U.S. patent application number 11/712878 was filed with the patent office on 2007-09-20 for loop-frame lectern with removable front panel.
Invention is credited to Lisa A. Traun.
Application Number | 20070215779 11/712878 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38516801 |
Filed Date | 2007-09-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070215779 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Traun; Lisa A. |
September 20, 2007 |
Loop-frame lectern with removable front panel
Abstract
A lectern enhances the ability of a speaker to deliver a
presentation to an audience. This invention is a lectern with
support, base, and two side components assembled in a loop-frame
construction. The loop-frame construction of the lectern minimizes
the use of material, provides a functional and aesthetic design,
and resists shear stress. A removable front panel can be attached
to or removed from the loop frame without disassembling or
reassembling the lectern.
Inventors: |
Traun; Lisa A.; (Ramsey,
MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PATTERSON, THUENTE, SKAAR & CHRISTENSEN, P.A.
4800 IDS CENTER, 80 SOUTH 8TH STREET
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402-2100
US
|
Family ID: |
38516801 |
Appl. No.: |
11/712878 |
Filed: |
March 1, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60778198 |
Mar 2, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
248/460 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 19/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/460 |
International
Class: |
A47B 97/04 20060101
A47B097/04 |
Claims
1. A loop-frame lectern comprising: a first side panel; an opposed,
spaced-apart second side panel; a hollow support member disposed
intermediate the first side panel and the second side panel; and a
hollow base member disposed intermediate the first side panel and
the second side panel.
2. The lectern of claim 1, wherein: a first fastening member
disposing the hollow support member to the first side panel is
anchored in a first upper cover plate such that the first side
panel is disposed intermediate the first upper cover plate and the
hollow support member; and a second fastening member disposing the
hollow support member to the second side panel is anchored in a
second upper cover plate such that the second side panel is
disposed intermediate the second upper cover plate and the hollow
support member.
3. The lectern of claim 1, wherein: a third fastening member
disposing the hollow base member to the first side panel is
anchored in a first lower cover plate such that the first side
panel is disposed intermediate the first lower cover plate and the
hollow base member; and a fourth fastening member disposing the
hollow base member to the second side panel is anchored in a second
lower cover plate such that the second side panel is disposed
intermediate the second lower cover plate and the hollow base
member.
4. The lectern of claim 1, further comprising a front panel that is
removably extended between the hollow support member and the hollow
base member.
5. The lectern of claim 4, wherein the hollow support member is
adapted to receive-a top end of the front panel.
6. The lectern of claim 5, wherein the top end has an aperture
adapted to receive a hook disposed to the hollow support
member.
7. The lectern of claim 5, wherein the top end is disposed to the
hollow support member with a hook-and-loop fastener.
8. The lectern of claim 5, wherein the top end is adapted to
receive a rod retained by the hollow support member.
9. The lectern of claim 5, wherein the hollow support member
contains an opening having a width larger than a width of the top
end.
10. The lectern of claim 4, wherein the hollow base member is
adapted to receive a bottom end of the front panel.
11. The lectern of claim 10, wherein the bottom end has an aperture
adapted to receive a hook disposed to the hollow base member.
12. The lectern of claim 10, wherein the bottom end is disposed to
the hollow base member with a hook-and-loop fastener.
13. The lectern of claim 10, wherein the bottom end is adapted to
receive a rod retained by the hollow base member.
14. The lectern of claim 10, wherein the hollow base member
contains an opening having a width larger than a width of the top
end.
15. The lectern of claim 4, wherein the front panel is made from a
flexible material that facilitates disposition of the front panel
between the hollow support member and the hollow base member.
16. The lectern of claim 1, wherein the hollow support member has a
substantially triangular cross section.
17. The lectern of claim 1, wherein the hollow base member has a
substantially triangular cross section.
18. The lectern of claim 1, wherein the hollow base member is
adapted to receive a wheel such that the lectern can be tilted
about the wheel.
