With Article Gripping Means Patents (Class 248/451)
  • Publication number: 20030168569
    Abstract: An adjustable support structure for temporary sign displays formed from a vertically oriented rigid panel having a plurality of length and angle adjustable support arms. Each arm has a distal end thumb screw attachment to a T-nut on the sign. The arm is adjustably anchored to the panel by a bolt extending from the panel through a longitudinal oval slot in the arm to engage a wingnut. Additional hardware prevents loss of movable parts. Sign stiffening battens are tethered to the panel. A stiffening tray parallely spaced apart from the back of the panel further bears against and secures the support arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Anton K. Simson, Dan C. Pulos
  • Patent number: 6578811
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved paper holder having minimal components and functioning by gravitational action to retain paper. Need for an elastic biasing member for biasing a holding member is eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Hiromori Inc.
    Inventor: Hitoshi Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20030057344
    Abstract: A pillow book holder capable or allowing a reader to read a book without unnecessary hand muscle strain while at the same time the pillow book holder is capable of falling without damaging itself, the book, or losing the page place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Joyce E. Wainscott, Lorin S. Park
  • Patent number: 6513779
    Abstract: A book-holding device constructed from a block of semi-rigid foam, including a cut-out which forms a frontal ledge. A wire runs horizontally through a back section of the foam structure, extending outwardly from both sides in an arm-like fashion. When an open book is placed upon the frontal ledge, the wires bend or adjust forwardly to hold the book in place upon the foam structure. Importantly, the wire may be coated with vinyl or the like to prevent damage to the pages, and to allow the pages to turn with ease. Thus, the present invention allows for hands-free reading in an effective and convenient manner. Such is particularly helpful to persons with an impaired arm or wrist. In addition, the present invention is effective for persons who are utilizing their hands for other applications, such as cooking or typing. Finally, the present invention may also be used to display an open book for the purposes of decoration or design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventor: Patti Halpin
  • Publication number: 20030001063
    Abstract: A book-holding device constructed from a block of semi-rigid foam, including a cut-out which forms a frontal ledge. A wire runs horizontally through a back section of the foam structure, extending outwardly from both sides in an arm-like fashion. When an open book is placed upon the frontal ledge, the wires bend or adjust forwardly to hold the book in place upon the foam structure. Importantly, the wire may be coated with vinyl or the like to prevent damage to the pages, and to allow the pages to turn with ease. Thus, the present invention allows for hands-free reading in an effective and convenient manner. Such is particularly helpful to persons with an impaired arm or wrist. In addition, the present invention is effective for persons who are utilizing their hands for other applications, such as cooking or typing. Finally, the present invention may also be used to display an open book for the purposes of decoration or design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Patti Halpin
  • Patent number: 6499713
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding an associated open book on which some indicia appears which includes apparatus for gripping an associated work surface and apparatus for supporting an associated article on which indicia appears, the apparatus for supporting being fixed to said apparatus for gripping. In some forms of the invention the apparatus for gripping an associated work surface comprises a generally U-shaped clamp dimensioned and configured for engaging an associated generally horizontal planar work surface. The apparatus for supporting may be a first generally planar member. The generally planar member may have an opening formed therein. A substantial part of the generally U-shaped clamp has a surface area that is less than the area of the opening in the generally planar member. The first generally planar member may include at least one rib formed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventor: John J. Paoluccio
  • Patent number: 6481687
    Abstract: A paper holder (100) comprising a base (10), a pair of front and rear jaws (21 & 22) provided on the base (10) for gripping a sheet of document by its lower end to holder generally upright. A hinge (30) connects the front jaw (21) to the base (10) for pivotal movement relative to the rear jaw (22) for opening and closing the jaws (21 & 22). A spring (35) resiliently biasses the front jaw (21) towards the rear jaw (22). The front jaw (21) has an upper surface (23A) extending over and above the base (10) for pressing by a user to pivot the front jaw (21) away from the rear jaw (22) against the action of the spring (35). The jaws (21 & 22) have respective inner surfaces (25A & 26A) for gripping, which are of comparable size as each other and are curved in a complementary manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: BHS International, Inc.
