With Adjustable Inclination Patents (Class 248/454)
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7546995
    Abstract: Device and related method for supporting a writing surface adapted to receive written information, the device comprising a base portion comprising a substantially planar surface which includes a writing surface and a clip portion attached to the base portion for securing the device onto a substrate, wherein the base and clip portions are angled relative to one another in a range of from about 0° to about 180°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Inventor: Ray Axel
  • Patent number: 7537192
    Abstract: A multi-purpose portfolio formed from a sheet of rigid card with transverse hinged lines dividing the card into a number of panels that may be completely folded into its closed or carrying position, partially unfolded to access pen, pad, and the likes, and fully erectable for use as a podium, book holder or display stand. The major front panel and major back panel are secured together at their upper edges by a hinge line, and each has a narrow panel hinged along its bottom edge. In its fully erect position, the major front panel is inclined to hold books. Each panel has a hinge line along its bottom edge that secures a narrow panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Inventors: Abdel Khalid Al-Haleem, Derrick Wayne Roberts
  • Patent number: 7527235
    Abstract: The current invention provides a card holder for displaying a card on a flat horizontal surface. The card holder is substantially adhesive free and can be mailed in a flat configuration with a greeting card in a greeting card envelope. The card holder comprises a panel having tabs that are extendable outwardly from the panel and arranged in a pattern to secure the edges of the card, thus allowing the card to be displayed in a stable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Inventor: Timothy B. Hummel
  • Patent number: 7503539
    Abstract: A portable book holder capable of expanding to fit various size books. The base includes an upper section that is capable of being extended in order to accommodate books that are taller. Additionally, there are two book supports that are adjustable outwardly based on the thickness of a particular book. The two book supports are also adjustable with a semi-circular base adjuster thereby allowing for the adjustment based on the width of a book. The portable book holder easily folds out to form the book support and easily folds up for portability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Inventor: Jason Knight
  • Patent number: 7467773
    Abstract: A support structure for a display device includes a base member fixed to a rear surface of the display device, a support member which is fixed pivotably to the base member and supports the display device in a supporting position in an opened state where the display device is inclined at a predetermined angle and capable of being stored in a closed state, a holding member fixed to the base member including a regulation portion that regulates rotation of the support member beyond the supporting position, a pressure member that presses an end portion of the support member, and a compression coiled spring that urges the pressure member toward the support member. The pressure member includes a protruded portion having a triangular cross section, and inclined surfaces contacting with the support member while pressing the end portion when the support member rotates from the closed state to the opened state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masuo Ogawa, Katsuhiko Makino
  • Publication number: 20080290241
    Abstract: A physical configuration of a keyboard is described. A keypad section is disposed on one surface of a main body. A first flat plate is pivotally connected with an opposite surface of the main body at one edge thereof. A second flat plate is pivotally connected with an edge side of the first flat plate at one edge thereof. Two engaging modules are disposed on the opposite surface of the main body and two sides of the first flat plate, wherein each engaging module includes a plurality of slots. A pair of sliding tracks are disposed on the opposite surface of the main body, wherein two end portions of each sliding track are a first pivot position and a second pivot position, and the first flat plate is selectively connected with the first pivot position and the second pivot position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventor: Kuan-Nan Chou
  • Patent number: 7448588
    Abstract: A supporting device is described. The supporting device includes a shell, a release mechanism, a rotational mechanism, and a support frame. The shell includes a release chamber disposed at the central position of the shell and a rotational chamber through the shell and perpendicular to the release chamber. The release mechanism is disposed in the release chamber for operating the support frame. The rotational mechanism is disposed in the rotational chamber and protrudes to move correlatively with the release mechanism. The support frame is coupled to the rotational mechanism and is unfolded outwardly for supporting an apparatus. The support frame is closed into the equipment by operating the release mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Quanta Computer Inc.
    Inventor: Chien-Ming Sung
  • Publication number: 20080251680
    Abstract: An adjustable stand raises the height of a computer display to eye level, for greater viewing comfort and better ergonomics. A unique design allows the stand to collapse down to two thin plates. When disassembled, the stand is approximately the size of a magazine, making it ideal for carrying in a laptop bag together with the laptop itself. Smaller versions for smaller devices (e.g., smartphones, video players, etc.) are possible. Other applications are also possible (e.g., holding photos, artwork, books, etc.).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: MATIAS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Edgar MATIAS
  • Patent number: 7421812
    Abstract: A simple structure of display device having the function of self-balance and prevent falling caused by an external force is disclosed to include a display, a base, which has a convex bottom surface and is fixedly connected to the bottom side of the display, and an adjustable counterweight structure, which has a weight that can be moved with one hand to change the center of gravity of the display device and to further adjust the viewing angle of the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Hannspree, Inc.