19. The lectern of claim 18, wherein the wheel is positioned about
an axle disposed to the base member.
20. The lectern of claim 1, wherein the first side panel and the
second side panel are shaped substantially similar to each
other.
21. The lectern of claim 20, wherein an anterior edge of the first
side panel is substantially convex, an anterior edge of the second
side panel is substantially convex, a posterior edge of the first
side panel is substantially concave, and a posterior edge of the
second side panel is substantially concave.
22. A method of assembling a loop-frame lectern comprising the
steps of: disposing a hollow support member intermediate a first
side panel and an opposed, spaced-apart second side panel; and
disposing a hollow base member intermediate the first side panel
and the second side panel.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein a first front panel is
removably extended between the hollow support member and the hollow
base member.
24. The method of claim 23, further comprising the step of
disposing the first front panel intermediate the hollow support
member and the hollow base member.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein the step of disposing the first
front panel comprises the following steps: suspending a top end of
the front panel from the hollow support member using a
hook-and-loop fastener; and securing a bottom end of the front
panel to the hollow base member, the bottom end adapted to receive
a rod retained by the hollow base member.
26. The method of claim 24, further comprising the following steps:
removing the first front panel such that the lectern remains
substantially assembled; and disposing a second front panel
intermediate the support member and the base member.
27. The method of claim 23, wherein the front panel is made from a
flexible material, the flexible material facilitating retention of
the front panel between the hollow support member and the hollow
base member.
28. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of
positioning a wheel about an axle, wherein the axle is disposed to
the lectern.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/778,198 filed Mar. 2, 2006, which is
incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to lecterns. More particularly, this
invention is a multi-piece lectern with loop-frame construction
adapted to receive a removable front panel.
[0003] Lecterns are used in a variety of applications. Primarily,
lecterns are used by individuals who are delivering a speech,
lecture, or other oral or visual presentation to an audience. Also
commonly called podiums, lecterns can enhance the ability of a
speaker to deliver an effective presentation.
[0004] Over the years, lecterns have been continually modified to
meet the changing demands of speakers. U.S. Pat. No. 3,472,588 to
Dine, et. al, discloses a lectern that doubles as a projector. U.S.
Pat. Nos. 5,480,119 to Fish, et. al, 5,044,595 to Carr, et. al,
4,258,833 to Simms, and Des. 320,319 to Brothers, et. al, disclose
portable or collapsible lecterns. U.S. Pat. No. 6,830,356 to
Larocque discloses a lectern with a light source. U.S. Pat. Nos.
6,571,720 to Moore, 5,644,201 to Jepsen, et. al, and Des. 296,275
to Fisher, et. al, disclose lecterns with height-adjustment
features. U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,106,014 to Mastalir, et. al, 6,997,117
to Mitjans, 5,025,320 to Kyhl, and 4,735,469 to Liggett disclose
lecterns incorporating enhanced audio or video capabilities. U.S.
Pat. No. 5,087,010 to Walters discloses a lectern focused on
electronic compatibility. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,663,200 to James and
6,092,885 to James disclose lecterns made from a unitary piece of
material. The disclosures of the aforementioned patents are hereby
incorporated by reference.
[0005] A lectern provides an accessible elevated surface on which a
speaker may place items for use during a presentation. The elevated
surface may, for example, support notes, documents, papers, a
computer, or other materials a speaker wishes to reference. The
elevated surface may also support objects a speaker shows or
distributes to members of an audience. Additional surfaces can
increase the number of materials at the disposal of a speaker,
while the location of such surfaces on the lectern can influence
the type of materials placed on the surfaces.
[0006] In addition to providing an elevated surface, a lectern can
enhance a speaker's comfort. For example, a speaker who likes to
keep his or her hands occupied can grasp the lectern while
speaking. In addition, the speaker can rest on the lectern to
alleviate some of the physical stress of standing for a prolonged
period. A lectern also provides a physical barrier between the
speaker and the audience which can create a sense of security for
the speaker and help the speaker gain self-confidence. The presence
of a lectern also provides the speaker with an available prop.
