U.S. patent application number 11/855772 was filed with the patent office on 2009-03-19 for support stand for structures that hold pages and methods of using the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to WORLD WIDE STATIONERY MFG. CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Hung Yu Cheng, Chun Yuen To.
Application Number | 20090072113 11/855772 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40453433 |
Filed Date | 2009-03-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090072113 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
To; Chun Yuen ; et
al. |
March 19, 2009 |
SUPPORT STAND FOR STRUCTURES THAT HOLD PAGES AND METHODS OF USING
THE SAME
Abstract
A stand for supporting a structure for holding one or more loose
leaf pages, such as a notebook, has a mounting member for securing
the stand to the structure. A support member is secured to the
mounting member and is moveable between a stowed position and a
support position. The support member is disposed at a relatively
larger angle relative to a mounting surface of the mounting member
in the support position and at a relatively smaller angle relative
to the mounting surface in the stowed position. The support member
comprising at least one leg moveable between a stowed position and
a support position. The leg defining in part a base of the support
member. The base has a relatively wider width when the leg is in
the support position and a relatively narrower width when the leg
is in the stowed position.
Inventors: |
To; Chun Yuen; (Hong Kong,
CN) ; Cheng; Hung Yu; (Hong Kong, CN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SENNIGER POWERS LLP
100 NORTH BROADWAY, 17TH FLOOR
ST LOUIS
MO
63102
US
|
Assignee: |
WORLD WIDE STATIONERY MFG. CO.,
LTD.
Hong Kong
CN
|
Family ID: |
40453433 |
Appl. No.: |
11/855772 |
Filed: |
September 14, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/464 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B42P 2241/00 20130101;
B42F 13/402 20130101; A47B 23/043 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/464 |
International
Class: |
A47B 97/04 20060101
A47B097/04 |
Claims
1. A stand for supporting a structure for holding one or more
pages, the stand comprising: a mounting member for securing the
stand to said structure, the mounting member having a mounting
surface adapted to engage said structure; and a support member
secured to the mounting member, the support member being moveable
relative to the mounting member between a stowed position and a
support position, the support member being disposed at a relatively
larger angle relative to the mounting surface in the support
position and at a relatively smaller angle relative to the mounting
surface in the stowed position, the support member comprising at
least one leg moveable between a stowed position and a support
position, the leg defining in part a base of the support member,
the base having a relatively wider width when the leg is in the
support position and a relatively narrower width when the leg is in
the stowed position.
2. A stand as set forth in claim 1 wherein the support member
further comprises a bracket, the leg being secured to the bracket
for pivotal movement of the legs relative to the bracket between
the stowed position and support position.
3. A stand as set forth in claim 2, wherein the support member is
moveable relative to the mounting member between its stowed and
support positions on a first pivot axis, the leg being moveable
relative to the bracket about a second pivot axis that is
substantially perpendicular to the first pivot axis.
4. A stand as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a biasing
member positioned to urge the leg to move toward its support
position.
5. A stand as set forth in claim 1 wherein the mounting member
comprises a retaining system engageable with the leg to releasably
hold the leg and the support member in their stowed positions.
6. A stand as set forth in claim 5 wherein the stand is adapted to
allow a user to release the leg and the support member from the
retaining system using only one hand.
7. A stand as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a biasing
member positioned to urge the support member to move toward its
support position.
8. A stand as set forth in claim 1 wherein the mounting member is
adapted to be releasably secured to the structure for
nondestructive removal from the structure.
9. A stand as set forth in claim 8 wherein the mounting member has
opposing longitudinal ends and clips at the ends for securing the
mounting member to said structure, the mounting member defining a
longitudinally extending rail adjacent at least one of the
longitudinal ends, at least one clip being slidably mounted on the
rail for sliding movement of the at least one clip longitudinally
along the rail to thereby adjust the length of the mounting
member.
10. A stand as set forth in claim 1 in combination with said
structure, wherein the structure comprises a notebook having a
spine joining front and back covers, the mounting member being
secured to one of the spine, the front cover, and the back
cover.
11. A stand and notebook combination as set forth in claim 10,
wherein the mounting member and the spine each have a longitudinal
axis, the mounting member being secured to the notebook so that the
longitudinal axis of the mounting member is substantially parallel
with the longitudinal axis of the spine.
12. A stand and notebook combination as set forth in claim 11,
wherein the support member is pivotal relative to the mounting
member on a pivot axis that is substantially perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of the spine.
13. A stand and notebook combination as set forth in claim 10,
wherein the mounting member is selectively moveable relative to the
notebook by a user between a first position in which the mounting
surface engages a spine of the notebook and a second position in
which the mounting surface engages a cover of the notebook.
14. A stand and notebook combination as set forth in claim 10,
wherein the mounting member is fixedly secured to the notebook.
15. A stand and notebook combination as set forth in claim 14,
wherein the notebook further comprises a ring metal constructed for
holding loose-leaf pages and a set of fasteners securing the ring
metal to one of the spine, the front cover and the back cover, the
mounting member being secured to the notebook said set of
fasteners.