    Inventors: Guan-De Liou, Chia-Pine Huang, Li-Li Lai, Stephen Tsai
  • Patent number: 7421813
    Abstract: A simple structure of display device having the function of self-balance and prevent falling caused by an external force is disclosed to include a display, a base, which has a convex bottom surface and is fixedly connected to the bottom side of the display, and an adjustable counterweight structure, which has a weight that can be moved with one hand to change the center of gravity of the display device and to further adjust the viewing angle of the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Hannspree, Inc.
    Inventors: Guan-De Liou, Chia-Pine Huang, Li-Li Lai, Stephen Tsai
  • Patent number: 7398613
    Abstract: A simple structure of display device having the function of self-balance and prevent falling caused by an external force is disclosed to include a display, a base, which has a convex bottom surface and is fixedly connected to the bottom side of the display, and an adjustable counterweight structure, which has a weight that can be moved with one hand to change the center of gravity of the display device and to further adjust the viewing angle of the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Hannspree, Inc.
    Inventors: Guan-De Liou, Chia-Pine Huang, Li-Li Lai, Stephen Tsai
  • Publication number: 20080142668
    Abstract: A device for facilitating the reading of a book by holding its pages in an open position, includes an elongate member formed of telescopically-engaged inner and outer elements 107 and 108. The outer element 108 has a projecting platform 14 to support the cover of an open book B, and respective inwardly-directed end-pieces 101 and 102 are pivotally connected to the respective elements 107 and 108, with inwardly-directed finger portions 30 that hold the pages of the book by means of coil springs 203. A support leg 40 is slidably engaged with the outer element 108 to support the rear of the book while resting on its lower edge. The support leg can be angularly adjusted about an axis which is substantially parallel to the outer element 108 and can be rotated about an axis which is substantially perpendicular to the outer element. The leg 40 may have an inner core which is telescopically engaged within a non-slip outer cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Robert Francis Rickards
  • Patent number: 7384020
    Abstract: A supporting frame for supporting a portable computer includes two supporting parts, a front linking rod, a rear linking rod, and a rotating element. The supporting parts are individually installed at two ends of the front linking rod and the rear linking rod and are connected with the front linking rod and the rear linking rod. The rotating element is rotatably wedged and fastened to the rear linking rod. The user can place a portable computer on the supporting surface formed by the supporting parts. It is convenient for the user to type. Alternatively, the user can put the portable computer in an upright position. The user can adjust the angle of the rotating element to change the angle of the portable computer to meet the user's requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Amtek System Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Cheng-Chien Hsu
  • Publication number: 20080087789
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding a book, cell phone, or audio player or other object providing a source of information or entertainment. A flexible tubing having sufficient flexibility for positional adjustment while maintaining the object in a stable position has a proximal end attached to the object holder and a distal portion adapted to be coiled to provide an integral stand for the object holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventor: Debra Haynes
  • Patent number: 7301759
    Abstract: A bracket assembly for a portable unit. The assembly is pivotally mounted to the back of the unit and includes a frame member secured to the pivotally mounted member. A cover assembly is releasably secured to the frame member and can be moved to various positions with respect thereto. The cover assembly includes a locking assembly for locking and unlocking the cover assembly relative to the frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Silicon Electron Pyrimid Ltd.
