Clipboard and reading stand with light and drawers

Abstract

An adjuster selectively collapses a support relative to a base so that the apparatus can support writing material and function as a clipboard; or extends the support relative to the base so that the apparatus can support reading material and function as a reading stand. A stay arm extends between the base and the support for holding the support at a desired angle relative to the base. A light is provided for illuminating writing or reading material. The light is on a stalk that can be pivoted and telescoped.

We claim:  
     
         1 . Apparatus comprising: 
 a base;    a support connected to the base; and    an adjuster for selectively collapsing the support relative to the base so that the apparatus can support writing material and function as a clipboard; or extending the support relative to the base so that the apparatus can support reading material and function as a reading stand.    
     
     
         2 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the base is substantially rectangular.  
     
     
         3 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the support is substantially rectangular.  
     
     
         4 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the adjuster comprises a hinge for pivoting the support relative to the base.  
     
     
         5 . Apparatus according to  claim 4  wherein the adjuster further comprises a stay arm extending between the base and the support for holding the support at a desired angle relative to the base.  
     
     
         6 . Apparatus according to  claim 5  wherein the stay arm is pivotally connected to one of the base and the support at a fixed position and to the other of the base and the support at a position that can be varied to adjust the angle of the support relative to the base.  
     
     
         7 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  further comprising a device connected to the apparatus for securing writing material.  
     
     
         8 . Apparatus according to  claim 7  wherein the securing device comprises a spring-loaded clip.  
     
     
         9 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  further comprising a light for illuminating the writing or reading material.  
     
     
         10 . Apparatus according to  claim 9  further comprising a stalk connected to the apparatus for mounting the light.  
     
     
         11 . Apparatus according to  claim 10  wherein the stalk is pivotally mounted on the apparatus.  
     
     
         12 . Apparatus according to  claim 10  wherein the stalk is telescoping.  
     
     
         13 . Apparatus according to  claim 10  wherein the light is pivotally mounted on the stalk.  
     
     
         14 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  further comprising a page holder for holding reading material open at a desired page.  
     
     
         15 . Apparatus according to  claim 14  wherein the page holder comprises a pair of spaced-apart spring-loaded tabs engageable with the reading material.  
     
     
         16 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  further comprising at least one compartment for holding miscellaneous items.  
     
     
         17 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  further comprising a first compartment for holding a writing implement and a second compartment for holding paper.  
     
     
         18 . Apparatus according to  claim 16  further comprising first and second lids respectively closing the first and second compartments and first and second hinges respectively mounting the first and second lids and enabling opening of the first and second lids for access to the first and second compartments.