AU2003231638A1 - Book Holder - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT BOOK HOLDER TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates generally to book holder assemblies, and more particularly to an adjustable book holder which can be used by children or handicapped persons.

BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, a book holder includes a book support against which the cover of the book rests and a supporting stand for supporting the book support on the floor of a room. Alternatively, a conventional book holder includes a supporting structure for supporting the book support on a table. Such book holders suffer from a number of disadvantages. In particular, such book holders do not provide an adequate solution for young children. Whilst young children spend a significant amount of their time outdoors (eg. parks, beaches, playgrounds, theme parks, etc), conventional book holders are primarily designed for indoor use.

Therefore such book holders do not provide young children with adequate mobility to explore their environment because the child is in a stationary position unable, for example, to compare the pictures of animals in his/her book to real life animals in the zoo. As a result, the learning benefits are significantly reduced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention aims to address one or more of these deficiencies by providing a new book holder.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a book holder having clip means for clipping said book holder onto an object.

Preferably, said book holder includes a book support platform and a supporting structure, said supporting structure being coupled to said book support platform, said clip means being coupled to said supporting structure.

The book holder can further include pivotable coupling means between the book support platform and the supporting structure to permit the book support platform to be set at a selected angle.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention said supporting structure is coupled to a middle portion of said book support platform.

Preferably said supporting structure includes a telescoping member.

In one embodiment of the present invention a first end of said telescoping member is attached to the book support platform so that it is capable of supporting the book support platform, and said clip means is attached to a second end of said telescoping member.

Preferably said telescoping member is adjustable to vary the position of the book support platform relative to a base of said telescoping member.

In a preferred embodiment said book holder further includes an elongate arm having a first end and a second end, said clip means being mounted to said first end, said second end being attached to said telescoping member for adjusting the position of the book support platform relative to said clip means.

In another preferred embodiment said telescoping member includes a first and second open box-shaped units, said first unit being slidably mounted in said second unit, and locking means for positioning said first unit in said second unit in one of several selectable positions, and wherein said clip means is mounted to said second unit.

Preferably said clip means is adjustable.

In one embodiment said clip means includes a clip body, and a pair of clip arms extending from said clip body, each said clip arm being fixed to said clip body in one of several selectable positions along said clip body.

Preferably said clip means includes a clip body having a set of mounting positions for mounting a clip arm, and a screw threaded into said clip body for selectively fixing the position of said clip arm along said clip body.

Preferably said clip means is a spring clamp.

In another embodiment said clip means is a spring clip. Preferably said clip means includes at least one resilient clip arm.

Also, said clip means may include a bolt-type clamp.

Preferably, said book support platform further includes clamp means for removably securing a book to said book support platform.

Preferably said clamp means is adjustable.

Said book support platform can include a set of mounting positions for mounting said clamp means.

Also, said book support platform can include a portion adapted to be used as a writing board.

In another embodiment of the present invention said book support platform includes a set of mounting positions for receiving and/or mounting an item.

The present invention also provides a book having connector means for removably securing said book to an object.

Preferably said connector means includes clip means for clipping said book onto an object.

The present invention also provides a book holder assembly including a book holder and a book having connector means for removably securing said book to said book holder.

An element of said telescoping member and said book support platform can be of unitary construction.

Also, an element of said telescoping member and said clip means can be of unitary construction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following drawings: FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded view of a book holder according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a book holder according to a second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded view of a book holder according to a third embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a book holder according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; is a schematic view of a supporting member of the book holder of FIG.4; FIG.6 is a schematic exploded view of a book holder according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a clip member of the book holder of FIG. 6; FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a clip bracket of the book holder of FIG. 6; FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of book support of the book holder of FIG. 6; FIGS. 10-16 illustrate further embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIG. 1 there is illustrated a book holder assembly 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The book holder assembly 10 includes a book support 12 and an adjustable supporting structure 14.

