Patent Publication Number: US-6663200-B1

Title: Lectern

Description:
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/023,190, filed Feb. 13, 1998 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,092,885. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. The Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to a lectern. More particularly, the present invention relates to a light-weight, durable, floor standing lectern formed of a single continuous shell. 
     2. The Background Art 
     Lecterns are typically used by speakers or lecturers in speaking or lecturing to an audience. A lecturer may utilize the lectern to hold notes, or other materials. In addition, the lecturer may utilize the lectern to hold onto, or lean against, and as a shield or partition between the lecturer and the audience. Lecterns tend to direct the attention of the audience to a center or focal point. In addition, lecterns tend to provide a sense of authority and order. 
     Such lecterns may be used in various situations, such as teaching, making presentations, giving speeches, etc. In addition, such lecterns may be used in various different settings or environments, such as permanent, dedicated facilities, including lecture halls, classrooms, chapels, etc., or temporary, multi-purpose facilities, such as convention centers, stages, auditoriums, gymnasiums, etc. 
     Typically, lecterns utilized in dedicated facilities are formal lecterns typically formed as a fixture, or extension, of the facility itself. For example, such formal lecterns are typically formed of relatively heavy materials, such as wood, to match the decor of the facility, and are relatively large. 
     Unfortunately, similar types of lecterns may be used in temporary facilities as well. Thus, large, heavy lecterns frequently are moved about as required. For example, such lecterns may be moved between storage and conference rooms, or between conference rooms, as required. As another example, such lecterns may be moved on and off stage to convert the stage of an auditorium from a theater to a lecture hall, and vis versa. Thus, lecterns intended for temporary or multi-purpose facilities are often constructed similarly to their more formal counterparts, i.e. as large wooden structures, with their mobility seemingly included as an afterthought. 
     One disadvantage of such lecterns is their weight and size make them difficult to transport. In addition to merely moving the lectern about, it is also often necessary to hoist the lectern to an elevated stage or platform. Another disadvantage of such lecterns is their lack of durability when transported. The wood material of the lecterns is easily damaged, scratches, and dinged, giving the lectern an old, abused appearance, less suitable for making positive impressions. Another disadvantage with such lecterns is their method of construction or structure. In addition to the expense of being constructed by skilled craftsmen, the multi-component structure becomes weakened by constant movement. 
     Other types of lecterns have been developed which are more transportable or are designed for traveling. Such lecterns are often foldable or collapsible. One disadvantage with these traveling-types of lecterns is their informal appearance which is usually less aesthetically pleasing. Another disadvantage with such traveling lecterns is their foldable parts tend to make them less stable. Many such traveling lecterns are also designed to be used in conjunction with a table, such that the lectern is placed on top of the table to achieve a usable height. One disadvantage with such table-top lecterns is their informal appearance. Another disadvantage is they are unsuitable for use on stages, etc. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It has been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop a lectern which is presentable and aesthetically pleasing, while being easily movable and more durable. In addition, it has been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop a lectern which is less expensive to produce, and more light-weight. 
     The invention provides a floor standing lectern with a single, unitary shell formed by an integral and continuous exterior wall. The wall includes top, front, side, rear and bottom walls which collectively enclose a hollow interior cavity. The top wall has a support surface to support a lecturer&#39;s notes, and a perimeter which substantially comprises a rounded edge joining the top wall to the side, front and rear walls. The front wall faces an audience, and has a height sized to extend substantially from the floor to at least the top wall. In addition, the front wall has a perimeter which substantially comprises a rounded edge joining the front wall to the opposite side walls. The side and rear walls have a height sized to extend substantially from the floor to at least the top wall. 
     In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, substantially all of the exterior wall has a continuous thickness. Preferably, the exterior wall has a thickness between approximately ⅛ inch to ⅜ inch. Most preferably, the exterior wall has a thickness of approximately ¼ inch. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the lectern includes a recess formed in the front wall, and a decorative insert disposed within the recess. An opening may be formed through the front wall at the recess, and covered by the decorative insert, to reduce weight of the lectern. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a front shield may be formed by the front wall extending above the top wall to block visual inspection of the lecturer&#39;s notes by the audience. Similarly, opposite side shields may be formed by the side walls extending above the top wall. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, opposite left and right grips may be formed at left and right sides by the top wall and the opposite side walls to be griped by a lecturer while lecturing. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a rib may be integrally formed in the top wall to maintain the top wall in a flat configuration, and to form an indentation to hold a writing instrument or pointer. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the walls may be oriented such that a front of the lectern is wider than a back of the lectern to produce a parting line along the side walls nearer the front wall. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a recess may be formed in the rear wall to receive various objects. In addition, a knee indentation may be formed in the rear wall to extend to an elevation of a lecturer&#39;s knee. Similarly, a toe kick indentation may be formed in the rear wall near a bottom to receive a portion of the lecturer&#39;s foot. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the front wall is curved to provide structural rigidity and prevent buckling or warping. The front wall may be convex or concave. In addition, the front wall may be curved from one side to the other, or from an upper end to a lower end. 
