Abstract: The present invention relates to an inflatable reading stand comprising an inflatable main body attached in air tight relation to an elongated base portion having a support edge, the main body including an exposed surface structured to support a book or other reading material thereon, the elongated base having a hand pump and hose assembly attached thereto to permit inflation and deflation of the main body whereby the angle of the exposed surface can be adjusted relative to the horizontal plane thereby allowing the user to view any reading material placed thereon while sitting in a comfortable, upright sitting position.

Abstract: An improved document easel preferably for use with video display terminals, has a generally L-shaped bracket and a generally U-shaped member removably attached to the video display terminal. The generally L-shaped bracket is rotationally connected to a base member of a generally U-shaped bracket such that the U and L shaped brackets rotate with respect to each other about an axis of rotation that is generally perpendicular to the U-shaped bracket base member. A pair of arm members extend out from the U-shaped member and are attached to a document easel so as to provide rotational movement between the U-shaped member and the easel about an axis of rotation that is generally parallel to the base member of the U-shaped member. A hollow tube and rod combination provide a selectively adjustable tension/compression arrangement, thereby allowing reorientation of the easel relative to the video display terminal.

Abstract: A forwardly inclined storage unit is secured behind a rearwardly inclined copyboard so that the two converge. The storage unit provides at least one compartment--for placement of draft pages as they are removed from the copyboard, and preferably, a second compartment for newly typed or computer printed pages. Because of the forward inclination of the storage unit, pages or printed portions of a document dropped sequentially into the compartments lean face down, thereby retaining collation.

Abstract: A document support stand for removably mounting a document holder on the stand includes a main body which may be formed in the shape of a truncated pyramid. The body has a viewing side, and first and second support sides for supporting the stand on a desk or table top. The support sides constitute adjacent sides on the truncated pyramid body, and are disposed at acute angles to the viewing side. An elongated bracket defining a T-slot is mounted on the viewing side of the body. The document holder includes an elongated member configured as a T-shaped rail which is receivable by the bracket of the stand so that the document holder may be mounted on the stand. The stand may be rotated 90.degree. from one support side to the other so that the viewing side and the document holder mounted on the viewing side may be disposed in different viewing positions.

Abstract: A document support stand for removably mounting and locking a document holder on the stand includes a main body which may be formed in the shape of a rectangular solid. The body includes a viewing side having an elongated bracket defining a T-slot mounted on it or formed in its surface. Additionally, the stand includes an aperture formed in its body to cooperate with a lock carried by the document holder. The document holder includes an elongated member configured as a T-shaped rail which is slidably received by the bracket of the stand so that the document holder may be mounted on the stand. The document holder further includes a plunger lock which has the dual function of locking the holder to the stand and, at the same time, of locking the rings of the mounted loose-leaf binder in a closed position.

Abstract: An adjustable support has two adjustable support members 6, 11. A spring 17 mounted on pin 8 biases members 6, 11 together so that the peripheral and bevel teeth 7, 405 and 16, 406 engage to lock the members 6, 11 together at a required position. When member 11 is to be moved relative to member 6, lateral movement of member 11 against the bias of spring 17 enables the teeth 7, 405, 16, 406 to be disengaged and member 11 to be rotated to the required position for the article support arm 3.

Abstract: A conference easel is provided with upper and lower frame sections and a pair of vertical frame sections pointed together by corner members in plug-and-socket connections. The profiled sections can be of tubular and can have projecting tubular portions forming channels accommodating edges of a panel. Two legs of tripod support are slidable in the vertical frame sections while a pair of flap profiles are articulated to the upper and lower frame sections to form, respectively, a clamp for a paper pad on the easel and a tray for writing compartments.

Abstract: Disclosed is a document stand, wherein guide lines with varying colors or patterns for facilitating the reading of rows of letters or characters are provided on a transparent plate disposed in front of a main plate, so as to prevent misreading or omission of a portion of a document, without the need to use a guide rod or the like as a ruler.

Abstract: A music stand that can be collapsed into an easily transportable configuration is disclosed. The stand includes a telescoping stem supported in an upright position by a collapsible base. A music rack is attached to the stem by a support arm, enabling the rack to be pivoted relative to the stem about two, spaced apart, generally horizontal pivot axes.