The book support 12 includes a generally planar panel 16 having a front surface 18 and a rear surface 20. Mounted to the front surface 18 of the panel 16 are two pairs of spring clamps the first pair (22a, 22b) and the second pair (22c, 22d) for removably securing a book (not shown) to the panel 16. The first pair of clamps (22a, 22b) is located near the top edge 24 of the panel 16, while the second pair of clamps (22c, 22d) is located near the bottom edge 26. The clamping members of the clamps 22 are spring-biased into contact with the front and back covers of an open book.

In most cases only one pair of clamps 22 will be sufficient to secure the book to the panel. However to prevent the book from swinging outwardly from the panel 16 it is desirable to provide two pairs of the clamps 22.

Preferably, the location of the clamps 22 is adjustable to allow different sizes of books to be accommodated. To this end the panel 16 may include a set of mounting positions for mounting the clamps 22 (not shown).

Alternatively, the clamping elements of the clamps 22 can include linearly adjustable clamping elements mounted on X -Y oriented guide members (not shown).

It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any other means for removably securing the book to the panel 16 can be used, eg. U-shaped spring clips, tabs, etc. Such attachment devices may be mounted to the back surface 20 of the panel 16 and/or to the edges 24 to The book support 12 may further include a page holder (not shown).

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the panel 16 is made of plastic, and the clamps 22 are made of steel covered by plastic. However, any other materials such as wood, metal, etc, and combination thereof may be used in the manufacturing of the book holder assembly. Also, if so desired, the panel 16 can include a surface suitable for use as a writing/drawing board (eg, a whiteboard, a blackboard, an electronic board).

While the primary function of the book support 12 is to hold a book, the book support 12 may also be used to support such items as audio/video equipment, mobile phones, photo cameras, computers, DPAs, musical instruments, toys, puzzles, board games, etc and their elements. To this end the panel 16 may be provided with a set of mounting positions for receiving and/or mounting the above items (not shown).

The rear surface 20 of the book support 12 is attached to the adjustable support structure 14 at a angle suitable for reading. The book support 12 can be integrally formed with the support structure 14 such that the support structure 14 forms a portion of the book support protruding from the rear surface 20 of the panel 16. Preferably, though, the supporting structure 14 and the book support 12 are provided as separate items to be assembled by the user.

The support structure 14 includes a telescoping arrangement 32 in which an upper support portion 34 of the support structure 14 slides within a lower support portion 36 and is held at a selected position by a locking member (not shown). The locking member can allow for adjustment of the upper support portion 34 both axially and rotationally.

The lower support portion 36 of the support structure 14 includes one or more clamps for removably securing the book holder assembly 10 to an object, eg. a frame member of other supporting structures such as a pram, a stroller, a bed, a chair, a picnic table, a wheelchair, etc.

The clamp 40 may be formed as a C-shaped bracket extending across the lower support portion 36. The bracket includes a pair of clamp arms 42a and 42b extending outwardly from the clamp body 44 and adapted to clamp onto a frame member. To this end, at least one of the clamp arms 42 is resiliently movable in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the clamp body 44, and the internal surfaces of the clamp arms 42 are shaped to form an opening for receiving the frame member.

The clamps 40 are shaped and sized to fit the shape and the size of the supporting frame member. Also, bolt-style clips may be used to secure the book holder 10 to a frame member. If desired, the lower portion 36 of the book holder 10 can includes means for securing the book holder 10 to a floor.

To secure the book holder 10 to a frame member the user forces the clamp arms 42a and 42b apart to allow the C-shaped bracket to clear the frame member. The clamp arms 42 then snap together to hold the book holder 10 to the frame member.

FIG. 2 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The book support 212 is similar to the book support 12 of FIG. 1 and includes a generally planar panel 216. Extending from the middle section of the panel 216 is a support member mounted on an elongate arm 52 by means of a mount 54 which allows for adjustment of the member 50 both axially and rotationally. As a result, the book holder 210 of FIG. 2 is adjustable for height and rotation. The support member 50 and the panel 216 are connected at a suitable angle, preferably in the range from 90 to 180 degrees.

Similarly to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the elongate arm 52 is provided with one or more spring clamps 240 for removably securing the book holder 210 to an element of a frame.

