Patent Publication Number: US-6666424-B2

Title: Portable writing board structure

Description:
This U.S. patent application is a continuation of and thus claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/835,061 filed Apr. 13, 2001, entitled Portable Display Board System, now abandoned. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to display boards and, more particularly, to a foldable and portable white board. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
     There are many types of display boards that may be used for presentations such as dry-erase or “white” boards, chalkboards, and/or the like. However, heretofore designed display boards are difficult to move from location to location. This is particularly true if the board must be carried onto an airplane or placed into an automobile. A primary reason for this is the size of a typical display board. 
     In view of the above, various display boards have been designed that are collapsible or foldable. To this end, these previous display boards typically have a plurality of hinged panels that can fold together in order to alleviate the size problem. Some of these display boards include a handle that allows the display board to be portable. A major drawback with these type of display boards is that they are designed for table top use only, or must be used in conjunction with an easel or the like. The easel poses another problem, namely, having to carry another piece of equipment with the display board. 
     Another problem with previous display boards is that there is little to no writing surface. Most previous display boards are adapted to receive pictures, charts and the like mounted thereon. When there is a writing surface, a small board or portion of a board is provided. These display boards fall short in cases where it is necessary to have a large writing area. 
     Yet another problem with the above-referenced display boards and other types of display boards, is that they are either too light, being made of cardboard or similar material, or are too heavy. 
     In view of the above shortcomings, it would thus be desirable to have a portable display board that is height adjustable using its own height adjustment mechanism. 
     Given the above, it would thus be further desirable to have a portable display board that has a large writing surface. 
     Still given the above, it would thus be even further desirable to have a display board that incorporate features that alleviates all of the above shortcomings/problems associated with previous display boards. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A portable writing board presentation structure has a collapsible writing surface, such as a dry-erase or “white board” surface, and an integral, height-adjustable tripod stand. 
     The writing board structure is defined by first and second injection molded plastic panels, each panel having a writing surface on one side thereof and a non-writing surface on an opposite side thereof. The panels are pivotally coupled to one another to define an open position and a closed position. The open position situates the writing surface sides of each panel in a co-planar relationship to provide a continuous writing surface. The closed position (i.e. folded or collapsed position) situates the writing surface sides of each panel in a parallel relationship to provide portability of the writing board structure in an attache-like manner. In the closed position, the plastic panels form a carrying case and thus provide a portable, protected and durable writing surface structure. 
     With respect to the integral, height-adjustable stand, an end section of a telescoping leg is integrally molded into each panel such that the remaining telescoping section of the telescoping leg extends into a recess formed in a non-presentation side surface of the panel. The exposed telescoping leg section thus does not breach any plane defined by the surfaces of the panel when in a stowed position. A center telescoping leg is carried at a pivot point of the panels and is restrained in outward movement relative to the panels by an integral retaining device. Extension of the telescoping legs of the panels and the center telescoping leg defines the tripod stand for the writing board structure. 
     In one form, the present invention is a portable writing board structure. The writing board structure includes a first injection molded plastic panel having a first side with a first writing surface portion and a second side opposite the first side, a second injection molded plastic panel having a first side with a second writing surface portion and a second side opposite the first side, the first and second injection molded plastic panels pivotally coupled to one another such that the first and second panels define a closed position and an open position, the open position situating the first and second writing surface portions in a co-planar relationship to provide a continuous writing surface, and the closed position situating the first and second writing surface portions in a parallel relationship. The writing board further includes a first telescoping leg having an end section integrally molded into the first panel such that a remaining telescoping section of the first telescoping leg extends in a first concavity formed in the second side of said first panel, a second telescoping leg having an end section integrally molded into the second panel such that a remaining telescoping section of the second telescoping leg extends into a second concavity formed in the second side of the second panel, and a center telescoping leg pivotally attached at one end to one of the first and second panels. The first, second and center telescoping legs forming a height-adjustable tripod stand for the first and second panels when the first and second panels are in the open position. 
