair of arms that can be splayed due to the use of the friction hubs. At the second end of the arms are pivotably mounted foot members. The assembly is collapsible to a small size for storage.

Abstract: An apparatus to support a device includes a first base; a first support; a first base-support hinge adapted to rotatably couple the first base and the first support along a first axis of rotation; a first swivel slidably connected to the first support and having a first cut-out adapted to receive a first portion of the device; a second base; a second support; a second base-support hinge adapted to rotatably couple the second base and the second support along a second axis of rotation; and a second swivel slidably connected to the second support and having a second cut-out adapted to receive a second portion of the device spaced apart from the first portion of the device.

Abstract: A guitar stand has a base section, a pair of first frames arranged at an opened position or a closed position, a pair of second frames and a pair of third frames arranged at the use position or the folded position. A slider for holding the first frames at the closed position and the second frames at the folded position is mounted to upper ends of the first frames. The first frames, second frames and the third frames are opened at the same time by unlocking the slider, and the guitar stand in a folded state can be brought into a use state.

Abstract: A support structure includes a base, a pair of stands, a top hinge, and a pair of holding arms. The stands are rotatably connected to one end of the base to support the base. The top hinge is rotatably connected to the other end of the base opposite to the stands. The rotation plane of the top hinge is perpendicular to the rotation plane of the stands. The holding arms are rotatably connected to the top hinge for holding an object at any desired angle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a music stand that includes a column with a first segment having at least one positional slot and a second segment having a protrusion configured to be received in each of the positional slots. When the protrusion is received in one of the positional slots, the protrusion can prevent relative translation of the first segment and the second segment in at least one direction, thereby defining a unique extension. The music stand also includes a support selected from a rack and a pedestal that is fixed relative to said column.

Abstract: A support mechanism includes a main frame, two connecting portions, and two support rods. The main frame includes two opposite side parts, two opposite bent parts, and a connecting part integrally formed together. Each bent part is connected between each side part and one end of the connecting part, and a latching space is defined between the connecting part and the side parts for latching an electronic device. The two connecting portions are rotatably fitted around the side parts, and the two support rods are connected to the connecting portions.

Abstract: The invention is a tripod easel in which the first, second and third legs are elastically deformable in the forward and rearward directions between a first position and a second position. In the second position, the first and third legs define arcs in the forward direction and the second leg defines an arc in the rearward direction. In the second position, the three legs define a free-standing tripod. The first and third legs define rows of supporting holes that can support an artwork support apparatus, a cantilevered shelf, a palette holder, a paper towel holder or other accessories.

Abstract: A support mechanism for supporting an electronic device is disclosed. The support mechanism comprises two support assemblies detachably assembled together, each support assembly comprising an adjustable member defining a latching groove; and a support member rotatably connected to the adjusting member, the support member of one of the two support assemblies being capable of being partially received in the latching groove of the adjustable member of another one of the two support assemblies.

Abstract: An image capture system that is capable of capturing images of both small and large target objects includes a collapsible frame and at least one image capture device. The frame is free-standing and adapted to support the image capture device over a generally flat surface, on which a target object can also be supported. The image capture device can be activated to capture an image of the target object for subsequent viewing, storage, retrieval, processing, etc. The collapsible frame is constructed of a plurality of structural components adjustably connected together in a unique configuration that enables the entire frame to be transformed between a stored configuration when not in use, and a deployed configuration during use. The stored configuration is substantially more compact than the deployed configuration, which allows the frame to be easily transported between different locations.

Abstract: A portable drawing apparatus configured to act as an easel and/or desk includes a pair of upper support members each pivotally connected to a respective lower support member, and also each pivotally connected to a respective rear support member. In an operational configuration, the rear support members can project rearwardly in a plane substantially normal to a plane defined by two mutually parallel upper support members. A lower cross frame and upper cross frame are each connected to respective lower support members, and upper support members, and each further connected to the non-removable portion. A hinged lateral member, when configured in a locked position, defines the apparatus width. In a collapsed configuration, the distal portions of the upper and lower support members are configured to point in the same direction and form a bundle whose length is substantially less than that of the apparatus length in operational configuration.

Abstract: A portable drawing apparatus configured to act as an easel and/or desk includes a pair of upper support members each pivotally connected to a respective lower support member, and also each pivotally connected to a respective rear support member. In an operational configuration, the rear support members can project rearwardly in a plane substantially normal to a plane defined by two mutually parallel upper support members. A lower cross frame and upper cross frame are each connected to respective lower support members, and upper support members, and each further connected to the non-removable portion. A hinged lateral member, when configured in a locked position, defines the apparatus width. In a collapsed configuration, the distal portions of the upper and lower support members are configured to point in the same direction and form a bundle whose length is substantially less than that of the apparatus length in operational configuration.