Abstract: This invention is a readily attachable and removable portable platform for use in conjunction with a vehicle steering wheel. The platform contains slots located on its edges which facilitate detachable mounting in a variety of positions on steering wheel rims of various diameters and grip thicknesses. One of the slots contains notches for adjusting the position of the platform relative to the steering wheel.

Abstract: A document support stand for removably mounting a document holder on the stand includes a main body which may be formed in the shape of a truncated pyramid. The body has a viewing side, and first and second support sides for supporting the stand on a desk or table top. The support sides constitute adjacent sides on the truncated pyramid body, and are disposed at acute angles to the viewing side. An elongated bracket defining a T-slot is mounted on the viewing side of the body. The document holder includes an elongated member configured as a T-shaped rail which is receivable by the bracket of the stand so that the document holder may be mounted on the stand. The stand may be rotated 90.degree. from one support side to the other so that the viewing side and the document holder mounted on the viewing side may be disposed in different viewing positions.

Abstract: A book support having a pillar with a facing surface against which the binding of a book to be supported rests. The angle of said facing surface can be oriented at a desired angle relative to a surface on which the support rests. The binding rest also comprises variable angle wings which are disposed for pivoting about generally vertical axes.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the framing of target portions of garments in hoops for attachment to embroidery machines or the like. The apparatus includes a workboard adjustably mounted to a base and movable between garment-mounting and hooping positions, a garment-supporting form secured to the workboard, and members for removably attaching one of the hoops.

Abstract: The invention relates to a means for the compact stowing of a folded support, e.g. for books and the like, when not in use, and to the unfolding thereof, to provide a rigid support in any one of a number of possible positions, from the compact stowed position.More particularly, the invention provides a four-way movement of a book support means from an initial compact stowed position wherein the support means and its associated mechanisms all lie essentially in a single plane, to a position wherein the support means can be adjusted four ways: (1) rotationally and (2) vertically about a given horizontal axis, (3) laterally with respect to a given vertical axis, and (4) rotationally with respect to that given vertical axis.

Abstract: Across the surface and around two opposite sides of a table top are looped two elastic hold down straps. A third elastic hold down strap is looped around these two straps and the other two sides of the table top. Lips grip an edge of the table top. The table top is slidably mounted on rails held parallel by two parallel supports each pivotally connected to ends of arms. The arms are pivotally connected at their other ends to a shaft. Upper ends of table legs are pivotally connected to the shaft. Interspaced between arms and legs on the shaft are spacers and a tube through which the shaft passes. When a cap nut is secured on one end of the shaft and a knob is screwed onto threads at the other end of the shaft, arms and legs are pressed together preventing them from pivoting around the shaft and locking the table top in a chosen position of height and inclination. Springs connecting arms and legs bias arms to rise to a vertical position when the knob is loosened.

Abstract: A portable supporting device is provided and has a frame having an upper and lower surface with a transparent sheet member secured in a recess in the upper surface and a plurality of hollow tubes providing leg mounting means on the lower surface of the frame adjacent each corner thereof with four of the hollow tubes cooperating when legs are provided therein to form a portable table for supporting a book for reading in bed and a different four of the hollow tubes cooperating when legs are provided therein to form a table for providing a portable lap writing surface.

Abstract: A collapsible flow control art easel comprises a base plate which is mounted on the under-side of an art board and which includes spaced apart apertures. A retaining plate mounted on a tripod such as the type commonly used by photographers has two spaced apart guide members with lips that interlock with rims of the base plate adjacent the apertures. The retaining plate also carries a pivotal lever arm having a flange movable into and over a rim of a third aperture of the base plate, in order to releasably lock the base plate to the retaining plate. The guide members have exterior, laterally converging guide surfaces which engage converging lateral rims of the base plate for aligning the latter to the retaining plate. A multi-pivotal support assembly, including the tripod, enables movement of the base plate and the art board carried thereon in a path defined by a reference line extending transversely through the base plate and sweeping an imaginery, inverted cone.

Abstract: Portable canvas carrier has a central spine with a carrying handle. Movably mounted on the central spine are cross members for holding one or more canvases. The cross members are adjustable for canvas size. A tripod head is attachable to the central spine and is clampable thereto at selected position. The tripod head is of sufficient adjustability to swing from a near horizontal to a near vertical position. The head is carried on three tripod legs for support of the canvas carrier and easel apparatus.