    Inventor: Boman K Najmi
  • Patent number: 6431349
    Abstract: An article, such as an artist's canvas (12), having at least one touch sensitive area (14) on its surface is carried in a device (10) comprising a base (16), side walls (18, 19, 20, 21), and a cross-member (22) extending across the device (10) in a position spaced from the base (16). A plurality of contact pins (24) are carried by the cross-member (22) and extend towards the base (16). The location of the contact pins (24) on the cross-member (22) can be adjusted, thereby to enable the contact pins (24) to make contact with the article (12) at positions spaced from the touch sensitive area (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventors: David Christian Shepherd, Kathleen Margaret Shepherd
  • Patent number: 6386500
    Abstract: A book or copy holder is disclosed having a base, a rack and a shelf. The base includes a pair of parallel, elongated slots formed therein and cut at a different angles relative to the top surface of the base. The rack includes a flat front surface having several elongated slots formed therein which extend through the rack and a tab extending from the bottom edge of the rack. The tab is complimentarily in shape to the slots formed in the base, so that the rack is supported in a stable, inclined position when the tab is inserted into one of the slots formed in the base. The shelf includes a tab extending from its rear edge which is complimentarily in shape to the slots formed in the rack, so that the shelf may be supported in a stable position when the tab is inserted into one of the slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Dainoff Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: Marilyn Hecht Dainoff, Richard H. Prigozen
  • Patent number: 6367761
    Abstract: A paper holder is provided in which the moving parts are shielded as much as possible to avoid injuring an individual using the same. An elastic biasing member for biasing a moving holding member towards a fixed holding member and thereby securing paper is entirely shielded from contact with an individual and is disposed to extend in a direction towards the fixed holding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Hiromori Inc.
    Inventor: Hitoshi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6367760
    Abstract: A convertible book holder for holding and positioning books and documents. The book holder includes a document support surface with a removable support and engagement clip interengaged with a portion of said document support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Samuel Pagano
  • Patent number: 6311940
    Abstract: A stand member for an image reading apparatus includes a pair of front and rear protruded portions, wherein a lower part of the image reading apparatus disposed in a vertically installed condition is received between the pair of protruded portions to support the image reading apparatus in the vertically installed condition. A laid-down position of the image reading apparatus in a front-and-rear direction is regulated by the pair of protruded portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masato Koshimizu
  • Patent number: 6286800
    Abstract: An elongate note holder for paper and the like which is mounted to the topside or lateral side of a CRT computer monitor 21 which serves as a retainer to vertically display notes and the like so that the user may easily insert the notes into the holder and make ready reference to the information contained on the note and then easily remove the note after the use is completed. The note holder is an elongate structure with a socket 10 with generally the cross-sectional shape of the letter U encasing two adjacent tubular resilient members 12 and thus forming three grooves for holding notes along the length of socket 10. The multiple groove design multiplies the number of notes that may be individually organized and manipulated without having to bunch unrelated notes together after the length of the first groove is filled with notes. Socket 10 is comprised of two parallel lateral walls 10A connected by base wall 10B.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventors: Tristan P. Junius, Khathrinah Russ Bliss
  • Patent number: 6283433
    Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method of fixing relatively loose multipage articles such as magazines to a back board. A band (16) is passed between pages of the article (10) and the ends (26) are secured to the front or back of a back board (12) or to themselves so as to sandwich one or more pages of the article (10) to the back board (12). The band (16) is preferably transparent so as to be unobtrusive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventor: Jonathan Lloyd-Hind
  • 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: 6273374
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided including at least one mounting assembly coupled to a computer monitor for removably mounting a sheet of paper in coplanar relationship with a screen of the computer monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: James Mc Duffey
  • Patent number: 6234441