Therefore, there is a need for a structurally sound lectern that
can support significant weight and is durable.
[0007] A lectern is often situated as a visual and audio focal
point. Therefore, lecterns can significantly affect how a speaker
is perceived by an audience. The height of the lectern with respect
to the speaker, for example, may influence impressions relating to
the speaker's physical stature. In other instances, the lectern
itself can create an orderly appearance by hiding materials the
speaker may have brought to the lectern. The shape and overall
design of the lectern, including the presence of printed matter and
images, may further influence how an audience perceives the
speaker.
[0008] Since a lectern may be a visual or audio focal point, it may
be desirable for the lectern itself to continuously convey a visual
message to an audience. For example, a speaker may wish to show a
symbol or phrase that helps the audience identify who the speaker
is or associate the speaker with a particular organization.
Alternatively, a company may wish to use the presence of a
well-known speaker to advertise a particular product to the
audience. Alternatively, a proprietor of the location where the
speaker is presenting may wish to remind the audience of the
location.
[0009] Since most lecterns are situated in front of an audience,
the messages are ideally displayed on interchangeable panels
visible from the front. The panels should not unduly obstruct the
speaker or interfere with lectern surfaces that the speaker may
wish to use. When disposed to the lectern, the panels should be
made so as not to appear homemade or make-shift. Panels should be
readily producible on an individual basis while easily employing
the attachment mechanisms of the lectern as originally
manufactured. Production defects or desired or accidental
dimensional variations that occur when personalized panels are made
should not cause the panels to be awkwardly disposed to the
lectern. The lectern should not require disassembly or significant
reconfiguration in order for the panels to be attached or
removed.
[0010] Therefore, there is a need for a lectern that reduces cost,
can be stored easily, is reuseable, transportable and is adapted to
receive a removable front panel, and is structurely sound.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] To address the aforementioned needs, this invention provides
a lectern constructed from top and bottom members disposed between
two side panels. These components are assembled to form a lectern
of loop-frame construction. Additional members traversing the loop
frame are structurally unnecessary. In preferred embodiments,
however, a front panel made from flexible material can be disposed
within the loop-frame construction. The front panel can be inserted
or removed without disassembling or reassembling the lectern.
[0012] The loop-frame construction of this invention offers several
benefits over the existing art. Loop-frame construction gives a
speaker the option of attaching a front panel to the frame or
enhancing speaker visibility by not attaching the front panel.
Loop-frame construction also minimizes the amount of material used
in manufacturing the lectern, which reduces costs and makes
transporting and moving the lectern easier by reducing the overall
weight of the lectern. Since unassembled components can be arranged
so as to reduce bulk, loop-frame construction permits lecterns to
be shipped more efficiently than lecterns made from a unitary piece
of material. Loop-frame construction also permits the lectern to be
assembled from more than one type of material and from materials,
such as metal, that would be costly and difficult to use in molded
construction.
[0013] Structurally, the loop-frame construction of this lectern
comprises four primary components. In preferred embodiments,
support (top) and base (bottom) members are disposed between two
side panels. The two side panels provide the vertical structure and
account for the height of the lectern. The support and base members
provide the horizontal structure and primarily account for the
width of the lectern. The depth of the lectern can vary depending
upon the shapes of the side panels, but generally approximates the
depth of the support and base members.
[0014] In addition to providing structural support, the support and
base members can also assist a speaker in delivering an effective
presentation. The top surface of the support member supports
objects and materials a speaker may use during a presentation. The
top surface of the base member provides a surface on which the
speaker can rest one of his or her feet while standing. The side
panels provide a surface that the speaker can hold, while the shape
of the side panels gives a streamlined appearance to the lectern
and can reduce the force of impact in the event the lectern tips
over. The removable front panel provides a medium for visually
conveying a written message, image, or other depiction to an
audience and adds to the barrier between the speaker and the
audience.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the lectern according to a
preferred embodiment of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the lectern.
