With Housing For Collapsed Components Patents (Class 248/461)
  • Patent number: 11425985
    Abstract: Methods and an apparatus for providing a portable beauty tool assembly is described. The assembly includes multiple accessories, such as a mirror, tray, and container that may be useful as beauty tools. Further, the assembly has a unique structure that allows the apparatus to be adjusted into several different functional positions. Each position configures the assembly for hands-free use of the multiple accessories. The assembly can be placed into a vertical hanging position, a neck position, a leg position, or a tabletop position. The assembly includes a plurality of adjustable arms that provide the adjustable movement, such as extending, collapsing, and rotating, that is necessary for configuring the assembly into the various functional positions. Additionally, the assembly includes a hook arm, which can be used for attaching, securing, or stabilizing the various functional positions. The assembly can include additionally accessories, such as lights, tray inserts and mirrors having different magnifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: VANGO, LLC
    Inventor: Dominique Megesi
  • Patent number: 10690285
    Abstract: A portable electronic device comprising a device body, a first linking member and a supporting member is provided. The first linking member includes a first end and a second end. The first end is rotatably connected to the device body. The supporting member is pivotally connected to the second end. The supporting member moves relative to the device body via the first linking member, the first linking member rotates relative to the device body via the first end, and then the second end moves close to or out from the device body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.
    Inventors: Ya-Lin Wu, Shu-Chun Hsiao, Chia-Chang Tsui, Tsung-Ju Chiang, Ming-Hsing Yang
  • Patent number: 10679595
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a musical instrument comprises a stand comprising a plurality of legs comprising a forward leg and two rear legs, and a center block having a plurality of apertures for receiving the legs. Each of the legs comprises a top end and a bottom end. The legs are pivotally attached to the center block and held within the apertures, and the apertures are shaped such that the legs are moveable between a folded configuration and a splayed arrangement wherein the bottom ends of the rear legs are laterally displaced and the bottom end of the forward leg is forwardly displaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Inventor: Sheldon Lavineway
  • Patent number: 10617211
    Abstract: A pochade box for artists may include a sliding parallel palette. Specifically, the pochade box may include a box having a lid hingeably attached to a box body; a workpiece securing member slidably attached to the lid such that the workpiece securing member slides out of an edge of the lid distal from the box body when the lid is open, the workpiece securing member designed to hold a workpiece; and a palette slidably engaged with the lid such that the palette slides horizontally side to side when the lid is open, resulting in the palette being oriented parallel with the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Inventor: Mykul S Lee
  • Patent number: 9823704
    Abstract: A case for a computing device includes a rear support surface that is operatively coupled to a perimetral edge that securely engages with a perimetral edge of the computing device. A support stand may be in communication with the rear support surface, wherein the stand is operable to move between one or more elevations. The rear support surface and the perimetral edge may substantially or entirely shield a rear surface of the computing device. The support stand may include a stand mechanism with support and pivot portions, the support portion operable to communicate with a corresponding mounting surface and the pivot portion operable to pivot the support stand between a closed state and one or more elevations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Urban Armor Gear, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Armstrong, Jay Veltz
  • Patent number: 9089216
    Abstract: A holder assembly for holding a displaying device is disclosed. The holder assembly includes a body, a first arm, a second arm and a base. The body includes an outer surface and an inner surface. An accommodating space is formed by the inner surface. A first opening is formed on the body and connected to the accommodating space. A first connecting portion and a first pivoting portion are disposed on two ends of the first arm. A second connecting portion and a second pivoting portion are disposed on two ends of the second arm. The first and second connecting portions are connected to the displaying device. The first and second pivoting portions are pivotally disposed on the outer surface. The base includes a sliding portion and a plurality of supporters. The sliding portion is slidably connected to the inner surface. The supporters are pivotally disposed on the sliding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Top Victory Investment Ltd.