     In another form, the present invention is a portable writing board structure. The writing board structure includes a first injection molded plastic panel having a first side with a first writing surface portion and a second side opposite the first side, a second injection molded plastic panel having a first side with a second writing surface portion and a second side opposite the first side, the first and second injection molded plastic panels pivotally coupled to one another such that the first and second panels define a closed position and an open position, the open position situating the first and second writing surface portions in a co-planar relationship to provide a continuous writing surface, and the closed position situating the first and second writing surface portions in a parallel relationship. The writing board further includes a first telescoping leg having an end section integrally molded into the first panel such that a remaining telescoping section of the first telescoping leg extends in a first concavity formed in the second side of said first panel, a second telescoping leg having an end section integrally molded into the second panel such that a remaining telescoping section of the second telescoping leg extends into a second concavity formed in the second side of the second panel, and a center telescoping leg pivotally attached at one end to one of the first and second panels. The structure still further provides a leg support pivotally attached to one of the first and second panels and having a clip surrounding the center telescoping leg and operative to limit outward pivoting of the center telescoping leg. The first, second and center telescoping legs forming a height-adjustable tripod stand for the first and second panels when the first and second panels are in the open position. 
     In yet another form, the present invention is a portable, dry erase presentation structure that includes a first injection molded plastic panel having a first side with a first dry erase writing surface portion and a second side opposite the first side, a second injection molded plastic panel having a first side with a second dry erase writing surface portion and a second side opposite the first side, the first and second injection molded plastic panels pivotally coupled to one another such that the first and second panels define a closed position and an open position, the open position situating the first and second dry erase writing surface portions in a co-planar relationship to provide a continuous dry erase writing surface, and the closed position situating the first and second dry erase writing surface portions in a parallel relationship. There is further provided a first telescoping leg having an end section integrally molded into the first panel at a first angle relative to a line parallel with the center telescoping leg and such that a remaining telescoping section of the first telescoping leg extends in a first concavity formed in the second side of the first panel, and a second telescoping leg having an end section integrally molded into the second panel at a second angle relative to the line parallel with the center telescoping leg and such that a remaining telescoping section of the second telescoping leg extends into a second concavity formed in the second side of the second panel. Moreover, there is provided a center telescoping leg pivotally attached at one end to one of the first and second panels, and a leg support pivotally attached to one of the first and second panels and having a clip surrounding the center telescoping leg and operative to limit outward pivoting of the center telescoping leg. The first, second and center telescoping legs forming a height-adjustable tripod stand for the first and second panels when the first and second panels are in the open position. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following descriptions of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a front plan view of an embodiment of a portable display board system in accordance with the principles of the present invention in a closed, collapsed, or folded state; 
     FIG. 2 is a rear plan view of the portable display board system of FIG. 1 in the closed, collapsed, or folded state; 
     FIG. 3 is a side plan view of the portable display board system of FIGS. 1 and 2 in the closed, collapsed, or folded state; 
     FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the portable display board system of FIGS. 1-3 in an open and extended position; 
     FIG. 5 is a side view of the portable display board system of FIGS. 1-4 illustrating the manner in which the display board extends; 
     FIG. 6 is a rear plan view of another embodiment of the present portable display board showing one set of extendable legs in an extended position and the board in an open position; 
     FIG. 7 is a plan view of the one set of extendable legs; 
     FIG. 8 is a front plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 6, with the board in an open position but no legs extended; 
     FIG. 9 is a side view of the present portable display board taken along line  9 — 9  of FIG. 8; 
     FIG. 10 is a plan view of an outside surface of one panel of the portable display board of FIG. 6; 
     FIG. 11 is a side view of the panel of FIG. 10 taken along line  11 — 11  of FIG. 10; 
     FIG. 12 is a plan view of an inside surface of the panel of the portable display board of FIG. 10; 
     FIG. 13 is a side view of the portable display board of FIG. 12 taken along line  13 — 13  of FIG. 12; 
     FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of the portable display board of FIG. 6 with the extendable legs in a closed or collapsed position; 
     FIG. 15 is a bottom perspective view of the portable display board of FIG. 6 with the extendable legs in an extended position; 
     FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view of the portable display board of FIG. 6 with the extendable legs in an extended and open position; 
     FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a portable display board in accordance with the principles of the subject invention; 
     FIG. 18 is a side view of the portable display board of FIG. 17; 
     FIG. 19 is a top view of the portable display board of FIG. 17; 
     FIG. 20 is a rear view of the portable display board of FIG. 17 in an open position; 
     FIG. 21 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the portable display board of FIG. 17 particularly showing the integral center leg stabilizer; 
     FIG. 22 is a front view of the portable display board of FIG. 17 in an open position; and 
     FIG. 23 is a side view of the portable display board in an open and extended position. 