[0017] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the lectern
showing additional features.
[0018] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the lectern
showing additional features.
[0019] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the lectern
showing additional features.
[0020] FIG. 6 is an inner view of a side panel of the lectern.
[0021] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the hollow support
member of the lectern.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the shaft disposed to the
top support wall of the hollow support member.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an end cap that may be
inserted into an end of the shaft.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the hollow support member.
[0025] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an upper cover plate.
[0026] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the hollow base
member of the lectern.
[0027] FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the hollow base member.
[0028] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a lower cover plate.
[0029] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the front panel of the
lectern.
[0030] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the front panel
according to a preferred embodiment in which a retaining bar is
inserted though the retaining aperture in the bottom end of the
front panel.
[0031] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a retaining rod.
[0032] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the front panel according
to a preferred embodiment in which the top end of the front panel
has a hook-and-loop fastener.
[0033] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the front panel according
to an embodiment in which the top end of the front panel has an
attachment bracket.
[0034] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the lectern according to a
preferred embodiment of the invention.
[0035] FIG. 21 is a rear view of the lectern according to a
preferred embodiment of the invention.
[0036] FIG. 22 is bottom view of the lectern according to a
preferred embodiment of the invention.
[0037] FIG. 23 is side view of the lectern according to a preferred
embodiment of the invention.
[0038] FIG. 24 is front view of the lectern according to a
preferred embodiment of the invention.
[0039] FIG. 25 is top view of the lectern according to a preferred
embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0040] The invention is directed to a lectern, as illustrated at 10
in FIG. 1. As shown in FIGS. 2-5, lectern 10 generally includes
side panels 20, 22, hollow support member 24, and hollow base
member 26 assembled in a loop-frame construction. Front panel 28
can be disposed to lectern 10 so as to be removably extended
between hollow support member 24 and hollow base member 26.
[0041] Side panels 20, 22 support hollow support member 24 and
hollow base member 26 at selected distances above a floor (not
shown). Side panels 20, 22 and hollow support member 24 provide
support for objects and materials a speaker may use during a
presentation and structurally support lectern 10. Side panels 20,
22 and hollow base support member 26 provide support for a speaker
to comfortably rest one of his or her feet during a presentation
and structurally support lectern 10.
[0042] Hollow support member 24 and hollow base member 26 are
disposed between side panels 20, 22 in a manner that reduces the
inherent susceptibility of loop-frame construction to shear
stresses. Shear stresses in lectern 10 occur when an applied
lateral force is opposed by friction, or other opposing force,
between lectern 10 and the floor. Without suitable disposition
between side panels 20, 22 and support and base members 24, 26, the
components and joints of lectern 10 can fatigue, crack, rupture, or
otherwise become damaged due to shear stresses. This dilemma can be
exacerbated through the manufacture of side panels 20, 22 from
various materials that provide relatively poor anchors for
fastening members 31. The shear stress on lectern 10 caused by a
speaker leaning on one of side panels 20, 22, for example, may
cause fastening members 31 to disengage from side panels 20, 22,
such as when a screw is stripped out of plywood. This invention
reduces damage to lectern 10 due to shear stresses by maximizing
the surface contact where side panels 20, 22 and support and base
members 24, 26 are adjoined and by providing an improved anchor for
fastening members 31.
[0043] Hollow support member 24 may generally include main support
body 40 and first and second side support plates 42, 44, as most
clearly illustrated in FIGS. 3-5 and 7. Main support body 40 may
generally include top support wall 41, anterior wall 43, and bottom
support wall 45. In preferred embodiments, main support body 40 has
top support wall 41 that is oriented at an angle to enhance the
ability of the speaker to view items placed on lectern 10. The
angle of elevation of top support wall 41 with respect to a level
surface, such as a floor, may be in the range of about zero degrees
to about sixty degrees. In preferred embodiments, the angle of
elevation is about seventeen degrees.