16. A stand as set forth in claim 1 comprising two legs, one of the
two legs being moveable from its stowed position outward in a first
direction to its support position, the other of the two legs being
moveable from its stowed position outward in a second direction
opposite the first direction to its support position.
17. A stand as set forth in claim 16, further comprising at least
one biasing member positioned to urge the two legs to their support
positions and a retaining system engageable with the legs to
releasably hold the legs in their stowed positions.
18. A stand as set forth in claim 17, further comprising a biasing
member positioned to urge the support member to move toward its
support position, the retaining system being engageable with the
support member to releasably hold it in its stowed position.
19. A stand as set forth in claim 1 wherein the mounting member has
a longitudinal axis, the support member being pivotal relative to
the mounting member on a pivot axis that is substantially
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mounting member.
20. A stand as set forth in claim 1 in combination with said
structure, wherein the mounting member is adapted to remain fixed
relative to said structure during movement of the support member
and the leg between their stowed and support positions.
21. A stand for supporting a structure for holding one or more
pages, the stand comprising: a mounting member for securing the
stand to said structure, the mounting member having mounting
surface for engaging said structure; a support member secured to
the mounting member by a pivot connection allowing pivoting
movement of the support member relative to the mounting member
between a stowed position and a support position, the support
member being disposed at a relatively larger angle relative to the
mounting surface in the support position and at a relatively
smaller angle relative to the mounting surface in the stowed
position; a biasing member urging the support member to move toward
its support position; and a retaining system comprising one or more
retainers operable to engage the support member to releasably hold
the support member in its stowed position against the bias of the
biasing member, the one or more retainers being adapted to allow a
user to release the support member from the retaining system with a
single hand.
22. A stand for supporting a structure for holding one or more
pages, the stand comprising: a mounting member for securing the
stand to said structure, the mounting member having a mounting
surface for engaging said structure, the mounting member having
opposing longitudinal ends and clips at the ends for securing the
mounting member to said structure, the mounting member defining a
longitudinally extending rail adjacent at least one of the
longitudinal ends, at least one clip being slidably mounted on the
rail for longitudinal movement of the clip along the rail; and a
support member secured to the mounting member by a pivot connection
allowing pivoting movement of the support member relative to the
mounting member between a stowed position and a support position,
the support member being disposed at a relatively larger angle
relative to the mounting surface in the support position and at a
relatively smaller angle relative to the mounting surface in the
stowed position.
23. A self-supporting structure for holding one or more pages, the
structure comprising: a notebook comprising front and back covers,
and a spine joining the front and back covers; and a support member
secured to a surface of the notebook at or adjacent the spine
thereof, the support member being moveable relative to the notebook
between a stowed position and a support position, the support
member being disposed at a relatively larger angle relative to said
surface in the support position and at a relatively smaller angle
relative to said surface in the stowed position, the support member
comprising one or more legs moveable between a stowed position and
a support position, the one or more legs defining at least in part
a base of the support member, the base of the support member having
a relatively wider width when the one or more legs are in the
support position and a relatively narrower width when the one or
more legs are in the stowed position.
24. A stand for supporting a structure for holding one or more
loose leaf pages, the stand comprising: a mounting member including
a connector portion adapted to connect the mounting member to the
structure; and a support member secured to the mounting member and
movable relative to the support member between a stowed position
and a support position for supporting the structure in a generally
upright configuration, the support member comprising a bracket
pivotally mounted on the mounting member, the bracket being pivoted
away from the mounting member in the support position, the support
member further including two legs each pivotally mounted on the
bracket so that free ends of the legs are closer together in the
stowed position of the support member and farther apart in the
support position, and a retaining system releasably engageable with
the support member for holding the support member in the stowed
position.
25. A stand as set forth in claim 24 wherein the bracket is
pivotally moveable relative to the notebook on a first pivot axis
and the legs are pivotal relative to the bracket on pivot axes that
are substantially perpendicular to the first pivot axis.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is generally related to support
stands, and more particularly to methods and apparatus for
supporting a structure, such as a notebook, that is used to hold
loose-leaf pages so the structure is held in a generally upright
position.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Various devices for holding loose-leaf pages have been
available. These include ring binder mechanisms in which rings
having mating ring members are used to retain the loose-leaf pages.
Ring binder mechanisms and other binder mechanisms are commonly
used to hold loose-leaf pages in notebooks. A notebook typically
includes a spine, a front cover hingedly secured to one side of the
spine, and a back cover hingedly secured to an opposite side of the
spine. A ring binder or other binder mechanism can be secured to
the spine or one of the covers so loose-leaf pages can be retained
in the notebook. The covers can be pivoted on the hinge connections
to the spine to selectively cover or uncover any loose-leaf pages
retained in the notebook. To view loose-leaf pages in the notebook
as user typically places the back cover of the notebook flat on a
work surface (e.g., the top surface of a desk, table, or the like)
and moves the front cover to open the notebook and uncover any
loose-leaf pages therein. Devices for supporting notebooks in an
upright position are known. However, these can be difficult to
manipulate and protrude outwardly from the notebook in an
undesirable configuration.