Abstract: A collapsible easel for holding items to be displayed, the easel having a top assembly and a base assembly. The base assembly includes two front legs and a rear leg, each leg pivotally mounted to the top assembly with cushion members forcing part of the top assembly to provide a slight restriction against pivoted movement of the two front legs. A V-shaped spring assembly is pivotally mounted on the rear leg, and is removably attached to each front leg. Insertion of portions of the spring assembly into apertures in the front legs, allows the easel to stand in a tripod configuration. Removal of portions of the V-shaped spring assembly from the apertures in the front legs allows the legs to be folded together. In another embodiment, a collapsible brace assembly connects the rear leg to the front legs. The collapsible brace assembly comprises a pair of lateral struts extending between and engaging each of the front legs and a bracket connecting the lateral struts.

Abstract: A portable stand includes a shelf having a back plate with a front surface and a rear surface, wherein the back plate includes at least two attachment locations and at least one securing locations, a bottom flange forming an angle with the back plate, extending toward the front surface at a first angle from the plate, and a mounting element. The portable stand includes a shelf extension including two elongated flanges formed at an angle equal to the first angle configured to selectively couple to the shelf, and an arm pivotably attachable to the shelf extension.

Abstract: A collapsible easel with foldable legs adapted to support a display device comprising a combination display panel and folded legs. In one embodiment, a three-leg assembly is pivotally connected to the display panel. The portions of each leg are connected by a linearly flexible strap. The linearly flexible strap allows the upper and lower portion of each leg to be pulled in opposite directions relative to each upper and lower portion of each leg, enabling one portion of each leg to be folded over the other portion. In another embodiment of the easel, a channel is connected to each of at least three legs and the channels allow the legs to be individually nested in contact with the rear side of the display panel. Each front leg is connected to the rear leg by a hinge assembly that comprises two struts pivotally connected near a center of the hinge assembly.

Abstract: A foldable easel strut assembly is provided for supporting the easel when the easel is in use, and for moving the legs of the easel to a storage position when the easel is to be stored. The invention comprises an easel support board to which a rear leg assembly is pivotally connected. A pair of forward struts are pivotally connected at a first end to the support board. A pair of rear struts each have a first end pivotally connected to a second end of a corresponding forward strut, and a second end of each rear strut is pivotally connected to the rear leg assembly. Each rear strut includes a stop flange that abuts an upper edge of a corresponding forward strut when the rear leg assembly is pivoted away from the support board to a maximum position. In an embodiment, two front legs are pivotally connected to the support board, and the rear leg assembly comprises a rear leg member that pivotally folds against a bracket, and the bracket folds against the support board, when the easel is in its storage position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an erectable and/or collapsible floral easel for holding a floral object, and more particularly but not by way of limitation, to an erectable or collapsible floral easel for holding a floral object. In one aspect, the present invention relates to a floral easel for holding and/or supporting a floral object. In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to methods of shipping a floral easel, methods of using a floral easel, methods of storing a floral easel, and methods of placing a floral object on a floral easel.

Abstract: A multilayer tray system especially for a hospital bed having side rails includes a first rectangular structure having hooks along each lateral edge for being supported on the top edge of the side rails, the first rectangular structure has cavities formed in the upper surface for disposition of such items as a tissue box, drinking glass or miscellaneous items. A second rectangular tray is selectively connected to the first rectangular support. The second tray has a planar upper surface for providing a writing surface thereon. The tray is aligned relative to the rectangular structure and slidably maintained on the rectangular structure by means of a pair of parallel brackets extending from the lower surface of the tray.

Abstract: Improved portable easel (10) comprising two functional sections, base (12) and arm holder (16) fastened together with locking hinge mechanism (14) formed by adjustable clutches (14A,14B). The arm holder comprises a plurality of members with an elbow-shaped bend (52A, 52B), containing a plurality of openings in the distal end attached to the hinge mechanism (14) and a plurality of openings in the proximal end, such that proximal openings are at right angles. This hinge mechanism permits the curved holder to fold down over the base and the legs for compact storage and up for a range of angles. Adjustable length arms (22) are attached to arm holder with adjustable clutches (18), allowing arms to freely pivot in a plane until locked in position. Adjustable support legs (20) are pivotally fastened within angled cutouts (42) in the base. Sliding, adjustable, artwork holders (24) are attached to the arms with adjustable clamps.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a central support shaft that has an elongated shape provided with axially opposed ends. Rectilinear legs have opposed ends conjoined to the bottom support shaft end and extending outwardly therefrom at an oblique angle. The legs are pivotal between compressed and expanded positions. Auxiliary support shafts have elongated shapes provided with opposed medial and lateral ends. The auxiliary shafts are pivotally conjoined to the brackets and pivotal about the medial ends, such that the auxiliary shafts can be independently biased between vertical and horizontal positions. Brackets are attached to the central support shaft and spaced along a longitudinal length thereof. Clamps are positional along the auxiliary shafts. Each clamp is adaptable between open and closed positions for releasing and gripping the window blind. The window blind is centrally registered between the auxiliary support shafts during cleaning operations.

