Inverted Book-type Holder Patents (Class 248/445)
  • Patent number: 11464327
    Abstract: A media article support device for use by a user positioned in a bed includes a first rod, a coupler, and a clamping unit. The coupler is engaged to a first end of the first rod and can engage a bedrail of a bed or a surface above the bed. The clamping unit is engaged to a second end of the first rod and can selectively engage a media article, such as a book, electronic device, and the like. The coupler engages the bedrail of the bed or the surface above the bed so that the clamping unit is positionable proximate to a head of a user lying or sitting in the bed. The media article engaged to the clamping unit is positioned to be viewed by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Inventor: Bionca Smith
  • Patent number: 10980340
    Abstract: A tray holds a media device in a substantially facedown position. The tray may have a transparent bottom surface or a window, permitting content on the media device to be viewed from below, through the transparent surface or window. The tray may optionally be angled, at a fixed or adjustable angle, for optimal orientation during viewing. The tray may be secured to a wall, cabinet, table, or other surface or object, either in a fixed or adjustable position. The tray may include a lip around its edges, to ensure that the media device does not slide off during normal operation. Optionally, additional mechanisms can be provided to further secure the media device within the tray; these can include, for example, elastic strap(s), hook-and-loop fastener(s), adhesive fastener(s), magnet(s), tension clip(s), spring(s), a lid, and/or the like. The tray may also include cutouts to enable access to features of the media device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Inventor: Melissa Narula
  • Patent number: 9554966
    Abstract: An upper limb training apparatus includes a training apparatus main body that includes a base frame, and an operation rod to be operated by a trainee by hand. A chair is positioned in a right or in a left arm training position relative to the training apparatus main body. A monitor stand extends upward from the base frame. A monitor arm is provided in the monitor stand, and supports the monitor such that the position of the monitor can be adjusted in both right and left directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: MURATA MACHINERY, LTD.
    Inventor: Yuji Kuro
  • Patent number: 9204716
    Abstract: A frame arrangement for the inverted support of a tablet to enable a supine individual to read and operate the tablet. The frame arrangement comprises an arrangement of tablet-supporting side members for peripherally surrounding and supporting a tablet, and a plurality of length adjustable leg members attached to an underside portion of the tablet-supporting side members. The leg members have a tightenable universal swivel joint thereat, to permit the leg members to be positionally and lengthwise adjusted adjacent a supine user of the frame arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Inventor: Damon A. Carter
  • Patent number: 8955815
    Abstract: A supporting apparatus is disclosed. The supporting apparatus has a supporting device comprising a plurality of connected planar panels with a first panel, a second panel, an optional third panel, a fourth panel, and a fifth panel, and a locking component coupled to an edge region of at least one of the planar panels. The supporting apparatus further comprises a restraining unit configured to engage the series of connected panels such that the such that an edge of each of the first panel, the second panel, the fourth panel, and the fifth panel is restricted to movement within a base plane, the base plane being aligned with an orientation of the restraining unit, while another edge of each of the first panel, the second panel, the fourth panel, and the fifth panel is capable of moving out of the base plane. The electronic device can be a keyboard, a tablet computer, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: ACCO Brands Corporation
    Inventor: Ryan White
  • Patent number: 8950725
    Abstract: A frame stand includes a board, an interface plate and a supporting rack. The board is mounted on a display panel. The interface plate pivotally connects the board by a first shaft. The interface plate rotates in parallel with respect to the board and form a first rotate angle. The supporting rack connects the interface plate and has a second shaft and a supporting member. The supporting member swings a second angle by using the second shaft as an axis. The second shaft selectively approaches or moves away from a working surface. The frame stand switches between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the supporting member and the first side of display panel rest on the working surface. In the second state, the supporting member and the second side of display panel rest on the working surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Syncmold Enterprise Corp.