    Inventor: Chien-Chen Liu
  • Patent number: 9022341
    Abstract: An apparatus to support a device includes a first base; a first support; a first base-support hinge adapted to rotatably couple the first base and the first support along a first axis of rotation; a first swivel slidably connected to the first support and having a first cut-out adapted to receive a first portion of the device; a second base; a second support; a second base-support hinge adapted to rotatably couple the second base and the second support along a second axis of rotation; and a second swivel slidably connected to the second support and having a second cut-out adapted to receive a second portion of the device spaced apart from the first portion of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Inventor: Rambod Radmard
  • Patent number: 8851439
    Abstract: The invention provides a reading stand. The reading stand may comprising a base portion including at least one base portion sidewall, the base portion sidewall being supported by the base portion; and a platform portion forming a support surface to support the document, the platform portion including at least one page holder to retain the document. The reading stand may further include a side support clip extending from the platform portion such that the base portion sidewall is receivable between the platform portion and the side support clip in an assembled position, the side support clip having a protuberance disposed thereon, the protuberance engageable with the base portion sidewall. The assembled position affords side reading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Phifer Incorporated
    Inventors: Beverly C. Phifer, M. Scott Clark, Thomas G. Grammer
  • Patent number: 8770538
    Abstract: A supporting structure for an electronic device is provided to reduce the thickness or volume of device structures in conventional skills. The supporting structure includes a connecting arm having a first end and a second end which are substantially pivoted to a side region of a sliding and/or rotating module and an edge portion of a substrate module, respectively. With the connecting arm being rotated in response to the movement of the sliding and/or rotating module, the rotation or combination type can be provided between the first and second ends of the connecting arm and the side regions of the sliding and/or rotating module and the edge portion of the substrate module, thereby improving difficulties of the internal structure and design of the assembly of conventional supporting structure and electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: First Dome Corporation
    Inventors: An Szu Hsu, Chien Cheng Mai, Way Han Dai
  • Patent number: 8708301
    Abstract: The invention provides holder devices and methods of making and using the same. The holder devices described may be used to hold a wide variety of personal electronic devices, as well as other items. Illustratively, the holder device may include a body portion, at least two holder sides, and an extension portion. Each of the holder sides may be disposed in slots in the body portion. The holder sides may be in the form of an elephant head, for example. The extension portion may be selectively positioned in either a stowed position, an extended position, or some interim position. In the extended position, or partially extended position, the extension portion provides enhanced stability to the holder device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Phifer Incorporated
    Inventors: Thomas G. Grammer, Beverly C. Phifer
  • Publication number: 20140091194
    Abstract: An adjustable easel for configuring into multiple positions is described. The adjustable easel includes a work surface, an accessory tray, and a frame having a first and second pair of frame members that are selectively adjustable into a plurality of positions. The plurality of positions includes a first position, where the accessory tray and the plurality of frame members are configured to provide a portable storage case. In a second position, a first work surface is secured relative to the frame members, with the first pair of frame members positioned at a distance from the second pair of frame members. In a third position, a second work surface is secured relative to the frame members. A work surface support, coupled to the first and second work surfaces, is pivoted about a longitudinal axis of the frame when adjusting the position of the adjustable easel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Crayola LLC
    Inventors: Elizabeth Miller, Anthony P. Monzo
  • Patent number: 8687354
    Abstract: A hinge is provided that permits a user to use a computer system either as a laptop computer or a tablet computer. The hinge may comprise a hinge block and an inhibitor stopper. The hinge block may have a first hinge member and a second hinge member. The inhibitor stopper may be disposed between the first hinge member and the second hinge member. The inhibitor stopper may have a first wing and a second wing. The inhibitor stopper may be attached to the hinge block. The first and second wings may be rotatable around an axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Uchiyama, Kenshin Yonemochi, Akinori Uchino
  • Publication number: 20130270411
    Abstract: The present invention extends to a portable art easel that is lightweight, contains minimal parts, and is easy to transport and set-up thereby facilitating the use of the easel in virtually any desired location. The portable easel can be configured to form a box shape when closed making the easel easily transportable. The lid of the box shape can be folded open and include an adjustable canvas holder for supporting a canvas while the bottom portion of the box shape can serve as a palette or palette holder. The bottom portion can also be configured to attach to a tripod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: Bryan Mark Taylor
  • Patent number: 8382049
    Abstract: A support device includes a support element, a plurality of legs rotatably connected to the support element which can be rotated to be changed from an unfolded state and a folded state, and a main body sleeves the support element. When the legs are rotated to be in the unfolded state, the legs cooperate with the support element to support an electronic device, and when the legs are rotated to be in the folded state, the main body sleeves on the support element receiving the legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Te Yu, Lin-Lin Pan, Liang-Yi Lu
  • Patent number: 8262049