Abstract: A stand for supporting a structure for holding one or more loose leaf pages, such as a notebook, has a mounting member for securing the stand to the structure. A support member is secured to the mounting member and is moveable between a stowed position and a support position. The support member is disposed at a relatively larger angle relative to a mounting surface of the mounting member in the support position and at a relatively smaller angle relative to the mounting surface in the stowed position. The support member comprising at least one leg moveable between a stowed position and a support position. The leg defining in part a base of the support member. The base has a relatively wider width when the leg is in the support position and a relatively narrower width when the leg is in the stowed position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a collapsible easel with foldable legs adapted to support a flip chart or other display device. The invention comprises a display panel having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side, a second side, a front side, and a rear side. The bottom edge of the display panel has a transverse shelf extending from the display panel to support writing instruments or other equipment. In an embodiment, a three-leg assembly, having a rear leg and two front legs, is adapted to be connected to the display panel. Each leg has an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion of each front leg has a generally curved contour. The upper and lower portions of each leg are connected by a flexible strap having a first end and a second end; each end of the flexible strap has at least one aperture to connect the strap by a fastening mechanism to an interior wall of each upper portion and lower portion of each leg.

Abstract: An artist's easel having four legs that are pivoted at their upper ends on a pivot housing so that the lower ends can be spread to support an artist's board or collapsed to a position in which they are adjacent one another.

Abstract: An adjustable easel having a canvas holder and a base is provided. The canvas holder is attached to the base in a way that the canvas holder can swivel with respect to the base and the canvas holder can be tilted with respect to the base. A connecting device includes a canvas holder bracket that is fixed to the canvas holder, a first shaft on which the canvas holder bracket is rotatably attached so that the canvas holder can be tilted, a second shaft on which the first shaft is fixed, and a base bracket that is fixed to the base. The base bracket is rotatably attached to the second shaft so that the canvas holder can swivel. The canvas holder includes a gripping device that grips a canvas and is adjustable to accommodate different sizes of the canvas.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that allows drivers of motor vehicles to see the face of infants or children sitting in rear facing car seats in the rear of the car. A foldable “L”-has approximately the same width as a conventional infant car seat. The bottom portion of the “L” is secured under the car seat by friction and weight. The other portion of the “L” extends up the back of the automobile seat, and is provided with a reflective surface such that a child in a rear facing car seat will look directly into it. The top portion is an adjustable viewing mirror with which the driver will be able to see the child. The angle between the two “L” sections is adjustable to compensate for seat design and viewing angle. The frame around the reflective plastic mirror section can be decorated with an appropriate child pattern.

Abstract: A portable easel assembly includes a paint/sketch box having a base and lid connected by a hinge assembly. The base defines a cavity for storing art supplies, and the lid is configured to support a painting surface. The base and lid are inter-connected with a slide bar assembly. Use of the slide bar assembly and hinge assembly enable the lid to be secured in a number of positions. Preferably, first, second and third legs of adjustable length are pivotally attached to the base and moveable between folded positions and extended, supportive positions.

Abstract: A portable workstation that is collapsible into a carrying case. The portable workstation comprises an articulating support structure and an enclosure structure that cooperate between an open usable position and a closed carrying case position. In the closed carrying case position, the articulating support structure is substantially enclosed within the enclosure structure.

Abstract: A children's playboard of the type comprising a backing having a front surface of a cloth material for adhering figurines thereto and a back surface is disclosed. The children's playboard has a support structure. The support structure is fixedly attached to the playboard and has a pair of spaced bracing members and a pair of connection plates. Each bracing member has a first leg that is detachably joined to one of the pair of connection plates along a hinge. The bracing members are extendable at an angle from the playboard. The bracing members have a second leg and a third leg that are joined at an apex portion. The second leg having a greater length than the third leg. The apex is located between the second and third legs and provides support for the bracing members against a base surface wherein the backing member can be supported in at least two different angles to the base surface.

