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 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&#39;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&#39;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 34 -H 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 34 -H 34  of about fifty-four inches. Back edges  36  of side panels  20 ,  22  may have a height H 36 -H 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 36 -H 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.