Abstract: The board comprises a generally rectangularly shaped multi-layer panel section secured around its periphery in a rigid frame that is generally U-shaped in cross section. The panel section includes a plastic-coated metal layer forming the face of the board; and a plurality of bails are mounted on the back of the board for engagement by a plurality of hooks which are mounted on a wall so as to suspend the board therefrom. Two foldable arms are pivotally mounted on the frame adjacent its lower edge to extend parallel to the plane of the board when folded, and to extend normal to the board and to engage the wall and hold the board in an inclined position when unfolded. The frame prevents accidental dislodgment of the bails from the hooks when the board is moved to its inclined position.

Abstract: An adjustable copyholder comprises a base and a cantilever arm having a plurality of cantilever arm segments attached thereto, and a copy support plate mounted at the free end of the cantilever arm. The cantilever arm is connected pivotally to the base. The cantilever arm segments are connected pivotally with each other. The copy support plate is connected pivotally to the cantilever arm. The pivot joints used to extend the cantilever arm have single pivot axes which are parallel to each other, horizontal and transverse to the cantilever arm, wherein these pivot joints are manually adjustable, at least controllable frictionally, the pivotability of the cantilever arm segments connected pivotally with each other being associated with a securing mechanism for each pivot joint.

Abstract: A tilt control apparatus comprises a tiltable display assembly pivotally coupled to a base support member through a hinge structure including a torsion spring and friction producing means which operate to permit the display assembly to be tilted to and held securely at any desired angle.

Abstract: A universally positionable holder securely holds a book or other printed matter in any position. A selectively shaped back plate has a frontal lip at its lower portion and projecting pegs extending from a lower portion of the back plate. A plurality of spaced projecting pegs extend from the upper portion of the back plate. Hold-down stays are pivotably mounted near the top of the back plate and attachment means are provided on the back of the back plate. Elastic bands may be affixed to the lower pegs and stretchably secured across a book cover to any of the plurality of spaced projecting peg means extending from and along the upper portion of the back plate which is attached via a ball-joint to a universally positionable support arm comprised of arm segments and joints, mounted upon a base that may be mounted either by clamp or by screws.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stand comprising a base portion, an upright member attached to the base portion, a cantilever member having a first end attached to the upright member and a second end rotatably secured to a frame, the frame pivotally supporting a cradle arranged to have rested upon it a book or other printed matter and the attachment of the first end of the cantilever member to the upright member enabling the height of the frame to be varied.

Abstract: A hospital bed reading book support with fluorescent lamp attachment which has a book rest, an adjustable lamp, a pivotal upper vertical post, a pivotal horizontal post, and a slideable lower vertical post. All moveable parts may be locked by use of wing nut and bolt assemblies which allow both the book support which is attached to the bed rail and the lamp to assume a number of different positions to accomodate the comfort of a patient in a hospital bed.

Abstract: A copy holder used on a desk to hold work consisting of papers or other graphic materials for viewing by a typist or terminal operator has a lip for placement under a terminal or typewriter. A sentence page guide is frictionally journalled and longitudinally slidable on a cylindrical guide strip rod offset from the copy holder plate which supports the work. A swing eye rod extending from the copy holder plate is journalled in one end of a spring holder arm which is hollow and contains two inserts urged apart by an intermediate coil spring to frictionally hold the copy holder plate in position. The other end of the spring holder arm is frictionally pivotally mounted on a base.

Abstract: A guide is affixed to the lower surface of a tablet. A rail is reciprocally movable in the guide in a plane parallel to the lower surface of the tablet. A strut is affixed to the rail and extends perpendicular to the plane of the lower surface of the tablet to support the tablet at an angle to the surface. The longitudinal axis of the strut is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rail and substantially parallel to the plane of the lower surface of the tablet.

Abstract: A computer read-out book stand is disclosed. The stand has a rectangular base with a rectangular book support adjustably attached at the base's midpoint. The book support is angularly elevated by a set of elevators of graduated heights. A retaining means on the book support's distal end connects a selected elevator to the book support. L-shaped posts fastened to the book support, and parallel to its sides, receive the slotted ends of book spine holders so that the book remains in place, resting on the book support at the desired angle.