[0044] Main support body 40 and side support plates 42, 44 may be
formed from a variety of materials depending upon the intended use
of lectern 10. In preferred embodiments, main support body 40 and
side support plates 42, 44 are made from powder coated metal. In
other embodiments, main support body 40 and side support plates 42,
44 are painted. The thickness of main support body 40 and side
support plates 42, 44 may be in the range of about four gauges to
about thirty gauges. In preferred embodiments, the thickness of
main support body 40 and side support plates 42, 44 is about twelve
gauges.
[0045] As illustrated in FIG. 5, hollow support member 24 may
include shaft 54 mounted to top support wall 41 proximate a
posterior edge of top support wall 41. In preferred embodiments,
shaft 54 is positioned near the posterior end of top support wall
41 so as to enable certain papers, notes, or other materials to
remain on hollow support member 24 without falling off. In other
embodiments, shaft 54 may be positioned proximate as anterior end
of top support wall 41 so as to enable objects, such as, for
example, a clip-on light, to be secured to hollow support member
24. Shaft 54 generally includes an elongated bar, but may be any
suitable geometry. As shown in FIG. 8, shaft 54 may be hollow.
Shaft 54 may have end caps 56 attached at each end, as shown in
FIGS. 5 and 9. In an embodiment, inner portion 58 of end cap 56
coextensively mates with elongated bar 54 so that outer portion 57
of end cap 56 extends over a portion of top support wall 41. As
shown in FIG. 9, end caps 56 have a rounded-end configuration. End
caps 56 may be fabricated from a variety of materials, such as, for
example, injection-molded acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
(ABS).
[0046] In preferred embodiments, shaft 54 is fabricated from
substantially square aluminum tubing. In other embodiments, shaft
54 is substantially cylindrical. The thickness of material from
which shaft 54 is made may be in the range of about one-fourth of
one millimeter to about ten millimeters. In preferred embodiments,
the thickness of shaft 54 is about one millimeter. Embodiments in
which shaft 54 is substantially quadrilateral, as illustrated in
FIG. 8, may have a z-axial height in the range of about one-fourth
of one inch to about six inches, a y-axial depth in the range of
about one-fourth of one inch to about six inches, and an x-axial
width in the range of about one inch to about forty-eight inches.
In preferred embodiments, shaft 54 has a z-axial height of about
three-fourths of one inch, a y-axial width of about three-fourths
of one inch, and an x-axial length of about sixteen inches.
Embodiments in which shaft 54 is substantially cylindrical may have
a diameter in the range of about one-fourth of one inch to about
six inches and a width in the range of about one inch to about
forty-eight inches. In other embodiments, shaft 54 may be
cylindrical with a diameter of about three-fourths of one inch and
a length of about 16 inches. Shaft 54 may be made from a variety of
materials, such as, for example, metal, wood, or plastic, into a
variety of shapes. In preferred embodiments, shaft 54 is made from
metal.
[0047] Hollow base member 26 may generally include main base body
70 and first and second side base plates 72, 74, as most clearly
illustrated in FIGS. 3-5 and 12. Main base body 70 may generally
include top base wall 71, posterior wall 73, and bottom base wall
75. In preferred embodiments, main base body 70 has top base wall
71 that is oriented at an angle to allow a speaker to comfortably
place one of his or her feet on lectern 10. The angle of
declination of top base wall 71 with respect to a level surface,
such as a floor, may be in the range of about zero degrees to about
sixty degrees. In preferred embodiments, the angle of declination
is about seventeen degrees.
[0048] Main base body 70 and side base plates 72, 74 may be formed
from a variety of materials depending on the intended use of
lectern 10. In preferred embodiments, main base body 70 and side
base plates 72, 74 are made from powder coated metal. In other
embodiments, main base body 70 and side base plates 72, 74 are
painted. The thicknesses of main base body 70 and side base plates
72, 74 may be in the range of about four gauges to about thirty
gauges. In preferred embodiments, the thicknesses of main base body
70 and side base plates 72, 74 are about twelve gauges.
