Abstract: A multi-use table includes a tabletop; a pair of legs carried by the tabletop; and a mouse pad having a mouse pad body carried by the tabletop, a track ball mouse carried by the mouse pad body and an interface cable connected to the track ball mouse. The multi-use table can include a tilting tabletop having a tab, which is removably inserted into a slot within a table base. An angle support assembly is hingeably coupled to a center lower surface of the tilting tabletop. The angle support engages with a feature within the table base such that the tilting tabletop remains at an angle. An anti-slip material can be disposed upon the top surface of the tabletop for securing a laptop.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a folding portable footstool with a support surface that is adjustable to multiple angles and multiple heights. The footstool includes a base, a first leg member, a second leg member, and a platform which when engaged by one or both of the leg members is adjustable to one of a plurality of possible angles and one of a plurality of possible heights. When neither leg member is engaged, the footstool can be folded to facilitate portability and ease of storage.

Abstract: A frame includes a pair of parallel arms that are transversely spaced apart from one another. A first brace interconnects the parallel arms at their respective leading ends and a second brace interconnects the parallel arms at their respective mid-lengths. A table has a first end hingedly connected to the second brace. A first and second plurality of teeth is provided along an extent of the first and second arms, respectively. First and second support struts hingedly interconnect the table to preselected teeth when the table is in a first angular position relative to the frame. First and second book supports are slideably mounted on the table and lockable into any selected position. The parallel arms are releasably attached to the armrests of a conventional wheelchair. The support struts are disengaged from the teeth to enable folding the table into a horizontal storage position where it overlies the frame.

Abstract: A supporting frame comprises a bottom plate; two lateral plates capable of being installed to two lateral sides of the bottom plate; and two supporting plates capable of being installed two ends of the bottom plate; and a free end of one supporting plate being resisted against another supporting plate. Each supporting plate has a respective hook for hooking the rod body. Each lateral plate has an inward recess, and each inward recess is installed with a pivotal rod, respectively; and each lateral plate has a hook portion; each hook portion is selectively installed to the pivotal. Each supporting plate has plurality of positioning recesses, and a free end of another supporting plate can be buckled to one of the recess. The bottom plate has two through holes for retaining a supporting rod.

Abstract: A document holder has compact construction for in-line placement and viewing between a keyboard and display monitor. The holder can be set-up in a minimum profile configuration to accommodate small source documents, and can be quickly expanded to accommodate relatively large source documents. Easel size conversion is provided by a compound easel that is mounted for pivotal movement on a base platform. The easel viewing angle can be tilted to suit operator viewing preferences. The document support position can be adjusted vertically up and down to provide a reading level that satisfies operator needs and preferences. The compound easel includes a “drop-down” reading rack that can be extended below the front edge of a workstation support surface in the over-hang zone adjacent the edge of the work surface and above the keyboard to allow in-line placement and use of the document holder in workstations where the available work surface area is not large enough to support a conventional document holder.

Abstract: The present invention is able to guide the wind produced by a fan interior of a heat sink when rotating to the interior of a computer, and discharge heat energy from the interior of the computer. Moreover, a user can easily adjust and fix air outlets of fan assemblies to corresponding positions beneath air inlets of a notebook computer to achieve optimum heat dissipation effectiveness. In addition, the user can adjust the screen viewing angle and height of the notebook computer, as well as make forward and rearward displacement or right and left rotation of the computer, thereby facilitating operational use by the user.

Abstract: An angle-adjustable heat-dissipating pad for a portable computer conforms to the ergonomics and includes: a plate provided with a guiding slot and fixing troughs, both sides of the guiding slot being provided with a plurality of positioning regions; a support provided with a positioning post, the positioning post passing through the guiding slot with the support being detachably assembled in the guiding slot of the plate to support the plate; and a supporting pad passing through the fixing trough and connected to the bottom of the plate, thereby preventing the articles on the plate form sliding. With the positioning post of the support being positioned in the positioning region in a multi-stage manner, the plate on the support can be positioned at a plurality of angles. Furthermore, the supporting pad can support the elbow of a user and conform to the ergonomics.