    Inventors: Wei-Yi Huang, Chunh-Siang Tsai
  • Patent number: 8561959
    Abstract: A viewing object retention device allows a viewing object to be arranged at an optimum position and enables an angle of the object to be adjusted so as to accord with a direction of a face of a viewer. The device includes a fixed base part, an arm part one end portion of which is turnably joined to the base part, and the other end portion of which extends along an axis line from this joining point toward a space above the viewer, a viewing object retention part located at the other end portion of the arm part to retain the object and a revolving mechanism that displaces the retention part angularly to the axis line with the turning of the arm part with the joining point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Fujimiyaseisakusho Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Norimichi Matsuoka
  • Publication number: 20130112834
    Abstract: A reading desk for use in a sitting or lying position includes a downwardly open box-shaped housing secured to the ceiling of a building, a take-up roll mounted within the housing, a rotation assembly mounted at one side of the take-up roll to rotate the take-up roll in the forward or reverse direction, a pair of belts, each of which has one end connected to the take-up roll to be wound on or unwound from the take-up roll and the other end extending downward from the housing, and a book holder having an upper portion connected to the other ends of the pair of belts and adapted to ascend or descend by the operation of the rotation assembly to be inserted into the housing or exposed to the outside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventor: Chul Keun Oh
  • Patent number: 8408504
    Abstract: A television support assembly includes a vertical support that has a top end and a bottom end. The vertical support is engageable with a bed frame. A monitor support is attached to the upper end. A panel is attached to the monitor support. The panel is configured to receive fasteners to hold a monitor on the panel. The panel has a bottom side facing downward and is angled between 10° and 50° with respect to a horizontal plane such that the bottom side is angled toward the vertical support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel Gonzales
  • Patent number: 8261473
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sign carrier apparatus specifically designed to be inserted into a vehicle hitch assembly to transport signs. Alternatively, the present invention provides for a free standinged receiver hitch, or free standing receiver hitch for storing the sign carrier apparatus when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventors: Joshua A. Bey, Sarah R. Bey
  • Patent number: 8136785
    Abstract: In accordance with the aspects of the present invention, an improved book holder for reading in bed is disclosed. The present invention includes a base panel, back panel, central slotted unit and moveable plexiglass plate rectangular in shape. The plexiglass includes a windowed region such that when using the invention with an e-book reader, the controls of the e-book reader can be accessed through the windowed region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: John Christopher Polster
  • Patent number: 8020829
    Abstract: The media player holder apparatus is easily, adjustably, and removably clamped onto an existing object. The clamp provides for adjustable gap without full separation of the two clamp halves. A stalk connects the clamp to a ball joint with selectively retained positioning via the clamp screw. The telescopic arm connected to the ball joint provides distance selectivity of the upper ball joint from the ball joint. The frictionally positioned upper ball joint positions the platform. The removable tray is positioned atop the platform with the multi-plane adjustment providing optimal positioning of a media player. The tray is hingedly lidded and further comprises a frictional surface within, with half straps for retaining a media player or other such device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Inventor: Nelson Tamayori
  • Patent number: 7887021
    Abstract: A laptop holder for an exercise apparatus is provided which includes a base having a generally planar front surface for receiving a laptop computer and a rear surface configured for engaging a generally planar surface of the exercise apparatus. At least one strap extends from the base and is configured to wrap around a portion of the exercise apparatus to form a loop with the base. Disposed on the base is a pocket defining a pocket opening for receiving a laptop computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Dard Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Bonni Shevin-Sandy
  • Patent number: 7857265
    Abstract: A mounting mechanism for a flat panel TV or other flat panel viewing device permits vertical positioning as well as swinging, swiveling, and tilting positioning of the flat panel viewing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Inventor: Jeffrey F. Adkisson
  • Patent number: 7568674
    Abstract: In accordance with the aspects of the present invention, an improved book holder for reading in bed is disclosed. The present invention includes a base panel, back panel, central slotted unit and moveable plexiglass plate rectangular in shape. Movement of the plexiglass plate to the different slotted positions allow the invention to accommodate books of any size. The user of the invention reads through the plexiglass, including the top edge thereof, to see the printed material on the open page of the book. The plate is not so large as to cover the entire printed page(s), reducing the size and weight to the invention and making it highly portable and storable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Inventor: John Christopher Polster
  • Patent number: 7540464