[0049] Proximate a front edge of main base body 70, main base body
70 may have apertures 80. Apertures 80 are designed to at least
partially receive wheels 82 to facilitate moving lectern 10 to a
desired location. In preferred embodiments, wheels 82 are attached
to main base body 70 with axle 84. In other embodiments, wheels 82
are attached directly to main base body 70. In preferred
embodiments, wheels 82 do not make contact with the floor when
lectern 10 is in an upright position.
[0050] Side panels 20, 22 may have a variety of shapes. Side panels
20, 22 may be shaped substantially similar to each other. In
preferred embodiments, left side panel 20 is substantially a mirror
image of right side panel 22, as shown in FIGS. 1-5. Upper edges 30
of side panels 20, 22 may be oriented at an angle with respect to
lower edges 32 of side panels 20, 22, as illustrated in FIGS. 3-5.
Front edges 34 of side panels 20, 22 may have a convex shape and
back edges 36 of side panels 20, 22 may have a concave shape. By
shaping front edges 34 to have a convex geometry, lectern 10 will
roll along front edges 34, similar to a rocking chair, if lectern
10 is tipped onto front edges 34. This may reduce the force of
impact of lectern 10 on the floor, thereby minimizing damage to
lectern 10 and to the floor in the event lectern 10 is tipped over.
Panels having convex front edges 34 and concave back edges 36 also
enhance the overall appearance of lectern 10.
[0051] Side panels 20, 22 may be fabricated from a variety of
materials. To enhance the durability of lectern 10, the material
from which side panels 20, 22 are made should be strong enough to
support support member 24, base member 26, and a typical weight
range of an adult person. The material should also be able to
withstand substantial shear stress along the support member 24 and
base member 26. Depending upon the intended use of lectern 10, side
panels 20, 22 may be made from, for example, medium density fiber
core (MDF) plywood or other wood product, metal, acrylic or other
polymeric material, or other substantially sturdy material or
combination of materials. Similarly, side panels 20, 22 may be
painted or covered with a laminate. For disposable use, side panels
could be made of a lightweight material such as, for example,
cardboard. In preferred embodiments, lectern 10 is made from MDF
plywood.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 6, front edges 34 of side panels 20, 22
may have a height H.sub.34-H.sub.34 in the range of about twelve
inches to about ninety-six inches. In preferred embodiments, front
edges 34 of side panels 20, 22 have a height H.sub.34-H.sub.34 of
about fifty-four inches. Back edges 36 of side panels 20, 22 may
have a height H.sub.36-H.sub.36 in the range of about twelve inches
to about ninety-six inches. In preferred embodiments, back edges 36
of side panels 20, 22 have a height H.sub.36-H.sub.36 of about
forty-four inches. Side panels 20, 22 may have a width W-W in the
range of about twelve inches to about forty-eight inches. In
preferred embodiments, side panels have a width W-W of about
twenty-two inches. Side panels 20, 22 may have a thickness in a
range of about one-sixteenth of one inch to about four inches. In
preferred embodiments, side panels 20, 22 have a thickness of about
three-fourths of one inch.
[0053] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, side support plates 42, 44 are
attached to main support body 40 proximate opposite ends of main
support body 40. Side support plates 42, 44 have apertures 48 to
facilitate attaching hollow support member 24 to side panels 20,
22. Hollow support member 24 may be attached to each of side panels
20, 22 by inserting fastening members 31 through apertures 48 in
side support plates 42, 44 and through apertures 49 in side panels
20, 22. In preferred embodiments, hollow support member 24 is
attached to side panels 20, 22 by anchoring fastening members 31 in
first and second upper cover plates 60, 62. In other embodiments,
fastening members 31 are anchored in side panels 20, 22. To
facilitate the attachment of hollow support member 24 and to help
reduce shear stress on lectern 10, fastening members 31 are
anchored in hollow extensions 64 of first and second upper cover
plates 60, 62. Hollow extensions 64 of first and second upper cover
plates 60, 62 extend through apertures in side panels 20, 22. In
preferred embodiments, hollow extensions 64 are spaced apart so as
to reduce shear stress on lectern 10. Hollow extensions 64 also
facilitate alignment of screws with apertures 48 in side support
plates 42, 44.