The book support 212 may be pivotally mounted to the support member 50 to allow the book secured to the panel 216 to be rotated around its axis. To this end, the book holder 210 can be provided with means for pivotal attachment of the book support 212 to the support member 50 (not shown).

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the support member 50 and the mount 54 can be arranged as a telescoping member in which the support member slides within the mount 54 and is held at a selected position by a locking member (not shown).

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is illustrated a book holder assembly 310 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Similarly to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2, the book holder assembly 310 of FIG.

3 includes a book support 312 and a supporting structure 314. The supporting structure 314 includes two open box-shaped members a male member 60 and a female member 62 adapted for separable interconnection. Both the male member and the female member 62 have a front portion 64a (66b), a back portion 66a (66b), a pair of side portions 68a (68b) and 70a (70b), a floor portion 72a (72b), and an open top 74a (74b). The portions 64a and 66a of the male member 60 have a set of holes cooperable with those on the portions 64b and 66b of the female member 62 to adjust the height of the supporting structure 314.

The user insert the male member 60 into the female member 62 such that at least one row of the holes 80a in the side wall of the male member 60 is aligned with an opposite row of the holes 80b in the cooperating side wall of the female member 62.

The user then fixes the male member 60 to the female member 62 by connector means (not shown).

Similarly to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the female member 62 includes one or more clamps (spring clamps, bolt-style clips, etc) for removably securing the book holder to an object. The male member 60 includes attachment means for removable attachment of the book support panel 312.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5 there is illustrated a book holder 410 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The book holder 410. includes a book support 412 and a supporting structure 414. The supporting structure 414 includes an adjustable clamp 70 for clamping the book holder 410 to an object (eg. a pole) and connector means 72 for separable connection of the lower section 73 of the supporting structure 414 to the upper section 75. The position of the clamp arms 74a and 74b of the clamp 70 is adjustable to allow different sizes of poles to be accommodated. To this end, the position of the clamp arms along the clip body 78 can be selectively fixed by a screw (not shown).

Similarly to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-3, the connection of the lower section 73 and the upper section 75 can be arranged as a telescoping member in which telescopic sections include sets of holes spaced apart along their lengths and which can be fixed in overall length by a screw extending through the upper section 75 and the lower section 73.

Illustrated in FIGS. 6-9 is a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The book holder 610 includes a set of stackable open box shaped members (90, 92, and 94) similar to those in the third embodiment of the present invention. The number of the open box shaped members is varied according to the requirements of the user. The open box shaped members are screwed together through pairs of corresponding holes (96a, 96b) and (96c, 96d) to form a supporting structure 614 of a desired height.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that whilst FIG. 6 illustrate a supporting structure in the form of a stack, any other supporting structures (including 3-dimensional structures) can be formed if so desired.

One of the open box shaped members is provided with clip means 100 for clipping the supporting structure 614 to an object. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the clip means 100 can include a set of clip arms 102 adapted for removable attachment to a surface of an open box-shaped member. Alternatively, the clip arms 102 can be attached to a clip body 104 to form a clip bracket 106 which is then attached to the supporting structure 614.

The book holder 610 also includes spring-biased locking means 108 for removably securing a book and/or another item eg, an activity board, a book support panel, etc) to the supporting structure 614. The locking means 108 are provided with connector means for removable attachment to a surface of the supporting structure 614 in a plurality of mounting positions 110 a, 110 b, etc. Preferably four locking means are provided. The locking means 108 can be released for engaging the book cover of the book.

FIGS. 10-16 provide further illustrations of book holders according to the present invention, with like parts being like numbered.

The present invention also provides a book having connector means for removably securing said book to an object (eg, the book support panel 16, the supporting structure 14, a frame member of a supporting structure).

Also, such a book can provided in a combination with a book holder or as a separate item.

The invention described and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more individual features described or evident from the text. All of these alternative combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention.