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved book holder. In particular, the present invention is directed to a book holder with easy loading and unloading of reading material, a page turning mechanism, book centering mechanism and/or a foldable book holder stand. The book holder preferably has a book support plate with a central gear with a plurality of teeth. A book is held by the invention by first and second book clamps having page-turning fingers pivotally connected to clamps. The fingers have flexible silicone rubber pads. The clamps are further adjustably attached to toothed arms engaged to the teeth of the central gear. Each clamp is held in place on the book on a pin by a bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Inventor: Badiollah R. Samari
  • Patent number: 7083155
    Abstract: A bookstand has a pivotally adjustable book holder having a frame with upper and lower book supporting plates slidable across each other to provide a book supporting surface of variable size for supporting spines and rear covers of open books of different sizes. The upper plate has a clasp for a central upper edge of an open book and the lower plate has a lower ledge supporting a lower edge of the book and formed with differently spaced sockets receiving plugs to trap open stacks of pages on both sides of an open book by engaging outermost pages exposed for reading, even when a reader is supine. Removing and transferring plugs between sockets releases trapped pages for turning and transfer of plugs between sockets accommodates progressive changes in cumulative total thickness of the stacks of pages on respective opposite sides of the book as the pages are turned during reading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Inventor: Loyce Smartt
  • Patent number: 6499766
    Abstract: A media folder or book binder provided with a rotor having elastic bands stretched between pins on its opposite ends has mounting brackets which are mechanically fastened to the spine of the folder. The brackets have trunnions facing inwardly toward the opposite ends of the rotor to journal the rotor. An important aspect of the invention is that each bracket is provided with a shroud which inhibits or prevents bands from disengaging with their supporting pins as a folded sheet is removed from or installed on the rotor under a strand of the band. In effect, winding-up of the bands during relative lateral movement of a sheet still occurs, but the adverse twisting affect of enabling the bands to slip off pins is prevented. The folder has straps fixed thereto and preferably formed integrally therewith at opposite ends of the folder's spine. These straps interact with latches on the mounting brackets to firmly hold the brackets in place mechanically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventor: Karl S. Schroeder
  • Publication number: 20020195534
    Abstract: The Book Holder Support Stand holds a book receiver which permits a person to read in many positions. The orientation of the book receiver attached to the stand can be adjusted with a single control. The invention is counterbalanced to permit substantial overhang, allowing the book holder to be placed close to furniture that extends down to the floor. It may be rolled around easily and can be carried up and down stairs using one hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventor: Herbert E. Goldberg
  • Patent number: 6298507
    Abstract: A hip grip table attachment apparatus for positioning and retaining a patient in a position lying on one side during hip or pelvic surgery is disclosed. The hip grip table attachment apparatus attaches to an operating table and has a removable top platform attachment for supporting surgical instruments that extends over and also protects the upper body of a patient lying on one side, an arm support attachment that supports an arm of the patient to prevent rolling, and pelvic positioner attachments that position and retain and the patient's lower pelvic region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Terry A. Clyburn
  • Patent number: 6283432
    Abstract: A book holder in which an open book may be placed and held in the cavity created by the positioning of an angled back piece, end pieces and front tabs joined to a solid bottom piece upon which the lower edge of the book rests with the open pages loosely secured under the inner edges of the front tabs. Said book holder can be hand held for reading or mounted to an optional swivel base by way of a protruding interlock key in the optional swivel base mating with a keyhole slot in the bottom of the book holder for desk top reading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventor: Frank J. Hoose, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6270049
    Abstract: An easel or book stand for the support of a book or booklet utilizing front and rear panels movable into a spread-apart relationship. An elongate base member attached between the lower edges of the panels includes a first flexible elongate component hingedly connected along the lower edge of the front panel as well as to a second elongate component. The second elongate component has a slightly greater width than the first elongate component, and through an intermediate base member, has a connection with the lower edge of the rear panel. The front panel, when its lower edge is moved a bit rearwardly from its spread-apart relationship with the rear panel, causes the first and second elongate components to move into an adjacent, substantially coplanar relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Douglas A. Olvey
  • Patent number: 6250599
    Abstract: The Universal Book Holder permits a person to read from supine, sideways facing, sideways-upward facing as well as from the usual forward and downward facing postures. The book holder accepts hard cover books, paperbacks, magazines and newspapers. Insertion and removal of books is done by the user without changing his/her reading position and does not require any manual dexterity whatever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Inventor: Herbert E. Goldberg
  • Patent number: 6220559
