FOR READING, WRITING AND COMPUTER US AGE

PRIORITY CLAIMS

This PCT patent application claims priority from the following US provisional patent applications, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety: no. 62/980,212 dated 22 ^nd February 2020; no. 62/981,754 dated 26 ^th February 2020; no. 62/986,936 dated 9 ^th March 2020; no 63/009,260 dated 13 ^th April 2020; no 62/061,812 dated 6 ^th August 2020; no. 63/063,284 dated 8 ^th August 2020; no. 63/083,905 dated 26 ^th September 2020; no. 63/087,871 dated 5 ^th October 2020; no. 63/092,183 dated 15 ^th October 2020; and no. 63/127,264 dated 18 ^th December 2020.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a multi-purpose desktop accessory that facilitates versatility, multi-tasking capability, and a more comfortable, slightly laid-back sitting posture for reading, writing and computer usage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Together with computer and communications hardware, books, hardcopy and writing continue to be an integral part of desk usage, especially for academic students. Increasingly, professionals worldwide are telecommuting, freelancing and doing a greater variety of things at a desk with a computer. Therefore, there has been an exponentially increasing need for a versatile desktop accessory that facilitates multi-tasking with a more relaxed, slightly laid-back siting posture. Currently an unlimited variety of workstations and desktop accessories are available, but what they all have in common is a conspicuous lack of ergonomic convenience and versatility where it is most needed - the front-centre space between the user and the computer monitor.

Using a computer keyboard or a laptop computer on a horizontal desktop is not compatible with a comfortable, relaxed sitting posture. The upward slant of the forearms and elevated viewpoint of the eyes are not in convenient alignment with the use of a horizontal desktop. The use of a low keyboard tray requires touch typing skills to avoid excessive bending of the neck to look up and down. A tilted worktop supported on a desk or table is a well-known solution for reading and writing, but comfortable computer keying, and the inline integration of reading and writing therewith, have continued to be problematic. While there have been innovative gestures toward a solution over the years, their efficacy has been handicapped by the requirements of traditional keyboard ergonomics.

THE NEAREST PRIOR ART

Hitherto the computer keyboard has been assigned only two standard ergonomic positions - frontcentre at elbow level on a tray, or on a flat desktop. However, current thinking has begun a paradigm shift out of the box of conventional ergonomic correctness, to revisit and re-define what actually works in practice and what doesn’t. Now, a new generation of desktop accessories provide a tilted worktop that can extend over the edge of a desk or table top to facilitate a more comfortable, slightly laid-back sitting posture for computer usage. Four relatively new designs fit in this category.

The first by inventor Gregory Bright is described in the patent US6745986B 1 and entitled ‘ Support Apparatus and Method‘ . Bright was apparently the first to demonstrate the ergonomic feasibility of using a computer keyboard or a laptop computer in a sloping position, substantially extended over the edge of a desktop. The second design, called the Aviator Laptop Stand, seems to be the first product to illustrate the method of supporting the elbows on the armrests of a chair, so that the forearms are more comfortably supported and aligned with the use of a laptop computer in an inclined and extended position over the edge of a desktop. The third design is Tilt-n-Slide Keyboard Manager marketed by the Fellowes brand. It is a computer keyboard platform featuring a built-in wrist rest, mouse pad, and screw clamps to fasten the platform in a sloping position upon the front edge of a desktop. These three solutions each have only one function; they lack versatility and multi-tasking capability. The first is heavy and bulky; the third is relatively complex; and both are relatively expensive to manufacture. The fourth design is a multi-purpose desktop accessory for reading, writing and computer usage described in the international patent application PCT/IB2018/053344 by Lashley, G, which was published in Patentscope (WO/2018/207161) on 15 ^th November 2018. This design is quite versatile; it facilitates multi-tasking, and a comfortable, relaxed posture for reading writing and computer usage. The substantially extended worktop is stabilized by the weight of a base and second worktop attached behind it.

SUMMARY AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

The desktop accessory of this invention comprises a panel worktop that can be stabilized in a gently sloping position substantially extended beyond the edge of a desk or table top. The stabilizing means comprises one or more brackets and suction cups that fasten the worktop to the desktop. With elbows supported on the armrests of a chair, a user can enjoy a more comfortable, slightly laid-back sitting posture for using a computer keyboard or a laptop computer, as well as for reading, writing and drawing. A second, free-standing, sloping worktop is positioned in a countersunk position directly behind the first. It has the same functions as the first worktop, and is also accessible with a slightly laid-back sitting posture. The two structures together enable exceptional versatility and multi-tasking capability. Additional features include a removable wrist rest and an adhesive, non-porous base to enable the suction cups to adhere well on porous surfaces.