    Abstract: A portable stand includes a shelf having a back plate with a front surface and a rear surface, wherein the back plate includes at least two attachment locations and at least one securing locations, a bottom flange forming an angle with the back plate, extending toward the front surface at a first angle from the plate, and a mounting element. The portable stand includes a shelf extension including two elongated flanges formed at an angle equal to the first angle configured to selectively couple to the shelf, and an arm pivotably attachable to the shelf extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventor: Robert J Evanoff
  • Patent number: 8231099
    Abstract: A protective cover support rack for electronic devices includes at least a protective cover body, a support lid and a hinge assembly. The protective cover body has an inner rim with an annular U-shaped trough formed thereon to hold and encase the body of an electronic device, and a lower half portion to cover the back side of the electronic device. The support lid can be adjusted at an angle smaller than 360 degrees to allow users to swivel to the front side as required to protect the screen of the electronic device, or adjust to a standing position to facilitate viewing, or fold it to fully in contact with back side of the protective cover body at a storing position, or swivel to facilitate hand grasping in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: E-Lead Electronic Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Stephen Chen
  • Patent number: 8186640
    Abstract: A portable drawing apparatus configured to act as an easel and/or desk includes a pair of upper support members each pivotally connected to a respective lower support member, and also each pivotally connected to a respective rear support member. In an operational configuration, the rear support members can project rearwardly in a plane substantially normal to a plane defined by two mutually parallel upper support members. A lower cross frame and upper cross frame are each connected to respective lower support members, and upper support members, and each further connected to the non-removable portion. A hinged lateral member, when configured in a locked position, defines the apparatus width. In a collapsed configuration, the distal portions of the upper and lower support members are configured to point in the same direction and form a bundle whose length is substantially less than that of the apparatus length in operational configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: MEGA Brands International
    Inventor: Vic Bertrand
  • Patent number: 8123189
    Abstract: The invention provides a reading stand. The reading stand may comprising a base portion including at least one base portion sidewall, the base portion sidewall being supported by the base portion; and a platform portion forming a support surface to support the document, the platform portion including at least one page holder to retain the document. The reading stand may further include a side support clip extending from the platform portion such that the base portion sidewall is receivable between the platform portion and the side support clip in an assembled position, the side support clip having a protuberance disposed thereon, the protuberance engageable with the base portion sidewall. The assembled position affords side reading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Phifer Incorporated
    Inventors: Beverly C. Phifer, M. Scott Clark, Thomas G. Grammer
  • Patent number: 7950617
    Abstract: A support device includes a support-receiving member, a sliding block, a support, and an elastic sheet. The support-receiving member defines a groove with one end thereof blocked to form a stop end and the other opened to form an exit end. The sliding block and the support are slidably juxtaposed in the groove from the stop end to the exit end and rotatably coupled. The support includes a contact portion extending away from an end near the sliding block. The elastic sheet is fixed to the support-receiving member at the exit end and extends a free end away from the exit end. The free end maintains contact with the contact portion during rotation of the support and presses the contact portion to pivot the support to be stopped by the support-receiving member, stationing the support at that position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hong-Wei Zhu, Er-Zheng Zhao, Hai-Yang Yu
  • Patent number: 7891632
    Abstract: A book holder stand has two shallow box like parts hinged together along one side to be openable to extend the parts from each other in opposite directions and define a generally planar support. A pivoted shelf is mounted at the bottom of each part able to be flipped down to provide a support for an opened book placed on edge thereon. An elongated retainer element is pivoted to each shelf by having a first segment received in a hole in an outer face of the associated shelf, with an angled down segment extending from the end of the first segment and able to be swept over an opened book with the shelf flipped down. A locking rod is slidable across the hinged sides to lock the parts in their spaced apart position. A prop rod is pivotally mounted to the hinged side of one part which can be pivoted out to extend at an angle thereto to support the book holder stand at an inclined position for convenient reading of an opened book resting on the shelves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventors: Phil Rucinski, Donald Pagels
  • Patent number: 7857277
    Abstract: A portable drawing apparatus configured to act as an easel and/or desk includes a pair of upper support members each pivotally connected to a respective lower support member, and also each pivotally connected to a respective rear support member. In an operational configuration, the rear support members can project rearwardly in a plane substantially normal to a plane defined by two mutually parallel upper support members. A lower cross frame and upper cross frame are each connected to respective lower support members, and upper support members, and each further connected to the non-removable portion. A hinged lateral member, when configured in a locked position, defines the apparatus width. In a collapsed configuration, the distal portions of the upper and lower support members are configured to point in the same direction and form a bundle whose length is substantially less than that of the apparatus length in operational configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: MEGA Brands International S.A.R.L.