[0054] First and second upper cover plates 60, 62 may each have a
shape that substantially conforms to a side profile of main support
body 40. In preferred embodiments, first and second upper cover
plates 60, 62 are substantially mirror images. First and second
upper cover plates 60, 62 may be fabricated from a variety of
materials depending upon the intended use of lectern 10. In
preferred embodiments, first and second upper cover plates 60, 62
are fabricated from powder coated metal similar to the material of
main support body 40.
[0055] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, side base plates 72, 74 are
attached to main base body 70 proximate opposite ends of main base
body 70. Side base plates 72, 74 have apertures 78 to facilitate
attaching hollow base member 26 to side panels 20, 22. Hollow base
member 26 may be attached to each of side panels 20, 22 by
inserting fastening members 31 through apertures 78 in side base
plates 72, 74 and through apertures 49 in side panels 20, 22. In
preferred embodiments, hollow base member 26 is attached to side
panels 20, 22 by anchoring fastening members 31 in first and second
lower cover plates 90, 92. In other embodiments, fastening members
31 are anchored in side panels 20, 22. To facilitate the attachment
of hollow base member 26 and to help reduce shear stress on lectern
10, fastening members 31 are anchored in hollow extensions 94 of
first and second lower cover plates 90, 92. Hollow extensions 94 of
first and second lower cover plates 90, 92 extend through apertures
in side panels 20, 22. In preferred embodiments, hollow extensions
94 are spaced apart so as to reduce shear stress on lectern 10.
Hollow extensions 94 also facilitate alignment of screws with
apertures 78 in side base plates 72, 74.
[0056] First and second lower cover plates 90, 92 may each have a
shape that substantially conforms to a side profile of main base
body 70. In preferred embodiments, first and second lower cover
plates 90, 92 are substantially mirror images. First and second
lower cover plates 90, 92 may be fabricated from a variety of
materials depending upon the intended use of lectern 10. In
preferred embodiments, first and second lower cover plates 90, 92
are fabricated from powder coated metal similar to the material of
main base body 70.
[0057] Loop-frame construction of lectern 10 is generally adapted
to receive front panel 28. As shown in FIG. 15, removable front
panel 28 generally has main section 100, top end 101, and bottom
end 103. In preferred embodiments, front panel 28 may be removably
extended between hollow support member 24 and hollow base member
26. Front panel 28 may be readily attached to or detached from
hollow support member 24, hollow base member 26, or both such that
lectern 10 need not be disassembled or reassembled. In other
embodiments, front panel 28 is removably extended between side
panels 20, 22. Front panel 28 may be fabricated with a color,
design, name, or message as desired. Front panel 28 may be
fabricated from a variety of materials, such as, for example,
fabric or metal, depending on the intended use of the lectern 10.
In preferred embodiments, front panel 28 is made from a flexible
fabric material.
[0058] Removable front panel 28 may be extended between hollow
support member 24 and hollow base member 26 in any number of ways.
In preferred embodiments, hollow support member 24 and hollow base
member 26 are adapted to receive front panel 28. As shown in FIGS.
7 and 10, main support body 40 may contain upper slot 52. As shown
in FIGS. 12 and 13, main base body 70 may contain lower slot 76.
Upper slot 52 has dimensions such that top end 101 of front panel
28 fits through upper slot 52. Lower slot 76 has dimensions such
that bottom end 103 of front panel 28 fits through lower slot
76.