The advantages of the present invention over the nearest prior art include the following, (i) Being fastened to the desktop, its extended worktop is far more stable than one that is stabilized on a desktop by weight only, (ii) The extended worktop does not require a bend to be connected to the suction cup; a simple flat panel is far cheaper to manufacture and ship, (iii) The suction cups are not offset, but directly in line with the working forces of tension and compression, without which alignment their holding power is greatly reduced, (iv) Because the rear support is separate and optional, the desktop accessory of this invention is more compact, portable, useful and marketable, (v) It includes an adhesive, non-porous base that enables the suction cups to adhere well to both porous and non-porous surfaces, (vi) The use of a non-porous base comprising a dry adhesive makes it even easier for very mobile professionals to use it temporarily in different locations, (vii) Though fastened, it is easy to remove and install elsewhere, (viii) It is far more versatile than the prior art. (ix) For those who need superior multi-tasking capability, the rear support doubles the functionality provided by the worktop, and can be purchased separately, (x) The simple but inventive design is exceptionally cost-efficient, (xi) Compared with the prior art, the desktop accessory of this invention delivers far superior versatility, multi-tasking capability, ergonomic convenience, and comfort.

A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following brief description of the drawings, the views are abbreviated thus: SEV is 'side elevation'; FPV is 'front perspective'; RPV is 'rear perspective'; TPV is 'top plan'; and SPV is 'side perspective’ view.

REF. VIEW BRIEF DESCRIPTION

1 A SEV Extended worktop (12) connected to pivotable bracket (14) and suction cup (10).

IB FPV Surface of worktop with stays (34a, b,c) on front end. 1C REV Suction cups (10a, b) with pivotable brackets (14a, b) below back end of worktop. ID RPV Suction cup with pivot (16). A SEV Supported elbows; forearms aligned with sloping laptop computer and 12. B SEV Supported elbows; forearms aligned with slant of keyboard, wrist rest and 12. C SPV Wrist rest (24) and computer keyboard (30) on first panel (12).

3 A TPV Normal position of stays (34); spaces between for manual access to hardcopy.

3B TPV Alternative positions of middle stay (34a) for left and right-handed writing.

3C TPV Shifted middle stay; hardcopy is tilted sideways for more comfortable writing. A SPV Rear support (22) adjoins back end (12a); free-standing, sloping & countersunk. B SEV Keyboard is accessible on 22; laid-back posture; supported wrists and forearms. C SEV Laptop computer is accessible on 22; laid-back posture; supported forearms. D SEV Hardcopy (21) at hand on 22; reading, writing or drawing on worktop (12). E SEV Laptop computer on 22 is operated by means of a computer keyboard on 12.

5A RPV Worktop (12) stabilized by bracket (14) on pivots (16) and suction cups (10). 5B FPV Elongate bracket

5C SEV Bracket connected to pivot of suction cup (10b).

6 A SEV One suction cup, pivot and bracket (14).

6B RPV One suction cup, pivot and bracket (14).

7 RPV One suction cup, pivot and bracket; 2 ^nd arm ( 14d) parallel to back end (12a).

8A SEV 3-part bracket (14) connected with first (18) and second (20) screw means.

8B RPV Two brackets (14a,b) on suction cups (10a,b) are evenly spaced near back end.

8C FPV Sloping, extended worktop (first panel 12) with stays spaced along front end.

8D SEV Three parts of the bracket (14c, 14d, 14e).

8E RPV Three parts of the bracket.

8F SPV Second part (14d) is pivotally connected to the first part (14c).

8G SEV Second part (14d) is pivotally connected to the third part (14e).

8H TPV A variation of embodiment in Fig.8B, with a single suction cup instead of two.

81 SEV Three-part bracket; a bolt and nut (20) for connecting bracket to suction cup.

9A SEV 1 ^st part of bracket 14 is connected pivotally to back end and rigidly to 2 ^nd part.

9B SEV 1 ^st part of bracket is connected rigidly to back end and pivotally to 2 ^nd part.

10A SEV Suction cups adhere well to acrylic base plate (44) that is screwed to desktop.

10B RPV Suction cups adhere well to acrylic base plate (44) that is screwed to desktop.