Abstract: A document holder is provided for a vehicle such as a cart, and especially a shopping cart having a back panel. The document holder includes a writing portion and a bracket portion. A securing member is provided at the writing portion to secure a piece of paper such as a grocery list or coupons. Preferably, the bracket portion has a forward bracket member spaced from a rearward bracket member to define a channel for receiving an upper portion of the back panel to support the holder. The securing member may be configured to hold a writing instrument. An advertisement holder may be positioned on the holder to hold and protect advertisements, store announcements, pictures, or the like while also providing a writing surface thereon. In a preferred embodiment, a document holder includes a flexible, resilient frame or bumper, and/or a two-piece bracket portion for attachment to a shopping cart.

Abstract: A support unit for supporting readable material at a convenient angle and height for facilitated viewing. The support unit is deployable between a collapsed and generally flat 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 an intermediate bracket plate which in turn is pivotally mounted onto a base plate, with an upper support strut adjustably set to accommodate support platen positioning relative to the base plate and bracket plate in one of multiple angular settings. The support platen may include or support a digital device such as an electronic touch pad, computer or reading device. In a preferred form, the upper support strut is adapted to overlie and protect the support platen and device thereon in the non-deployed position.

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.

Abstract: For installing an apparatus body of an electronic apparatus at a standing state on a supporting surface, the supporting device includes a leg and support. The leg is rotatably provided on a back surface of the apparatus body at the standing state and is used for holding the apparatus body supported by the supporting surface. The support is rotatably provided on the back surface and engaged with the leg for defining an angle of the leg with respect to the back surface. The leg and the support are foldable in substantially parallel to the back surface without overlapping with each other.

Abstract: The present invention provide a full folding/unfolding book stand and copy holder, which components are connected in one piece, so that it can be well connected when folding or unfolding; its strong triangular movable support components on the back can be adjusted for different angles when used, so that it is portable and convenience for use at various locations and thickness of books.

Abstract: A document holder has compact construction for in-line placement and viewing between a keyboard and display monitor. The holder can be set-up in a minimum profile configuration to accommodate small source documents, and can be quickly expanded to accommodate relatively large source documents. Easel size conversion is provided by a compound easel that is mounted for pivotal movement on a base platform. The easel viewing angle can be tilted to suit operator viewing preferences. The document support position can be adjusted vertically up and down to provide a reading level that satisfies operator needs and preferences. The compound easel includes a “drop-down” reading rack that can be extended below the front edge of a workstation support surface in the over-hang zone adjacent the edge of the work surface and above the keyboard to allow in-line placement and use of the document holder in workstations where the available work surface area is not large enough to support a conventional document holder.

Abstract: Disclosed is an articulated lectern with panels joined by hinges, with the panels employing a kickstand and keeper holes to adjust height and angularity. The lectern can be made of solid panels or frame panels.

Abstract: Provided is a portable cradle for a portable terminal which includes a housing; a first cradle body rotatably connected to the housing by means of a first hinge so as to be received in the housing, or of which a portion is apart from the housing and inclined; and a second cradle body rotatably connected to the housing by means of a second hinge which is spaced from the first hinge so as to be received in the housing, the second cradle body supporting the first cradle body which is inclined and adjusting an inclination angle of the first cradle body, on which the first cradle body can slide.

Abstract: An easel for laboratory work having a transparent top and a furrowed bottom for support and better observation of laboratory equipment positioned on a counter or other horizontal surface. A cylindrical spacer is placed within one of the bottom furrows to bias the top at a desired angle for convenient viewing during precision laboratory operations such as when using a pipette. A friction pad can be placed on the top for securing a pipette well plate holder or other laboratory apparatus.

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.

Abstract: A device to hold an open book at an open page is disclosed in which the page is clamped between a lip (1, 21) and a resilient book cover support (3, 23). Two embodiments of the device (10, 20) are disclosed, the former being fabricated as a single piece, the latter being able to be folded for compact packaging. In either case pages of the open book can be turned at will.

Abstract: A door skin comprises an exterior side and an interior side for being secured to a frame member. First and second molded, spaced stiles lie on a first plane. A flat planar portion is disposed between the stiles and lies on a second plane spaced from the first plane. A first interface portion is disposed between and contiguous with the stiles and the flat planar portion. First and second integrally molded, spaced rails lie on a third plane, wherein the third plane is intermediate the first and second planes.