Abstract: A foldable, self-supporting, adjustable book holder is disclosed having a first base member formed of an elongated base section having a planar portion which deflects at a bend into an elevated, substantially parallel elongated member wherein the elevated, elongated support member has an elongated slot formed therein which is adapted to receive an elevated boss positioned within and movable within the elongated slot, a second base member having an elongated, substantially planar support member having an elevated boss member formed at one end thereof which is adapted to be positioned into and slidable within the elongated slot, a pair of side members which are adapted to be pivotally connected to the ends of the first base member and the second base member such that the elevated boss is positioned in and is movable with the elongated slot to form a book support when in upright position and wherein the opposite ends of the side members have a plurality of axially aligned openings formed therein to receive an el

Abstract: A drafting tool support apparatus especially suitably for mounting to an angularly adjustable table top of a drafting table is disclosed herein. This apparatus includes a shelf arrangement which is configured to support (1) rulers, erasers and the like on a longitudinally extending shelf, (2) pens and/or pencils in spaced relationship to one another in upwardly extending positions relative to the shelf, and (3) templates, triangles and the like on hooks fixedly supported adjacent and preferably under the shelf. The apparatus also includes means for mounting this shelf arrangement over and to one edge of the angularly adjustable table top in a way which allows the shelf arrangement to be adjusted vertically and horizontally to a limited extent as well as rotationally and which also allows the shelf to be maintained in a longitudinally horizontal position regardless of the angular position of the table top.

Abstract: A simplified and inexpensive book holder for use by readers without arm mobility is operable for both reclining and sitting readers. Reading visibility is not obscured by page holding clamps. Thus, a set of monofilament lines is horizontally disposed across the open pages of a book to hold them in reading posture. These lines also provide simple page turnability by means of a stick held in the mouth. The construction thus is basically a four walled framework with two or three monofilament lines across one open end. A set of clamps extending inwardly from the walls holds a book cover in place with the pages open. A pivoted set of clamps attached to the walls will mount the book holder on the edge of a table for reading in vertically oriented sitting position or horizontally oriented reclining position.

Abstract: A clamping device for releasably mounting an instrument accessory includes a clamp member having an elongated channel formed therein, a worm shaft rotatably retained in the channel, a control device for rotating the worm shaft, a movable clamping jaw received on the shaft for reciprocal movement along the channel upon rotation of the shaft, and a fixed clamping jaw disposed adjacent to one end of the channel for cooperation with the movable clamping jaw. A support arm for supporting an instrument accessory is also provided which is mounted on the clamp member in a substantially universally-adjustable manner. The clamping device is especially intended for releasably mounting microphones and percussion accessories on the rims of drums.

Abstract: Adjustable message holder for use with telephones. The message holder has a pivotally mounted message holding arm which can be adjusted to a convenient angle for holding messages regardless of the orientation of the surface on which the device is mounted, whereby the message holder can be employed with a number of different types of telephone instruments.

Abstract: A tilting table includes a table top attached to an upper U-shaped bracket. A lower U-shaped bracket is rotatively attached by a bearing to a base. The lower U-shaped bracket includes a pair of opposed side, substantially horizontal slots and a pair of opposed side angle slots. The angle slots include a plurality of notches. Pins are slidably received in the slots, and are carried by the upper bracket for supporting the table top. The pins are selectively positioned in the notches of the angle slots, while the pins slidably move in the substantially horizontal slots for selectively inclining the table top.

Abstract: Apparatus for locking a drafting board in a desired attitude of angular adjustment enables adjustment of the drafting board through a full ninety degree movement. Force is selectively applied by a control system to interdigitating brake leaves to hold the drafting board surface from rotating once the desired angle has been achieved, and is selectively released to enable angular adjustment. Provision is made to adjust the control system of the apparatus responsive to the particular geometry of the drafting table.

Abstract: A keyboard is pivotally mounted on a pull out shelf to be raised from a reference position to desired angles of inclination within a range of angles, and is associated with apparatus for positively locking the keyboard following movement of the keyboard to a desired angle of inclination and its release; with the weight of the keyboard acting to maintain locking action. The apparatus effecting the locking action comprises a toothed segment whose arc and teeth define a range of angles. Associated with the toothed segment is a supporting arm biased to follow upward keyboard movement and on which the keyboard after being raised to a desired angle of inclination rests.