    Inventor: Chen Kuo Hsiung
  • Publication number: 20070221811
    Abstract: A support unit is provided for supporting reading material at a selected and convenient angle and height for facilitated viewing. The support unit is deployable between a collapsed and generally flat or two-dimensional non-deployed position, and a deployed position with a support platen at an adjustably selected angle and height for comfortable viewing. In one embodiment, the support platen is pivotally mounted onto a base plate for swinging movement between the non-deployed and deployed positions. In another embodiment, the support platen is pivotally mounted onto an intermediate bracket plate which is in turn pivotally mounted onto the base plate, wherein the bracket plate permits the support platen to be raised or lowered relative to the base plate with the support platen oriented in one of multiple angular settings relative to the bracket plate. The support platen and base plate may respectively incorporate a computer screen and a keyboard/processor unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventors: Stephen G. Hauser, B. Richard Tarnutzer
  • Patent number: 7266933
    Abstract: A sheet material handling device for assisting a drywall installer in installing sheet material, such as drywall or gypsum board, in an overhead location such as a ceiling of a structure. The device includes base and a pivoting sheet support that is adjustable in several planes to help locate the device relative to the job site and the ceiling in the job site. The drywaller assembles the device, places a sheet of drywall on the device, raises the sheet of drywall into position using the device, secures the pivoting sheet support and then fastens the drywall to the ceiling joists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Inventor: Mark E. Pasek
  • Patent number: 7264216
    Abstract: The present invention is a rigid or collapsible folding stand for a high fidelity amplifier or speaker. In general, the amplifier or speaker has a rear base edge placed on a two or more flexible straps. The amplifier or speaker is then tilted backward until it touches the amplifier or speaker stand at a single point. The rear surface of the amplifier or speaker, supporting legs and one or more lower flexible straps form a triangle that supports the amplifier or speaker. The stand holds the amplifier in an adjustably tilted position that is controlled by the length of the supporting legs and/or flexible straps used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventors: Jason O. Robling, Thomas S. Rotella
  • Patent number: 7237757
    Abstract: An article support comprises a supporting plate provided with a resinous slide stopper on a face for supporting an article, and a holding plate, a hinge, a hook bar and an engagement groove as a holding means for maintaining the supporting plates in a predetermined position, thereby facilitating fitting and removal of the article, and expanding an range of application for the article of various kinds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Wayo Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Hiroshi Wakura
  • Patent number: 7216445
    Abstract: A multi-positionable display apparatus includes a mounting plate, a sign holder, a latching mechanism, and a flexible hinge coupling the mounting plate to the sign holder. The sign may be displayed on a flat surface, such as a box, or may be displayed freely hanging from a store shelf or the like. When hanging from a store shelf, the multi-positionable display allows removal of items from lower shelving without the removal of the multi-positionable display from the shelving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Malte Bruegmann
  • Patent number: 7182305
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a product display. The product display can hold printed materials, literature, and other goods. The product display is a one-piece construction that is flat when it is in an unassembled position. In the assembled position, the product display includes a front panel section, a bottom section connected to the front panel section, and a back section connected to the bottom section. The front panel section connects to the back section either directly or by way of a brace section on the front panel. The product display includes an opening in the panel that holds products in an upright manner. Preferably, one of the bottom panel, back panel or brace section includes a flap. The present product display does not require an added on or formed pocket that extends outwardly from the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Dempsey Printing, Inc.
    Inventor: Martha A. Dempsey
  • Patent number: 7168672
    Abstract: A support rack includes a support plate, a support stand, a locking member, a pen holder, an indication member, and two auxiliary clips. Thus, the support rack functions as a clipboard, a book rack, an exhibition rack, a price indication rack, a pen holder or the like, thereby enhancing the versatility of the support rack. In addition, the support stand is adjustably mounted on the locking member so as to adjust the inclined angle between the support plate and the support stand, thereby facilitating a user adjusting the inclined angle of the support rack to the optimum extent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Luh Da Industry Corp.
