Supports – Stand – Tilting support surface
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-07
2001-02-13
King, Anita M. (Department: 3632)
Supports
Stand
Tilting support surface
C248S349100, C248S917000, C248S923000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06186462
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to adjustable stand devices, and, in particular, adjustable devices capable of adjusting the viewing, or other, range of a videophone, or similar device, in a vertical motion.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In today's increasingly electronic society, many advances have been made in the telecommunicative arts, and especially within the videoconferencing genre. Videoconferencing is made possible through the use of the videophone, which electronically reproduces the image of a first communicator on a video screen at the site of a second and any subsequent communicators, and vice versa. However, the effectiveness of the videophone is dependent upon an accurate electronic reproduction of the communicators. For example, the videophone must be adjusted to reproduce the desired image. The adjustment may possibly involve a vertical adjustment to focus on a particular image, taking into account the height of the image. Thus, there is a need for an apparatus that can be adjusted to focus on the communicator, or anyone or anything else necessary for the videoconference. This need is solved through the use of adjustable devices, similar to the present invention, which allow the videophones, or any like instrument, to adjust their viewing range in an up and down vertical motion.
Adjustable devices, or any like instruments, are presently known in the art. However, such devices are unable to be assembled in a simple manner, and the operation of these devices can be cumbersome. Additionally, these devices are unable to be readily disassembled by the user, if he or she so desires.
Thus, there exists the need for an adjustable device that can be assembled, disassembled and operated with relative ease.
Furthermore, there exists the need to provide an adjustable device that, once assembled, can be adjusted in a forward and aftward motion, and will prevent the unintentional disassembly of the adjustable device.
In addition, there exists the need to provide an adjustable device that will maintain its rigid nature so that the adjustable device will not move on its own without the assistance and direction of the user. That is, the videophone, or similar device, once adjusted, should remain in the same position until adjusted again.
Finally, there also exists the need for an adjustable device that will prevent the movement of the videophone, or similar device, in a lateral direction.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One aspect of the invention provides an adjustable stand apparatus that may be made of molded plastic. The apparatus includes a base member and a top member. The base member includes a left portion and a right portion. Both the left and the right portions include elongated openings. The elongated openings include retaining regions having a first width and first receiving regions having a second width, with the second width being greater than the first width. The elongated openings further include tab portions, which extend into the first receiving regions. The tab portions may include stop portions, which may preferably extend upward to prevent the disengagement of the top member from the base member. The stop portions may further include rib portions. The tab portions may further include lift portions, which preferably protrude downward to permit manual deflection of the tab portions. Preferably, the elongated openings may also include second receiving regions, which may be spaced apart from the first receiving regions. The left and right portions may also include channel regions. The top member also includes a left portion and a right portion. Both the left and the right portions of the top member include first guide portions, preferably of a dovetail shape, which extend from a bottom side of the top member. The first guide portions include an outer width, which is greater than the first width of the retaining regions of the elongated openings. The first guide portions are received in the first receiving regions, and are retained within the retaining regions. Preferably, the top member also includes second guide portions. The second guide portions may be of a dovetail shape, and may also include an outer width. The outer width may be greater than the first width of the retaining regions of the elongated openings. The second guide portions may also be received in the first receiving regions, and may also be retained within the retaining regions. The left and right portions may also include channel guide portions, also extending from the bottom side. The channel guide portions may fit within the channel regions, allowing forward-aftward movement, but preventing lateral movement.
A further aspect of the invention provides a method of assembling an adjustable stand apparatus. A base member and a top member are provided. The base member includes a left portion and a right portion. Both the left and the right portions include elongated openings. The elongated openings include retaining regions having a first width and receiving regions having a second width, with the second width being greater than the first width. The elongated openings further include tab portions, which extend into the receiving regions. The top member also includes a left portion and a right portion. Both the left and the right portions of the top member include guide portions, which extend from a bottom side of the top member. The guide portions include an outer width, which is greater than the first width of the retaining regions of the elongated openings. The guide portions are inserted into the receiving regions of the elongated openings. The tab portions are deflected in a downward direction. The guide portions are slid in a forward direction to allow the tab portions to retract into their original position. The guide portions are then retained within the elongated openings.
A further aspect of the invention provides a method of disassembling an adjustable stand apparatus. An adjustable stand apparatus is provided. The adjustable stand apparatus includes a base member and a top member. The base member includes a left portion and a right portion. Both the left and the right portions include elongated openings. The elongated openings include retaining regions having a first width and receiving regions having a second width, with the second width being greater than the first width. The elongated openings further include tab portions, which extend into the receiving regions. The top member also includes a left portion and a right portion. Both the left and the right portions of the top member include guide portions, which extend from a bottom side of the top member. The guide portions include an outer width, which is greater than the first width of the retaining regions of the elongated openings. The tab portions are manually deflected. The guide portions are slid in an aftward direction. The guide portions are then removed from the receiving regions of the elongated openings.
A further aspect of the invention provides a method of operating an adjustable stand apparatus. An adjustable stand apparatus is provided. The adjustable stand apparatus includes a base member and a top member. The base member includes a left portion and a right portion. Both the left and the right portions include elongated openings. The elongated openings include retaining regions having a first width and first receiving regions having a second width, with the second width being greater than the first width. The elongated openings further include tab portions, which extend into the first receiving regions. The left and right portions may also include channel regions. The top member also includes a left portion and a right portion. Both the left and the right portions of the top member include first guide portions, which extend from a bottom side of the top member. The first guide portions include an outer width, which is greater than the first width of the retaining regions of the elongated openings. Preferably, the top member also includes second guide portions. The second guide portions may be of a
Galovich David J.
Schechtel Kevin J.
3Com Corporation
Baniak Nicholas Pine & Gannon
King Anita M.
LandOfFree
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