SUMMARY
[0003] One embodiment of the invention is a stand for supporting a
structure for holding one or more loose leaf pages. The stand
generally comprises a mounting member for securing the stand to the
structure. The mounting member has a mounting surface adapted to
engage the structure. The stand also includes a support member
secured to the mounting member. The support member is moveable
relative to the mounting member between a stowed position and a
support position. The support member is disposed at a relatively
larger angle relative to the mounting surface in the support
position and at a relatively smaller angle relative to the mounting
surface in the stowed position. The support member has at least one
leg moveable between a stowed position and a support position. The
leg defines in part a base of the support member. The base has a
relatively wider width when the leg is in the support position and
a relatively narrower width when the leg is in the stowed
position.
[0004] Another embodiment of the invention is a stand for
supporting a structure for holding one or more loose leaf pages.
The stand generally comprises a mounting member for securing the
stand to the structure. The mounting member has a mounting surface
for engaging the structure. A support member is secured to the
mounting member by a pivot connection allowing pivoting movement of
the support member relative to the mounting member between a stowed
position and a support position. The support member is disposed at
a relatively larger angle relative to the mounting surface in the
support position and at a relatively smaller angle relative to the
mounting surface in the stowed position. A biasing member urges the
support member to move toward its support position. The stand also
has a retaining system comprising one or more retainers operable to
engage the support member to releasably hold the support member in
its stowed position against the bias of the biasing member. The one
or more retainers are adapted to allow a user to release the
support member from the retaining system with a single hand.
[0005] Still another embodiment of the invention is a stand for
supporting a structure for holding one or more loose leaf pages.
The stand generally comprises a mounting member for securing the
stand to the structure. The mounting member has a mounting surface
for engaging said structure. The mounting member has opposing
longitudinal ends and clips at the ends for securing the mounting
member to the structure. The mounting member defines a
longitudinally extending rail adjacent at least one of the
longitudinal ends. At least one clip is slidably mounted on the
rail for longitudinal movement of the clip along the rail. The
stand also includes a support member secured to the mounting member
by a pivot connection allowing pivoting movement of the support
member relative to the mounting member between a stowed position
and a support position. The support member is disposed at a
relatively larger angle relative to the mounting surface in the
support position and at a relatively smaller angle relative to the
mounting surface in the stowed position.
[0006] Another aspect of the invention is a self-supporting
structure for holding one or more loose leaf pages. The structure
generally comprises a notebook comprising front and back covers,
and a spine joining the front and back covers. A support member is
secured to a surface of the notebook at or adjacent the spine
thereof. The support member is moveable relative to the notebook
between a stowed position and a support position. The support
member is disposed at a relatively larger angle relative to the
surface in the support position and at a relatively smaller angle
relative to said surface in the stowed position. The support member
has one or more legs moveable between a stowed position and a
support position. The one or more legs define at least in part a
base of the support member. The base of the support member has a
relatively wider width when the one or more legs are in the support
position and a relatively narrower width when the one or more legs
are in the stowed position.
[0007] Another embodiment of the invention is a stand for
supporting a structure for holding one or more loose leaf pages.
The stand generally comprises a mounting member including a
connector portion adapted to connect the mounting member to the
structure. A support member is secured to the mounting member and
movable relative to the support member between a stowed position
and a support position for supporting the structure in a generally
upright configuration. The support member includes a bracket
pivotally mounted on the mounting member. The bracket being pivoted
away from the mounting member in the support position. The support
member further includes two legs. Each leg is pivotally mounted on
the bracket so that free ends of the legs are closer together in
the stowed position of the support member and farther apart in the
support position. The stand also includes a retaining system
releasably engageable with the support member for holding the
support member in the stowed position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective of one embodiment of a stand of the
present invention secured to a notebook;
[0009] FIG. 2 is another perspective of the stand shown in FIG. 1
without the notebook and from a vantage generally opposite that of
FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a side view of the stand and notebook;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the stand;
[0012] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective of the stand;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a side elevation of the stand and notebook, with a
support member and legs thereof supporting the notebook on a work
surface;
[0014] FIG. 7 is a perspective of the stand with the support member
and legs thereof in their support position from a vantage point
looking up from the work surface;
[0015] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the stand with the legs of the
support member in their support position and the support member in
its stowed position;
[0016] FIGS. 9 and 10 are a perspectives of the stand with its
support member and legs in their support positions from two
different vantage points;
[0017] FIGS. 11-13 are perspectives illustrating a sequence in
which a user moves the support member and legs from the stowed
positions to their support positions using only a single hand;
[0018] FIG. 13A is an enlarged fragmentary perspective illustrating
portions of a retaining system for retaining the support member and
legs in their stowed positions;
[0019] FIGS. 13B-13C are schematic sections of the legs interacting
with the mounting plate and retaining system as the legs approach
their stowed positions;
[0020] FIG. 14 is a perspective illustrating a clip on an end of a
mounting member of the stand being moved along the mounting member
to secure the stand to a notebook;
[0021] FIG. 15 is a perspective showing the stand secured to a back
cover of the notebook;
[0022] FIG. 16 is a side elevation of the stand and notebook, the
notebook having a ring metal that has been secured thereto with the
same fasteners used to used the stand to the notebook;
[0023] FIG. 17 is a bottom perspective of another embodiment of a
stand of the present invention in which a support member and legs
thereof move freely between their support positions and stowed
positions;
[0024] FIG. 18 is a fragmentary perspective of a portion of another
embodiment of a stand of the present invention showing a
pre-stressed spring clamp on one end of a mounting member; and
[0025] FIG. 19 is a side elevation of the portion of the stand
illustrated in FIG. 19.