11 A SEV Suction cups adhere well to plastic adhesive discs (44) stuck to desktop.

11B RPV Suction cups adhere well to plastic adhesive discs (44) stuck to desktop. A SEV Screw means (18, 20) join bracket (14) to panel (12) and to suction cups (10).B RPV 3 ^rd joins 1 ^st & 2 ^nd parts (14c, d); 3 ^rd & 4 ^th parts (14e,f) are pivotally connected.C FPV Sloping, extended worktop (first panel 12) with stays spaced along front end.D SEV Laptop use; supported elbows; well-aligned wrists; slightly laid-back posture.A FPV Sloping, extended worktop (first panel 12) with stays spaced along front end.B RPV 2 ^nd & 3 ^rd parts (14d,e) pivot on 4 ^th part (14f) that passes through suction cups.C SEV 2 ^nd part pivots on 14f; 14f pivots in, passes through, and is supported by 10.D SEV 3 ^rd part pivots on 14f; 1 ^st part is connected to 12 by screw means (18). E SEV Laptop use; supported elbows; well-aligned wrists; slightly laid-back posture.A RPV One suction cup; two brackets pivotable on round shaft (4 ^th part). B RPV Alternative orientation of two brackets to back end and to cross-bar. C RPV Two unconnected units each comprising a suction cup and bracket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

EXPLANATION OF TERMS

Herein a 'desk' includes any elevated, planar surface amenable to being used for desk work such as reading, writing and operating a computer. A 'panel' means a comparatively thin, flat piece of wood or other material such as plywood, sheet plastic or sheet metal. A 'stay means' is for retaining or stabilizing items on an inclined surface. 'Fasten' means to stabilize by attaching, binding or connecting. A bracket is an intermediate component for fixing one part to another. A suction cup has two connective aspects - a cup, and a hinge or screw for connecting a bracket.

A suction cup will adhere well to a non-porous desktop that is made of a very smooth material without pores such as glass, plastic or acrylic sheet, glazed tile, oil-painted wood, sealed marble, untextured laminate, and stainless steel. These prevent the inflow of air below a suction cup, thus allowing it to remain fastened. A suction cup will not adhere well to a porous desktop made of less smooth materials such as textured laminates, wood veneers, natural timber and unsealed marble. These allow the passage of air that causes the suction cup to become unfastened. A non-porous, adhesive base enables a suction cup to adhere well on a porous desktop.

A sticker is a non-porous piece of plastic film or paper with adhesive backing that can be stuck to a porous surface to faclilitate adhesion of a suction cup thereto. Dry Glue or Dry Adhesive is an adhesion product based upon the adaptations of geckos' feet that allow them to climb sheer surfaces such as vertical glass. Unlike conventional adhesives, gecko adhesive can be removed easily, reused repeatedly, stays quite clean, and leaves no residue on porous surfaces. It has been used to produce products for consumer markets under various brand names. It can be used on the underside of suction cups.

A detailed description of some embodiments of the invention is provided hereunder in three sections. The first includes the main features common to the described embodiments; the second includes preferred features for all embodiments; and the third includes mainly the distinguishing features of various embodiments.

FEATURES COMMON TO THE VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS DESCRIBED HEREIN.

A desktop accessory comprises: (a) a worktop in the form of a first panel (12) including a back end (12a), a front end (12b), and a stay means (34) at or near the front end; (b) a fastening means capable of stabilizing the first panel on a desktop in a sloping position substantially extended beyond an edge of the desktop. The fastening means includes: (c) at least one bracket (14); (d) a connective means for connecting the at least one bracket to the first panel; and (e) at least one suction cup (10) for connecting the at least one bracket to the desktop

By this means: (i) the desktop accessory can be quickly and easily stabilized on a non-porous desktop by pressing down directly on the suction cups, or on the back portion of the first panel, thus causing the suction cups to become securely attached to a desktop; (ii) with a user's elbows supported on the armrests of a chair, the extended first panel can be conveniently used for reading and writing with a more comfortable, slightly laid-back sitting posture (Fig.4D; 3A-3C; 8C); (iii) with elbows supported on the armrests of a chair, the upward slant of a user's forearms and wrists can be conveniently aligned with the use of a laptop computer (36) on the first panel (Fig.2A; 12D); (iv) a more comfortable, slightly laid-back sitting posture, and a more upright posture of the neck and head, are facilitated when using a laptop computer thereon; and (v) the desktop accessory can be easily removed by manually detaching the at least one suction cup from the desktop.

COMMONLY PREFERRED FEATURES OF THE VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS DESCRIBED HEREIN.

PIVOTABLE WORKTOP

The desktop accessory of this invention preferably includes a means of pivoting the first panel upward, whereby the first panel: (i) may be adjusted to various given angles of inclination according to the distance of the suction cup from the the edge of the desktop; (ii) may pivot upward to prevent unfastening or dislocation of the at least one suction cup due to accidental impact on the front end of the first panel from below; and (iii) may be lifted to access storage space below it for holding stationery. When being fastened to a desktop, the preferred angle, depth and extension of the worktop are 17 degrees, 305mm and 114mm, respectively.

NON-POROUS BASE [US 63/083,905; and 63/087,871]

The desktop accessory preferably includes a base comprising: (a) a non-porous material (44, Fig. lOA-l lB) on which to fasten the at least one suction cup; and (b) a fastening means for fastening the non-porous material to a porous desktop; whereby the desktop accessory can be fastened to and used on a porous desktop.

WRIST REST [US 62/980,212; 62/981,754]

The desktop accessory preferably includes a removable wrist rest (24, Fig.2B-2C) for placement on the first panel behind the stay means, whereby: (i) with elbows supported on the armrests of a chair, the upward slant of a user’s forearms and wrists can be conveniently aligned with the use of a computer keyboard (30) positioned on the first panel behind the wrist rest; and (ii) a more comfortable, slightly laid-back sitting posture, and a more upright posture of the head and neck are facilitated when using a computer keyboard on the first panel.

STAY MEANS (spaced; adjustable; and detachable) [US 62/980,212; 62/981,754; 63/009,260] The stay means preferably comprises: (i) two lateral stays (34b, c; Fig.3A-3C) at or near the extremities of the front end; and (ii) an elongate middle stay (34a) including pins (46a, b) on the underside thereof. The first panel comprises holes (42a,b,c,d) along the front end for receiving the pins. By this means: (i) hardcopy such as loose pages (40, Fig.3A), open folders and books can be supported across the full width of the first panel, while affording comfortable access to the worktop for the hands between the elongate middle stay and lateral stays; and (ii) the elongate middle stay can be readily positioned on the left or right side, as may be desired, to accommodate the preferred sideways tilting of hardcopy for writing on (Fig.3C). The lateral stays (34b, c) preferably comprise a screw means (32) for connecting them to the first panel. By this means the first panel and stays can be manufactured from different stock, and shipped or replaced more cheaply.

REAR SUPPORT [US 62/980,212; and 62/981,754]

The desktop accessory preferably includes a rear support (22, Fig.4A-4E) for use immediately behind the first panel (worktop), said rear support comprising: (a) a second panel (22a) that includes a back end and a front end; (b) a back riser (22c) attached at or near the back end; (c) a front riser (22b) and stay means (22d) attached to the front end, and roughly at right-angles to the first panel; and (d) the second panel being roughly parallel to, and offset below the level of the first panel.

By this means: (i) with forearms and wrists supported on the first panel, a user’s fingers can be comfortably positioned over a computer keyboard (30) on the second panel (Fig.4B); (ii) with forearms supported on the first panel, a user’s fingers can be comfortably positioned over a laptop computer (36) on the second panel (Fig.4C); (iii) reading and writing on the first panel can be combined with the use of a computer keyboard (Fig.4B) or a laptop computer (Fig.4C) on the second panel; (iv) the second panel can support books, files and papers (21, Fig.4D) at a low angle that allows a computer monitor to be visible behind it; (v) a laptop computer on the rear support (36, Fig.4E) can be operated by a computer keyboard (30) on the first panel; and (vi) viewing or reading material on the rear support can be combined with reading, writing or drawing on the first panel (Fig.4D; 3A-3C; 4A).

The addition of a rear support behind the first panel greatly extends the versatility and multitasking capability of the first panel by enabling up to 12 different task combinations. It permits the combination of reading, writing, and keying, without having to adjust or remove anything to transition from one activity to the next. On any given occasion, the worktop and rear support can be used in different ways according to which activity is predominant, whether it is reading, writing, drawing, using a desktop computer keyboard, or using a laptop computer.

A KIT OR PACKAGE OF COMPONENTS

The present invention preferably includes parts provided in a kit or package comprising one or more components of one or more embodiments of the claimed invention, said components including but not limited to: (a) a worktop; (b) a stay; (c) a wrist rest; (d) a rear support; (e) dry adhesive; (f) a bracket; (g) a base; (h) a suction cup; (i) a first screw means; and (j) a second screw means. By this means said one or more components can be packaged for shipment, assembly, sale or replacement of parts, as may be desired.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS HEREIN.

FIGURES 1A-1D

In a first embodiment of the desktop accessory (Fig. lA-lD), the fastening means includes two suction cups (10a, b) comprising pivots (16a, b), and angle brackets (14a, b) that turn on the pivots. The brackets are fixedly attached near the back end of first panel so that the first panel is pivotally attached to the suction cups. It is possible also to use only one suction cup and one bracket.

FIGURES 5A-5C [US 62/980,212; 62/981,754]

In a second embodiment of the desktop accessory, the fastening means includes: (a) an elongate bracket (14, Fig.5A-5C) comprising two right-angled end portions; (b) two suction cups (10a, b) comprising brackets; and (c) two pivots (16a, b) that pivotally connect the suction cup brackets to the elongate bracket.

FIGURES 6A-6B [US 62/986,936]

In another version of the first embodiment, the fastening means includes one suction cup (10, Fig.6A-6B) comprising an angle bracket (14). The angle bracket comprises a first arm (14c) attached to the suction cup and a second arm (14d) fixedly attached at or near to, and roughly at right-angles to the back end of the first panel. The suction cup further comprises a pivot (16) and the first arm is pivotally attached to the pivot so that the first panel is pivotally attached to the at least one suction cup.

FIGURE ? [US 62/986,936]

In another version of the second embodiment, the fastening means comprises one suction cup (10, Fig.7) that includes an angle bracket (14). The angle bracket comprises a first arm (14c) attached to the suction cup and a second arm (14d) that fixedly attached near to, and roughly parallel to, the back end of the first panel. The second arm of the angle bracket comprises an elongate bar extending across the mid-section of the back end of the first panel. The suction cup further comprises a pivot (16) and the first arm is pivotally attached to the pivot so that the first panel is pivotally attached to the suction cup.

FIGURES 8A- 81 [US 63/009,260; and Fig.22A of US 62/061,812]

In a third embodiment, the at least one bracket comprises: (i) a first part (14c) that is configured for rigid connection to the first panel; (ii) a second part (14d) that connects the first part to a third part; and (iii) the third part (14e) being configured for rigid connection to the at least one suction cup. In one version of the third embodiment (8D-8E), the second part is rigidly attached to the first part and the third part. In a second version (Fig.8F), the second part is pivotally attached to the first part, and rigidly attached to the third part. In a third version (8G), the second part is rigidly attached to the first part, and pivotally attached to the third part. In a fourth verision (81) of the third embodiment, the second screw means comprises a bolt and nut (28).

In the third embodiment, the connective means comprises a first screw means (18, Fig.8A) in aligned holes for rigidly connecting the at least one bracket to the first panel. The at least one suction cup comprises a second screw means (28) for rigidly connecting the at least one suction cup to the at least one bracket. Lateral stays (34b, c) comprise a screw means (32) for connecting them to the first panel. By this means: (i) the first panel and stays can be manufactured more cheaply from different stock materials; and (ii) the first panel, the at least one bracket, and the at least one suction cup can be packaged in kits for sale, shipment, assembly, or replacement of parts, as may be desired.

FIGURES 9A-9B [Previously Fig.21A-21B of US 62/061,812] In a fourth embodiment (Fig.9A-9B), the at least one suction cup comprises a second screw means (28) for connecting it (10) to the at least one bracket. The at least one bracket comprises: (i) a first part connecting the back end to a second part; and (ii) the second part being configured for rigid connection to the at least one suction cup. In one version of the fourth embodiment (Fig.9A), the first part is pivotally connected to the back end, and in a second version (Fig.9B), the first part is pivotally connected to the second part.

FIGURES 10A-10B; 11A-11B

[Previously Fig.23A-23B of US 63/083,905; and Fig.24A-24B of US 63/087,871]

A fifth embodiment of the desktop accessory includes a base (44) comprising a non-porous material on which to position one or more suction cups, and a means for rigidly connecting the non-porous material to the desktop. In a first version of the fifth embodiment, the base comprises at least one acrylic plate (Fig. lOA-lOB) with screw means (48). In a second version, the base comprises two plastic discs that include an adhesive backing (44, Fig. l lA-l lB). Other possible options for a base include at least one device comprising: (i) a non-porous film, sheet or disc with an adhesive backing (11 A-l IB); (ii) a sticker; (iii) a plastic film, sheet or disc with a dry adhesive backing; (iv) a metal sheet or disc with a dry adhesive backing; (v) a suction cup comprising a dry adhesive film, coating or layer on the underside; (vi) a dry adhesive liquid, tape, paper or film provided for the user to apply to the suction cup or to a desktop; (vii) a hook & loop fastener; (viii) micro-suction tape; and (ix) magnetic tape.

FIGURES 12A-12D [Previously 25A-25D of US 63/092,183; and 63/127,264]

In a sixth embodiment: (a) the connective means comprises a first screw means (18, Fig. l2A) in aligned holes; and (b) the at least one suction cup (10a, b, Fig.12A-12B) comprises a second screw means (28) for connecting the at least one suction cup to a single bracket (14). The single bracket comprises: (i) a first part (14c) and a second part (14d) that are configured for rigid connection under each half of the first panel; (ii) a third part (14e) that connects the first and second parts, is perpendicular to them, and is roughly parallel to the back end; and (iii) a fourth ( 14f) part that is parallel to, co-extensive with, and pivotally connected to the third part.

FIGURES 13A-13E [Previously 26A-26E of US 63/127,264]

In a seventh, preferred embodiment, the connective means comprises a first screw means (18, Fig. l3D) in aligned holes. A single bracket (14) includes: (i) a first part (14c, Fig. l3A-13D) that is near to and roughly parallel to the back end, extends across the midsection of the first panel, and is configured for rigid connection to the first panel; (ii) a second part (14d) and a third part (14e) that are roughly perpendicular to the first part, and rigidly connected at or near to the ends of the first part; and (iii) a fourth part (14f) that is roughly parallel to the first part, and connects the second part to the third part at or near to the ends thereof (14d,e). The fourth part is attached to two suction cups (10a,b) so that the two suction cups can support and stabilize the bracket and the first panel on a desktop.

Preferably, the two suction cups comprise side pilot holes, and the fourth part comprises a round crossbar that passes through the side pilot holes. By this means, the second and third parts are pivotable upon the fourth part, and the fourth part is pivotable within the suction cups. The fourth part preferably includes: (a) threaded end portions (38a, b; Fig.l3B) that extend beyond the second and third parts; and (b) two lock nuts (52a, b) that can be fastened on the threaded end portions against the second and third parts. By this means the lateral stability of the second and third parts upon the fourth part can be improved.

FIGURES 14A-14D [Previously Fig.27A-27C of US 63/127,264]

Possible modifications of elements in the seventh embodiment include the following. Figure 14A shows two relatively short parts of two brackets instead of an elongate first part of a single bracket. Figure 14A also shows the use of one suction cup instead of two. Figure 14B shows two brackets aligned roughly perpendicular to the back end, and co-planar with the fourth part. Figure 14B also shows that one or more brackets can be positioned between two suction cups instead of the reverse. Figure 4C shows that one suction cup can be directly linked to one bracket in which the first part is parallel to the back end, said bracket and suction cup forming a unit that is unconnected to a second, similar unit. Figure 14D shows a single elongate bracket comprising two roughly U- shaped parts, the short arms of each being pivotally connected to those of the other. An upper U- shaped part is rigidly connected by screw means to the first panel, and a lower U-shaped part is rigidly connected by screw means to two supporting suction cups.

OBVIOUS VARIATIONS OF THE INVENTION

Although the invention has been described above by reference to certain embodiments of the invention, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Modifications and variations of the embodiments described above will occur to those skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. While the specific embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

For examples:

(a) The first panel can be made of any solid sheet material including but not limited to sheet plastic, sheet metal, plywood, or a grid panel made of such materials; and in various sizes.

(b) The stay means, screws, brackets and suction cups likewise can be made in a variety of sizes and materials known to the prior art.

(c) Regarding the number of suction cups, a single, centrally positioned suction cup and bracket can be adequately functional in any embodiment of the invention. More than two cups may also be accommodated. The number of suction cups possible is limited only by the available horizontal space.

(d) For the first screw means, a wide variety of screw options are available, and the screw means can be replaced by other means including but not limited to glues, epoxies, dry adhesives, slot joints, slide channel joints and other methods known to the field of permanent and detachable connections.

(e) The single bracket of Fig. 12A-12B can be inverted so that the first and second parts receive the suction cups instead, and the fourth part is rigidly connected to the first panel instead.

(f) Lock nuts (52a, b; Fig.13B) and threaded end portions (38a,b) are preferred improvements but not necessary.