U.S. patent application number 10/657329 was filed with the patent office on 2004-04-01 for versatile and ergonomic heat-dissipating stand for attachment to portable computers.
Invention is credited to Moss, David William II.
Application Number | 20040060687 10/657329 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32033678 |
Filed Date | 2004-04-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040060687 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Moss, David William II |
April 1, 2004 |
Versatile and ergonomic heat-dissipating stand for attachment to
portable computers
Abstract
A stand device for supporting a personal, miniature, or mobile
computer, such as a PC notebook or laptop computer. The stand
device is comprised of a base platform (A) for supporting the
notebook computer, and at least two hinged legs (B) for elevation
and angling of the (A) base and attached computer. The stand device
is made from a material such as aluminum to help absorb and
dissipate heat away from the computer. The stand device is designed
so that it can be attached to the bottom side of the notebook
computer with Velcro.TM. disks. This allows the stand device to be
carried, stowed and used while attached to the notebook
computer.
Inventors: |
Moss, David William II;
(Crystal River, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
David W. Moss II
3979 N. Olive Avenue
Crystal River
FL
34428
US
|
Family ID: |
32033678 |
Appl. No.: |
10/657329 |
Filed: |
September 8, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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60414035 |
Sep 27, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
165/80.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/203 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
165/080.3 |
International
Class: |
F28F 007/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A heat-dissipating stand device for use with a personal computer
of the notebook, laptop, personal planner, or pen-type input types,
said stand device comprising: a. a heat-conductive planar member
dimensioned to be as large as or smaller than the footprint of the
bottom side of said personal computer; b. at least one retaining
means to maintain a desired positioning of the planar member with
respect to the bottom side of said personal computer, said
retaining means selected from the group consisting of a textured
non-slip finish, at least one retaining ridge, hook and loop type
attachments adhered at selected points on said planar member and
said bottom side; at least one vinyl pad positioned on the top
surface of said planar member; stretchable straps from points on
said planar member, spanning one or more sections of said personal
computer; and an elevated lip at or near the front top edge of said
planar member; and c. at least one retractable leg attached toward
the rear edge of said planar member, disposed for elevating said
rear edge when in an extended position; Wherein upward-directed
ridges on said planar member top surface and/or the thickness of
said retaining means provide a gap for passage of cooling air
between said bottom side and said planar member, and whereby
placement of said stand device increases heat dissipation from said
personal computer during its operation.
2. The heat-dissipating stand device of claim 1, additionally
comprising vinyl covers on the bottom points of contact of the
stand device with a surface below said device, particularly on the
front bottom edge of the planar member, and on the
lowest-projecting aspects of the at least one retractable leg.
3. The heat-dissipating stand device of claim 1, additionally
comprising at least one void in said heat-conductive planar
member.
4. The heat-dissipating stand device of claim 3, wherein there are
four voids, formed in the shape of long slots extending in a linear
front-to-back direction on the heat-conductive planar member, and
spaced apart by at least the width of one of said slots.
5. The heat-dissipating stand device of claim 1, wherein said
planar member is substantially comprised of a material with a
specific thermal conductivity between 50 and 300
W/m.multidot.K.
6. The heat-dissipating stand device of claim 1, wherein said
planar member is substantially comprised of a material with a
specific thermal conductivity between 50 and 100
W/m.multidot.K.
7. The heat dissipating stand device of claim 1, wherein said
planar member is substantially comprised of a material with a
specific thermal conductivity between Page 25 of 28 pages 60 and 90
W/m.multidot.K.
8. The heat dissipating stand device of claim 1, wherein said
planar member is substantially comprised of a material with a
specific thermal conductivity between 60 and 75 W/m.multidot.K.
9. The heat-dissipating stand device of claim 1, wherein said
planar member is substantially comprised of a material with a
specific thermal conductivity between 200 and 300
W/m.multidot.K.
10. The heat-dissipating stand device of claim 1, wherein said
planar member is substantially comprised of a material with a
specific thermal conductivity between 220 and 280
W/m.multidot.K.
11. The heat-dissipating stand device of claim 1, wherein said
planar member is substantially comprised of a material with a
specific thermal conductivity between 240 and 270
W/m.multidot.K.