    Inventor: Vic Bertrand
  • Patent number: 7845612
    Abstract: This invention is to provide the stand for the electronic device with the capacity to hole the headset in a handy manner. The stand comprises the main body capable of holding cords, the attaching section positioned on the main body for the electronic device to be mounted and secured thereon, stand cover capable of temporary fitting over the main body and having the section for preventing the cords from unraveling, and the connecting section which joints the main body and the stand cover and allows the stand cover to spread apart from the main body with the hinge section as the fulcrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Power Support Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ryoichi Mase
  • Patent number: 7722007
    Abstract: A foldable easel strut assembly is provided for supporting the easel when the easel is in use, and for moving the legs of the easel to a storage position when the easel is to be stored. The invention comprises an easel support board to which a rear leg assembly is pivotally connected. A pair of forward struts are pivotally connected at a first end to the support board. A pair of rear struts each have a first end pivotally connected to a second end of a corresponding forward strut, and a second end of each rear strut is pivotally connected to the rear leg assembly. Each rear strut includes a stop flange that abuts an upper edge of a corresponding forward strut when the rear leg assembly is pivoted away from the support board to a maximum position. In an embodiment, two front legs are pivotally connected to the support board, and the rear leg assembly comprises a rear leg member that pivotally folds against a bracket, and the bracket folds against the support board, when the easel is in its storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Swank Audio Visuals, LLC
    Inventor: Michael John Stengel
  • Patent number: 7694932
    Abstract: A combination desk accessory tray and picture and calendar display easel with a tray cover having a first tray cover position, a second display item loading and unloading position, and a third easel position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Inventor: Chi Lung Ngan
  • Patent number: 7543790
    Abstract: Improved portable easel (10) comprising two functional sections, base (12) and arm holder (16) fastened together with locking hinge mechanism (14) formed by adjustable clutches (14A,14B). The arm holder comprises a plurality of members with an elbow-shaped bend (52A, 52B), containing a plurality of openings in the distal end attached to the hinge mechanism (14) and a plurality of openings in the proximal end, such that proximal openings are at right angles. This hinge mechanism permits the curved holder to fold down over the base and the legs for compact storage and up for a range of angles. Adjustable length arms (22) are attached to arm holder with adjustable clutches (18), allowing arms to freely pivot in a plane until locked in position. Adjustable support legs (20) are pivotally fastened within angled cutouts (42) in the base. Sliding, adjustable, artwork holders (24) are attached to the arms with adjustable clamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Inventor: Will Andrew Starcher
  • Patent number: 7518856
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus comprises a base, a top cover, a scale-adjustable component, an adjusting component, and a linked component. The top cover is connected to the base and is openable and closeable with respect to the base. The scale-adjustable component is disposed on the base. The adjusting component comprises an adjusting portion connected to the top cover and a sleeve connected to the adjusting portion and disposed on the base. The linked component is received in the sleeve and connected to the scale-adjustable component, having a spiral groove, in which the protrusion mounted on the inner wall of the sleeve is positioned. When the top cover is opened, the adjusting portion is expanded to drive the sleeve to rotate. Meanwhile, the protrusion slides with respect to the spiral groove to drive the linked component to move along an axis direction of the sleeve so as to expand the scale-adjustable component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: ASUSTek Computer Inc.