    Abstract: A book stand is provided with a base adapted to fit under a person's leg, a first arm pivotally connected to the base, a second arm telescopically attached to the first arm, and a book rack pivotally mounted on the second arm for supporting a book. An I-shaped page retainer is pivotally mounted on the rack and includes laterally extending upper and lower fingers for holding opposing pages of the book open for reading. The page retainer includes telescoping segments such that the distance between the fingers can be adjusted to accommodate different size books. A book light optionally can be attached to the book rack for lighting the pages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: Jerry E. Gordon
  • Publication number: 20010000901
    Abstract: A document retaining system for retaining documents in a protected manner while allowing easy and convenient access to the documents. The inventive device includes a base having a pair of opposing slots, and a cover having a pair of opposing pins that are slidably positioned within the slots. The cover is formed to removably fit within the interior cavity of the base and for removably covering the interior cavity of the base. Various documents may be stored and utilized within the base and the cover along with various auxiliary devices such as clamps and partition members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Publication date: May 10, 2001
    Applicant: Saunders Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Kambouris, Gene A. Barker
  • 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: 6216996
    Abstract: A live hinge for clipboard clip box (10) having a cover (12) which comprises a cover rear (12A), cover front (12F), cover left side (12L), cover right side (12R), cover top (12T), and cover bottom (12B). The live hinge for clipboard clip box (10) has a box (14) which comprises a box rear (14A), box front (14F), box bottom (14B), box left (14L), and box right (14R), the cover top (12T) is hingeably connected along a front to a top distal end of the box front (14F). The live hinge for clipboard clip box (10) and abase (18) connected to the box bottom (14B) by a hinge (20).The live hinge for clipboard clip box (10) has a board (24) securely attached at a top to the base (18), a user lifts box front (14F) pivoting the box (14) upwardly on the hinge (20) inserting paper (26) from a frontward direction between a top of the base (18). and the box bottom (14B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Ellis N. Shamoon
  • Patent number: 6206426
    Abstract: A security hardware device used to hold multi-leafed materials, for example, telephone books, which device has an inner box within an outer sleeve, wherein the inner box has a first end with a toothed grip and a second end with a means for receiving a screw; and the outer sleeve has a first open end for receiving the inner box and second closed end, and wherein the second closed end is provided with a toothed grip and further provided with a hole for passing a screw through the outer sleeve and into the means for receiving a screw so that, as the screw is turned into engagement, the inner box is drawn into the outer sleeve, and a means for attaching the device to a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventor: Robert N. Azzato
  • Patent number: 6203878
    Abstract: A message board comprising a bulletin board fixedly mounted on a backing of heavy cardboard or other substrate, and an optional dry-erase laminate fixedly mounted onto the bulletin board. A frame is fixedly secured to the edges of the bulletin board and backing. The frame is provided with a front channel and a rear channel, each adapted to receive and firmly retain a portion of a generally “C”-shaped grip. The grip may be integrally formed with various accessories desired to be attached to the frame of the message board or other similarly shaped fixed member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Boone International, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley C. Davis, Michael K. Boone
  • Patent number: 6199814
    Abstract: An improved multi-functional documentary clamping holder for computer typewriting comprises a support framework composed of a coupling base and a panel-clamping frame, wherein one end of the support framework is inserted in a panel, the other is united with a disposal platform or an adhering board for placing this invention beside or on a computer monitor alternatively. In virtue of two snap buttons pivotally disposed between a movable arm and the coupling base, two clamping pieces pivotally disposed in the movable arm, an insertion-disposed piece in the panel, and an indented groove, the panel can be moved vertically, horizontally, or turned around in a predetermined three-dimensional space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Chih Lung Sheng Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chi-Hsien Lee
  • Patent number: 6170877
    Abstract: A page holder adapted to hold opposing pages of a book in an open position while reading. The page holder includes first and second wings meeting at a junction point and disposed at an angle of about 150° with respect to each other. A thumb opening is spaced back from the leading surface of the first and second wings and offset slightly from the junction point toward the first wing. In use, the reader's thumb is inserted into the thumb opening and the junction point is placed between two adjoining pages of an open book near the bottom of the pages. One wing extends over and holds down the page on the right while the other wing holds down the page on the left. One embodiment of the invention is formed of clear plastic material using injection molding, while another embodiment is made of metal wire using wireform manufacturing techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Jack H. Zurn
  • Patent number: 6119383
    Abstract: A card holder providing a stand, the stand having a base portion, a support portion projecting upwardly from the base portion, and at least one wing projecting outwardly from an upper end of the support portion; a head portion, the head portion being substantially loop-shaped and having a longitudinal slit therethrough, the slit being sized to receive the upper end of the support portion therethrough for removable attachment thereto, the head portion being adaptable to removably receive at least one card, the at least one card being slidingly moveable about the head portion between a first position and a second position thereof; the at least one wing having a U-shaped cut-out therethrough adjacent to the upper end of the support portion for receiving the head portion; and, the upper end having a tapered portion defining at least one slot for receiving an edge of the head portion slit therebehind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Inventor: Albert H. Gruneisen, III
  • Patent number: 6089609
    Abstract: A clip that is attached to a checkbook and that will hold the checkbook in an open condition to enable a person to enter information from the checkbook into, for example a computer, without having to hold the checkbook open with one hand. The clip has a first arm that slips onto an open checkbook and a second bar that is parallel with the first bar, with a third bar holding the first and second bars in spaced relation. The second bar has a fourth bar that is perpendicular to the second bar. The fourth bar pivots with respect to the second bar for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: Michael E. Denley
  • Patent number: 6027092
    Abstract: A book stand is provided with a base adapted to fit under a person's leg, a first arm pivotally connected to the base, a second arm telescopically attached to the first arm, and a book rack pivotally mounted on the second arm for supporting a book. An I-shaped page retainer is pivotally mounted on the rack and includes laterally extending upper and lower fingers for holding opposing pages of the book open for reading. The page retainer includes telescoping segments such that the distance between the fingers can be adjusted to accommodate different size books. A book light optionally can be attached to the book rack for lighting the pages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventor: Jerry E. Gordon
  • Patent number: 6027093
    Abstract: A multi-purpose table assembly that includes a wheeled base, an adjustable height vertical support extending from the base; a lockable table support bar assembly including a table support bar and a counter balance support bar each oriented at a right angle with respect to the vertical support bar; a user positionable counter balance weight slidably positionable on the counter balance support bar; an upper table assembly supported by the vertical support including a storage shelf and an upper table member; a positionable side table assembly supported on the table support bar and including a first table member and a pivoting table member; and a book holder assembly including a board member, two connecting structures that are attached the board member, a spring finger shaft rotatably positioned through the two connecting structures, a holder arm with a magnetically attractable handle coupled to an end of the spring finger shaft, a securing magnet attached to an upwardly facing surface of the board member and two
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventor: W. L. Reiher
  • Patent number: 6015129
    Abstract: An adjustable, portable platform for supporting and holding written materials or the like in a selectable position convenient to the user is disclosed. The platform comprises a central member and a pair of laterally movable frame members disposed on each side of the central member. A pair of panels are pivotally attached at a proximal end thereof to the platform proximate the central member substantially between the upper and lower transverse sections, with retaining means thereon for securely retaining the written materials or the like in a secure position on the panels. Attachment means on the pivotable panels allow the pivotable panels to be adjustably attached to the frame members to accept and adapt to the written materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Inventor: Christopher L. Harrigan
  • Patent number: 6010106
    Abstract: A display board including a pair of opposing edges 1, 1' with at least one flap 3, 3', 4, 4' at each edge. The flaps between them holding a fold-over article, such as a magazine. Each flap being foldable along the edge 1, 1' onto the display board, so that the flap will be inside the fold-over article when that article is on the display board. The flap, or a part of the flap, is also foldable at right angles to the edge, so that upon mounting of the article on the board, folding the flap inside the article adjacent its spine and then folding the article onto itself, party of the flap B can be arranged on top of the article with the right angle fold 7 of the flap behind the spine of the article, whereby the article is prevent from falling off the display board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Posit Design Ltd.
    Inventor: Richard Clive Commissar
  • Patent number: 5979857
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable book holder which can be attached to a stand to permit hands-free reading and hand-assisted page turning in a sitting or reclining position. It provides for a one piece book support shelf and back of rigid material, such as a molded clear plastic or metal, onto which a book is secured and one or more pages are held open and flat by a single length of monofilament line attached to opposite sides of a swing arm held in a closed position. A swing arm in the open position allows unobstructed page turning after which the swing arm is returned to the closed position. The swing arm is held in the closed position by free swinging latches fastened to the swing arm and turned up behind the book support back. The swing arm is moved to the open position by pushing back against the swing arm which removes the pressure against the latches allowing the latches to drop clear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: George C. Holm
  • Patent number: 5975478
    Abstract: A top piece is adapted to rest along a top surface of a monitor, and two side pieces extend downwardly from opposite ends of the top piece, and are adapted to rest along opposite side surfaces of the monitor. The top piece and the side pieces each include slots disposed longitudinally therein, through which sheets of paper may be inserted. Each of the side pieces has a support arm pivotally attached thereto, which swings outwardly from the side piece to support the sheet of paper. The top piece is telescopingly adjustable, to fit various size monitors. The side pieces each include a threaded extension at one end thereof, for attaching the side piece to the top piece. An internally threaded knob is rotatably mounted at each end of the top piece, and is configured to receive the threaded extension by manually rotating the knob. Each of the side pieces has a first bearing track and a second bearing track which is opposite the first bearing track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Nicholas Marino
    Inventor: Nicholas Marino
  • Patent number: 5955170
    Abstract: A mail holder for a message board having a retaining grip, an elongate rear portion extending from the retaining grip, a bottom portion extending substantially perpendicularly from the elongate rear portion, and an elongate front portion extending substantially perpendicularly from the bottom portion towards the retaining grip, the rear, bottom, and front portions defining a cavity for retaining one or more planar objects therein. The front portion may be biased to provide a slight clamping force towards the rear portion to retain the planar objects between the front and rear portions. The rear portion may be substantially flat and the front portion curved towards the rear portion as it extends away from the bottom portion. The bottom portion may have waves formed therein extending generally parallel to the front and rear portions. The retaining grip has a substantially "C" shape, including a substantially flat portion extending between front and rear portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Boone International, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley C. Davis, Michael K. Boone
  • Patent number: 5927671
    Abstract: A panel holder is disclosed for hanging posters and other sheet material and which can be either wall mounted or suspended from a ceiling. The holder includes two longitudinal extruded panels each having a longitudinal C-shaped flange situated along one of the panel edges. One flange is inserted within the other one to form a longitudinal interlocking hinge connection. The panels are movable with respect to each other in a transverse direction about this hinge coupling between an open and a closed position. The flanges are dimensioned in such a way that rotation of the panels with respect to one another in the transverse direction results in one of the flanges being elastically deformed during the first part of the motion, with the resulting stored elastic energy being abruptly released during the second part of the panel motion, thereby giving rise to the holder snapping open or closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Storeimage Programs Inc.
    Inventor: Adrian Pynenburg
  • 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: 5908207
    Abstract: The book holder is mounted on a stand. The book is held on the book holder by four clamps. Upper wooden post (24) is mounted on lower wooden post (25) and is free to rotate. As shown the wooden feet (26) and (27) are fastened to lower post (25) by means of the round steel nut (28), threaded stud (30), and wingnut (29). The stand can be quickly and easily assembled and dissassembled by one screw and wingnut holding it together. The wooden wingnut wrench shown is used to turn wingnut (29) and all other wingnuts on the book holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Douglas E. Wilson
    Inventor: Douglas E. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5895023
    Abstract: A document holder comprising two supporting members. Each supporting member includes an upper member which is aligned with an upper part of the document, a lower member which is aligned with a lower part of the document, and a resilient member which connects the upper portion to the lower portion and which exerts a bias force to make the upper portion substantially colinear with the lower portion. The newspaper is inserted between the two supporting members such that the horizontal crease of the document is aligned or overlaps with the resilient member. The resilient member allows the document to be folded up into a smaller size to facilitate reading, and exerts a bias force to open the document after a page has been read to facilitate page turning. The supporting members may include one or more mortise and tenon joints which allow the supporting members to be disengaged and folded for compact storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Inventor: David M. Chao
  • Patent number: 5893546
    Abstract: An adjustable book holder that includes a stand support member; an angularly adjustable book support assembly pivotally mounted to the stand support member; an X-Y positionable, transparent copy arm slidably mounted on a vertically oriented track member that itself is slidable along a horizontal positioning rod; a locking mechanism between the transparent copy arm and the vertically oriented track member; a page holding mechanism including a pivot block in connection with the book support assembly and a page holder including first and second lengths of wire, each length of wire being pivotally connected to the pivot block and having a ball secured at a far end thereof; and a angular positioning assembly including an angular positioning rod affixed to a back surface of the book support assembly and a stand off member slidably mounted on the angular positioning rod and extending away from the angular positioning rod at a right angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Inventor: Curtis Renfroe
  • Patent number: 5887902
    Abstract: A clipboard apparatus comprising a single sheet of plastic folded over to form two planar surfaces which allow the insertion of reference material into the sandwiched area formed between the two planar surfaces of said folded plastic sheet so as to protect said reference material from surrounding adverse elements. The clipboard apparatus further includes a clip assembly, attached to the planar surface at or near the fold, for securing a piece of paper to the outside smooth surface of the clipboard for writing, or drawing, on the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventors: Mark Allen Irwin, Craig Allen Hunter
  • Patent number: 5855329
    Abstract: A book holder for holding and positioning books and documents. The book holder includes a document support and display surface with oppositely disposed (page) engagement clips extending from the support surface. An adjustable line guide is removably positioned on the support surface for selective vertical transgression thereover. An extensible document engagement clip extends from the top of the display surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Inventor: Samuel Pagano
  • Patent number: 5845889
    Abstract: The present invention provides a paper clip which can not merely supports the upstanding of a document such as a manuscript but also support it in such a manner that it is arranged at a position and an orientation easy to view.To this end, there are first formed a convex clamping member 2 having at its fore part a clamping surface 2a which has been curved into a convexed plane and a concave clamping member 3 having at its fore part a clamping surface 3a which has been curved into a concaved plane. The convex clamping member 2 and the concave clamping member 3 are arranged such that their respective clamping surfaces 2a and 3a are brought into snug abutment against each other, with operative portions 7 and 8 being pressed against a biasing force of a spring to pivotably open a clamping portion 10 around a pivot 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Hiromori Inc.