[0059] Top end 101 and bottom end 103 may be adapted in any number
of ways in order to secure front panel 28 to support and base
members 24, 26. Bottom end 103 may be constructed so as to receive
retaining rod 102, as shown in FIGS. 16, 18, and 19. In preferred
embodiments, bottom end 103 is attached to front panel 28 to create
receiving loop 107.
[0060] Retaining rod 102 can be inserted through and into receiving
loop 107. Top end 101 may also be constructed so as to receive
retaining rod 102. Retaining rod 102 may be of any suitable shape
and made from any substantially rigid material. In preferred
embodiments, retaining rod 102 is cylindrical and made of aluminum.
Diameter of retaining rod 102 may be in the range of about
one-sixteenth of one inch to about three inches. In preferred
embodiments, diameter of retaining rod is about one-half of one
inch. Retaining rod 102 is shaped so as not to be able to pass
through upper slot 52 or lower slot 76. In preferred embodiments,
retaining rod 102 is shaped such that retaining rod 102 and
receiving loop 107 nest in, but are substantially unable to pass
through, upper slot 52 or lower slot 76. Retaining rod 102 is
longer than the upper slot 52 or lower slot 76.
[0061] Top end 101 may comprise hook-and-loop fastener 105, as
shown in FIG. 18, that can attach to hook-and-loop fastener 105
affixed to an inside surface of hollow support member 24.
Alternatively, top end 101 may comprise attachment bracket 104, as
shown in FIG. 19. Attachment bracket 104 has apertures 106 that are
adapted to engage hooks 33 located in or on hollow support member
24. Bottom end 103 may also be secured to hollow base member 26 by
attachment bracket 104 or hook-and-loop fastener 105.
[0062] In securing front panel 28 to hollow support member 24 or
hollow base member 26, top end 101 and bottom end 103 may comprise
the same or different attachment mechanisms. In preferred
embodiments, bottom end 103 is secured to base member 26 using
retaining rod 102 and top end 101 is secured to support member 24
with hook-and-loop fastener 105. In securing bottom end 103 of
front panel 28 to an inside surface of hollow base member 26,
bottom end 101 is inserted through lower slot 76. As shown in FIG.
16, retaining rod 102 is fed through receiving loop 107 at bottom
end 103 of front panel 28. Although not necessary to secure front
panel 28 to hollow base member 26, retaining rod 102 protrudes from
both ends of receiving loop 107 in preferred embodiments. In
securing top end 101 of front panel 28 to an inside surface of
hollow support member 24, top end 101 is inserted through upper
slot 52. Hook-and-loop fasteners engage top end 101 with an inside
surface of support member 24. In preferred embodiments, front panel
28 is made of a flexible fabric material. This enables retaining
rod 102 and receiving loop 107 to engage lower slot 76 when an
upward force is applied to engage top end 101 to an inside surface
of hollow support member 24. This also ensures that front panel 28
fits snugly between hollow support member 24 and hollow base member
26.
[0063] Support member aperture 47 in bottom hollow support wall 45
of support member 24 may facilitate the attachment of top end 101
of front panel 28 by providing a user with easy access into the
inside cavity of hollow support member 24. Base member aperture 77
in top base wall 75 of base member 26 may facilitate the attachment
of bottom end 103 of front panel 28 by providing a user with easy
access into the inside cavity of hollow base member 26.
[0064] The loop-frame construction of lectern 10 thereby provides
an elevated surface for use by a speaker and, optionally, a
removably extended front panel 28. Lectern 10 may be distributed in
a relatively compact configuration while enabling an end user to
readily assemble lectern 10. Alternative views of lectern 10 are
also shown in FIGS. 19-25.
[0065] It is contemplated that features disclosed in this
application, as well as those described in the above applications
incorporated by reference, can be mixed and matched to suit
particular situations. Various other modifications and changes will
be apparent to those of ordinary skill.
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