Abstract: An improved collapsible easel having a plurality of support legs, a spine member and a board support. The support legs include at least one rear support legs and two front support legs. A top portion of each of the support legs are connected to an upper retaining mechanism that is selectively frictionally engaged with the spine member such that the height of the upper retaining mechanism may be selectively adjusted. Front support braces having first and second brace ends have a first brace end connected to front support legs and a second brace end pivotally connected to the lower retaining mechanism. Rear support braces having first and second ends have a first brace end connected to a rear support leg and a second brace end connected to the lower retaining mechanism.

Abstract: The system includes a plurality of parallel vertically disposed end support structures. Each support structure comprises two vertically disposed support legs. The upper and lower ends of the support legs are connected respectively to each other by upper and lower connecting members that can be extended or collapsed. When the connecting members are both extended the support structure forms a frame support structure and when collapsed, the support legs are in close proximity and parallel to each other, suitable for storage and/or transport. Channel members are removably mounted to the upper and lower ends of the support legs to connect the end support structures to each other when the connecting members of the support legs are extended. A sign panel is mounted between the upper and lower channel members. Optionally, the sign support system has vertically disposed parallel end support members removably mounted to the upper ends of the vertically disposed support legs.

Abstract: A collapsible easel with a panel standable on an uneven ground includes an easel consisting of three tripod feet adjustable in length and collapsible to be contained in the panel consisting of two cover plates pivotally connected to each other. A first cover plate has a handle on an outer side and three position pivot bases in an inner wall of the outer side for pivotally connecting with upper ends of the tripod feet, which are separable to let them be contained in the first cover plate. Then the second cover plate is folded on the first cover plate to become a flat case having small dimensions and having light weight for transporting and storing. The tripod feet can be adjusted in length by means of a movable rod movably contained in each tripod foot. Thus the tripod feet can stand on an uneven ground by adjusting each tripod foot, and also can suit to different persons using this easel with a panel.

Abstract: A portable easel with adjustable board support which has a plurality of legs pivotally joined together by a head, the legs of which may be selectively spread apart when set up as an easel and folded together when collapsed, each leg composed of multiple interlocked sections biased together when in extended position but which may be manipulated for separation and folding into a bundle one section against another section for storage and transport, and a board support mounted on at least one leg which may be selectively adjustably moved to a desired position on any of the sections and moved against the leg on which it is mounted for storage and transport and extended away from the leg for holding a display on the easel when set up.

Abstract: A portable book stand is adapted for attachment to the back of a pew, bench, chair or similar item, as well as free-standing use on a flat surface such as a table. The book stand may include two separate folding arms attached to the rear surface of a platform on which a book rests. The angle of the platform relative to the reader can be varied by placing the end of one of the folding arms into a selected one of a plurality of grooves in the other folding arm. An attachment arm is used in conjunction with the two folding arms to attach the book stand to the back of a pew, chair, bench or similar support. One folding arm is mounted on a folding assist segment, allowing one folding arm to fold on top of the other without interference.

Abstract: A combination chair and easel is disclosed which is collapsible into a small package for easy carriage by an artist into the field. Various carriage methods could be used including the addition of handles and wheels, or the addition of backpack-type straps for carriage of the device. The deployment of such a collapsible combined chair and easel is a considerable improvement over methods and apparatus presently known in the art. Sitting on the chair which is attached to the easel also increases the stability of the easel during use.

Abstract: A collapsible luggage cart characterized by left and right telescoping members having top sections and bottom sections, the top sections being pivotally connected so that when the cart is extended for use the telescoping members provide an A-frame back for the cart, each bottom section having an axle on which a wheel is mounted, and each bottom section having a forwardly-extending arm pivotally connected to it, so that when the cart is to be collapsed, the arms are swung upwardly into the bottom sections, the telescoping members are then pivoted together until they are side by side, and finally the telescoping members are collapsed into the bottom sections, the exterior surfaces of which together then substantially enclose the collapsed cart.

Abstract: A portable stand for holding a laptop computer is capable of folding to a compact state for storage purposes. The portable stand includes an elongated base member with a pair of base feet to rest on a floor surface, a set of vertically extending post members, and an elongated platform member with a pair of support wings to hold the laptop computer in a position ready for use. The base feet are moveably attached to the elongated base member to swing from a compact position juxtaposed the base member to an extended position at substantially right angles to the base member. The post members are moveably attached to one another, moveably attached to the elongated base member, and moveably attached to the elongated platform member. The base feet and the support wings swing substantially horizontally from the base member and the support member, respectively, while the post members swing substantially vertically relative to one another and to the elongated base and support members.