    Inventor: Sheng Wangchen
  • Patent number: 7516933
    Abstract: A portable folding type cradle is provided. The portable folding type cradle includes a first cradling body; a second cradling body folded or unfolded from the first cradling body; a hinge unit for connecting the second cradling body to the first cradling body; a housing unit for connecting to the hinge unit, and housing the first and second cradling bodies or supporting the second cradling body; and at least one unit provided at the first cradling body, and preventing sliding of a portable terminal to stably support a mount state thereof, and controlling the mount state of the portable terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Ji-Hyun Moon, Yang-Jic Lee, Beom-Ku Han, Chang-Hwan Hwang
  • Patent number: 7455275
    Abstract: A portable, collapsible artist's easel apparatus (10) including a framework member (20) that pivotally supports a compartmented receptacle member (40) equipped with at least one easel tray (45) that may be disposed in a cantilevered fashion relative to the receptacle member (40) wherein, a pair of extensible leg members (25) (26) are pivotally connected to the framework member (20) which is further associated with a pair of flange elements (60) (60) which are pivotally connected to a rear leg member (29) and a canvas support unit (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventors: Eric Astadan, Bismarck Datuin
  • Patent number: 7448773
    Abstract: A decorative structure includes at least one hollow modeling shell and at least one limiting ring. The modeling shell is assembled by two corresponding half bodies. An outside of one half body corresponds to an inside of the other half body thereby the two half bodies are positioned in the same direction. The modeling shell has at least one connecting portion along jointed ends of the two half bodies. The limiting ring surrounds an outside of the connecting portion for supporting the modeling shell. Accordingly, the present invention positions the two half bodies in the same direction so that the modeling shell is positioned before being assembled to reduce its volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Inventor: Chi-Shih Lai
  • Publication number: 20080149802
    Abstract: A multi-function portable table includes two cases, which are jointed to each other by hinges and are releasably fixed to each other by at least one releasable buckle mounted therebetween at one lateral side opposite so as to allow the cases to be expanded in a rotation manner. The cases have opposing surfaces in which cavities are defined. Foldable legs are arranged in the cavities. The cases that are expanded to form a tabletop are supported by the legs that are expanded from inside the cavities of the cases. Further, one of the cases can be converted into an easel, while the other one is provided with storage spaces for articles/objects so as to allow for easy use in outdoor activities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: Chen-Cheng Chiang
  • Patent number: 7299580
    Abstract: A mounting structure for a display is provided. The mounting structure includes a body used for supporting the display, a mounting portion connected pivotally to the body so that a lower end thereof is able to swing back and forth within a predetermined range, a movable handle movable up and down on the body within a predetermined range, and a link connected pivotally to a predetermined portion of the movable handle at an interior end and connected pivotally to a predetermined portion of the mounting portion and being a predetermined distance away from an upper portion of the mounting portion. As such, the mounting structure may stay at an extension or retract position by pushing or pulling the movable handle based on requirement of a user of the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Inventec C'orporation
    Inventors: Beniz Wang, Yu-Chi Lin
  • Patent number: 7240887
    Abstract: A book holder for supporting and protecting an article of reading material is provided. The book holder includes a spine, a pair of cover panels, each of the cover panels is hingidly to the spine permitting the pair of cover panels to be rotated into an open position and to be rotated into a closed position. The book holder is adapted to receive and support an article of reading material in an open position when the book holder is open and for enclosing and protecting the reading material when the book holder is closed. A page holder assembly is provided to hold the reading material open and for marking a page. The page holder assembly can also include a line marker for marking a line of text in the reading material. In additional embodiments, an illumination means for illuminating the reading material and a magnify sheet for magnify the reading material may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: Brian Buote
  • Patent number: 7172167
    Abstract: The invention provides a reading stand. The reading stand may include a base including a base member case. Further, the reading stand may include a reading lid disposed upon the base member case, the reading lid including a reading platform having a front side and a backside; and at least one page holder adjustably mounted on the reading platform so as to assist in retaining a document on the front side of the reading platform. Further, a support member is provided. The support member extends from the backside of the reading platform, and is adapted to engage with the base so as to support the reading lid upon the base. For example, the support member may be in the form of a side support clip that substantially vertically supports the reading lid upon the base for side reading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Phifer Incorporated
    Inventors: Beverly C. Phifer, M. Scott Clark, Thomas G. Grammer
  • Patent number: 7121518
    Abstract: A portable workstation that is collapsible into a carrying case. The portable workstation comprises an articulating support structure and an enclosure structure that cooperate between an open usable position and a closed carrying case position. In the closed carrying case position, the articulating support structure is substantially enclosed within the enclosure structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventors: Arthur M. Hovde, Thomas E. Kramer, Mark J. Weimholt