    
    
     Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, the specific embodiment(s) shown and/or described herein is by way of example. It should thus be appreciated that there is no intent to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, as the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     In FIGS. 1 and 2 there is shown an exemplary embodiment of a portable display or corporate board, generally designated  10 , per the principles presented herein. The portable display board  10  includes a first panel or board  12  and a second panel or board  16 . The panels  12  and  16  are preferably the same size and composition, but may vary in size and/or composition. The outside surface  13  of the panel  12  may be covered with a leather, vinyl, or similar aesthetically pleasing and/or durable material, particularly to look like a briefcase or the like when the display board  10  is carried. Likewise, the outside surface  17  of the panel  16  may be preferably covered with a leather, vinyl, or similar aesthetically pleasing and/or durable material, for the same reasons as for the outside surface  13  of the panel  12 . 
     A set of length adjustable legs  19  is provided on the outside surface  17  of the panel  16  that provide a height adjustment mechanism for the first and second panels  12  and  16 . The set of length adjustable legs  19  is attached to the outside surface  17  via a bracket  18 . The bracket  18  may provide for one, some or all of the legs  19  to pivot in some manner with respect to the panel  17 . Pivoting may include motion away from the outside surface  17  in a perpendicular direction relative to the outside surface  17  and/or motion along the outside surface  17  in a coplanar direction relative to the outside surface  17 . In the embodiment shown, three legs,  20 ,  24 , and  26  forms the set of length adjustable legs  19 , each of which is formed of a plurality of telescoping rods. The telescoping rods are length adjustable into an infinite number of selectable positions of course, other manners of adjustable legs may be used. The legs  20 ,  24  and  26  form a tripod with the center leg  20  operative to rotate, swing, or pivot outward from the outside surface  17 , and the outside legs  24  and  26  operative to rotate, swing, or pivot along or essentially coplanar with the outside surface  17 . Again, other configurations of legs that provides a stable platform for allowing the display board  10  to freely stand. 
     It should be appreciated that the set of adjustable legs  19  may be formed by any number of individually adjustable legs, in any configuration, that allow the display board  10  to be free standing such as that shown in FIG.  4 . As well, the legs forming the set of length adjustable legs  19  may utilize a manner of adjustment other than by interconnected, telescoping rods as indicated above. As shown in FIG. 2, it is preferable that the set of adjustable legs  19  collapse or reduce in length such that the individual legs do not extend beyond the ends or edges of the panel  16  when the display board  10  is in a carrying or transportation mode. Clamps or clips may be provided on the outside surface  17  to help retain the legs when not in use. 
     The display board  10  also includes a handle  14  disposed on an upper end or edge of the panel  16 . It should be appreciated that while the handle  14  is shown on the panel  16 , it can be disposed on an upper end or edge of the panel  12 , or any edge or end of either board. The display board  10  further includes a first clasp or latch generally designated  32  having two components  32   a  and  32   b  that are disposed on the ends of the respective panels  16  and  12 . The display board  10  also includes a second clasp or latch generally designated  34  having two components  34   a  and  34   b  that are disposed on the ends of the respective panels  16  and  12 . It should be appreciated that there may be only one clasp or latch, that the clasp or latch may be formed by a single piece or more than two pieces, and that various types of devices are operative and contemplated to perform clasping or latching of the two panels  12  and  16  together in a face-to-face relationship. The clasp(s) aid in retaining the panels  12  and  16  together (abutting) or in a side-to-side relationship when the display board is in a collapsed or folded state as depicted in FIGS. 1-3. 
     To this end, the panels  12  and  16  are joined or attached to one another at complementary ends thereof, as best seen in FIG. 3, in a manner that allows the panels  12  and  16  to move, swing, or pivot relative to one another. Referring to FIG. 3, the panels  12  and  16  may be attached via a hinge  30  or other device that allows the panels  12  and  16  to pivot or move relative to the other. In particular, the panels  12  and  16  are attached to one another such that the panels  12  and  16  define and are movable between an extended/opened position and a collapsed/folded position. In FIGS. 1-3, the display board  10  is shown in a folded, collapsed, or carrying position or state. 
     In FIG. 5, the legs  20 ,  26 , and  24  (not seen) are extended in a tripod configuration with an extension  22  extending from the leg  20  and the outside surface  17  for support, such that the display board  10  may freely stand and the panels  12  and  16  may be opened. In FIG. 5, the panels  12  and  16  are shown being opened from the closed or collapsed position (as in FIGS. 1-3) as represented by the two-headed arrow, into a fully open position (see FIG.  4 ). 