    
    
     Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, which together illustrate by way of example, the features of the invention. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lectern in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a front view of the lectern shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a partial cross sectional side view of the lectern of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 b  is a top view of the lectern of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 4 a  is a partial side view of the lectern of FIG. 1 shown in a standing, usable position; 
     FIG. 4 b  is a partial side view of the lectern of FIG. 1 shown in a tilted transportable position; 
     FIG. 5 a  is a front view of another lectern in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 6 is a side view of the lectern of FIG. 5; and 
     FIG. 7 is a rear view of the lectern shown in FIG.  5 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, 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. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention. 
     As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, a lectern, indicated generally at  2 , in accordance with the present invention is shown. The term “lectern” is used broadly herein to refer to any type of lectern or podium, and the like. Various aspects of the lectern  2  are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/023,190, which is herein incorporated by reference. 
     The lectern  2  advantageously is formed of a single continuous shell, or unitary integrated shell  3 . Thus, the shell  3  is a single unitary structure which is continuously and integrally formed. The shell  3  advantageously includes an integral exterior wall, or continuous wall  4 . The integral and continuous wall  4  includes a top wall  5 , a front wall  6 , side walls  7 , a rear wall  8 , and a bottom wall  9 , which collectively enclose a hollow interior cavity. 
     The top wall  5  has a support surface configured to support a lecturer&#39;s notes. The top wall  5  may be oriented at an angle facing generally upward and toward the lecturer. The front wall  6  is configured to face towards an audience. In addition, the front wall  6  preferably has a height sized to extend substantially from the floor to at least the top wall  5 . The opposite side walls  7  also have a height sized to extend from the floor or support surface to at least the top wall  5 . The rear wall  8  is configured to face the lecturer and also has a height sized to extend from the floor support surface to at least the top wall  5 . Finally, the bottom wall  9  is configured to be disposed on the floor or support surface. 
     Thus, the continuous integral shell  3  and the integral continuous wall  4  are formed by the top wall  5 , front wall  6 , side walls  7 , rear wall  8 , and bottom wall  9 , which are integrally formed together and extend continuously about the shell  3  or perimeter of the lectern  2 . In addition, the walls  4  form a single unitary structure or shell  3  which is capable of supporting its own weight, in addition to any weight placed on the top wall  5 . The continuous and integral nature of the wall  4  and shell  3  provide rigidity to the shell  3  and prevent attachments or joints which may be weakened by transportation of the lectern  2 . The hollow interior cavity enclosed by the wall  4  advantageously reduces the weight of the lectern  2 . 
     The shell  3  and/or walls  4  preferably are formed of a plastic material. The plastic material is lightweight and durable. In addition, the plastic material may be provided with a coloring. Thus, the coloring extending through the plastic material will help hide any scratches or dings in the walls  4 . The single unitary shell  3 , continuous integral walls  4 , and plastic material of the lectern  2  advantageously allow the shell  3  and walls  4  to be produced by rotational molding or blow molding. 
     The top wall  5  includes a perimeter which includes an edge joining the top wall  5  to the front wall  6 , side walls  7 , and rear wall  8 . The edge  10  preferably is rounded. Similarly, the front wall  6  includes a perimeter with an edge  11  which joins the front wall  6  to the side walls  7 . Preferably, the edge  11  is rounded. 
     As indicated above, the shell  3  is a lightweight structure. Thus, one or more of the walls  4  may be formed with a curvature to add strength to the walls  4  and prevent buckling or warping. Preferably, the front wall  6  is curved. As shown in FIG. 1, the front wall  6  may be convex, and curve from one side  7  to the opposite side  7 . Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6, the front wall may be convex and curve from an upper end to a lower end. In addition, the side walls  7  or rear wall  8  may also be formed with a similar curvature. In addition, the upper edge  10  and front edge  11  are curved or rounded to increase rigidity and prevent warping. In addition, the edges  10  and  11  are curved to prevent sharp corners which may cause damage to walls or other objects during transportation. 
     As stated above, the front wall  6  is configured to face the audience. Therefore, the front wall  6  preferably has an aesthetically pleasing surface. Referring to FIG. 3, a recess  12  preferably is formed in the front wall  6 . A decorative insert  13  advantageously is disposed in the recess  12 . The decorative insert  13  may have a forward facing surface  14 , such as wood, etc., which is aesthetically pleasing and which may be chosen to match the decor of the facility in which the lectern  2  is used. The recess  12  advantageously covers the edges of the insert  13 , such that the insert  13  may be a laminate or the like. In addition, the recess  12  advantageously helps prevent damage to the insert  13 . The insert  13  may be attached to the front wall  6  or within the recess  12  in any appropriate manner, such as with screws, adhesive, hook and loop type fasteners and the like, etc. In addition, the insert  13  may be releasably secured within the recess  12 , such that various different inserts may be used. For example, different inserts with different logos thereon may be interchanged to suit the particular situation. In addition, an opening  15  may be formed in the front wall  6  within the recess  12 , and covered by the decorative insert  13 . The opening  15  may remove a substantial material from the front wall to help reduce weight. 