    Inventor: Fu-Lu Hsu
  • Patent number: 7055215
    Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, a hinge assembly having a counterbalance spring, a friction mechanism, and an independent pop-up element attached to a shaft. In one embodiment, a hinge assembly having a counterbalancing spring and an independent pop-up element attaches a display assembly to a base assembly of a portable computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Ligtenberg, Greg Springer, Sung Kim, Kevin Fetterman
  • Patent number: 6971621
    Abstract: The present invention is essentially comprised of a pair of spaced-apart planar book support elements joined by a hinged spine support element that accommodates the book spine, a pair of book holder slope support elements that are each joined by a hinge to the top edge of a respective book support element, and a closed cord loop element that adjustably co-operates with the lower extremes of each book support element and each slope support element to controllably vary the slope of the planar book support elements during reading use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventor: Ronald J. Gaines
  • Patent number: 6971622
    Abstract: A supporting device for a portable device to measure and/or test components of electrical and/or optical networks includes a supporting plate, which is built in, or may be attached to, the equipment; a supporting frame, which may stand at one end on the sub-surface and may be adjustably filled at the other end to a sliding guide arranged on at least one supporting frame; and at least one lever, which at one end may be swivel mounted on a supporting frame between both ends around a first swivel axis that essentially runs parallel to the support surface, and may be swivel mounted at the other end onto a supporting plate under the sliding guide around a second swivel axis running parallel to the first swivel axis. This is where, on the sliding edge adjacent to the equipment side of the supporting plate, the sliding guide has at least one locking recess, into which the supporting frame end leading to the sliding guide tightly fits in order to support the supporting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jochen Ziegler, Ulf Walter, Dagmar Stolpmann, Alf Clement
  • Patent number: 6918565
    Abstract: An adjustable book holder includes two primary frames, and one or more auxiliary frames selectively secured between the frames, to increase holding of more books or sheet members to the book holder. The primary frames and the auxiliary frames may be secured together with peg-and-aperture engagements. Two followers may be attached to the frames, and may be coupled between the primary frames and the auxiliary frames, and may be rotatably or adjustably secured to two seats, with gear engagements, to allow the followers and the primary and the auxiliary frames to be secured to the seats at selected angular positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventor: Chun Yuan Chang
  • Patent number: 6899311
    Abstract: A display arrangement is disclosed. The display arrangement includes a flat panel display. The display arrangement further includes a display housing for the flat panel display. The display arrangement also includes an adjustable leg for supporting the display housing and thus the flat panel display in an inclined position. The display arrangement additionally includes a hinge for coupling the adjustable leg to the display housing so that the adjustable leg is pivotable relative to the display housing. The hinge is configured to provide a tilting action for adjusting the tilt angle of the display arrangement, and a collapsing action for reducing the depth of the display arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventor: John P. Ternus
  • Publication number: 20040232304
    Abstract: An article support comprises a supporting plate provided with a resinous slide stopper on a face for supporting an article, and a holding plate, a hinge, a hook bar and an engagement groove as a holding means for maintaining the supporting plates in a predetermined position, thereby facilitating fitting and removal of the article, and expanding an range of application for the article of various kinds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: Hiroshi Wakura
  • Patent number: 6802486
    Abstract: An ergonomic reading stand for holding books, catalogs, etc. consists of a right and left support, a bracket, a pivoting shaft with knurled screws and a base. The slant of the book can be variably adjusted by releasing the knurled screws (on both ends of the pivoting shaft) and by displacing the shaft forwards or backwards, in relation to the base. Threaded pins for adjusting the sliding resistance that is generated when the pivoting shaft is displaced are provided on the underside of the pivoting shaft, below the right and left slide bearing. The bracket is used to hold down the book pages and can be adjusted to the thickness of the book by a displacement parallel to the lower bearing surface. The bracket can be pressed down to enable the pages to be turned rapidly. After the bracket has been released, it springs back into its original position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Peter Weingartner
  • Publication number: 20040178317
    Abstract: A document holder, adapted for use at a computer workstation or word processor, includes an easel supported by spaced apart support arms. The easel and the support arms are connected to each other at respective pivot connections to provide for angular adjustment of the easel with respect to the arms. The easel includes a first member connected to the support arms and a second member which is movable relative to the first member in a downward direction or a direction toward an operator of the document holder. The first and second easel members include respective retainer and support rail parts provided with detents for selectively locking the second easel member in a selected working position with respect to the first easel member. A third easel member is supported on the first easel member for extension in a direction opposite that of the second easel member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Applicant: VU RYTE, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas B. Ramey, Clifford T. Calfee
  • Publication number: 20040173725
    Abstract: The present utility model refers to a portable Compensatory Lectern which at the moment of supporting a book, magazine, notebooks or similar is able to control the inclination angle, the aperture angle, compensate the differences in weight and volume, and hold the pages in six different points to choose from.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventor: Antonio Rodriguez Villanueva
  • Publication number: 20040113036
    Abstract: A collapsible support allowing tilting or elevating an object and embedded into the object surface thus becoming an integral and complementary part of it. The support which is characterized by its thinness makes it appropriate for integration into small portable objects such as calculators and personal digital assistant and to objects having a rigid articulated cover such as a ring binder, a diary or a mobile work station, without affecting significantly the physical properties of the objects such as its shape and its robustness nor its simplicity or manufacturing cost. It can also be integrated into the jacket of one of these objects or constitute an independent tilting structure being used to support a distinct object. It is made up of a rigid mobile part, that alternatively combines the roles of support and that of peripheral structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventor: Jean Gilbert
  • Patent number: 6682041
    Abstract: A structural fixture assembly arrangement including a through-passage defining frame member and at least one cooperative slotted standard body member engaging therewith and including a foot rest arrangement extending therefrom to provide an erected position for the structural assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Bill Branham Designs, Ltd.