Abstract: A portable workbench including a pair of front legs and a pair of rear legs, with a support extending between the legs. A pair of beams extends laterally across the support and provides a work surface. The pair of beams and the support are adjustable to permit the beams to be positioned at a plurality of predetermined spacings relative to each other. Each of the beams has a plurality of spaced vertical axis apertures extending therethrough. A vise member having a mounting shaft extending therefrom which is proportioned to be received through one of the vertical apertures is also provided, the vise including a stationary jaw and a movable jaw together with a screw which extends between the stationary and the movable jaws for moving the movable jaw toward and away from the stationary jaw.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a plate holder for holding a plate, and more particularly, an ornamental plate, in a substantially vertical attitude for displaying the plate. The plate holder includes a base having a track with a plurality of serrations on the track. A support is movably mounted on the track. The support includes a plate panel which is adapted for being substantially perpendicular to the base. The plate panel has a tooth formed integral therewith for engaging the serrations on the track for releasably locking the support to the base in a selected position.

Abstract: A variable position article holder according to the teachings of the present invention is shown in the preferred embodiment for holding boxes for recording tapes such as cassette, 8-track, or video tape. The tape holder includes first and second L-shaped members. The second L-shaped member can be interfitted within an L-shaped aperture formed in the first L-shaped member. The second L-shaped member is slidably and pivotably mounted to the first L-shaped member within the aperture by detents which extend from the second L-shaped member into slots formed in the leg portions of the first L-shaped member adjacent the aperture. A washboard series of angular peaks are formed on the top surface of the second leg of the second L-shaped member. The first L-shaped member further includes ratchet levers which extend into the aperture and engage with the angular peaks of the second L-shaped member.

Abstract: A collapsible reading stand consists of a plurality of upright stick-like support members and a plurality of strut members pivotally affixed to each other in a manner whereby they are collapsible relative to each other and extendable to form a stand for supporting a book-supporting member. The book-supporting member is positionable in selected grooves formed in the support members for supporting a book at a desired inclination.

Abstract: An adjustable reading material supporter including a pair of unitary side members each formed of a vertical back portion terminating in a support end and a base portion terminating in a deflector guide end inclined in a spaced upward and rearward direction relative to said back portion and a rigid elongated back structure having a pair of spaced aligned ends each defining a passageway which rotatably clamps the back portion, one in each end, such that the support ends are on one side of the back structure and the base portions are on the opposite side of the back structure with the position of the guide ends being adjustable relative to the back structure to firmly support reading material between the support ends and back structure at the top and each of the deflector guide ends at the bottom during usage and wherein the position of the base portion and deflector guide ends can be laid substantially flat during storage is disclosed.

Abstract: A desk top work support device having a primary work support member pivotally mounted in an opening in a desk top. A pair of link arms mounted on the primary work support member rotatably support a secondary work support member, and are pivotable to position the secondary work support member in a forward position over the primary work surface and a rearward position to the rear of the primary work surface. A rotating mechanism causes the secondary work support member to rotate with respect to the link arm when the link arm is pivoted. A drive train is provided for rotating the rotating mechanism and the secondary work support bar independently of movement of the link arms, and a second drive train is provided for pivoting the link arms.

Abstract: A desk top work support device having a base with an inclined primary work surface, and having a secondary work support member positioned above the primary work surface. The secondary work support member is pivotally mounted on the base to provide a preset forward position for close reading, and a preset rearward position for secondary reference tasks wherein the secondary work support member does not interfere with access to the primary work surface. The pivoting linkage provides different inclinations for the secondary work support member with respect to the primary work surface in said forward and rearward positions to permit optimum utilization of remote light sources. The secondary work support member has a support bar, and removable work holders which may be slidably engaged within the base and are retained therein by the secondary work support bar when it is in its rearward position.

Abstract: A device for facilitating the holding of reading material for easy reading, freeing the reader's hands for any desirable work. The device consists of an upstanding backing member against which the binding of the book or other reading material is supported and in combination with this backing, I provide a base support for the reading material. Upstanding from this base support is a spaced apart pair of page supports and cooperative with these upstanding members is a pair of biased fingers one being provided for each page support, these fingers being independently operable. The fingers are biased towards the page members. The device also includes means whereby the backing member, the reading material base support and the upstanding page supports are adjustable to vary the angle of the reading material relative to the horizontal. When the above mentioned members are adjusted to various positions, the biased fingers continue to be in releasable engagement with the page supports.