    Abstract: A reading assistive device 10 that suspends reading material above a reclining or supine user. Reading assistive device 10 communicates with the reading material using wing folds 20, 22 of page support 12. The reading material is fit through a central window 18 of page support 12 and the pages rest upon left wing fold 20 and right wing fold 22. Wing folds 20, 22 have slots 24, 26 that enable a the user directly, or with the mouthstick, to interact with the reading material pages. The reading material is secured between a rigid rod 42 and an elastic cord 68 that comprises part of a securing subassembly 40. An interlocking endcap 58 and an interlocking endcap 44 enable securing subassembly 40 to operably interact with page support 12. Page support 12 is supported by an articulated swing arm subassembly 38, which enables reading assistive device 10 to suspend reading material above a reclining or supine user from their bed or chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Steven Chow
  • Patent number: 6164218
    Abstract: A supine table comprises a rectangular base, a pair of L-shaped side panels and an inverted U-shaped transparent table top connected to the side panels; wherein the transparent table top is adjustable in height relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventor: Sandra Donalson
  • Patent number: 6045107
    Abstract: A holder for reading material while reclined such that the holder is light, portable, and easy to use. The holder allows for easy turning of pages and sufficient support for the reading material. The holder for reading material comprises a pair of horizontal base footings which are attached to a pair of vertical legs. The pair of vertical legs are attached to a pair of horizontal arms which support the reading material. A v-shaped piece is attached to the horizontal arms. The v-shaped piece assists in supporting the reading material. A pair of page clips are attached to the pair of horizontal arms. The pair of page clips clasp the pages of the book, thus, holding the book open to the page currently being read by the reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Inventor: Terry A. Carlson
  • Patent number: 6019339
    Abstract: A flexible resilient book holder which permits an open book to be placed between a first and second planar surface keeping the pages on each side of the book in a relatively flat plane to permit the reader to read both pages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Inventor: Myrna Brayford
  • Patent number: 5971343
    Abstract: A book stand (10) including a book rack (24) configured for coupling with a pair of support members (12,14) in a spanning relationship. The support members (12,14) are coupled with a pair of bases (16,18) for engaging the support surface. The book rack (24) includes front panels (46,48) and a back panel (44) being configured to receive front and back covers (54a,54b) of book (56) respectively therebetween with the pages (58) thereof extending through gap (50) defined by the spacing of the front panels (46,48). This allows a supine user to read while the book stand (10) supports the weight of book (56).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: George Marlak
  • Patent number: 5971344
    Abstract: A platform assembly is provided with a raised edge at the bottom against which a bottom edge of the open book rests. A securing device is provided with a bar with a hook at each end of the bar, first and second prongs extending downwardly from the lower side of the bar, first and second shafts mounted to the front side of the bar, and first and second restraining wheels secured to a corresponding one of the shafts by opposing springs mounted to each of the shafts. The securing device is installed on the platform by sliding the hooks over the upper side edges of the platform. The prongs of the securing device are positioned over inner sides of the front and back covers of an open book to secure the book to the platform assembly. The open book is positioned such that rounded tabs of the platform assembly and the restraining wheels of the securing device maintain the pages of the book in an open orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: David V. Ainsworth
  • Patent number: 5918907
    Abstract: A reading apparatus capable to support a book with adjustable angle includes: a base having a guiding groove and two sleeves, a supporting mechanism for supporting the book, and a clamping member for clamping the book on the supporting mechanism. The supporting mechanism includes a M-shaped frame defining two side rods, an elongated middle rod and an adjusting plate. The two side bars of the M-shaped frame are pivotally connected to the sleeves respectively. The middle rod is connected at middle of the M-shaped frame at one end thereof and is parallel to the two side bars. The adjusting plate is slidably and rotatably engaged with the middle rod and is formed with an oblique edge which can be received by the guiding groove at an adjustable position. The clamping member is pivoted to the front edge of the base for providing a clamping force facing the M-shaped frame. By adjusting the position of the adjusting plate along the guiding groove, the angle between the M-shaped frame and the base can be changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Cheng-Cheng Ho
  • Patent number: 5913502
    Abstract: The present invention is a unique solution to the problem of holding a document in a position to read the document while reclining in a bed or on a horizontal surface. In the prior art attempt to achieve positioning a document relative to a reclining user's field of view have been complex, costly and limited in the type of document positioned. The present invention is simple to install, light in weight so it can be easily positioned by a user and accommodates documents in sizes ranging from newspapers to paperback books. Paperback books are particularly difficult to accommodate because they tend to resist lying flat when opened. In the present invention a book clamp is positioned on the spine of the book and pushes the spine against the base flattening the paperback book. The present invention has a flexible attachment means functioning to attach the document holder to a vertical surface and provide a means of adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Inventor: Jimmie Wesley Smith
  • Patent number: 5655744