     As stated above, the front of the lectern  2  or front wall  6 , preferably is configured to be aesthetically pleasing as it faces the audience. Thus, the front wall  6  or front of the lectern  2  may be configured to be wider than the rest of the lectern  2 . The side walls  7  may taper from a wider point near the front wall  6  to a more narrow portion at the rear wall  8 . Thus, a parting line  20  for rotational molding may be located near the front of the lectern  2  or near the front wall  6 . The wider front wall  6  helps to hide the parting line  20 . 
     The wall  4  forming the shell  3  has a thickness. Preferably, the thickness of the walls  4  of the shell  3  is approximately ⅛-in.-⅜-in., and most preferably ¼-in. The thickness of the walls  4  or shell  3  preferably is substantially consistent throughout the shell  3 . 
     Referring again to FIG. 1, a front shield  16  may extend above the top wall  5  at the front of the lectern  2  to block visual inspection of the lecturer&#39;s notes by the audience. The front shield  16  may be formed by a portion of the front wall  6  extending beyond the top wall  5 . Similarly, the lectern  2  may have opposite side shields  17 , also extending above the top wall  5  along the sides of the lectern  2 , also to block visual inspection of the lecturer&#39;s notes by the audience. The opposite side shields  17  may be formed by the side walls  7  extending above the top wall  5 . In addition, side holds, or opposite left and right grips  18 , may be formed at the sides of the lectern on the top wall  5  for the lecturer to grip. 
     One or more ribs  19  may be integrally formed in the top wall  5  to help maintain the top wall in a flat configuration. In addition, the rib  19  may form an indentation  22  configured to hold a writing instrument or pointer. 
     The lectern  2  may also include an area for receiving various items such as audio visual equipment or electronics. Thus, the lectern  2  may include a recess  23  formed in the rear wall  8 . The recess  23  may include side walls and a bottom. 
     A wall  24  may be formed around the circumference of the recess  23  extending inwardly and towards the interior cavity. An opening  25  may be formed in the bottom of the recess  23 . The wall  24  provides support for the recess  23  and provides structure for mounting equipment within the recess  23 . Thus, a rack rail  26  may be mounted to the wall  24  to allow mounting of various audio visual equipment or electronics. 
     A knee indentation  27  may also be formed in the rear wall  8 . The knee indentation  27  may extend to an elevation near the lecturer&#39;s knee for receiving the lecturer&#39;s knee. In addition, a toe kick indentation  28  may also be formed in the rear and bottom walls  8  and  9  to receive a portion of the lecturer&#39;s foot. 
     The lectern  2  may be provided with other indentations or protrusions for providing various accessories. For example, a light visor  26   b  may be formed in the front shield  16  to receive a light for illuminating the lecturer&#39;s notes on the top surface  5 . In addition, an indentation  29  may be formed near the bottom of the lectern  2  for receiving electrical connections. 
     Referring to FIGS. 4 a  and  4   b , the bottom wall  9  of the lectern is configured to be disposed against the floor or support surface. In addition, the lectern  2  may be provided with one or more wheels  30  disposed near the bottom of the lectern  2 , and preferably at the rear. Thus, the lectern  2  may be pivoted rearwardly, indicated by arrow  32  in FIG. 4 b , to rest on the wheels  30  for transportation, indicated by arrow  34 . Thus, both the bottom wall  9  and the wheels  30  are configured to touch the ground or support surface. 
     Referring to FIGS. 5-7, another lectern  50  in accordance with the present invention is shown, which is similar in many aspects to the lectern shown and described above. The lectern  50  includes a single unitary shell  53  formed by a continuous integral wall  54 . The wall includes a front wall  56  which is concave and curves from an upper wall  55  to a bottom wall  59 . In addition, the wall  54  includes opposite side walls  57  which also are concave. Similarly, the wall  54  includes a rear wall  58  which is also broadly concave. The concave walls  54  advantageously provide a structural rigidity to the walls, and thus the shell  53 . Again, the lectern  50  may include a decorative insert  63  disposed in a recess  62 . 
     The wall  54  of the lectern  50  may include other indentations and protrusions, such as indentation  70 . Such indentations  70  may provide aesthetically pleasing geometry, as well as adding structural rigidity to the shell  53 . 
     It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and the appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the present invention has been shown in the drawings and fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment(s) of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made, without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth in the claims.