    Inventor: William K. Branham, II
  • Patent number: 6679468
    Abstract: A pen box structure includes a box body pivoted with a box cover. The box body has one side defining an opening and has two inner walls each provided with a guide track which is provided with a lug that defines an insertion groove. The box cover has an inner face provided with a locking flange, and a lock mating device is locked on the locking flange, so that the box cover forms a proper included angle relative to the box body. A retractable drawer is movably inserted in the opening, and has two ends each provided with an insertion rod movably inserted in the guide track. The insertion rod has one side provided with a plate movably inserted in the insertion groove, and two L-shaped book clamping blocks pivotally mounted in the drawer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: Rong-Li Hsu
  • Publication number: 20040007649
    Abstract: A stand for a portable computer, including a base member to which is pivotably attached the computer holding member. An adjustment arm serves to fix the relative position of the base member and the computer holding member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Mark A. Vettraino
  • Patent number: 6672556
    Abstract: An apparatus, which facilitates viewing of an object by a reclining human user, comprising an upright stand, a hinge device, a beam hinged to the stand by the hinge device, a spring linking the stand and the beam, a carrier for an object, the carrier supported so that the object faces forwardly, a carrier connecting with the beam, and a stop on the stand top positioned to limit down hinging movement of the beam that moves the carrier downwardly, there being a guide supporting a lower portion of the beam for hinging movement carrying that beam lower portion to one side of the stand in uppermost position of the beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Chih-Yu Hsia
  • Publication number: 20030213886
    Abstract: A collapsible support allowing tilting or elevating an object and embedded into the object surface thus becoming an integral and complementary part of it. The support which is characterized by its thinness makes it appropriate for integration into small portable objects such as calculators and personal digital assistant and to objects having an articulated cover such as a ring binder or an agenda, without affecting significantly the physical properties of the objects such as its shape and its robustness nor its simplicity or manufacturing cost. It is made up of a rigid mobile part, that alternatively combines the roles of support and that of peripheral structure, and of a flexible band that are attached together and to the remainder of the peripheral structure of the object by three articulations. The support may be formed as an integral one-piece, one shot, injection molding of a plastics material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventor: Jean Gilbert
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6634614
    Abstract: A portable combination clipboard and book holder has a flat generally rectangular board with a hinged book support at one end connected by stop hinges to allow it to be pivoted between a horizontal stored position on the top surface of the board and an upright in-use position. The unhinged edge of the book support has a wide V-shaped configuration. A pair of generally rectangular transverse bars secured to the top surface of the board in laterally opposed spaced apart relation extend inwardly from the left and right sides of the board and a short distance vertically upward from the top surface of the board. When the book support is pivoted to its upright position, an opened book may be supported in a generally inclined position with the laterally opposed lower edges of its cover or pages engaged on the transverse bars and the exterior of its cover supported on the V-shaped edge and its spine disposed toward the apex portion of the V-shaped edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventor: Je'Ron Lewis Page
  • Publication number: 20030089832
    Abstract: A multi-functional articulated device with an adjustable set of rotationally locking leaves that can provide a PDA, or other handheld device, with a hand-carrying ability that creates a more secure grip on the PDA while still allowing use of the hand for other tasks. The current invention also is attachable to a pocket, a belt or waistband. The current invention further has a surface stand up ability for multi-person viewing of the handheld device. This is useful in sharing data and making presentations when the invention is attached to a PDA or Pocket PC. The current invention also incorporates a unique paper handling capability for users that require the ability to input data into their handheld device while still holding paper documents. The current invention further allows the user to place a nametag or business card on the device in such a way as to create a breast pocket personal identification methodology for meetings and conventions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventor: Robert J. Gold
  • Publication number: 20030019996