    Abstract: The present invention is a device for holding printed material over a viewer laying supine such that the material can be viewed from below and overhead illumination is reduced. The device comprises two horizontal supports slidably affixed to at least two rods so that they may be adjusted to accept most viewing material. These supports have a slip resistant coating so that the viewing material is held firm during viewing. At least one vertical support comprising two vertical, parallel legs connected by a horizontal leg support is rotatably affixed to the material support such that the device may be collapsed and easily hand carried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Inventor: Gregg Fredric Eisman
  • Patent number: 5590864
    Abstract: A handicapped artist's easel is constructed with a horizontal baseboard and an easel board pivotally mounted at the front end of the baseboard for rotation through substantially 180.degree. relative to the baseboard. At least one extendable and retractable arm is coupled between the easel board and the baseboard for varying the angle of the easel board relative to the baseboard from an acute angle to an obtuse angle great enough for presenting the front side of the easel board over the face of an artist painting or sketching with mouth held instruments and confined to a bed or wheelchair. The desired angle can be set by the telescoping arm. An appropriate support structure is provided for holding the weight of the cantilevered easel board at an obtuse angle without interfering in handicapped artist access to the easel board. Multiple uses of the adjustable easel are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Inventor: Leslie E. Menard
  • Patent number: 5485980
    Abstract: An inverted book stand having a book support platform comprised of two pivotally connected, transparent panels. The panels can be moved from a first, stowed position, where the panels are folded together and in close proximity to each other, to a second, in use position, where the panels are folded open to an angle of less than 180.degree. to form the support platform. The panels are formed with an integral, angle limiting feature at the pivotal connection to maintain the angle between panels when they are in the open position. Support members are pivotally connected to the outer edge of each panel, opposite to edge of the panel from where the panels are connected to each other. The support members can be moved from a first, stowed position, wherein each support member is in a closed position parallel and adjacent to its respective panel, and a second, in use position, where the support member is pivoted to an angle of more than 90.degree. from the panel surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Inventor: Paul Luccia
  • Patent number: 5458312
    Abstract: A book holding structure is provided having means to position a book in two positions, one for turning the pages of the book the other for reading from a supine position, means to flatten and to illuminate it and to convert it into a conventional easel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Inventor: Herbert E. Goldberg
  • Patent number: 5351927
    Abstract: A book holder with a back plate, a transparent cover plate movable relative to the back plate, and a connection between the back plate and the cover plate which permits the cover plate to move relative to the back plate so as to provide guided movement of the cover plate toward and away from the back plate in substantially co-planar relationship, whereby lateral support arms are fixed relative to the cover plate, hollow receiver plates are fixed relative to the back plate and the hollow receiver plates are of such internal configuration as to enable the lateral support arms to slide therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Inventor: Richard J. Howell
  • Patent number: 5259581
    Abstract: A book holding structure is provided having means to position the book in two positions, one for turning the pages of the book and the other for reading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Inventor: Herbert E. Goldberg
  • Patent number: 5129616
    Abstract: A highly adjustable and simple to use book holder for supine or seated readers is provided by pairs of legs joined near their tops by slotted brackets, which pairs of legs define vertical planes straddling the reader. The slotted brackets allow the relative positions of the upper ends of the support legs to be adjusted. A book tray defining a transverse plane extends between the vertical planes formed by the leg pairs. Its location changes as the leg coupling brackets are adjusted. The tray rotates around an axis extending through holes near the upper ends of one or the other of the legs making up each pair. The variable position of the upper ends of the legs due to the slotted brackets, the rotatable tray, and the variable angle between the legs of each pair permit the position and orientation of the book relative to the viewer to be adjusted at will. A transverse auxiliary support brace is optionally provided between the outward legs of each pair to support the book holder on the thighs of a seated person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Inventor: K. Lynden Carson
  • Patent number: 5112021
    Abstract: A bookholder device includes a main arm portion for hinged attachment to a wall (or alternatively, for free standing support on the floor). A clutch assembly portion is attached to the main arm, and releasably engages a rod member. A tray bracket is pivotally connected to the rod member, and further pivotally supports a book tray portion. This book tray supports the book in question by a combination of contact by a tray base, tray perimeter flanges, and a height-adjustable tray crossmember.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Inventor: Philip D. Greene
  • Patent number: 5058848
    Abstract: A device for positioning reading material for use by a person in the horizontal position. The device includes a frame, including a base, a vertical arm extending above the base, and a horizontal arm extending over the location of the person. Also included is a housing for mounting the horizontal portion of the frame. The housing includes a back plate extending horizontally in the frame and a reader plate frame for housing a reader plate. The reader plate frame is below the back plate and is spaced therefrom to position reading material in an open orientation facing the person.Also include are first and second clear reader plates mounted horizontally in the reader plate frame to enclose both sides of reading material while leaving a spaced region between the plates for access to the reading material by a person in the horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Inventor: James A. Ferraro