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.

Abstract: A foldable clipboard. The foldable clipboard includes a pair of support panels that are hinged together. The hinged design allows the clipboard to be conveniently folded for easy transportation and storage. The clipboard also can be unfolded into a substantially flat configuration.

Abstract: A display device includes a display unit having a front surface for display, a rear surface formed with a vertical row of spaced-apart positioning hole units, and a bottom side. A supporting unit includes a first supporting rod that is connected pivotally to the rear surface of the display unit, that is disposed adjacent to the bottom side, and that is adapted to abut against a supporting surface, and a second supporting rod connected pivotally to the first supporting rod and having a free end formed with a positioning stub that engages a selected one of the positioning hole units in the rear surface of the display unit so that an acute angle is formed between the first and second supporting rods, thereby supporting the display unit on the supporting surface.

Abstract: A book stand folds flat, forming a single panel for storage or use as a clipboard, sketchpad, or straight edge. The book stand may also unfold into operational configuration to include an inclined supporting surface and a shelf, on which a book can rest at an inclined angle. The preferred legs or other support members extend from the rear side of the book stand near the left and right side edges of the book stand and diverge from each other to form a broad and stable base. The book stand may be set up in operational position with a minimum number of steps, by flipping up the shelf and pivoting the two legs on the backside of the book stand to swing underneath the shelf. In its folded, collapsed configuration, the preferred book stand may be a flat, substantially solid panel approximately 8.5?×11.? The device can also be equipped with a magnification device, light, clip, page protector, or other visual aid devices.

Abstract: An electronic equipment mounting angle varying apparatus comprises a base member mounted at a place where electronic equipment is installed; a mounting member on which the electronic equipment is mounted, and which is supported by the base member so as to freely swing about a horizontal base support shaft axis; and an arm member supported by the mounting member so as to freely swing about a mounting member support shaft axis extending horizontally, which sets mounting angle of the electronic equipment by being latched by the base member, whereby the electronic equipment is mounted at a prescribed angle.

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.

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.

Abstract: A bracket for mounting a view screen fixes the screen in a retracted or a deployed position. The bracket has a base plate fixed to an upright panel. A carrier plate both swings and vertically translates on the base plate. Hinged between the base plate and the carrier plate is a bridge plate. The carrier plate holds the screen, whereby swinging the carrier plate away from the base plate will tilt the screen. A latch subassembly disposed on the carrier plate has a finger that locks to either a tang of the bridge plate or a projection of the base plate to hold the bracket respectively in the deployed or the retracted position. The latch subassembly includes a grip-squeeze actuator to release the finger from the bridge plate or the base plate.

Abstract: A thin plastic element has a flat central region provided with a plurality of spaced apart radially extending fingers which extend from the region and define the outer edge of the element. These fingers are arranged into first and second finger sets, each set containing a like number of adjacent fingers. Each two adjacent fingers are separated by an intermediate radially extending slot which extends from the central region to the outer edge. Each finger has an enlarged outer end so that the width of each slot is reduced at these enlarged ends and is otherwise itself enlarged. The outer ends of the first set of adjacent fingers are disposed at discrete positions along a circular arc. The outer ends of the second set of adjacent fingers are disposed at discrete positions along a straight line.

Abstract: A self-positioning device for a keyboard includes two protrusions adapted to be respectively formed on opposite sides of a corresponding leg, two stops each formed on a corresponding one of the protrusions, and two sectorial bosses adapted to be formed on a corresponding one of the recessed seats to correspond to the two protrusions. Each sectorial boss has a first edge and a second edge to selectively abut a corresponding one of the two stops. The selective abutting of the stops to the first and second edges enables support of the keyboard on a plan surface horizontally and inclinedly.

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.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for adjustably connecting a picture frame strut to a picture frame back includes a mounting plate having length and a width. A first fastener, such as rosettes, are provided on the mounting plate for affixing it to the picture frame back. A hinge member includes a first plate that is slidably connected to the mounting plate. A second plate is rotatably connected to the first plate. A second fastener, such as rosettes, are provided on the second plate to affix a picture frame strut thereto.

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.

