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.

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...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[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.

[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.

Problems solved by technology

Additional members traversing the loop frame are structurally unnecessary.

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.

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