12. The heat-dissipating stand device of claim 1, wherein said at
least one retractable leg is hingedly attached to the planar
member.
13. The heat-dissipating stand device of claim 6, wherein said at
least one retractable leg is retractable by hinging toward the
planar member plane to a closed position.
14. The heat-dissipating stand device of claim 1, additionally
comprising two or more outward-projecting extensions co-planar with
the planar member, positioned to support the bottom of said laptop
computer, where said laptop computer extends beyond the edges of
said planar member.
15. The heat-dissipating stand device of claim 14, wherein said two
or more outward-projecting extensions co-planar with the planar
member are rectangular in shape and insert into slots on said
planar member.
16. The heat-dissipating stand device of claim 1, wherein the
heat-conductive planar member is substantially comprised of the
aluminum alloy designated as 6061-T6.
17. The heat-dissipating stand device of claim 1, wherein the
heat-conductive planar member is substantially comprised of the
mesophase pitch-derived graphitic foam designated as PocoFoam.
18. The heat dissipating stand device of claim 1, wherein the
heat-conductive planar member is dimensioned to support the
majority of said personal computers with nominal sizes of 12 to 16
inches, and wherein the larger of said personal computers overhang
said heat-conductive planar member.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority of Provisional Application
No. 60/414,035, filed Sep. 27, 2002.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR
DEVELOPMENT:
[0002] Not Applicable.
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER
PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX
[0003] Not Applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] The present invention relates to a portable stand device to
support notebook computers on an incline/raised angle towards the
computer operator for improved viewing, keyboard ergonomics, to
increase airflow to the base of the notebook computer, and to
promote convection-type heat dissipation, thereby reducing heat
retention in the notebook computer. Also, the present invention
retains the mobility, handling and versatility of the host laptop
computer.
[0006] 2. Description of Prior Art
[0007] Notebook computers can generate substantial heat in their
lower cases as a byproduct of their operation, i.e. processor, hard
drive, optical drive and battery charging and discharging. This
heat can be reflected back towards the notebook computer when used
on a flat or soft/cushioned surface with insufficient airflow
and/or this heat can be transmitted towards the operator's body
when the notebook computer is placed on the operator's lap.
[0008] Also, with increasingly faster processors, faster hard
drives and higher capacity batteries, laptop computers can generate
a noticeable amount of heat internally. Many laptop computers have
an internal heat sink and/or electric fan. When the temperature
inside the computer reaches a preset limit, a fan is activated to
increase air flow over the internal heat sink to reduce the
internal temperature. These heat sinks are designed to transfer the
heat, generated by the internal components, to the computer's
exterior cases where it can be absorbed into the surrounding
airflow. Such power-using means to dissipate excessive
computer-generated heat can decrease the total time of use on a
single battery charge for a personal laptop-type computer.
[0009] Also, when using a portable computer on soft surfaces, i.e.
carpeting, bed cover or pillow, the air gap underneath the computer
is restricted or diminished, causing hot spots on the bottom case
of the computer. On models equipped with an internal electric fan,
this condition usually triggers the fans activation, consuming
additional battery power. Some types of counter tops and desktops
using a laminated construction, even though they have a hard, flat
surface, can reflect enough heat back into the lower case to
generate hot spots and trigger the fans activation.
[0010] Stands have been proposed that provide an improved air gap
for increased cooling of the laptop computer. Some proposed stands
also angled the keyboard for improved ergonomics while typing.
However, the stands lack efficient mobility in their designs, i.e.
some are bulky and require disassembly to be transported, and some
are designed for specific models of laptop computers, thus are not
compatible with other models. Many designs are impractical and are
actually a hindrance to the goals and concepts of mobile computing.
Examples of published references in the field of laptop computer
supports and stands include U.S.20020003197 A1, U.S.20010003961 A1,
U.S. Pat. No. 6,164,213 A1, U.S. Pat. No. 5,871,094 A1, U.S. Pat.
No. 5,470,041 A1, U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,624 A1, U.S. Pat. No.
6,115,249, U.S. Pat. No. 5,503,361, U.S. Pat. No. 5,915,661, U.S.
Pat. No. 5,899,421, U.S. Pat. No. 5,337,985, and U.S. Pat. No.