Abstract: A book or copy holder is disclosed having a base, a rack and a shelf. The base includes a pair of parallel, elongated slots formed therein and cut at a different angles relative to the top surface of the base. The rack includes a flat front surface having several elongated slots formed therein which extend through the rack and a tab extending from the bottom edge of the rack. The tab is complimentarily in shape to the slots formed in the base, so that the rack is supported in a stable, inclined position when the tab is inserted into one of the slots formed in the base. The shelf includes a tab extending from its rear edge which is complimentarily in shape to the slots formed in the rack, so that the shelf may be supported in a stable position when the tab is inserted into one of the slots.

Abstract: A portable stand allows a user to position a laptop computer as well as a full size external keyboard substantially vertically relative to a support surface. The substantially vertical positioning provides improvements to the laptop work environment. The portable stand for a laptop computer includes two generally flat bodies that are attached together along a mating groove. The two flat bodies define a substantially U-shaped area to hold the laptop computer in a substantially vertical position, a groove to hold an external keyboard in a substantially vertical position for storage, and an area for cables and wires to be consolidated and held in position.

Abstract: A copy holder is provided with a document holding stand supported adjustably by a support structure to provide a stable support while allowing operator controlled, incremental adjustment through a working range to vary the angle at which the document holding stand is supported. The adjustable support structure is provided by spring clutches on either end of a shaft which can be releasably held in housings attached to the document holding stand and these points of attachment together with a back leg provide for stable support with the incremental adjustment effected by releasing the spring clutch to adjust the gripping position on the shaft relative to the point of attachment for the back leg.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a holder for keyboards of the type used in computer work, said holder having the form of a separate attachment comprising a carrier (8) which serves to support the keyboard and which is hingedly connected to a supporting part which is adapted to abut and rest against a base. The carrier (8) is turnable to permit adjustment of the keyboard at an angle relative to a horizontal plane, more specifically between on the one hand a first horizontal position and, on the other hand, a second raised position where an upper side of the keyboard is directed away from the user at an angle of at least 30° relative to the horizontal plane. The carrier (8) is hingedly connected to the supporting part adjacent to a rear longitudinal side edge and is, with a front longitudinal side edge raisable and, by means of a locking device, lockable in the raised position at an angle to the supporting part.

Abstract: A receiving arrangement is suggested for a hard roof, particularly for a hardtop of a motor vehicle, which is arranged on a movable stand. The movable stand has a carrying device formed of struts which has at least four bearing receiving devices for the hardtop. These bearing receiving devices are arranged to correspond to locks and push-in tongues of the hardtop. The carrying device, together with the bearing receiving devices, is constructed to be separable from the stand and forms a separate, locally fastenable carrying device. Furthermore, it is provided that the stand can be adjusted into a horizontal working position, for which a supporting tube is used which can be supported on the basic stand.

Abstract: A portable easel is provided including a base and a leg assembly including a pair of collapsible legs mounted on the base for supporting the same. Also included is a plate hingably coupled to the base for being selectively angled with respect to the base to support reading and writing material.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a lightweight and inexpensive portable desk useful as a support for an article, a book, a magazine, a lap-top computer, a drawing, a photograph, a painting, writing utensils, and the like. The portable desk comprises just two integral components, a desk member and a leg member. Some unique features of the portable desk of the present invention include: 1) a capacity to vary the tilt angle according to the needs of a particular user and work setting and 2) the leg member serves as a base to support the desk member and includes a projection that allows for efficient storage/transportation of the portable desk. Thus, the portable desk of provides several working configuration at various inclinations and can be assembled in a securely connected compact storage/transportation configuration.

Abstract: A combination slanted writing surface and book holder that is easy to knock down and set up. This folding feature makes for easy storage and carrying. The back support 14, when removed, will store flat on top of the base 12. To collapse, you need to separate the work surface 10 from the back 18, allowing both, the said work surface and the said back to fold flat. The work station can be made of riged sheet material. Mounted near the top of the work surface 10, are two book holders 22, used to hold the reading material in place against the back support 14.