[0026] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
parts throughout the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1-15, one embodiment of a stand of the
present invention, generally designated 101, is illustrated secured
to a notebook 10 (broadly, a "structure") for holding loose-leaf
pages. The stand 101 is operable to support at least part of the
notebook 10 above a work surface 103, such as the top of a table,
desk or the like. In FIG. 6, for example, the stand 101 holds the
notebook 10 (a cover of which is seen edge-on in FIG. 6) in an
inclined position in which the top edge margin 18 of the notebook
is higher than the bottom edge margin 20 to facilitate viewing of
loose-leaf pages (not shown) in the notebook in a generally upright
position by a person without requiring either of the user's hands
to hold the notebook.
[0028] The notebook 10 has a spine 14, a front cover 16 hingedly
secured to one lateral side of the spine, and a back cover 12
hingedly secured to an opposite lateral side of the spine. A ring
binder mechanism 100 is secured (e.g., by a set of rivets 113 or
other suitable fasteners) to the back cover 12 adjacent the spine
14. The ring binder mechanism 100 could be mounted to the spine 14
or the front cover 16 instead of the back cover 12, as is generally
known in the art. The ring binder mechanism 100 includes a
plurality of rings 104, each of which is formed by a pair of ring
members 124 that are moveable relative to one another between open
and closed positions. The ring binder notebook 10 shown in the
drawings is just one example of structure that is suitable for
holding loose-leaf pages. It is possible to use other types of
binder mechanisms to retain loose-leaf pages in the notebook within
the invention. The stand 101 is also suitable for use with other
structures, such as file folders, hangable notebook files, clip
boards, bound documents, books, and the like within the scope of
the invention.
[0029] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, the stand 101 has a
mounting member 131 for securing the stand to the notebook 10. In
this embodiment, the mounting member 131 includes an elongate plate
133 and has a longitudinal axis 135 extending generally between
opposite longitudinal ends 137, 139 of the plate. The back of the
plate 133 defines a mounting surface 141 adapted to engage the
notebook 10 while the stand 101 is secured thereto. When the
mounting member 131 is secured to the notebook 10 as shown in FIGS.
1 and 3, the longitudinal axis 135 of the mounting member is
substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis 145 of the notebook
spine 14. The mounting member 131 is secured to the notebook 10 so
the mounting member remains fixed relative to the notebook during
use of the stand 101. That is, use of the stand 101 does not
require movement of the mounting member 131 relative to the
notebook.
[0030] In this embodiment, the mounting member 131 is secured to
the notebook 10 for nondestructive removal of the stand 101 from
the notebook. The mounting member 131 has clips 151, 153 (broadly
"connector portions") at its opposing longitudinal ends 137, 139
for releasably securing the mounting member to the notebook 10.
Each clip 151, 153 defines a channel 155 for receiving an edge
margin of the notebook 10 (e.g., the top 18 or bottom 20 of the
notebook) between two opposing retaining members 157, 159 joined by
a resilient hook portion 161 of the clip. The hook portion 161 is
configured to extend around the edge margin of the notebook 10 from
one side to the other, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The retaining
members 157, 159 are suitably spaced from one another a distance
that is slightly less than the thickness of the cover/spine of the
notebook 10 so that the notebook is clamped between the retaining
members by elastic restoration forces of the resilient hook portion
161 to help hold the mounting member 131 securely to the
notebook.
[0031] One clip 151 in this embodiment is integral with the
elongate plate 133. The clip 151 may be made by bending the
elongate plate 133 back on itself so that a portion of the plate
that was originally longitudinally inward of the original end of
the plate forms the hook portion 161 and thereby becomes the new
longitudinal end 137 of the elongate plate. When the clip 151 is
made this way, the retaining members 157, 159 are formed by
segments of the plate 133 that were originally longitudinally
outward and longitudinally inward, respectively, of the portion of
the plate that becomes the hook portion 161. In one embodiment of
the invention (not shown) the other clip is made in the same way.
The longitudinal spacing between the clips in this embodiment may
be fixed, in which case the mounting member can be secured to the
notebook 10 by sliding the clips parallel to the edge margins of
the notebook that are received in the channels (e.g., starting at
the corners of one of the covers and sliding the clips along the
top 18 and bottom 20 toward the spine 14) to position the clips on
or adjacent the spine.
[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting member 131
defines a rail 171 extending longitudinally to adjacent the end 139
of the plate 133 opposite the integral clip 151. The other clip 153
is made separate from the elongate plate 133 and slidably mounted
on the rail 171 to allow adjustment to the longitudinal spacing
between the hook portions 161 of the clips 151, 153. The clip 153
is made by bending a plate 163 having about the same width as the
width of the elongate plate 133 to form the resilient hook portion
161 between two retaining members 157, 159. As best illustrated in
FIG. 5, the rail 171 is defined by sides 173 of the elongate plate
133 that at one end of the rail are turned upward and inward to
define laterally-inward facing channels 175.
[0033] Lateral edge margins of one of the retaining members 157 of
the non-integral clip 153 are received in the channels 175 of the
rail 171. The elongate plate 133 has one or more longitudinally
extending ribs 181 (e.g., two ribs as illustrated). The retaining
member 157 that is received in the channels 175 of the rail also
has ribs 183 in conformal relation with the ribs 181 on the plate.
As illustrated in FIG. 5, the ribs 181 on the mounting plate 133
are adjacent the lateral sides thereof. Not only do the ribs 181,
183 add strength to the elongate plate 133 and clip 153, they also
help guide movement of the clip along the rail 171. The clip 153 is
retained longitudinally on the rail 171 by an upturned tab 185 on
the elongate plate 133, which is received in a longitudinally
extending slot 187 in the retaining member 157 of the clip 153. The
upturned tab 185 moves in the slot 187 as the clip 153 slides
relative to the mounting member 131. The tab 185 engages ends 191,
193 of the slot 187 to limit movement of the clip 153 on the rail
171 to prevent separation of the clip from the mounting member 131
and to prevent over tightening of clips 151, 153, which could
damage the notebook 10. It is understood that both clips of the
mounting member can be made separately and mounted for movement
longitudinally on the elongate plate, if desired, within the scope
of the invention.
[0034] A support member 201 is secured to the mounting member 131
and moveable relative to the mounting member 131 between a stowed
position (FIG. 1) and a support position (FIGS. 6-10). As
illustrated in FIG. 10, the support member 201 is secured to the
mounting member 131 by a hinge connection 203 at one end of the
support member. In this embodiment, the support member 201 is
pivotally moveable on the hinge 203 between its stowed position in
which a base 205 of the support member 201 opposite the hinge
connection is adjacent the elongate plate 133 of the mounting
member 131 and a support position in which the base is spaced from
the mounting member. The support member 201 pivots relative to the
mounting member 131 on a pivot axis 211 that is substantially
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 135 of the mounting member
and the longitudinal axis 145 of the spine 14 of the notebook 10.
As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 6, the support member 201 is disposed
at a relatively larger angle Al (FIG. 6) relative to the mounting
surface 141 in the support position and at a relatively smaller
angle relative to the mounting surface in the stowed position. In
FIG. 3, for instance, the support member 201 is generally parallel
with (i.e., disposed at an angle of about zero relative to) the
mounting surface 141.
[0035] In use, the base 205 of the support member 201 engages the
work surface 103 while the support member is in the support
position to hold the notebook 10 in the generally upright inclined
position. The base 205 is defined in part by at least one moveable
leg 221 that can be moved between a stowed position and a support
position. The base 205 has a relatively wider width W1 (FIG. 8)
when the leg 221 is in the support position and a relatively
narrower width W2 (FIG. 4) when the leg is in the stowed position.
Accordingly, when the leg 221 is in its support position, the base
205 of the support member has a larger footprint, thereby providing
additional stability to the stand 101. The embodiment illustrated
in the drawings has two legs 221, 221' that are moveable between
stowed and support positions. One of the two legs 221 is moveable
from its stowed position outward in a first direction to its
support position. The other leg 221' is moveable from its stowed
position outward in a second direction generally opposite the first
direction to its support position. The base 205 of this embodiment
has a width W2 in the range of about 2.5 to 4 cm when the legs are
in their stowed position. For example, the width W2 of the base
when the legs 221, 221' are in their stowed position may be about
equal to the width of the spine 14 of a notebook 10 having rings
104 that are about 3 cm in diameter. When the legs 221, 221' are in
their support position, the base 205 in one embodiment may have a
width W1 in the range of about 88 to 242 mm. The number of legs may
be other than described herein within the scope of the present
invention. The base 205 further includes (in addition to legs 221,
221') in the illustrated embodiment the distal end of the support
member 201 and the bottom of the mounting member 131. However, it
is to be understood that a base may be defined by any two of these
members, or by additional members within the scope of the present
invention.