4,852,498.
[0011] Even considering the disclosure in these references, there
exists a need for a stand that provides increased cooling effects,
improved ergonomics and the same usefulness, fast handling and the
mobility of the portable computer itself The presently described
invention provides an elegant and versatile portable computer stand
device that satisfies this need, and advances the art.
[0012] All patents, patent applications, publications, texts and
references discussed or cited herein are understood to be
incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual
publication or patent application was specifically and individually
set forth in its entirety. In addition, all references, patents,
applications, and other documents cited in an Invention Disclosure
Statement, Examiner's Summary of Cited References, or otherwise
entered into the file history of this application are taken to be
incorporated by reference into this specification for the benefit
of later applications claiming priority to this application.
Finally, all terms not specifically defined are first taken to have
the meaning given through usage in this disclosure, and if no such
meaning is inferable, their normal meaning.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention addresses the above-noted criteria,
increased cooling effects, improved ergonomics and the same
usefulness, fast handling and the mobility of the portable computer
itself, by providing a vented stand base that is connected to a
hinged leg to raise and support the laptop computer on an
angle/incline for improved cooling at the bottom/base of the laptop
computer. In certain embodiments, this stand base is made from
aluminum alloy to help cool the laptop computer by absorbing and
dissipating heat away from the base of the laptop computer, (i.e.
heat-sink characteristics). Furthermore the angle/incline of the
laptop computer's keyboard and palm-rests produced by this
configuration improves the alignment of the hand-wrist-forearm for
improved ergonomics. In contrast to many existing base devices, the
present invention satisfies the above criteria while maintaining a
compactness that permits portability of the portable personal
computer, with the present invention device attached thereto that
is comparable to the portability of the portable personal computer
by itself. Thus, in at least some instances, depending on the size
of a carrying case, a portable personal computer with the present
invention device attached can be carried in such carrying case.
This precludes the need to carry separately the stand device of the
present invention.
[0014] The present invention uses Velcro.TM. disks and/or vinyl
grip/support pads to locate and/or attach to the base of the laptop
computer. This configuration allows the present invention to have a
semi-permanent attachment to the base of the laptop computer. This
attached configuration allows the present invention to be
conveniently carried, used and stowed with the laptop computer at
all times. This configuration also provides added protection to the
base of the laptop computer from impact damage by placing the alloy
base/tray of the present invention between the laptop computer and
any harmful obstacles.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment
of the invention and, together with the description, explain the
invention.
[0016] In the drawings:
[0017] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an exemplary laptop stand
consistent with the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a rear/side lower oblique view of an exemplary
laptop stand consistent with the present invention in FIG. 1, shown
in the opened/extended position with a laptop computer in the
opened position.
[0019] FIG. 2A is a rear/side lower oblique view of an exemplary
laptop stand consistent with the present invention in FIG. 1, shown
in the closed/stowed position with a laptop computer in the closed
position.
[0020] FIG. 2B is a side view of an exemplary laptop stand
consistent with the present invention in FIG. 1, shown in the
opened/extended position with a laptop computer in the opened
position.
[0021] FIG. 2C is a side view of an exemplary laptop stand
consistent with the present invention in FIG. 1, shown in the
closed/stowed position with a laptop computer in the closed
position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] The following discussion of the figures is meant to be
illustrative, and not limiting, of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 1 provides an exploded view of one embodiment of the
laptop stand of the present invention. A stand base, FIG. 1A, is
also referred to herein as a heat-conductive planar member. This
planar member is dimensioned to conform with the footprint of the
bottom side of said personal computer. For example, in one specific
embodiment, this is dimensioned to conform with what is known in
the art as a 14-inch laptop computer (e.g., having a footprint,
i.e., the dimensions defined by the rubber feet on such laptop
computer) of about 10.5" inches wide by 8.5" inches from front to
back). With the heat-conductive planar member, FIG. 1A, having
dimensions approximating this footprint, the laptop stand device
actually can be used to support and cool 12-inch laptop computers,
and also can be used to support and cool larger units, such as 15"
and 16" laptop computers. In the latter cases the side and/or back
edges of the computer would overhang the stand device.