Abstract: A support apparatus for floral designers having a work piece frame support for removably securing a workpiece thereon. The work piece frame support including at least one component for preselectively holding the workpiece in a preselected orientation. A support member, the work piece frame support being pivotally secured to the support member proximate one end thereof. A clamping mechanism operably interposed between work piece frame support and the support member for locking the work piece frame support at a preselected angular relationship with respect to the support member. The work piece frame support and the clamping mechanism being collapsible to a position substantially within the support member in order to provide for a compact arrangement when the support apparatus is not in use.

Abstract: A photograph frame assembly includes a photograph frame, a back plate secured to the photograph frame, and a supporting member which is retained on the back plate by a retainer. The back plate has three interconnected sides which are arranged as a U-shape, and a slide slot unit, which is formed therethrough and which has an enlarged portion. The retainer extends through the slide slot unit in the back plate to couple with the supporting member, thereby retaining the supporting member on the back plate. The supporting member supports the back plate in an inclined position, and can be folded on the back plate. The retainer is capable of moving along the slide slot unit in the back plate, and of rotating within the enlarged portion of the slide slot unit so that the retainer can be moved to any position in the slide slot unit, thereby aligning a selected one of the three interconnected sides of the back plate with a horizontal bottom side of the supporting member.

Abstract: A viewing stand for an electronic device is composed of a mounting plate, a base, a selection arm, and a pivot pin. The base is pivotally connected to the mounting plate by the pivot pin. The selection arm is rotatably coupled to the base. A viewing position can be selected by rotating the base to a desired position. A desired position can correspond to an upright position, whereby the electronic device can be viewed horizontally, or to a gently sloping position, whereby the electronic device can be viewed from above. Once the base is in the desired position, the selection arm can be inserted into a corresponding positioning receptacle located on the mounting plate. Multiple positioning receptacles permit multiple viewing positions, thus enhancing the viewing options for the user of the electronic device. When no longer needed, the viewing stand folds flat against the electronic device to maintain a narrow profile.

Abstract: A new support stand for project boards for supporting various sized project boards at different-angles for hands-off viewing. The inventive device includes a base member with an upper surface, a lower surface, a first end region, a second end region, and a pair of lateral sides. The upper surface includes a first support channel that supports a substantially planar project board inserted within it. The first support channel is located near the first end region. A second support channel may be provided near the second end region to hold a project board at a different viewing angle than when held in the first support channel.

Abstract: A foldable light reflector apparatus having a panel with a reflecting surface and a pivotally support base frame support. In one embodiment the reflecting surface resembles an arrow pointing a motorist in one direction. End frame members engage holes in the panel's perimeter flange to support the panel in an upright position. By selecting engaging the end frame members with different flange holes and turning the panel upside down, the direction the reflecting arrow points can be reversed. To collapse the two part frame into the panel and its surrounding flange, only the frame member with its end in the bottom flange hole need be disengaged as the other two frame ends pivot in their respective side holed mounts.

Abstract: A collapsible desk stand for a portable computer allows variation in viewing angles of the computer display, and the ability to connect the portable computer to external, peripheral devices. The portable computer can be positioned on the stand to allow easier access to its keyboard (input tables) so that both right-handed and left-handed persons can position the portable computer so that data entry is most convenient. The stand is stable and includes a feature to allow it to be locked in its collapsed position. A fully adjustable handstrap assembly also for the portable computer is usable with the desk stand.

Abstract: A supporting device for a picture frame comprises a mount adapted to be securely attached to a picture frame back and a support piece. The mount has one or more pairs of opposite sides defined on a periphery thereof. The support piece is selectably received in a selected pair of holes in corresponding pair of opposite sides of the mount. Depending on which pair of holes is selected to receive the support piece, the support piece is adaptable to picture frames of different sizes.

Abstract: A portable lap desk which is readily selectively adjustable in the height of the desk over the user's lap and includes a desk top which is readily selectively adjustable in tilt relative to the user.

Abstract: A support apparatus for floral designers having a work piece frame support for removably securing a workpiece thereon. The work piece frame support including at least one component for preselectively holding the workpiece in a preselected orientation. A support member, the work piece frame support being pivotally secured to the support member proximate one end thereof. A clamping mechanism operably interposed between work piece frame support and the support member for locking the work piece frame support at a preselected angular relationship with respect to the support member. The work piece frame support and the clamping mechanism being collapsible to a position substantially within the support member in order to provide for a compact arrangement when the support apparatus is not in use.