[0036] As best illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 10, the legs 221, 221'
are secured to a bracket 231 of the support member 201 for pivotal
movement of the legs relative to the bracket between their stowed
and support positions. In the illustrated embodiment, for example,
each of the legs 221, 221' is connected to the bracket 231 at one
end by a pin connection 233. The pin connections 233 allow the legs
221, 221' to pivot on axes 235, 235' that are substantially
perpendicular to the pivot axis 211 of the support member 201
relative to the mounting member 131 on the hinge 203. The legs 221,
221' pivot in opposite directions when they move from their stowed
positions to their support positions. In their stowed position, the
legs 221, 221' are spaced laterally from one another and are
generally parallel to one another. When the legs 221, 221' are in
their support positions, they form an angle A3 (FIG. 8) that is
suitably in the range of about 30 to about 90 degrees, and more
suitably in the range of about 45 to about 65 degrees. The legs
221, 221' are about equal in length and longer than the bracket 231
of the support member 201. For example, each of the legs 221, 221'
of the illustrated embodiment has a length that is about one half
the length of the elongate plate 133 of the mounting member 131
while the bracket 231 has a length that is only about one quarter
to one third the length of the elongate plate.
[0037] As best shown in FIGS. 2, 5, 9, and 10, the stand 101
includes a retaining system 241 engageable with the support member
201 to releasably hold the legs 221, 221' and the support member in
their stowed positions. In the illustrated embodiment, the
retaining system 241 includes a pair of L-shaped fingers 243
(broadly, "retaining members") extending upwardly and inwardly from
lateral sides of the elongate plate 133 of the mounting member 131.
The fingers 243 are spaced longitudinally from the hinge connection
203 to engage the support member 201, and in this embodiment the
legs 221, 221', near the base 205 of the support member. The
fingers 243 are integral with the elongate plate 133 and may be
made by bending laterally extending tabs on the plate up and
inward.
[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1, 4, and 5, the bracket 231 includes a
spacer 245 positioned between the legs 221, 221' to limit pivoting
movement of the legs toward one another. The spacer 245 allows the
legs 221, 221' to be pivoted slightly inward from their stowed
positions (e.g., as shown in FIG. 12). In the embodiment shown in
the drawings, the spacer 245 is integral with the bracket 231. For
example, the spacer 245 is suitably constructed by bending a
generally rectangular tab on the bracket 231 downward to form the
spacer. Each of the legs 221, 221' is suitably constructed to
define an open channel 251 (FIG. 10) facing the mounting member 131
between lateral sides 253, 255 of the legs, thereby allowing the
fingers 243 to be received in the channel when the support member
201 is moved to its stowed position while the legs are in a
rotational orientation in which the channels are aligned with the
fingers. Each of the legs 221, 221' has an opening 261 (e.g., an
elongate slot) in its laterally inward facing side 253 for
receiving the end 247 of the respective finger 243 after the
fingers have been received in the channels 251 and the legs pivoted
outward to their stowed positions. It is understood that other
retaining systems, including various clips and/or snap-type
retaining devices can be used within the scope of the
invention.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 10, this embodiment of a stand 101
includes a torsion spring 265 (broadly, "a biasing member")
positioned to urge the support member 201 to pivot away from the
mounting member 131 and thereby move toward its support position.
The stand 101 also includes torsion springs 267 (broadly, biasing
members) positioned to urge the legs 221, 221' to pivot outward
relative to one another and thereby to move toward their support
positions. Although two separate torsion springs 267 (one for each
of the legs 221, 221') are used in the illustrated embodiment, it
is understood that a single biasing member can be used to urge both
legs to move toward their support positions. When the support
member 201 and legs 221, 221' are in their stowed positions, the
retaining system 241 holds them in their stowed position and
prevents the biasing members 265, 267 from moving them toward their
support positions. Either or both of the biasing members 265, 267
may be omitted within the scope of the invention. The stand 101 is
suitably adapted so that a user is able to move the support member
201 and legs 221, 221' between their stowed and support positions
with a single hand, as will be described in greater detail
below.
[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the spacer 245 is sized and
positioned to allow the legs 221, 211' to pivot inward toward one
another far enough so that the ribs 181 are at least partially
received in the channels 251 in the legs 221, 221' when the base
205 of the support member 201 is adjacent the mounting member 131
and the laterally inward sides 253 of the legs are engaged with the
spacer. In this embodiment, the laterally inward sides 253 of the
legs 221, 221' engage the ribs 181 and slide up to the crests
thereof as the legs move from their inward-most position to their
stowed positions. This helps the ends 247 of the fingers 243 align
with the openings 261 in the sides 253 of the legs 221, 221'. Also,
when a user holds the legs 221, 221' in a manner that allows the
biasing members 267 to move the legs from their inward-most
positions to their stowed positions, a tactile sensation is
produced by the sliding of the laterally inward sides 253 of the
legs up to the crest of the ribs 181. A user can use this tactile
sensation as an indication that the legs 221, 221' have
successfully engaged the retaining system 241 so that the legs and
support member 201 will be held in their stowed positions upon
release of the support member (e.g., release of the legs thereof)
by the user's hand.