     In FIG. 4, the portable display board  10  is shown in a fully open and extended position. In particular, the legs  24  and  26  are extended downwardly a given distance to set the height of the panels  12  and  16 , while the hinged/middle leg  20  is likewise extended downwardly a given distance and pivoted outwardly to form the tripod. The panel  16  also defines a presentation side or surface  40  that are opposite the outside surface  17 , while the panel  12  also defines a presentation side or surface  42  that is opposite the outside surface  13 . The presentation sides may comprise a writing surface such as a “white” or dry-erase board, a chalkboard, or any other type of surface on which one may write and, preferably, erase. The presentation sides may be magnetic and/or may alternatively comprise another type of display and/or presentation surface. 
     When the panel  12  is pivoted downward such that the writing surface  42  is exposed, the writing surface  40  of the panel  16  is also exposed. In particular, an edge of the panel  12  that is attached to the hinge  30  and the edge of the panel  16  that is attached to the hinge  30  abuts one another such that the writing surfaces  40  and  42  form a continuous or contiguous presentation and/or writing surface. In this manner, the presentation or writing surface is doubled over conventional “one-panel” devices. 
     Because the stand (i.e. the set of adjustable legs  19 ) of the display board  10  is integral with or attached to the panel  16 , the handle  14  can not only be used to transport the display board  10  when it is in a folded or collapsed state or position as in FIGS. 1-3, but can be used to carry the display board  10  when it is in an open or extended state or position as in FIG.  4 . 
     FIG. 4 also shows an optional supply holder  50  formed as a pouch or pocket. The holder  50  holds several markers, erasers, and the like (collectively, “board tools”) for writing on the writing surfaces  40  and  42  of boards  16  and  12 . The pocket  50  is designed to hold the board tools even when the display board  10  is in the folded or collapsed state ready for transporting or carrying. 
     Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown another embodiment of the present portable display or corporate board, generally designated  100 . The display board  100  is a modular version that is preferably manufactured from plastic such as an injection-molded plastic. In particular, the display board  100  includes a body  102  defined by a first panel  104  and a second panel  106 , here shown in an open position with the rears thereof facing outward. The first panel  104  includes a handle portion  108  that is integral therewith. The second panel  106  includes a handle portion  110  that is integral herewith. The handle portions  108  and  110  cooperate when the first and second panels  104 ,  106 are in a closed position to provide an integral carrying handle for the display board  100 . 
     The display board  100  further includes an extendable stand  112  that is partially seated in a channel  114  in the second panel  106 . Referring additionally to FIG. 7, the extendable stand  112  is formed of a first U-shaped rod or member  116  that is disposed in the channel  114 . A rod  118  of a slightly smaller diameter than the U-shaped rod  116  is disposed in one “arm” of the U-shaped rod  116  such that the rod  118  can slide or telescope into the arm of the U-shaped rod  116 . A rod  122  of a slightly smaller diameter than the rod  118  is disposed in the rod  118 . The rod  122  can thus slide or telescope into the rod  118 . In like manner, a rod  120  of a slightly smaller diameter than the U-shaped rod  116  is disposed in another “arm” of the U-shaped rod  116  such that the rod  120  can slide or telescope into the arm of the U-shaped rod  116 . A rod  124  of a slightly smaller diameter than the rod  120  is disposed in the rod  120 . The rod  124  can thus slide or telescope into the rod  120 . Further, a second U-shaped rod or member  126  has first and second arms of a smaller diameter than rods  122  and  124  that fit into the rods  122  and  124  such that the U-shaped rod  126  can slide or telescope into the rods  122  and  124 . The U-shaped rod  126  provides a support surface for the display board  100  and is pivotal with respect to the panel  106 . 
     While not specifically shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the display board  100  preferably includes a second extendable stand (see FIGS. 14-16) that is substantially the same in configuration and operation as the first extendable stand  112 . The second extendable stand fits into and is retained by the first panel  104  in the same manner as the first extendable stand  112  fits into and is retained by the second panel  106 . 