Abstract: A stretcher for a canvas that includes three co-planar elongated members centrally foldable are pivotally interconnected with two horizontal elongated members. One of the elongated members has longitudinal slots along which one of the ends of each of the horizontal elongated members is sidably connected. Upper and lower canvas holders are slidably and adjustably mounted to the third elongated member, keeping the canvas rigidly in place. A supporting leg is removably and hingedly mounted to a predetermined position of the third elongated member and with a spacer member permits a user to achieve a desired inclination for the canvas being supported, when in working state. For storage or transportation, the elongated members are brought in abutting relationship with each other and the horizontal pivoting members are allowed to rotate sliding out one of their respective ends. Then, the elongated members are centrally folded and secured with straps.

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 folding portable support stand suitable for a document or book. In the open configuration, the support stand is comprised of hinged triangular panels forming a tetrahedral stand assembly which support a pair of open covers forming an inclined angle with a horizontal surface such as a table. A prismatic ledge assembly is provided along the lower edge to retain the supported object on the covers and provide stiffness to the support stand in the open configuration. In the closed configuration, the support stand forms a flat rectangular shape with the covers on the outside surface and all other elements of the support stand folded within the covers. The support stand can be manufactured from a single sheet of material, and there are provisions for printed material on the surfaces of the support stand. Preferably, the support stand is manufactured of cardboard or paperboard, but alternatives include metal, plastic, and vinyl.

Abstract: A compact portable reading stand, which serves to hold a book open in a number of positions, with a rigid backing plate having a lower slide raft. On this rail slide positionable spring-loaded page clamps which hold book pages open by pressing against outer page margins. Two adjustable arms mounted on the lower rear corners of backing plate, along with a third telescoping, pivoting and rotating leg, allow book stand to be raised off a table top, positioned sideways for reading in bed, or raised above an arm chair. May be attached to a floor stand or other bracket for positioning book over a bed or above a chair or desk. Detachable reading light may be attached behind lower slide rail.

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 sheet-supporting stand or easel includes two or more legs, at least one of which is adjustable in length, so as to vary the angle of the stand relative to the ground. A U-shaped mast provides a carriage area for holding one or more sheets, and a pair of clamping devices, mounted to the mast, clamp the sheets from opposite sides. The legs can be collapsed and pivoted around their mounting to the mast, such that the entire assembly can be transported in a generally flat and compact configuration. A wheel may be attached to one or more of the legs, to facilitate movement of the stand along the ground. The wheel may be pivoted and held at any desired angle relative to the leg, such that the wheel may be kept away from the ground while the stand is in use.

Abstract: A portable, collapsible bookstand to retain a book or sheets of paper in an upright position is described. The bookshelf is formed from a supporting shelf secured horizontally by two of three legs in a trigonal pyramidal arrangement. The three legs are securely joined at their tops by an elastic loop firmly wound about catches fixed to each leg. The rear leg has partial mobility perpendicular to the shelf so that reading material can be reclined to a desired position. The material at the bottom of each leg has a high coefficient of friction so that the bookstand does not slide on a supporting surface. A small gap between the forelegs and the supporting shelf secures materials placed on the bookshelf. When not in use, the shelf can be disengaged from one front leg and pivoted about its point of attachment to the other front leg, bringing it parallel to the leg to which it is attached. The bookstand can now be collapsed so that the three legs are side by side and parallel to the disengaged shelf.

Abstract: A lightweight portable podium is provided for use in lectures and other speaking events. The podium rests on a table or desk and has an inclined shelf which forms the upper surface on which notes and papers can readily repose. The shelf is screened from public view and protected from wind by a main panel that forms the front of the podium and two side panels. The four pieces that comprise the podium are substantially flat and can be readily disassembled into a flat unit for storage or transit. The upper edge of the shelf is captured by two channels formed between the main and side panels. For disassembly the shelf is first pivoted to be parallel to the main panel. It is then slidden in the channels in a downward direction into contact with the main panel. The two side panels are then folded in over the shelf/main panel combination to form a flat, thin unit for storage or transit.

Abstract: An electronic blackboard apparatus, which reads a writing on a writing sheet fitted on a blackboard framework and which electronically copies the writing onto a recording medium. The apparatus includes a blackboard framework foldable together with the writing sheet, and a stand supporting the blackboard framework and a copying device. The stand is reducible in size while supporting the blackboard framework and the writing sheet in their folded position and the copying device. The length of the stand is reducible after the blackboard framework and the writing sheet have been folded to reduce their lengths. The blackboard framework and the writing sheet which have been folded are overturned into a space between opposite legs of the stand and the legs are then closed.