[0041] The stand 101 may be sold separately from the structure(s)
it will support, but the notebook 10 or other structure may be sold
together with the stand. To secure the stand 101 to a notebook 10,
a user positions the clips 151, 153 of the mounting member 131 so
the hook portions 161 thereof engage lateral edge margins of the
notebook 10 (e.g., the top 18 and bottom 20). For example, the user
can move the slidable clip 153 on the rail 171 to an extended
position (FIG. 14) to increase the longitudinal distance between
the hook portions 161 of the clips 151, 153. Then the user places
the mounting surface close to the spine 14 (or one of the covers
12, 16) and slides the inner retaining member 159 of the integrally
formed clip 151 up along the inner surface of the spine 14 (or
cover) so that the bottom 20 of the notebook is received in the
channel 155 between the two retaining members 157, 159. Then, by
sliding the slidable clip 153 down along the rail (as indicted by
the arrow in FIG. 14), the user can slide the inner retaining
member 159 of the slidable clip 153 along the inner surface of the
spine (or cover) so that the top 18 of the notebook is received in
the channel 155 of the slidable clip, thereby securing the stand
101 to the notebook.
[0042] The support member 201 and legs 221, 221' are typically in
their stowed positions when the stand is not in use. A user can
ready the stand 101 for use in supporting the notebook 10 using
only a single hand. As illustrated in FIGS. 11-13, for example, a
user can release the legs 221, 221' from the retaining system 241
by squeezing the legs 221, 221' toward one another (e.g., using the
fingers of only one hand as illustrated in FIG. 12) against the
biasing force provided by the biasing members 267. When the legs
221, 221' have rotated inward far so the openings 261 of the legs
are laterally inward of the ends 247 of the fingers 243, the user
can move (or allow the biasing member 265 to move) the support
member 201 toward its support position, thereby disengaging the
legs from the retaining system 241. Then the user puts the base 205
of the support member and the bottom 20 of the notebook 10 and/or
the end 137 of the mounting member 131 on the work surface (e.g.,
as shown in FIG. 6) so the stand 101 supports the notebook in a
position that facilitates viewing of loose-leaf pages in the
notebook by the user. The mounting member 131 remains fixed
relative to the notebook 10 during movement of the support member
201 and the legs 221, 221' between their stowed and support
positions and while the stand 101 is used to support the
notebook.
[0043] When the user is done viewing the loose-leaf pages, he or
she can return the support member 201 and legs 221, 221' to their
support positions using only a single hand. In the illustrated
embodiment, for example, the user can grip the legs 221, 221'
(e.g., adjacent the bracket 231) between the fingers of one hand
and squeeze them together to pivot the legs inward against the
urging of the biasing members 267 until they contact the spacer
245. While holding the legs 221, 221' in contact with the spacer
245, the user can pivot the support member 201 so that the base 205
thereof moves toward the mounting member 131 until the support
member 201 contacts the mounting member. In the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 13B, for instance, the user pivots the support
member until the legs 221, 221' contact the fingers 243 of the
retaining system 241. While holding the support member 201 in
contact with the mounting member 131, the user can move (or allow
the biasing members 267 to move) the legs 221, 221' pivotally
outward a small amount so that the ends 247 of the fingers 243 are
received in the openings 261 in the sides 253 of the legs. As the
legs 221, 221' pivot outward to their stowed positions, their
inward facing sides 253 engage the ribs 181 on the mounting plate
133, which causes the support member 201 to pivot very slightly
relative to the mounting plate 133 so the sides of the legs can
clear the crests of the ribs. The pivoting movement produced by
interaction of the legs 221, 221' with the ribs 181 aligns the ends
247 of the fingers 243 with the openings 261 that they are received
in when the legs are in their stowed position, as shown in FIG.
13C. The slight pivoting reaction of the support member 201 in
response to the engagement of the legs 221, 221' with the ribs 181
is perceived by the user as an indication that the support member
and legs have been successfully moved to their stowed positions
where they will be retained by the retaining system 241. The legs
221, 221' and support member 201 are releasably held in their
stowed positions by engagement of the fingers 243 of the retaining
system 241 with the legs until the processes of readying the stand
101 for use is repeated by the same or another user.
[0044] The stand 101 may remain secured to the notebook 10 for an
indefinite period of time between uses. In some cases, it may be
desirable to store the notebook 10 and stand 101 on a bookshelf or
in another storage system in which substantially only the spine 14
of the notebook can be viewed without handling the notebook. When a
notebook 10 is stored in such a manner, it is conventional to put a
label 22 (FIG. 15) on the spine 14 so the contents of the notebook
can be identified just by looking at the spine. In the embodiment
shown in the drawings, the mounting member 131 is selectively
moveable by a user between a position (FIG. 1) in which the
mounting member secures the stand 101 to the notebook 10 so the
mounting surface 141 is adjacent the spine 14 and a position (FIG.