     In FIGS. 8 and 9 the display board  100  is shown in an open position. The first panel  102  includes a writing or display surface  132 , while the second panel  106  includes a writing or display surface  134 . Together, the writing surfaces  132  and  134  define a contiguous and/or continuous writing surface  130  that is integral with or part of the body  102 . The first panel  104  and the second panel  106  are pivotally coupled to one another via hinges  128  and  129  such that the panels  104  and  106  can selectively be in a first or open position as depicted in FIG. 8, or in a second or closed position wherein the writing surfaces  132  and  134  are abutting. As best seen in FIG. 9, the first panel  104  includes a channel  136  for the second extendable stand (not shown). 
     Referring to FIGS. 10-13, there is shown the first panel  104 . The first panel  104  is preferably made of a suitable plastic such as an injection-molded plastic, or any other suitable material. The writing surface  132  is preferably a dry or wet erase marker type board, a “white” board, chalkboard, and/or any other suitable surface for writing on and, preferably erasing. 
     FIGS. 14-16 shows the rear of the display board  100 , with the body  102  in an open position. It should be appreciated that the display board  100  is also moveable into a closed position wherein the panels  104  and  106  close on or abut each other and the extendable stands are collapsed into their respective panels. In particular, FIG. 14 shows the extendable stands for both the first panel  104  and the second panel  106  (wherein the extendable stand  112  thereof is labeled) in a closed or retracted (collapsed) position. FIG. 16 shows both of the extendable stands in an open or extended position, while FIG. 15 shows the extended stands in an open display position, wherein the extended stands are spread away from each other and a middle support bar is positioned therebetween. The middle support bar provides stability for the extendable stands/display board in general. 
     Because of the extendable stand structure, configuration, pivoting manner, and/or placement thereof, the display board  100  may be used with either end up or down. Additionally, the extendable stand structure allows the display board to be in varying degrees of angles. Further, the display board is height adjustable. 
     Referring now to FIG. 17, there is depicted another embodiment of a portable display or white board generally designated  200 . The white board  200  essentially has the same features of and functions in essentially the same manner as the display boards previously discussed. Variations in the features and/or function of the white board  200  compared to the previously discussed display boards. The white board  200  has a first panel  202  that is coupled to a second panel  204  such that the first and second panels pivot or swing relative to one another. It should be appreciated that the panels  202  and  204  are arbitrarily labeled “first” and “second.” In one form, the first and second panels  202  and  204  are coupled to one another via a first hinge structure  206 A and a second hinge structure  206 B and are discussed further with respect to FIG.  18 . The hinge structures  206 A and  206 B allow the panels  202  and  204  to swing or pivot relative to one another such that the panels  202  and  204  may be situated in a closed position as depicted in FIG.  17  and in an open position as depicted in FIGS. 19 and 20, for example. When in a closed position, the panels  202  and  204  are adjacent and parallel to one another (arbitrarily at a 0° position). When in an open position, the panels  202  and  204  are co-planar to one another (arbitrarily at a 180° position). 
     The first panel  202  is formed of a suitable plastic and is preferably, but not necessarily, made via injection molding. The first panel  202  has a non-presentation or outer side  208  that may be textured (as shown) or that may not be textured. Such texturing may be for aesthetics, to provide a non-skid surface, or the like. The non-presentation side  208  has an integrally formed handle area  212 . Particularly, a handle recess or concavity  212  is formed in the non-presentation side  208 , with the recess or concavity  212  preferably, but not necessarily, having multiple (typically four) finger slots  213 . The handle area  212  is situated proximate a side opposite the hinge structures  206 A and  206 B and is used to allow one to grasp the display board  200  for carrying, typically when the panels  202  and  204  are in the closed position. 
     The non-presentation side  208  also has an integrally formed leg recess or concavity  216  that extends from one side  217  of the panel  202  in towards the center of the panel  202 . The leg recess  216  is angled or skew relative to a perpendicular taken from the side  217 . Particularly, the leg recess  216  is angled upwardly with respect to the perpendicular. A telescoping leg  218  is situated in the leg recess  216 . Particularly, the telescoping leg  218  extends from inside of the panel  202  (i.e. the telescoping leg  218  being injection molded into the panel  202 ) and into the leg recess  216  at the same angle as the leg recess  216 . The telescoping leg  218  is shown in a retracted position. When the telescoping leg  218  is in a retracted position, the end  226  of the telescoping leg  218  does not extend beyond the plane of the side  217 . The telescoping leg  218  is, of course, extendable (length adjustable) in a manner known in the art such that the end  226  thereof extends well beyond the side  217 . When extended, the telescoping leg  218  forms one leg of a tripod stand of the display board  200 . The length of the telescoping leg  218  is adjustable over an infinite range from a fully extended position to a fully retracted position. 