  • Publication number: 20040144907
    Abstract: A portable workstation that is collapsible into a carrying case. The portable workstation comprises an articulating support structure and an enclosure structure that cooperate between an open usable position and a closed carrying case position. In the closed carrying case position, the articulating support structure is substantially enclosed within the enclosure structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Arthur M. Hovde, Thomas E. Kramer, Mark J. Weimholt
  • Patent number: 6751878
    Abstract: A tracing an object has front and rear shells that are pivoted to each other to form a case. The rear shell defines a platform for supporting an object and the front defines a clear window pane forming a tracing plane through which the object is visible. A leg connected between the shells supports the front shell at an open position. A support movably mounted to the front shell carries a view port to view the object through the window pane and to trace an image of the object on the tracing plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Inventor: David Hamann
  • Publication number: 20040031900
    Abstract: A portable easel comprises an easelback and palette box joined by two lockable hinges mounted on opposing sides, the hinges having friction washers, and having knobs extending outward from shafts of each hinge, the shafts defining a rotational axis. With knobs loosened, the easelback may be rotated to a desired angle relative to the palette box, and, with knobs tightened, the friction washers lock the easelback into position. The easelback further comprises a canvas-holder having a vertically adjustable slidable lower support plate and a vertically extendable shaft, said shaft having a horizontal cross member configured with rotatable hooks for securing a canvas. The palette box further comprises a right-angle baseplate for tripod connection to advantageously place the opened easel's center of gravity at the baseplate-to-tripod connection. The easelback may comprise slots for storing canvases, and the palette box may be configured with multiple compartments for storing paints and accessories.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Eric Long-Chia Chang
  • Patent number: 6682042
    Abstract: A collapsible music stand including a ground engaging base portion, an upright portion, and a selectively collapsible desk portion. The desk has a pair of body portions operably coupled by a pair of over-center toggle linkages. Each over-center toggle linkage is selectively positionable in at least a first favored position, wherein the linkage is extended so that the body portions are spaced apart and the linkage opposes movement of the body portions toward each other. Further, the toggle linkages are positionable in a second favored position wherein the body portions are freely movable toward each other to collapse the desk. The desk further includes at least one resilient element arranged so as to bias the body portions toward each other when each the toggle linkages are positioned in the first favored position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventor: Gary Anderson
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6663074
    Abstract: A portable artist's horse includes a pair of generally parallelepiped bench sections containing individual storage compartments which are hinged to provide a bench and pallet (or drawing board) support in an erected configuration and to allow folding to a compact travel configuration which can be easily transported by pulling or pushing. A pair of spaced-apart rollers provide mobility, and a pair of lifting handles, which are interconnected by latches, allow manipulation of the horse in transport condition. The rollers are received in pockets in the other bench section with the horse in its erected condition, and the lifting handles are integral portions of legs which stably support the bench in its erected configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: Frederick Prior
  • Publication number: 20030160145
    Abstract: A portable artist's horse includes a pair of generally parallelepiped bench sections containing individual storage compartments which are hinged to provide a bench and pallet (or drawing board) support in an erected configuration and to allow folding to a compact travel configuration which can be easily transported by pulling or pushing. A pair of spaced-apart rollers provide mobility, and a pair of lifting handles, which are interconnected by latches, allow manipulation of the horse in transport condition. The rollers are received in pockets in the other bench section with the horse in its erected condition, and the lifting handles are integral portions of legs which stably support the bench in its erected configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventor: Frederick Prior
  • Patent number: 6585117
    Abstract: A modular organizer includes a plurality of walls, two faceplates, and a plurality of shelves. In a storage mode, the walls and shelves of the organizer are stored within the containing walls of the faceplates. The containing walls of the faceplates are each equipped with an exterior edge that presents an uneven outline. When the uneven outlines of each faceplate are positioned adjacent each other, a substantially sealed interface is created containing the walls and shelves within. In an organizer mode, the walls are supported by, and serve to separate the faceplates. The shelves are placed within the structure formed by the walls and are positionable between a display and storage position. Each faceplate of each modular organizer is identically configured to incorporate at least one post and hole pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Safco Products Company
    Inventors: Pamela R. LaFontaine, Stanley R. Thorud
  • Patent number: 6540192