    Abstract: The present invention is a mechanism for maintaining angled alignment of a presentation plane with respect to a support plane. The mechanism supportively attachable to a backside of the presentation planar surface. The mechanism comprises two legs or plates rotationally aligned and hinged together at their first ends with a first hinge to form a first axis of rotation. A second end of a first leg is, distal to the first hinge, similarly rotationally aligned and hinged together by a second hinge to the backside of the presentation plane or means for rigid attachment thereto to form a second axis of rotation with respect to the presentation plane, whereby the first and second axes of rotation are parallel. The present invention also comprises a system for extensions between a support surface and a visual display or between visual displays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Peter Shields
  • Publication number: 20030001064
    Abstract: A compact collapsible document holder includes a base and a back support coupled to the base. The back support includes a clip portion positioned between two leg portions. In a preferred embodiment, a pair of support members is received in the base, each of the support members being extendible for holding the back support in an extended position relative to the base. A securing clip is also storable in the base and is used for anchoring the holder onto an object. When opened from its collapsed configuration to an open or extended position, the holder supports a document between the leg portions and the clip portion of the back support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Steven C. Book
  • Patent number: 6425567
    Abstract: A device for holding reading or writing material or a laptop in a laying or seated position includes two board-like, trapezoidal side panels [112, 114] made of wood product, a cross-beam [16, 115] made of wood product holding the side panels together and preventing one panel moving with respect to the other, a support plate [20, 120] made of plywood, the position of which can be adjusted in relation to the side panels, and a device [22, 24; 122, 124] for setting the different positions of the support plate in relation to the side panels one of which contains a row of holes [24, 124] into which a pin [22, 122] can be inserted to hold the support plate in the desired position whereby insertion of the pin (122) in a hole [124a] and the stopper [127] allow for the support plate to be horizontally positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Inventor: Christian Schütze
  • Patent number: 6425566
    Abstract: A body is mounted on a base 51. Fixed fulcrum systems 54a, 54b and 54c are set on the base 51. Shifting fulcrum systems 53a, 53b and 53c are set on the body so as to shift on the fixed fulcrum systems 54a, 54b and 54c respectively. The fixed and shifting fulcrum systems are combined to form a fulcrum. It is assumed that the shifting fulcrum systems shift in such a manner as to satisfy the condition of equilibrium and the condition of constancy in potential energy of the body. The fixed fulcrum systems 54a, 54b and 54c are formed like the envelopes on the shifting fulcrum systems 53a, 53b and 53c respectively in such motion. The body is inclined as the fulcrum is shifted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Inventor: Yoichiro Okamoto
  • 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: 6386501
    Abstract: A book prop with storage space which is light in weight, collapsable, and allows the angle of repose of a book leaning against it to be varied. The book prop comprises two elongated rigid members joined by a flexible web. In use, the book rests on top of the rear member and the bottom of the book abuts the rear of the front member. The flexible web maintains the distance between the front and rear members. Rolling the flexible web onto the front member shortens the distance between the front and rear members, thereby increasing the angle of repose of a book being supported. The rear member, which is hollow and has an end closure, allows storage of pens, pencils, rolls of paper, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Eloise W. McDowell
  • Patent number: 6315255
    Abstract: A handset holder, such as a handsfree car kit, is disclosed. The car kit comprises a cradle (21) for carrying the handset and a cradle release mechanism (22) for releasably attaching the cradle (21) to a mount (23) fixed, for example to a vehicle dashboard. The holder comprises locating means comprising a tongue and groove for guiding the tongue to a position where the cradle and mount become latched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Nokia Mobile Phones Limited
    Inventors: Kwok Keung Chan, Ip Pui Wah
  • Patent number: 6270049
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Douglas A. Olvey
  • Publication number: 20010010351
    Abstract: A device for holding reading or writing material or a laptop in a laying or seated position includes two board-like, trapezoidal side panels [112, 114] made of wood product, a cross-beam [16, 115] made of wood product holding the side panels together and preventing one panel moving with respect to the other, a support plate [20, 120] made of plywood, the position of which can be adjusted in relation to the side panels, and a device [22, 24; 122, 124] for setting the different positions of the support plate in relation to the side panels one of which contains a row of holes [24, 124] into which a pin [22, 122] can be inserted to hold the support plate in the desired position whereby insertion of the pin (122) in a hole [124a] and the stopper [127] allow for the support plate to be horizontally positioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Publication date: August 2, 2001
    Inventor: Christian Schutze