[0024] Advantageously, said planar member is substantially
comprised of a material with a specific thermal conductivity
between 50 and 300 W/m.multidot.K, and more specifically, within
any of the following ranges: 50 and 100 W/m.multidot.K; 60 and 90
W/m; 60 and 75 W/m; 200 and 300 W/m; 220 and 280 W/m; and 240 and
270 W/m. In one embodiment, an aluminum alloy, known generally in
the art as 6061-T6 is used to substantially comprise the planar
member and the stand leg. By substantially is meant at least 40
percent of total weight, and more specifically is meant at least 60
percent of total weight, and even more specifically is meant at
least 80 percent of total weight of the planar member (or other
part of the stand device). Alternately, other metal alloys having a
specific thermal conductivity (defined as the thermal conductivity
divided by the specific gravity of the material) in one of the
above ranges are used.
[0025] It also is recognized that non-metallic materials, such as
certain non-metallic foams and composite materials (the latter,
including, but not limited to carbon/epoxy graphite composites, and
carbon/epoxy/fiber composites), are suitable for use to comprise
all or a portion of the planar member. For instance, not to be
limiting, a mesophase pitch-derived graphitic foam is reported to
have a density between 0.2 and 0.6 g/cm.sup.3, and a bulk thermal
conductivity between 40 and 80 W/m.multidot.K (Klett &
McMillan, Heat Exchangers for Heavy Vehicles Using High Thermal
Conductivity Graphite Foams, ORNL 2000-01-2207). The properties of
this material as reported by the distributor, Poco Graphite, Inc.,
are reported to be 0.5 g/cm.sup.3, and a bulk thermal conductivity
of 130 W/m.multidot.K. Using these latter values, this results in a
calculated specific thermal conductivity of about 260
W.multidot.cm.sup.3/g.multidot.m.multidot.K.
[0026] Other materials utilizable to comprise all or a portion of
the planar member are metallic foams and composite and engineered
materials from these foams. Aluminum-based foams are one type of
such metallic foams.
[0027] On the top surface of the planar member is at least one
retaining means. The function of the retaining means is, via
friction and/or a positive attachment, to maintain a desired
positioning of the planar member with respect to the bottom side of
said personal computer. In its simplest form, such retaining means
is unitary with the actual surface; for instance, not to be
limiting, the retaining means is a texturized non-slip finish, such
as is formed in certain baked-on powder coat finish methods. Other
types of retaining means, which may be used in combination with one
another and the surface characteristics of the planar member,
include, but are not limited to: hook and loop type (e.g.,
Velcro.RTM.), FIG. 1F, attachments adhered at selected points on
said planar member (and at corresponding locations on the bottom
side of the computer; one or more vinyl pads positioned on the top
surface of said planar member; stretchable straps from points on
said planar member, an elevated lip at or near the front top edge
of said planar member, and, spanning one or more sections of said
personal computer. Regarding the latter, one example is flexible
bands of material (i.e., latex rubber) that are affixed near the
corners of the stand device that are stretched to wrap around the
respective corner of the computer when the computer is set in place
atop the stand device.
[0028] Another element of the device depicted in FIG. 1 is a
hingedly attached retractable stand leg, FIG. 1B. This is attached
toward the rear edge of the planar member, and is disposed for
elevating said rear edge when in an extended position. As better
viewed in FIG. 2, the stand leg, FIG. 1B, is hingedly attached by
means of a threaded fastener, FIG. 1D, threaded into a press-fit
tension nut, FIG. 1E. Optionally, as shown in FIG. 2, a vinyl-edged
protector, FIG. 1C, is slipped over, glued, or otherwise affixed to
the bottom edges of the two feet, FIG. 1B. Similarly, a linear
vinyl-edged protector, FIG. 1G, is slipped over, glued, or
otherwise affixed to the front bottom edges of the planar member,
FIG. 1A. It is noted that the actual shape of the stand leg(s), and
the number of stand legs, may be varied, yet the device is still
within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Likewise, the
use of hinging and rotational means may vary within the range of
mechanisms known to those of ordinary skill in the art, and the
presence of the vinyl-edged protectors is optional. The leg stand
also may be detachable, and/or attached by means other than a
hinged attachment means. Finally, the number, placement, and actual
shape of the vinyl-edged protectors may be varied, yet the device
is still within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0029] Another aspect of the stand device is that either
upward-directed bumps, points, other shapes, or ridges
(collectively referred to as "ridges" hereafter and in the claims)
on the planar member top surface, and/or the thickness of the
selected retaining means, provide a gap between the bottom surface
of the laptop-type computer and the majority of the surface area of
the top surface of the planar member. This gap is for passage of
air between the bottom side and the planar member, such passage of
air increases the heat dissipation from said personal laptop-style
computer during its operation.