11 While particular embodiments of this invention have been described, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments and examples are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all modifications which would be obvious to those skilled in the art are therefore intended to be embraced therein. It will further be understood that any reference herein to known prior art does not, unless the contrary indication appears, constitute an admission that such prior art is commonly known by those skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

Claims (32)

1. A book holder having clip means for clipping said book holder onto an object.

2. A book holder according to claim 1 wherein said book holder includes a book support platform and a supporting structure, said supporting structure being coupled to said book support platform, said clip means being coupled to said supporting structure.

3. A book holder assembly according to claim 2 further including rotatable coupling means between the book support platform and the supporting structure to permit the book support platform to be set at a selected angle.

4. A book holder according to claim 2 wherein said supporting structure is coupled to a middle portion of said book support platform.

A book holder according to claim 2 wherein said supporting structure includes a telescoping member.

6. A book holder according to claim 5 wherein a first end of said telescoping member is attached to the book support platform so that it is capable of supporting the book support platform, and said clip means are attached to a second end of said telescoping member.

7. A book holder according to claim 5 wherein said supporting structure includes a telescoping member which is adjustable to vary the position of the book support platform relative to a base of said telescoping member.

8. A book holder according to claim 7 further including an elongate arm having a first end and a second end, said clip means being mounted to said first end, said second end being attached to said telescoping member for adjusting the position of the book support platform relative to said clip means.

9. A book holder assembly according to claim 5 wherein said telescoping member includes a first and second open box-shaped units, said first unit being slidably mounted in said second unit, and locking means for positioning said first unit in said second unit in one of several selectable positions, and wherein said clip means are mounted to said second unit.

A book holder assembly according to claim 1 wherein said clip means are adjustable.

11. A book holder assembly according to claim 10 wherein said clip means include a clip body, and a pair of clip arms extending from said clip body, each said clip arm being fixed to said clip body in one of several selectable positions along said clip body.

12. A book holder according to claim 10 wherein said clip means includes a clip body having a set of mounting positions for mounting a clip arm, and a screw threaded into said clip body for selectively fixing the position of said clip arm along said clip body.

13. A book holder assembly according to claim 1 wherein said clip means is a spring clamp.

14. A book holder assembly according to claim 1 wherein said clip means is a spring clip.

A book holder according to claim 1 wherein said clip means includes at least one resilient clip arm.

16. A book holder assembly according to claim 1 wherein said clip means is a bolt- type clamp.

17. A book holder assembly according to claim 1 wherein book support platform further includes clamp means for removably securing a book to said book support platform.

18. A book holder assembly according to claim 17 wherein said clamp means are adjustable.

19. A book holder assembly according to claim 17 wherein said book support platform includes a set of mounting positions for mounting said clamp means.

A book holder assembly according to claim 2 wherein said book support platform includes a portion adapted to be used as a writing board.

21. A book holder assembly according to claim 2 wherein said book support platform includes a set of mounting positions for receiving and/or mounting an item.

22. A book having connector means for removably securing said book to an object.

23. A book according to claim 22 having clip means for clipping said book onto an object.

24. A book holder assembly including a book holder according to claim 1 and a book according to claim 22.

25. A book holder according to claim 5 wherein an element of said telescoping member and said book support platform are of unitary construction.

26. A book holder according to claim 1 wherein an element of said telescoping member and said clip means are of unitary construction.

27. A book holder assembly according to claim 1 wherein said book support platform and said supporting structure are made of a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, wood, metal.

28. A book holder according to claim 1 wherein said book holder include a supporting structure, said supporting structure including a set of open box shaped members, at least one surface of each said member including one or more mounting positions for receiving and/or mounting an object.

29. A book holder according to claim 28 wherein said open box shaped members are interconnected to form a stack.

A book holder according to claim 28 wherein said open box shaped members are interconnected to form a three dimensional structure.

31. A book holder according to claim 28 wherein said object is an open box shaped member.

32. A book holder being substantially as herein described with reference to the drawings. DATED this 7 th day of August 2003 Chikezie Ottah, Chineye Ottah, KonWoryz Corp., Chika Ottah Kenneth Ottah Patent Attorneys for the Applicants: HALFORD CO