Easel with support structure

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention provides an easel for holding an article that includes a plurality of support members. Each of the support members has a proximal end, a distal end and a central portion. The easel also includes an elongated post member. The post member includes a top end, a bottom end, and a guide surface. The post member is defined generally by an axis, and the post member is pivotally coupled to each of the support members adjacent the proximal end. The easel further includes a first linkage member having a first post end, a first support end, and a first middle portion. The first post end is pivotally coupled to one of the support members. Additionally, the easel includes a lower support selectively coupled to at least one of the central portions. The lower support selectively supports a lower portion of the article.

1 . An easel for holding an article, comprising: 
 a plurality of support members, wherein each of said support members has a proximal end, a distal end and a central portion;    an elongated post member having a top end, a bottom end, and a guide surface, wherein said post member is defined generally by an axis, wherein said post member is pivotally coupled to each of said support members adjacent said proximal end, and wherein at least a portion of said proximal end is selectively guided relative to at least a portion of said post end;    a first linkage member having a first post end, a first support end, and a first middle portion, wherein said first post end is pivotally coupled to one of said support members; and    a lower support selectively coupled to at least one of said support members, wherein said lower support selectively supports a lower portion of the article.    
   
   
       2 . The easel of  claim 1 , further comprising a guide member in selective pivotal connection with said first post end and selectively guided by said guide surface such that said guide member translates in a direction generally parallel to the axis.  
   
   
       3 . The easel of  claim 1 , wherein said post member slideably translates in a direction generally parallel to the axis.  
   
   
       4 . The easel of  claim 1 , wherein said guide surface is generally cylindrical.  
   
   
       5 . The easel of  claim 1 , wherein said first post end is slideably coupled to said guide surface.  
   
   
       6 . The easel of  claim 1 , further comprising a second linkage member having a second post end, a second support end, and a second middle portion, wherein said second support end is pivotally coupled to said support member.  
   
   
       7 . The easel of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a second linkage member having a second post end, a second support end, and a second middle portion, wherein said second post end is pivotally coupled to said support member; and    a guide member in selective pivotal connection with each of said first post end and said second post end and selectively guided by said guide surface such that said guide member translates in a direction generally parallel to the axis.    
   
   
       8 . The easel of  claim 1 , further comprising a top support coupled to said post member for supporting the article.  
   
   
       9 . The easel of  claim 1 , wherein said post member further comprises a telescoping top support member.  
   
   
       10 . The easel of  claim 1 , wherein said support members are selectively adjustable for a range of desired lengths between said proximal end and said distal end.  
   
   
       11 . The easel of  claim 1 , wherein said proximal ends are pivotally fixed to said post member and do not translate along said axis.  
   
   
       12 . The easel of  claim 1 , further comprising a lower support adjustment guide interconnecting said lower support with at least one of said support members, wherein said lower support adjustment guide is selectively positioned along a preselected portion of said at least one support member.  
   
   
       13 . The easel of  claim 1 , wherein said support members are maintained at generally identical angles from axis as said guide member translates relative to said guide surface.  
   
   
       14 . The easel of  claim 1 , further comprising a stop member coupled to said post member.  
   
   
       15 . An easel for holding an article, comprising: 
 a plurality of support members, wherein each of said support members has a proximal end, a distal end and a central portion;    an elongated post member having a top end, a bottom end, and a guide surface, wherein said post member is defined generally by an axis, and wherein said post member is pivotally coupled to each of said support members adjacent said proximal end;    a guide member selectively guided by said guide surface such that said guide member translates in a direction generally parallel to the axis,    a plurality of linkage members each having a post end, a support end, and a middle portion, wherein each of said support ends is in selective pivotal connection with at least one of said support members, and each of said post ends is in selective pivotal connection with said guide member; and    a lower support selectively coupled to at least one of said central portions, wherein said lower support selectively supports a lower portion of the article.    
   
   
       16 . The easel of  claim 15 , wherein at least a portion of said proximal end is selectively guided relative to at least a portion of said post end.  
   
   
       17 . The easel of  claim 15 , wherein said linkage members are of about the same length.  
   
   
       18 . The easel of  claim 15 , wherein said post member further comprises a telescoping top support member for supporting the article.  
   
   
       19 . The easel of  claim 15 , wherein said support members are selectively adjustable for a range of desired lengths between said proximal end and said distal end.  
   
   
       20 . The easel of  claim 15 , wherein said support members are maintained at generally identical angles from the axis as said guide member translates relative to said guide surface.  
   
   
       21 . The easel of  claim 15 , further comprising a stop member coupled to said post member.