[0030] Also, it is noted that in some embodiments, retaining ridges
are used to maintain a desired positioning of the planar member
with respect to the bottom side of said personal computer. For
instance, stepped ridges, with the smaller steps closer to the
center of the planar member, are molded or otherwise fabricated or
added to the corners of the planar member. These stepped ridges
form a right angle at each corner, and the corner of a typically
sized personal laptop computer fits within one of the sets of the
stepped ridges. This retains the computer in place on the planar
member of the stand device. In other embodiments using retaining
ridges, only a single ridge is in each corner (e.g., they are not
stepped, or "nested"), and in other embodiments a bottom edge
ridge, combined with top corner "right angle-shaped" ridges, are
employed.
[0031] It is also noted that voids in the plane of the planar
member are provided to also promote ventilation. A balance among
such voids, the gap distance, and the mass of the heat-absorbing
material comprising the planar member is reached during the design
of various embodiments of the presently described invention. This
balancing may consider one or more of the following factors: the
normal placement of heat-generating components in the personal
laptop computer, the normal placement of the most heat-sensitive
components in the personal laptop computer; the desired weight of
the stand device; and the durability, impact absorption, cost,
thermal conductivity, and density of materials used in the stand
device.
[0032] Thus, in certain situations, based on the type of laptop
computer (and its base configuration and size), and the model of
the stand device of the present invention, the relative location of
the laptop's own support pad or base might not conform with the
stand device. This may be because a large laptop extends beyond the
dimension of the stand device planar member, the laptop's support
pad(s) lie(s) over a void (such as a longitudinal slot, an
upward-directed ridge of the stand device projects against the
laptop bottom in such a way that the laptop's own support pad does
not contact the planar member, or for other similar reasons. A
solution in such situations, in order to assure a good contact
between the laptop and the stand device, is to utilize one or more
support pads, attachable at appropriate points to the stand device,
where such support pads have sufficient total height (thickness) to
1) provide the physical linkage between the laptop and the stand
device, and 2) to provide a desired air gap between the respective
planar surfaces of the laptop and the stand device. Kits in which
such pads are provided with the stand device are included within
the scope of this invention.
[0033] It also is noted that the tilt angle of the stand device,
which typically is due to the height of the stand leg when in the
extended (not folded) position, is variable in some embodiments.
This variability in certain of these embodiments is provided by
incorporating a stand leg, or separate legs, that are adjustable in
height. Such adjustable stand legs are adjustable by mechanical
means known to those of ordinary skill in the art, including, but
not limited to: a first portion slidable against a second portion,
where both portions are in linear alignment, with a set screw to
tighten at a desired position a circular or elliptical disk having
at its periphery feet, pads or flattened areas at different
distances from a central axis, wherein at that axis the disk is
rotably engaged in relation to a section of a stand leg
downward-extending from the stand base, and upon securing this
connection (which, in some embodiments, may be done by a screw, or
by an inner spring loading that biases against the rotation, and
with slots and ridges on opposing faces of the disk and section
intersecting at designated specific positions) at different
positions of the disk in relation to the section, different heights
are achieved; and two or more telescoping legs adjustable by a
tightening nut (as used on a camera tripod). Design and performance
criteria, as well as aesthetics, are balanced to provide suitable
adjustable leg designs for different embodiments of the stand
device.
[0034] FIG. 2 is a rear/side lower oblique view of an exemplary
laptop stand consistent with the present invention in FIG. 1, shown
in the opened/extended position with a laptop computer in the
opened position. This figure particularly shows the positioning of
the stand leg, FIG. 1B, in the open position, and the placement of
the long vinyl edge protector, FIG. 1G, along the front
bottom-directed edge of the planar member (where it provides
friction/stabilization and scratch-prevention functions).