  • Patent number: 4925144
    Abstract: A bookholder is described, relying on a single unitary or articulated main member to support a book in contact with one end thereof, with the aid of crossbars and/or clamps mating therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Inventor: Dennis E. White
  • Patent number: 4867407
    Abstract: A support is characterized by having a bendable arm that has an inner nonmoveable, longitudinal end portion thereof retained in a stationary position and an outer bendable free end portion extending through and in supporting contact with a wall that forms a passageway that extends through the base of an object to be supported so that the object can be moved about its stationary end to any desired horizontal, vertical or angularly displaced position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Inventor: Fred R. Becker
  • Patent number: 4840407
    Abstract: A cylindrical array of cables that hold sheets of music in a binder are connected to and stretched along a center post mounted for rotation about an axis parallel to the centerline of the spine of the binder. In use, a first sheet of music is slipped between a cable and the center post and centered behind the cable. A second sheet of music is centered behind the next adjacent cable, and so forth. Successive cables may be exposed by rotating the center post. The cables are preferably formed from elastic bands or loops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1989
    Inventor: Karl S. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 4718630
    Abstract: A portable supporting device is provided and has a frame having an upper and lower surface with a transparent sheet member secured in a recess in the upper surface and a plurality of hollow tubes providing leg mounting means on the lower surface of the frame adjacent each corner thereof with four of the hollow tubes cooperating when legs are provided therein to form a portable table for supporting a book for reading in bed and a different four of the hollow tubes cooperating when legs are provided therein to form a table for providing a portable lap writing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1988
    Inventor: Betty A. Richard
  • Patent number: 4496126
    Abstract: A simplified and inexpensive book holder for use by readers without arm mobility is operable for both reclining and sitting readers. Reading visibility is not obscured by page holding clamps. Thus, a set of monofilament lines is horizontally disposed across the open pages of a book to hold them in reading posture. These lines also provide simple page turnability by means of a stick held in the mouth. The construction thus is basically a four walled framework with two or three monofilament lines across one open end. A set of clamps extending inwardly from the walls holds a book cover in place with the pages open. A pivoted set of clamps attached to the walls will mount the book holder on the edge of a table for reading in vertically oriented sitting position or horizontally oriented reclining position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1985
    Inventors: R. Stanley Melton, James R. Davis
  • Patent number: 4465255
    Abstract: The invention comprises a flat base member which is inserted between the mattress and spring of a bed, a pair of arms of different lengths, each of which is pivoted at one end in an end of the base member, and at the other end to an end of a preferably transparent table on which the reading material rests face down. The pivot arrangements on the table are such that the article can be adapted for use on either side of a bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1984
    Inventor: David F. Hill
  • Patent number: 4431156
    Abstract: A reading matter support for a reader reclining in bed, including a frame supporting an adjustably inclined, transparent panel upon which the reading material is placed for being read from therebelow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1984
    Inventor: Digno Mena
  • Patent number: 4321917
    Abstract: A surgical drape support device for use with a cover sheet and a conduit for supplying oxygen to a patient disposed on a surgical operating table. The device has a base member which is inserted between a mattress and the surgical table and a support rod which has a drape arm for disposition over a patient. The drape arm can also function as an oxygen distribution means. The base member and the support rod are interconnected by a unitary adjustment means which provides for at least four degrees of adjustment motion for the drape support arm. All adjustments to control the positioning of the drape arm are made from a location removed from the operating field and the patient and are made without removing the overlying drape which is used to retain an oxygen atmosphere over the patient's nose and mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1982
    Inventor: William H. Campbell
  • Patent number: 4313589
    Abstract: The disclosure is of a desk for supporting material being read by a person who is in a seated or reclining position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1982
    Inventor: Adrian S. Vega
  • Patent number: 4294425
    Abstract: The present apparatus suspends a book above the reader from an overhead support. It includes a suspension line hanging down from two support attachments above. Suspended from the middle of the line is an assembly of a book tie rod which holds the book along its spine and a suspension bar extending from side to side behind the cover of the book. An apertured control tube couples the book tie rod to the suspension bar. Page retainers are carried by the suspension bar to engage the open pages of the book. A pitch line extends down to the suspension bar at one side of the book from a pitch bar which engages the opposite sides of the hang line a short distance above the suspension bar and tie rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1981
    Inventor: Paul J. Weber