    Abstract: An integrated easel, horizontal artwork support surface and art supply carrying case comprises a lower housing forming an art supply holding container and an upper housing providing a downwardly extending cavity. The upper housing in hingedly connected to the lower housing about their respective front walls. A horizontal, second artwork supporting surface hingedly connects to the lower housing about their respective rear walls. The upper housing has a flat surface for artwork and an easel-like stand hingedly attached to the rear of the flat surface which cooperates with the horizontal, second artwork supporting surface for holding the flat surface at an angle with respect to the lower housing. The device is compact, versatile, easy to carry and allows a child to use various art media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Maison Joseph Battat Ltee
    Inventor: Sarah Eve Ouellet
  • Publication number: 20030029985
    Abstract: An adjuster selectively collapses a support relative to a base so that the apparatus can support writing material and function as a clipboard; or extends the support relative to the base so that the apparatus can support reading material and function as a reading stand. A stay arm extends between the base and the support for holding the support at a desired angle relative to the base. A light is provided for illuminating writing or reading material. The light is on a stalk that can be pivoted and telescoped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Noel E. Zeller, Wei Young
  • Publication number: 20030025061
    Abstract: An integrated easel, horizontal artwork support surface and art supply carrying case comprises a lower housing forming an art supply holding container and an upper housing providing a downwardly extending cavity. The upper housing in hingedly connected to the lower housing about their respective front walls. A horizontal, second artwork supporting surface hingedly connects to the lower housing about their respective rear walls. The upper housing has a flat surface for artwork and an easel-like stand hingedly attached to the rear of the flat surface which cooperates with the horizontal, second artwork supporting surface for holding the flat surface at an angle with respect to the lower housing. The device is compact, versatile, easy to carry and allows a child to use various art media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Sarah Eve Ouellet
  • Publication number: 20030010884
    Abstract: A portable easel assembly includes a paint/sketch box having a base and lid connected by a hinge assembly. The base defines a cavity for storing art supplies, and the lid is configured to support a painting surface. The base and lid are inter-connected with a slide bar assembly. Use of the slide bar assembly and hinge assembly enable the lid to be secured in a number of positions. Preferably, first, second and third legs of adjustable length are pivotally attached to the base and moveable between folded positions and extended, supportive positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Donald Richard Jones
  • Patent number: 6360464
    Abstract: A sales display device is formed as a thin, flat, magnetically inert panel disposed in an upright disposition. The panel has embedded therewithin a plurality of ferrous articles located at uniform intervals across the display surface of the display panel and concealed from view. Preferably, a positioning sheet is employed with positioning openings defined therethrough. The positioning sheet is located directly against the front surface of the display panel. Magnetic articles, such as magnetic ball marker attracting patches, golf divot tools bearing magnets, golf ball markers having magnets therein, and other small objects containing one or more magnets can be displayed on the display device merely by bringing the magnetic articles into contact with the display board at the positioning openings defined therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Inventor: John R. Tate
  • Publication number: 20010048059
    Abstract: A portable easel assembly includes a tripod assembly and a paint/sketch box. A lid is connected to a base of the paint/sketch box by a hinge assembly and a slide bar assembly having a slide bar slidably interconnected to the base and lid and secured in position with clamps. The tripod assembly includes an attachment plate having an aperture configured to receive a bolt therethrough. A first leg is pivotally attached to the attachment plate so as to be moveable between an extended supportive position and a folded position. Second and third legs are associated with the attachment plate in such a manner so as to be rotatable and pivoted between supportive and folded positions. The first, second and third legs are adjustable in length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventor: Donald Richard Jones
  • Patent number: 6311944
    Abstract: A portable computer folding support stand is provided having a table top forming a concave leg retaining cavity on the underside. A pair of parallely arranged, pivotally affixed leg assemblies are attached to the lower surface, and each leg assembly folds down within the leg retaining cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventors: William E. McKsymick, Mark J. McKsymic
  • Patent number: 6302273
    Abstract: Apparatus (10) for aiding the layout and editing of items of sheet material, comprising a portable case (12) composed of a plurality of panel units (14,15,16) hingedly coupled to one another such as to form, when folded together, a closed container. The closed case (12) contains a plurality of tabular elements (24,25,26), at least one of which is co-operable with a panel unit (14,15) such as to be erectable into an easel-like state when the case (12) is open with a panel unit (14,15) providing support for the tabular element (24,25) in an inclined position. This or another one of the tabular elements (25) may be provided with a repeatably adherent adhesive substance (54) of low adhesion to permit peeling off therefrom of items of sheet material temporarily mounted thereon. Another one of the tabular elements (26) supports, when the case is open, a cutting device (62) for trimming the items of sheet material to desired sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventor: Richard John Edmunds