15) in which the mounting member secures the stand to the notebook
so the mounting surface is adjacent one of the covers 12, 16 (e.g.,
in proximity to the spine). Thus, a user can selectively move the
stand 101 relative to the notebook 10 from a position in which the
stand is secured to the notebook and obstructs viewing of the label
22 on the spine 14 to a position in which the stand is secured to
the notebook and viewing of the label is not obstructed by the
stand. When moving the stand 101 illustrated in the drawings away
from the spine 14, a user can open the notebook 10 and slide the
clips 151, 153 along the top 18 and bottom 20 edges away from the
spine or extend the clip 153 on the rail 171 to disengage the clips
from the notebook and then secure the stand to one of the notebook
covers in a manner analogous to way the stand is secured to the
spine, as described above and illustrated in FIG. 14.
[0045] In another embodiment of the invention, the stand 101 may be
initially secured to the notebook 10 so the mounting member is
secured to one of the covers 12, 16 (e.g., adjacent the spine 14)
so the stand is already in a position in which it does not obstruct
viewing of the label 22 when it comes time to put the notebook in
storage (FIG. 15). In this embodiment, the user does not need to
move the stand 101 to store the notebook 101 along with the stand
in a manner that allows viewing of the label without obstruction by
the stand. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the stand
101 is simply removed from the notebook 10 (e.g., to make the stand
available for use with another notebook or other structure that
retains loose-leaf pages) before the notebook is placed in storage,
thereby leaving viewing of the label unobstructed by the stand.
[0046] Another embodiment of a stand 101' is illustrated in FIG.
16. Except as noted, this embodiment of the stand is substantially
the same as the stand 101 described above. In this embodiment, the
mounting member 131' is fixedly secured to the notebook 10. In
particular, the mounting member 131' is secured to the notebook 10
in registration with the ring binder mechanism 100 using the same
fasteners (e.g., rivets 113') that are used to secure the ring
binder mechanism to the notebook. Although the stand 101' in FIG.
16 is secured to the spine 14 of the notebook, it is understood
that the stand 101' and ring binder mechanism 100 can be secured in
registration with one another to either of the covers 12, 16 (e.g.,
adjacent the spine). The stands 101, 101' operate in the same way
except that the stand 101' illustrated in FIG. 16 is not intended
to be removed from the notebook 10.
[0047] Still another embodiment of a stand 101'' is illustrated in
FIG. 17 and is substantially the same as the stand 101 described
above except that biasing members 265, 267 are omitted in this
embodiment. The stand 101'' operates in substantially the same
manner described above except for the fact that a user can not rely
on biasing forces from the biasing members 265, 267 when readying
the stand for use in supporting the notebook 10.
[0048] FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate a portion of yet another
embodiment of a stand of the present invention, which is
substantially the same as the stand 101 described above, except as
noted. In this embodiment, at least one pre-stressed spring clip
353 is slidably mounted on the rail 171''' at the end of the
mounting member 131'''. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring
clip 353 includes a plate 357 that is similar to the plate 157 in
that it is received on the rail 171''' between the upturned sides
173''' and is shaped to conform to the mounting plate 133'''. A
spring 363 is fixedly secured to the plate 357 and is configured to
extend from the plate around the edge margin (e.g., top 18 or
bottom 20) of the notebook 10. For instance, the spring 363
includes hook portions 361 that are somewhat analogous to the hook
portions 161 of the clips 151, 153 described above. The hook
portions 361 of the spring 363, however, are not in their relaxed
state when the stand is separate from the structure that it
supports, in contrast to the hook portions. Instead, the hook
portions 361 are pre-stressed so that elastic restoration forces in
the hook portions urge a clamping member 359 of the spring to move
toward (and into engagement with) the mounting plate 133'''. The
pre-stressed spring clip(s) 353 allow the stand to operate
substantially as described above except that the pre-stressed
spring clip(s) facilitate securement of the mounting member 131'''
to structures having a wider range of thicknesses than is feasible
using the clips 151, 153 described above.
[0049] It is understood that various modifications and/or
alterations to the embodiments described in detail herein may be
made without departing from the scope of the invention. For
instance, it is understood that a support member as described above
may be connected directly to a notebook (or other structure for
retaining loose-leaf pages) without any separate mounting member
without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0050] When introducing elements of the present invention of the
preferred embodiments thereof, the articles "a", "an", "the" and
"said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the
elements. The terms "comprising", "including", and "having" are
intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional
elements other than the listed elements.
[0051] In view of the foregoing, it will be seen that the several
objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous
results attained.
[0052] As various changes could be made in the above constructions
and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it
is intended that all matter contained in the above description and
shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as
illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
* * * * *