Stand for reading material

Abstract

A stand comprising a camera tripod and a support tray for reading material and laptop computers. A quick-release mechanism allows for quickly attaching the tray to, and detaching the tray from, the tripod. The tray may have a flat base and a lip which prevents articles from rolling off the tray. Apertures in the tray allow access to the locking mechanism. A handle aperture in the tray allows for ease of carrying the device. The tray has articulated extension arms for supporting oversized papers. The tripod may be equipped with an accessory tray fastened between the legs.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A stand comprising: 
 (a) a camera tripod having adjustable legs and a center post,    (b) a support tray,    (c) a quick-release fitting having two portions, one portion of the quick-release fitting being permanently attached to the tripod and one portion of the quick-release fitting being permanently attached to the support tray, which quick-release fitting releasably connects the tripod to the tray, and    (d) a locking mechanism which secures the two portions of the quick-release fitting together.    
     
     
         2 . The stand of  claim 1 , wherein the tray comprises a flat base having a back surface, a lower edge, and a lip extending upward from the lower edge of the base.  
     
     
         3 . The stand of  claim 2 , wherein the base contains at least one aperture therein for viewing and accessing the locking mechanism.  
     
     
         5 . The stand of  claim 2 , wherein the base has at least one handle aperture for easily carrying the stand.  
     
     
         8 . The stand of  claim 2 , wherein the back surface of the base contains multiple extension arms attached thereto.  
     
     
         9 . The stand of  claim 8 , wherein the extension arms are articulated arms.  
     
     
         10 . The stand of  claim 2 , wherein a wrist rest is attached to the base.  
     
     
         11 . The stand of  claim 2 , wherein an accessory tray is attached to the center post of the tripod.  
     
     
         12 . A stand comprising: 
 (a) a support tray comprising a flat base having a back surface, an upper edge, a lower edge, and a lip extending upward from the lower edge, and    (b) a foldable support structure attached to the back surface of the base.    
     
     
         13 . The stand of  claim 12  wherein the foldable support structure comprises a stand plate attached to the back surface of the base.  
     
     
         14 . The stand of  claim 12 , wherein the base has at least one handle aperture for easily carrying the stand.