     While not necessary, the non-presentation side may include an integrally formed another leg recess or concavity  220  that extends from one side  221  of the panel  202  in towards the center of the panel  202 . The leg recess  220  is angled or skew relative to a perpendicular taken from the side  221 . Particularly, the leg recess  220  is angled upwardly with respect to the perpendicular. While there is no telescoping leg situated in the leg recess  220 , the panel  202  is preferably formed with the leg recess  220  in order for the same mold to be used for the first and second panels  202  and  204 . 
     The first panel  202  also includes a blank area  224  onto which may be molded a name, nameplate or the like. The blank area  224  is preferably not textured. The first panel  202  further includes a support recess or concavity  228  extending from the side  229  proximate the hinge structures  206 A and  206 B. Moreover, the first panel  202  includes an ear structure  222  that provides a place to clip a strap or the like (not shown) for carrying the white board  200 . 
     With reference to FIG. 18, the second panel  204  is formed of a suitable plastic and is preferably, but not necessarily, made via injection molding. The second panel  204  has a non-presentation or outer side  210  that may be textured (as shown) or that may not be textured. Such texturing may be for aesthetics, to provide a non-skid surface, or the like. The non-presentation side  210  has an integrally formed handle area  232 . Particularly, a handle recess or concavity  232  is formed in the non-presentation side  210 , with the recess or concavity  232  preferably, but not necessarily, having multiple (typically four) finger slots  233 . The handle area  232  is situated proximate a side opposite the hinge structures  206 A and  206 B and is used to allow one to grasp the display board  200  for carrying, typically when the panels  202  and  204  are in the closed position. 
     The non-presentation side  210  also has an integrally formed leg recess or concavity  234  that extends from one side  235  of the panel  204  in towards the center of the panel  204 . The leg recess  234  is angled or skew relative to a perpendicular taken from the side  235 . Particularly, the leg recess  234  is angled upwardly with respect to the perpendicular. A telescoping leg  236  is situated in the leg recess  235 . Particularly, the telescoping leg  236  extends from inside of the panel  202  (i.e. the telescoping leg  236  being injection molded into the panel  202 ) and into the leg recess  234  at the same angle as the leg recess  234 . The telescoping leg  236  is shown in a retracted position. When the telescoping leg  236  is in a retracted position, the end  237  of the telescoping leg  235  does not extend beyond the plane of the side  235 . The telescoping leg  235  is, of course, extendable (length adjustable) in a manner known in the art such that the end  237  thereof extends well beyond the side  235 . When extended, the telescoping leg  236  forms one leg of a tripod stand of the display board  200 . The length of the telescoping leg  236  is adjustable over an infinite range from a fully extended position to a fully retracted position. 
     While not necessary, the non-presentation side may include another integrally formed leg recess or concavity  238  that extends from one side  239  of the panel  204  in towards the center of the panel  204 . The leg recess  239  is angled or skew relative to a perpendicular taken from the side  239 . Particularly, the leg recess  238  is angled upwardly with respect to the perpendicular. While there is no telescoping leg situated in the leg recess  238 , the panel  204  is preferably formed with the leg recess  238  in order for the same mold to be used for the first and second panels  202  and  204 . 
     The second panel  204  also includes a blank area  240  onto which may be molded a name, nameplate or the like. The blank area  240  is preferably not textured. The second panel  204  further includes a support recess or concavity  242  extending from the side  243  proximate the hinge structures  206 A and  206 B Moreover, the second panel  204  includes an ear structure  244  that provides a place to clip a strap or the like (not shown) for carrying the white board  200 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 19, there is depicted a top view of the white board  200 . The first hinge structure  206 A includes a first hinge portion  246  that is integral with the second panel  204 , and a second hinge portion  247  that is integral with the first panel  202 . A pin or the like (not shown) extends through the first and second hinge portions  246 ,  247  of the first hinge structure  206 A such that the first and second panels  202 ,  204  are pivotally attached to one another and are positionable relative to one another in the manner set forth herein. 
     The second hinge structure  206 B includes a first hinge portion  248  that is integral with the first panel  202 , and a second hinge portion  249  that is integral with the second panel  204 . A pin or the like (not shown) extends through the first and second hinge portions  248 ,  249  of the second hinge structure  206 B such that the first and second panels  202 ,  204  are pivotally attached to one another. 
