Printer stand

A stand for a printer typically included with a computer installation characterized by side support walls which serve to position the printer at an inclined angle, where such reduces space requirements on the supporting surface and, at the same time, affords more effective viewing capabilities, both in contrast to the instance where the printer lies in a horizontal plane. Additionally, paper storage space is provided within the stand and a carrying provision affords ease in portability.

As is known, computer usage, for a variety of end purposes, is quite 
widespread, where an independent printer unit is typically involved with 
each installation. In most instances, however, the printer is placed on a 
working surface proximate the computer layout, as on the same table or, 
perhaps, an adjacent table. In other words, and as known, once the 
computer problem has been finalized, the printer is required for recording 
and/or presenting the results. In most arrangements, not only does the 
printer lie directly, i.e. horizontally, on the working surface, but the 
paper supply for the printer also consumes additional storage space. 
The invention presents a printer stand which provides multi-advantages to 
the user, to-wit, the printer is in an angled position on the stand, 
requiring lesser work space usage; a paper storage area is provided 
beneath the printer and within the stand, again minimizing needed storage 
or working space; and, also importantly, the placement of the printer in 
an angled relationship affords ready viewing of the material during paper 
feed-out from the printer, i.e. even when the viewer is at a sitting 
position. 
In other words, and as to the latter, when the printer is at a horizontal 
position of use, the viewer is reading the printed material either at an 
awkward angle from a sitting position or must be standing, both of which 
disadvantages are overcome by the stand presented herein. 
Briefly, the printer stand of the invention is defined by side walls each 
including a downwardly and forwardly angling edge and a bottom angled 
receiving edge adapted or customized to accommodate a commercially 
available printer, where each of the side walls may include cut out areas 
for ease in stand transporting. The side walls are assembled through 
connecting walls which, at the same time, serve paper storage purposes. 
Additionally, the paper print-out, if not immediately separated, may 
accumulate in an area partially within the stand and partially on the 
supporting and/or working surface adjacent the stand. The inclined 
portions of the side edge walls may assume various angles with respect to 
the horizontal, where, for example, 45.degree. and 60.degree. have proven 
satisfactory, not only to reduce overall plan base area, but, as well, for 
the aforesaid ease in viewing the printed readout material.

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the 
invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the 
drawing and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will 
nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the 
invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications 
in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles 
of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would 
normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. 
Referring now to the figures, printer stand 10 of the invention is shown in 
combination with a conventional commercially available printer 12, where, 
as known, the printer 12 receives paper and subsequently feeds such in 
printed form in accordance with the commands and/or instructions of an 
associated computer (not shown). 
In any event, the instant printer stand 10 is defined by side walls 10a 
connected together by a rear forwardly and downwardly angling wall or 
member 10b and a front upwardly and forwardly angling wall or member 10c. 
In the instance of the use of wood, assembly is completed by threaded 
means, as screws 10d or the like. Typically, the overall unit may further 
include feet 10e. 
Importantly, each of the side walls 10a is cut out to present a forwardly 
and downwardly extending edge 10a', communicating with a horizontal 
portion 10a" which, in turn, communicates with a forwardly and upwardly 
extending portion 10a"'. The exact arrangement of the portions 10a', 10a" 
and 10a"', i.e. the configuration thereof, is dependent, largely, upon the 
dimensioning of the printer 12 with which the stand 10 is utilized. In 
other words, the edge portions 10a', 10a" and 10a"' of each wall 10a can 
be modified and/or customized to receive any particular printer unit. 
The angling of the printer primarily conserves working area, i.e. in 
contrast to a printer lying in a horizontal position, but additionally, 
and also importantly, the forwardly and downwardly extending edge portions 
10a' determine the viewing angle of the printed material feeding through 
the printer 12. As stated, such typically assumes an angle, from 
horizontal, of 45.degree. or 60.degree., or, perhaps, an approximate range 
including such preferred angles. 
Restated otherwise, the aforesaid angle serves to present the printer 12 in 
an easily readable position, in contrast to where the printer formerly lay 
horizontally on a surface, and, as well, to reduce the surface area 
required for printer 12 usage. Further, and to expedite transporting, 
gripping areas 10f are provided on each side wall 10a, where such may 
assume any desired configuration, if cut out, or may even be in the form 
of handles. 
Moreover, the printer stand 10 affords an effective storage space for 
printer paper 14, typically available in foldable sections 14a. In other 
words, and as particularly apparent in FIG. 2, the paper 14 supply is 
stored on the wall or member 10b, abutted, in a blocking relationship, by 
the wall or member 10c. As needed, the paper 14 is fed into the printer 
12, processed, and then either torn (at perforated section lines) or 
permitted to accumulate in the space below the wall or member 10b on the 
supporting surface, i.e. and typically, partially beneath the stand 10 and 
partially on the adjacent surface. 
The preceding should adequately demonstrate the advantages and/or added 
capabilities of the stand of the invention, where, again, a reduction in 
overall surface area requirements is paramount, coupled with the 
convenience of printer readout viewing while even at a sitting position. 
Additionally, with the paper storage feature, it should be evident that 
the invention presents a self-contained arrangement affording both printer 
and storage convenience, viz. in viewing access, portability and in 
connection with the paper supply. 
The printer stand described above is susceptible to various changes within 
the spirit of the invention, including, for example, in proportioning, the 
type of material employed, the capacity of the paper storage space, and, 
the like. Thus, the preceding should be considered illustrative and not as 
limiting the scope of the following claims: