Collapsible Article Support

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for supporting a reading article in an open reading position, and, more particularly, to an adjustable apparatus permitting a variety of adjusting motions so as to ensure proper angle and line of vision of the reading article with respect to the reader. Moreover, the present invention is directed to a portable support apparatus capable of assuming a collapsed condition thereby facilitating storage and transport thereof.

2. Description of Related Art

Many people, particularly students, office workers, etc. complain of neck pain while reading in a sitting position. This pain is caused by poor posture due to a forward flexed head position necessary to read the material lying on the table or desk top. Forward flexion of the head at angles greater than 20 degrees lead to pain and fatigue of the posterior neck muscles. Prolonged awkward postures such as this is a causative factor of cumulative trauma disorder. Although sometimes referred to as repetitive motion injuries, cumulative trauma disorders involve factors such as repetitive motions, mechanism stress, and improper postures among others. These factors require more muscle effort, allowing less recovery time which can lead to fatigue and scarring and weakening of structures such as ligaments, disks, muscles, bones, nerves, blood vessels, and tendons. If such injuries are ignored, chronic pain or disability may often be the end result.

It is known in the art to utilize reading article supports or stands to orient an article in an open reading position. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,501,019 to Attick; 3,952,989 to Bannister Hatcher and 4,886,231 to Doerksen. Although not specifically intended to minimize the degree of flexion of the head, these devices inherently provide some relief to the reader in that the article is supported in a general upright position. Consequently, the line of sight of the reader is improved, i.e., more horizontally oriented as compared to the line of sight defined with the reading article lying flat on, for example, a table top.

Although known prior art devices have proven to be generally effective in maintaining reading material in an open upright position, these devices have their own particular shortcomings which detract from their usefulness. For example, such devices are limited with respect to their adjustability along several axes, i.e., along a horizontal and/or vertical plane, and with respect to the adjustability of the angular orientation of the reading article. In addition, the devices are generally complicated requiring a number of component parts, thus increasing the difficulty of operation. Moreover, known devices are not particularly adapted to handle reading articles of varying sizes, particularly, large or oversized reference books.

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to an apparatus which addresses the disadvantages of the prior art. Generally speaking, the invention is directed to an apparatus for supporting a reading article in an open position. The apparatus includes a base member having a base supporting surface for supporting a reading article along a lower edge of the reading article when in an open position and being appropriately dimensioned to accommodate reading articles of varying sizes, and a backing member operatively connected to the base member and extending at least in a vertical direction relative to the base member and having a backing support surface for supporting the reading article. The base member is foldable preferably along a hinge to a closed position thereof to be in superposed relation with respect to the backing member. At least one leg member may be associated with one of the base member and the backing member. The one leg member is selectively adjustable to at least adjust the vertical positioning of the base member to thereby at least adjust the vertical position of the reading article. Means may be provided for releasably securing the one leg member at a plurality of predetermined positions with respect to the base member. Preferably, the one leg member is telescopically received within a correspondingly dimensioned bore defined within the backing member.

At least one brace member may be connected to the backing member. The one brace member is movable to selectively adjust the angular orientation of the backing member. A locking brace may be provided and connected to either the base member or the backing member. The locking brace is engagable by the brace member to selectively position the backing member at a desired angular orientation. Preferably, at least two brace members are provided whereby a first of the brace members is connected to an upper portion of the backing member and a second of the brace members is connected to the first brace member and engagable with the locking brace. The first and second brace members are preferably adapted for relative movement to adjust the effective length of the two members thereby providing another manner to adjust the angular orientation of the backing member. A securing member may be associated with the brace members and is movable to secure the relative positioning of the first and second brace members.

The apparatus may further include at least one lower article clamp associated with the base member and moveable in a lateral direction with respect to the backing member to releasably engage a lower portion of the reading article. A locking member for securing the lower article clamp at a plurality of predetermined lateral positions may be provided. Preferably, the lower article clamp is rotatable about an axis of rotation to assume a closed position in general superposed relation with respect to the base member.

The apparatus may further include an upper article clamp associated with the backing member and dimensioned and configured to releasably engage an upper portion of the reading article. Preferably, at least the vertical positioning of the upper article clamp is adjustable relative to the backing member to accommodate reading articles of varying heights.

In an alternate embodiment, the apparatus for supporting a reading article includes a base member having a base supporting surface for supporting a reading article along a lower edge of the reading article when in an open position, a backing member operatively connected to the base member and extending at least in a vertical direction relative to the base member and having a backing support surface for supporting the reading article, and at least one leg member associated with one of the base member and the backing member. The one leg member is selectively adjustable to at least adjust the vertical positioning of the base member to thereby at least adjust the vertical positioning of the reading article.

In another alternate embodiment, the apparatus for supporting a reading article includes a base member having a base supporting surface for supporting a reading article along a lower edge of the reading article when in an open position, a backing member operatively connected to the base member and extending at least in a vertical direction relative to the base member and having a backing support surface for supporting the reading article, and an upper article clamp associated with the backing member to releasably engage an upper portion of the reading article. Preferably, at least the vertical positioning of the upper article clamp is adjustable to accommodate reading articles of varying heights.

Preferred embodiments of the disclosure are described herein with reference to the drawings wherein:

FIGS. 1-2 are frontal and rear perspective views of the apparatus constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view similar to the view of FIG. 1 illustrating a reading article supported by the apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a lower article clamp for releasably engaging a lower portion of the reading material;

FIGS. 5A-5B are cross-sectional views similar to the view of FIG. 4 illustrating the lower article clamp biased inwardly by a spring mechanism;

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view illustrating movement of the lower article clamps to a closed position in superposed relation with the base member;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a leg member telescopically received within a bore of the backing member to adjust the vertical position of the base member;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines 8--8 of FIG. 2 illustrating the locking mechanism for securing the relative positioning of the first and second brace members;

FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view illustrating folding of the brace members in accordance with a preferred sequence of folding the apparatus;

FIG. 10 is a view similar to the view of FIG. 9 illustrating the locking member folded onto the brace members in accordance with the preferred sequence; and

FIG. 11 is a frontal perspective view illustrating folding of the base member in superposed relation relative to the backing member.

Referring now in detail in which like reference numerals identify similar or like elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1-3 illustrate, in perspective, the apparatus 10 constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Apparatus 10 is intended to support a reading material or article in an open position and, as will be further appreciated from the description provided hereinbelow, is readily adaptable to accommodate articles ranging in a variety of sizes. Apparatus 10 is also adjustable with respect to its vertical, horizontal and angular positions to ensure reader comfort and to satisfy ergonomic concerns. Moreover, apparatus 10 is readily collapsible to be positioned in a brief case, book bag, etc. . . . for ease of transport.

Apparatus 10 includes backing member 12 and base member 14 connected to the backing member 12 through first and second hinge elements 16. Base member 14 defines base supporting surface 18 which is intended to support the lower edges of reading article A (e.g., a book, magazine, journal, etc. . . . ) (FIG. 3). Base supporting surface 18 is advantageously dimensioned to accommodate reading articles of varying sizes and thicknesses and preferably ranges in length "L" from about 9 inches to about 18 inches, more preferably 12 inches and in width "W" from about 1 inch to about 6 inches, more preferably 3 inches. Base supporting surface 18 defines a general horizontal plane when in the open position as depicted in FIG. 1.

Backing member 12 defines a backing support surface 12a extending in a general vertical direction when in the open position. Backing member 12 preferably ranges in height "H" from about 10 inches to about 20 inches, more preferably about 14 inches. Further details of backing member 12 will be discussed in more detail hereinbelow.

With reference now to FIG. 4, in conjunction with FIG. 1, first and second article clamps 20 are mounted to base member 14. Article clamps 20 are intended to releasably engage the lower portion of the reading article "A" to maintain the article in the open position depicted in FIG. 3. Article clamps 20 are generally U-shaped as shown and possess an article engaging segment 22 which engages the pages of the article support "A". The remote end of each article engaging segment 22 has an engaging knob 23 which directly contacts the pages of the reading article. Knobs 23 are preferably fabricated from a suitable rubber or polymeric material to enhance frictional engagement with the pages of the article "A". In a preferred mounting arrangement of article clamp 20, a mounting segment 24 of each article clamp 20 is received within a correspondingly dimensioned lateral or transverse bore 26 defined in base member 14 to mount the article clamp 20 to the apparatus. Each article clamp 20 is laterally movable (as shown in phantom in FIG. 4) relative to backing member 12 as provided by translation of mounting segment 24 through bore 26, to accommodate books of varying thicknesses. A pair of winged locking bolts 28 may be provided to engage mounting segments 24 of article clamp 20 to secure each clamp at a desired lateral position. Locking bolts 28 are received within threaded bores 30 extending from the lower surface of base member 14. It is also envisioned that one article clamp 20 (instead of two) may be utilized to accomplish the objectives of the present invention.

FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate an alternate embodiment of the article clamps 20. In accordance with this embodiment, each article clamp 20 is normally biased toward backing member 12 by coil spring 32. In particular, coil spring 32 is mounted within a recessed section 34 of base member 14 and engages at one end support surface 36 of base member 14 and at its other end spring collar 38 of the article clamp 20. Spring collar 38 is fixed about the outer surface of mounting segment 24 of article clamp 20 or may be integrally formed therewith. With this arrangement, article clamp 20 is normally biased in a direction toward backing member 12 thus causing engaging segment 22 and knob 23 to engage the reading article "A". FIG. SB illustrates coil spring 32 in a compressed condition corresponding to a position of article clamp 20 when in engagement with the reading article "A".

With reference now to FIG. 6, in conjunction with FIG. 4, article clamp 20 is rotatably movable about an axis of rotation extending through mounting segment 24 between an operative position depicted in FIG. 4 and the non-operative position depicted in FIG. 6. In the non-operative position, article clamp 20 is in superposed relation with base member 14. Preferably, base member 14 includes first and second mounting grooves 40 extending through support surface 18 of base member 14 to receive article clamps 20 when in the non-operative position to thereby reduce the overall profile of the folded base member 14.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-3, apparatus 10 further includes an upper article clamp 42 which is configured to releasably engage the upper portion of the reading article "A". Upper article clamp 42 is preferably a conventional spring clamp pivotally movable between the closed position depicted in FIG. 1 and the open position depicted in FIG. 3. Other types of clamps are envisioned as well such as the article clamp 20 described hereinabove. Article clamp 42 is mounted to clamp support plate 44, which is, in turn, slidably mounted to backing member 12. In a preferred arrangement, the edge portions 44a of clamp support plate 44 are received within correspondingly dimensioned longitudinal slots 46 defined between side mounts 48 and the support surface 12a of backing member 12. Side mounts 48 may be integrally formed with backing member 12 or may be separate components affixed to the backing member 12 as shown. Clamp support plate 44 is selectively movable in a general vertical direction as indicated by the directional arrow of FIG. 1 to selectively adjust the vertical positioning of article clamp 42, thus, to accommodate books of varying height. As best depicted in FIG. 2, a plurality of wing bolts 50 extend through the rear surface of backing member 12 and engage the rear surface of clamp support plate 44 to positively fix the clamp support plate 44 at a desired vertical position. Wing bolts 50 may be similar in function and structure to those described in connection with lower article clamp 20.

Thus, the movement of clamp support plate 44 relative to backing member 12 enables the user to increase the effective length of backing member 12 so as to provide support for significantly large (in length) books. It is to be noted that clamp support plate 44 may move toward base member 12 to a position whereby lower edge 44b (FIG. 1) of clamp support plate 44 engages base member 14 to accomodate books smaller in length.

Referring now to FIG. 7, in conjunction with FIGS. 1-2, apparatus 10 further includes first and second vertical leg members 52 telescopically received within correspondingly dimensioned bores 54 extending through backing member 12. Leg members 52 are slidably movable within bores 54 to selectively adjust the vertical positioning of base member 14. Accordingly, the vertical location of the reading article "A" may be selectively adjusted to ensure the article "A" is at a proper reading level to minimize forward flexion of the head. As depicted in FIG. 2, a plurality (two are shown) of wing bolts 56 extend from the rear through threaded bore 58 of backing member 12 to engage vertical leg members 52 to secure the vertical leg members 52 at any desired position. Leg members 52 may have suction cups 60 at their remote ends to enhance engagement with the table top.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, in conjunction with FIG. 8 which is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines 8--8 of FIG. 2, apparatus 10 further includes first and second brace members 62, 64 which permit adjustment of the angular orientation of backing member 12. First brace member 62 is pivotally connected to the upper portion of backing member 12 through hinge joint 66. Second brace member 64 is slidably mounted to first brace member 62 via a pin and slot arrangement. In particular, each brace member 62, 64 includes a longitudinal slot 68 in general alignment with the respective slot of the other brace member. A pair of mounting wing bolts 69 extend through the corresponding slots 66. Preferably, first brace member 62 has locking nuts 70 (FIG. 8) which threadably engage mounting bolts 69 to thereby secure the brace members 62, 64 at a plurality of relative positions. Second brace member 64 is slidably movable relative to first brace member 62 to adjust the overall effective length of the brace members 62, 64, the significance of which will be appreciated from the description provided hereinbelow.

With particular reference to FIG. 2, a locking brace 72 is pivotably connected to the lower rear surface of backing member 12 through hinge joint 74. Locking brace 72 is advantageously configured to be engaged by the first and second brace member 62, 64 arrangement to maintain the first and second brace members 62, 64 at a desired angular orientation with respect to the backing member 12. Accordingly, the angular orientation of backing member 12 may be adjusted to selectively orient the angular orientation relative to the vertical of the reading article "A". Locking brace 72 includes a plurality of transverse slots 74 which receive the lower edge 64a of second brace member 64 to maintain the first and second brace arrangement 62, 64 at a desired orientation, i.e, to position the backing member 12 towards a more vertical orientation, lower edge 64a is positioned in one of the slots 74 proximate backing member 12. To position backing member 12 at a more inclined orientation, lower edge 64a of second brace member 64 is positioned in one of the slots 74 remote to backing panel 12.

It is to be appreciated that the overall effective length of the first and second brace arrangement 62, 64 may also be adjusted to control the angular orientation of backing member 12, i.e. the effective length may be increased which would position the backing member 12 in a more vertical position. Alternatively, the effective length may be decreased which would position the backing member 12 at a more inclined position. It is also envisioned that locking brace 72 may be removed whereby the lower edge 64a of second brace member 64 would contact the desktop or table with the angular orientation of backing member 12 adjusted solely through the changing of the effective length of the brace members 62, 64 in the manner discussed above. With this arrangement, a rubber surface may be adhered to the lower edge 64a of second brace member 64 to facilitate engagement with the table surface. Alternatively, a suction cup such as that described in connection with leg members 52 may be utilized to engage the table top.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-11, collapsing of the apparatus to facilitate transport will be discussed. Initially, first and second brace members 62, 64 are disengaged from locking brace 72. Second brace member 64 is then moved relative to first brace member 62 such that the lower edges of the brace members 62, 64 are in general alignment. Thereafter, the brace members 62, 64 are pivoted along hinge 66 such that they are positioned flat against the rear of backing member 12. Locking brace 72 is pivoted upwardly against brace members 62, 64 as depicted in FIG. 10. Preferably, locking brace 72 includes two apertures 76 formed therein to receive wing bolts 68 to ensure that the locking brace 72 lies flat against second brace member 62. Locking brace 72 has a Velcro.TM. strip 78 which engages Velcro.TM. strip 80 on second brace member 64 to retain the locking brace 72 in the secured position. Other means for retaining locking brace 72 in the secured position are envisioned as well including locking hooks, tabs, etc. . . .

With reference now to FIG. 11, leg members 52 are moved upwardly by disengaging wing bolts 56 and advancing the leg members 52 within bores 54 of backing member 12. Wing bolts 56 may then be tightened to ensure that the leg members 52 are secured in this position. Base member 14 is then pivoted upwardly along hinges 16 to the superposed position with respect to backing member shown in FIG. 11. Velcro strips 82, 84 (FIG. 1) disposed on base member 14 and backing member 12, respectively, may be utilized to maintain the base member 14 in the secured position.

Thus, the apparatus of the present invention can support a reading article in a sturdy upright position and is readily adjustable to ensure a proper line of sight regardless of the reader's position or location of the table top. The apparatus can be collapsed to facilitate transport and storage. Preferably, the structural components are fabricated from a polymeric material through injection molding techniques although it is envisioned that wood or stainless steel may be used as well.

While the above description contains many specifics, these specifics should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but merely as an exemplification of a preferred embodiment thereof. Those skilled in the art will envision other possible variations that are within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the claims appended hereto.