[0035] FIG. 2A is a rear/side lower oblique view of an exemplary
laptop stand consistent with the present invention in FIG. 1, shown
in the closed/stowed position with a laptop computer in the closed
position.
[0036] FIG. 2B is a side view of an exemplary laptop stand
consistent with the present invention in FIG. 1, shown in the
opened/extended position with a laptop computer in the opened
position. A side view depictive of several types of retaining means
is shown, FIG. 1F.
[0037] FIG. 2C is a side view of an exemplary laptop stand
consistent with the present invention in FIG. 1, shown in the
closed/stowed position with a laptop computer in the closed
position.
[0038] One embodiment of the present invention, sized approximately
12.0 inches wide by 10.0 inches from the front to back edges, is
ready to use with most laptops. However, for those laptops that
have a footprint that does not match the surface shape of an
embodiment of the present invention, four vinyl support pads, each
approximately 0.5" in diameter, can be used to adapt the surfaces
to conform suitably. The four adhesive backed vinyl support pads
are attached in the corner areas of the embodiment to support and
grip the laptop securely to the embodiment. This also maintains a
gap between the surfaces of approximately, 0.187" to 0.062" inches,
and preferably between 0.125" and 0.094" inches, which permits air
flow to dissipate heat (which is in addition to the heat absorbed
by the stand base, (also referred to as the heat-conductive planar
member).
[0039] Alternately, by using hook and loop disks (for instance, of
1.00 inches in diameter, and made using Velcro.TM. material), the
laptop computer bottom is semi-permanently attached to the top of
the stand device. This configuration provides additional benefits
by keeping the stand device with the laptop-type computer at all
times. This configuration also keeps the bottom case of the
computer covered by the stand base of the present invention device.
This provides extra protection against impacts to the bottom case
of the computer when in use or while being carried in a case or
backpack.
[0040] In this regard, it is noted that metallic foams and graphite
foams, and other structurally sufficient foams, may provide
superior impact cushioning per unit weight than metals and metal
alloys. As costs decrease for these foams, it is expected that
their popularity as a material in the stand devices of the present
invention will increase. Also, the use of cushioning pads, hook and
loop, vinyl and other attachment means, and the adhesive itself on
such pads and means, add to the impact tolerance when used in the
stand devices of the present invention.
[0041] Also, one of the design criterion of the present invention
is to provide improvements to the keyboard ergonomics. This is
accomplished by elevating the back of the computer to a height that
helps align the hand, wrist and forearm. By tilting the back of the
computer upward, the hands and wrists don't have to bend downward
across the palm rests producing pressure in the wrist area, and can
maintain a straighter alignment to the forearm. By improving this
alignment the computer operator should experience less typing
fatigue during extended typing operations.
[0042] Also by tilting the computer towards the operator, keyboard
visibility is increased, a benefit to those users who are not touch
typists, and the computers LCD screen is elevated higher, lessening
the downward view angle and reducing neck strain.
[0043] For all of the thermal conductivity and specific thermal
conductivity values herein, including in the claims, it is assumed
that these values are at a standard room temperature between about
20 and 25 degrees Celsius.
[0044] For the above variations and in other regards, it should be
understood that the examples and embodiments described herein are
for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or
changes in light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in
the art and are to be included within the spirit and purview of
this application and the scope of the appended claims. Clearly, the
dimensions of the stand device and associated components, as modied
by those of ordinary skill in the art, falls within the scope of
the invention described and claimed herein. Likewise, the exact
make-up of the components of the stand device may be varied to
attain desired physical, performance and aesthetic characteristics,
and still fall within the scope of the invention described and
claimed herein.
[0045] Also, although only a few exemplary embodiments of this
invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the
art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in
the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the
novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all
such modifications are intended to be included in the scope of this
invention as defined in the following claims. In the claims,
means-plus-function clauses and step-plus-function clauses are
intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the
recited function and to cover not only structural equivalents, but
also to cover equivalent structures. Thus, although a nail and a
screw may not be equivalent structures in that a nail employs a
cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a
screw employs a helical surface, in the environment of fastening
wood parts, a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures.
* * * * *