    Inventor: Hitoshi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5829787
    Abstract: A book is held on a support having a spring clip on the side. The clip is designed to hold a transparent arm extending across the open book. Depressing the clip lifts the arm, allowing a page to be turned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventor: David G. Newhouse, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5810316
    Abstract: A new Adjustable and Collapsible Book Stand for adjustably supporting various sizes of books and retaining the pages in the desired position thereby freeing the user's hands. The inventive device includes a support member, an adjustable tilt support means pivotally secured to the support member, and at least one adjustable page retaining means slidably secured to the breech of the support member to engage the desired pages of various sizes of books.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Inventor: Thomas L. Eby
  • Patent number: 5791623
    Abstract: An easel and a camera tripod in combination where the camera tripod has a universal mounting plate, the position of which is adjustable. The combination also includes an easel having a central carriage bracket for attachment to the camera tripod, a top and bottom bracket each having a surface for engaging a canvas or other planar medium. The easel includes a plurality of pairs of extension rods, one pair of which is adjustably fastened to the carriage bracket and the top bracket and another pair of which is adjustably fastened to the carriage bracket and the bottom bracket to thereby define a canvas support plane engaging the undersurface of the canvas. The top and bottom brackets engage opposing sides of a canvas. At least one of the top and bottom brackets includes a pressure knob for adjustably engaging the canvas side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Inventor: Michael C. Louridas
  • Patent number: 5769369
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting and holding an electronic organizer device for use in a vehicle, includes a generally rectangularly shaped cradle member for retaining the device. At least one pair of opposing jaw members are mounted on opposed peripheral edges of the cradle member for releasably holding the device in the cradle. The jaw members are biased toward one another by attached tensioned springs. An elongated stand member has on a first end a universal ball and socket joint assembly for attachment to the cradle, and can be releasably locked for holding the cradle in a spatial orientation selected by a user. The opposite second end of the stand member is adapted to releasably mate with a stand member for engagement with a surface for supporting the cradle member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventor: James Meinel
  • Patent number: 5725191
    Abstract: A notebook computer copy clip for being removably secured to either side or the top of the screen of a notebook computer for holding documents for viewing while using the computer. The copy clip of the includes a spring member and a facia member, each being fabricated from a flexible, resilient material such that the copy clip may be bent to engage a side or the top of a notebook computer screen, and such that when removed, it will return to a planar disposition. To this extent, each of the spring member and the facia member defines a substantially planar configuration. An engagement device is provided for securing the facia member to the spring member. The engagement device includes cooperating engagement tabs and tab receptors defined by the spring member and the facia member. In order to lock the engagement of the facia member with the spring member, the spring member defines a locking member below the engagement tab thereof for engaging the lower extent of the facia member tab receptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Brauner-Nemeth, Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley M. Nemeth
  • Patent number: 5709365
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a book holding device which enables a user to read in bed without using their hands. In its broadest context, the present invention includes a book supporting platform to which a first and second arm assembly are pivotally attached. Each arm assembly is telescopically arranged to allow for the extension and retraction of the supporting platform. Furthermore, each of the arm assemblies includes a clamp at its distal end. The clamps allow the device robe secured to the backboard of a bed, thus allowing reading in a hands free manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Inventor: Scott C. Howard
  • Patent number: 5690309
    Abstract: The book holder has a work surface with a shelf and straps so that a book and similar materials can be securely held on the work surface. The work surface has an adjustable leg and has a supportable surface which has an inflected curvature with positive curvature portions so that the work surface can be supported on the person using the book holder in positions ranging from the person's thigh to the person's upper body and so that, while supported in any of these positions, the work surface can be oriented about three orthogonal axes to suit the needs of the person and the work. The work surface has weighted ligaments which hold down pages of the book so that the pages can be turned with a mouth stick or commercial page turner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventor: Edward I. Blum
  • Patent number: 5671900
    Abstract: An adjustable article-holding stand apparatus includes a base assembly and an adjustable vertical riser assembly connected to the base assembly. A vertical-to horizontal swivel assembly has a first portion and a second portion, and the first portion of the vertical-to-horizontal swivel assembly is connected to the adjustable vertical riser assembly. An adjustable horizontal arm assembly is connected to the second portion of the vertical-to-horizontal swivel assembly, and an adjustable-length article-holding assembly is connected to the adjustable horizontal arm assembly. The adjustable-length article-holding assembly can include an auxiliary-device-adaptor assembly connected thereto. A lamp assembly is connected to the adjustable-length article-holding assembly. The base assembly includes primary base portion connected to the adjustable vertical riser assembly. An adjustable base portion is adjustably connected to the primary base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Inventor: Daniel James Cutler
  • Patent number: 5667183
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved paper holder for holding paper or the like in a bundle in operating a word processor, a typewriter or a computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Hiromori Inc.
    Inventor: Junji Hiromori