     Still referring to FIG. 19, the white board  200  further includes a center telescoping leg  250 , that together with the telescoping legs  218  and  236  (and when extended), form a tripod or three-legged stand for the first and second panels  202 ,  204 . The telescoping leg  250  is pivotally attached at a fixed end (non-telescoping end) thereof to the panels  202 ,  204  by a pivot pin  253  that extends through a leg clip  252 . The leg clip  252  is pivotally attached to the hinge pin (not shown) for the hinge structure  206 A. The telescoping leg  250  is releasably retained to the panels  202 ,  204  by another leg clip  254 . The leg clip  254  is pivotally attached to the hinge pin (not shown) for the hinge structure  206 B. It should be appreciated that the white board and thus the legs  218 ,  236  and  250  are in a stowed or closed position in FIG.  19 . In an open position as discussed below, the leg  250  is released from the leg clip  254 . The leg clip  252  allows the leg  250  to swing into a central position while the pivot pin  253  allows the leg  250  to pivot away from the panels  202 ,  204  in order to form the tripod stand for the panels  202 ,  204 . Typically, the leg  250  may swing approximately 20° outwardly from the panels. 
     In order to provide stability for the center leg  250  and limit the outward travel or pivot distance of the center leg  250  relative to the panels  202 ,  204 , the white board  200  includes a leg support/travel distance structure  256  that is situated in the recess  242  of the second panel  204 . The leg support/travel distance structure  256  includes a body  258  shaped to be received in the recess  242 . As best seen in FIG. 18, the body  258  is pivotally attached at  260  to the second panel  204  such that the body  258  is outwardly swingeable relative to the panels  202 ,  204 . The leg support/travel distance structure  256  also includes a clip, retainer or retaining ring  262  at the end of the body  258 . The leg  250  is retained by the clip  262 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 20, the white board  200  is shown in the open position showing the non-presentation sides  208 ,  210  of the first and second panels  202 ,  204  respectively. In FIG. 20, the outside legs  218  and  234  (of the tripod stand for the panels  202  and  204  comprising the outside legs  218 ,  234  and the center leg  250 ) have been extended beyond the respective recesses  216  and  234  in order to elevate the panels  202  and  204 . The extended length of each leg  218 ,  234  is a matter of choice. Each length, however, is preferably the same. The center leg  250  has also been extended beyond the panels  202 ,  204 , but not yet extended outwardly with respect to the panels  202 ,  204 . 
     As best seen in FIG. 21, the center leg  250  has been pivoted outwardly with respect to the first and second panels  202  and  204  in order to form the tripod stand. As the leg  250  is pivoted outwardly, the leg  250  pushes against the clip  262  which pulls against the body  258 . In response, the body  258  pivots about the pivots  260  that are attached to the panel  204 . The length that the leg  250  may travel away (outwardly) from the panels  202 ,  204  depends on the length of the body  258  and clip  262 . The leg support/travel distance structure  256  thus retains the leg  250  from spreading out too far from the panels  202 ,  204  which would result in the collapse of the display board. 
     In FIG. 22, a front view of the portable white board  200  is shown, the white board  200  being in an open or presentation position. The panel  202  further has a presentation side having a white board portion  270 . The panel  204  further has a presentation side having a white board portion  272 . When the board  200  is in the open position, the two white board portions  270  and  272  form a continuous white board. Furthermore, each panel  202  and  204  includes a plurality of white board marker recesses, concavities or the like  274  that are shaped and/or configured to releasably retain a white board marker such as the white board marker  275 . Moreover, each panel  202  and  204  includes a plurality of white board eraser recesses, concavities or the like  276  that are shaped and/or configured to releasably retain a white board eraser such as the white board eraser  277 . The plurality of white board marker recesses and white board eraser recesses are formed around the periphery of the white board portions  270 ,  272 . The recesses  274  and  276  allow the storage of markers and erasers when the white board  200  is stowed (i.e. in a closed position) and the immediate access by a user when the white board  200  is open (as shown). 
     Referring to FIG. 23, a side view of the present portable white board  200  in an open position is depicted. Particularly, FIG. 23 depicts the white board  200  with the panels  202  and  204  in an open position and the legs  218 ,  236  and  250  extended and spread to form a tripod stand. The center leg  250  is at an angle θ from the panels. Preferably, but not necessarily, the angle θ is approximately 20°. 
     While this invention has been described as having various preferred designs and/or configurations, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the claims.