GB2528366A

GB2528366A - A stand for supporting an object to be viewed

Info

Publication number: GB2528366A
Application number: GB1508724.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ayinde Oluseye Adetunji
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-05-22
Filing date: 2015-05-21
Publication date: 2016-01-20
Anticipated expiration: 2035-05-21
Also published as: GB201508724D0; GB2526344A; GB201409134D0; GB2528366B

Abstract

The present invention relates to a stand for supporting an object. The stand comprises: a mounting base 2 for connection to a surface; a holder 7 with a front face for supporting the object, a clip 11 for securing the object against the front face, a ledge 8 on which the object rests and side supports 9 which are adjustably extendable from each side of the holder. The mounting base and the holder are connected together by an adjustable arm 12 which includes two pivotally connected sections 3a, 3b so that the position of the holder can be altered. The mounting base and the holder are each substantially flat and capable of being arranged or folded so as to be positioned adjacent one another in a stowed orientation (fig. 7B). The object may be a book, newspaper, electronic tablet or similar device and the ledge may be displaceable vertically to accommodate different sizes of objects. Similarly the clip may be adjustable along a channel and the stand may comprise a directionally adjustable light.

Description

A stand for supporting an oblect to be viewed

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a stand for supporting an object. More particularly, the present invention relates to a stand for supporting an object so that the position of the object can be adjusted, the stand foldable into a storage position for example for stowing against a surface when not in use.

Background

It is increasingly common for people to want to consume media when in bed. This can be for recreational purposes, or if they are convalescing or in long-term care.

The media can be printed, for example books or magazines, or can be audiovisual, delivered by way of a tablet or similar. For example, many users like to watch films or television programmes on their tablets via a streaming or download service.

Media stands such as are known in the art can be bulky and have components that extend into the user's space, which can be inconvenient or annoying. Many are also formed for use with a single type of media object, and cannot be easily adapted or used with other forms, for example if a user wishes to consume both printed media such as a book or magazine, and also wishes to consume electronic audiovisual media by way of a tablet or similar.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: European Patent Application EP-A-2615601 (Fujimiyaseisakusho) describes and shows a viewing object retention device that 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 has 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 is located at the other end portion of the arm part to retain the object.

United States Patent Application U520060273231 (Huang) describes and shows a support arm for a monitor that comprises a main support arm, an extension arm pivotally connected to the rear end of the main support arm, a monitor mount pivotally connected to the front end of the extension arm, and an extension arm mount pivotally connected to the rear end of the extension arm for securing the extension arm on a wall. The main support arm is provided with a spring and a link rod for adjusting the support force thereon. The main support arm further includes a wire groove for receiving a power coil and signal wires running thereon. The support arm can be used with monitors of different weights, the wire groove protecting the power coil and signal wires.

United States Patent US6764055 (Lee) describes and shows a book holder for releasably retaining a book or document thereon, having a base with a vertical support arm that extends from the base. The vertical support arm includes a channel extending substantially along a length thereof. A pivoting support arm pivotally connects to the vertical support arm. The pivoting support arm includes a channel extending substantially along a length thereof. The book holder further includes a locking wheel for releasably securing the pivoting support arm to the vertical support arm. A book platform is moveably connected to an end of the pivoting support arm for selectively retaining the book or document thereon in a position able to be easily viewed by a user. Upon releasing the locking wheel, the pivoting support arm is moveable along the length of the channel of the vertical support arm and pivotable about the locking wheel to extend at any desired angle from the vertical support arm and thereby maintain the book platform at a desired position and, upon securing the locking wheel, the pivoting support arm is held in position.

German Utility Model DE9318006U1 (Kalouda) discloses a lectern for books attached to an articulated arm.

Dutch Patent Application NL-A-8800470 (Robertus) discloses a book support for a patient with a height adjustable lectern with a transparent front.

US Patent US4140296 (Guzman) discloses a book holder with a mounting bracket having a plate member so that the book holder can be mounted on a flat supporting surface such as a wall or bed frame.

US Patent US5979940 (Aarghi) discloses a book holding apparatus includes a spine support member, a supporting device and a page restraining device.

US Patent Application US2008/0067317 (Altonji et al) discloses an extension arm apparatus adapted to support user devices throughout a range of positions.

US Patent Application U52013/0161465 (Huang) discloses an improved support arm assembly, and an extension arm assembly pivotable connected to the primary arm assembly.

In contrast the present invention provides a media object support stand that can be easily mounted in the required position, which can easily be adjusted to the required location, and which can be easily and discretely stored when not in use.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a stand for supporting an object to be viewed, comprising: a mounting base for connection to a surface; a holder has a front face for supporting the object on the front face, a clip for securing the object against the front face, a ledge on which the object rests and side supports which are adjustably extendable from each side of the holder so as to engage with the object; the mounting base and the holder are connected together by an adjustable arm, the adjustable arm includes at least two pivotally connected sections so that the position and orientation of the holder, relative to the mounting base, can be altered, wherein the mounting base and the holder are each substantially flat and capable of being arranged so as to be positioned adjacent one another in a stowed orientation.

In this way the stand can be mounted to a surface such as a wall and the holder can be positioned so that the object to be viewed, such as an electronic device for example a tablet, or a book or magazine is viewable by a user.

Preferably the pivotally connected sections of the arm include a friction fitting so that the arm sections remain in position unless a force is applied by a user. In this way the arm can be adjusted so as to position the holder in the desired orientation and the arm will remain in this position until adjusted again by the user.

In preferred embodiments the holder houses a page retainer so that pages of a book can be held open and a page easily turned and held in position.

Ideally the page retainer is a crossed shaped member having four limbs that extend from a central region arranged on a rotatable mounting so that the page retainer can be rotated so as to free a first page and then secure a second page.

Typically all limbs are of the same length. In some embodiments limb length may vary.

Page retainers of different shapes and sizes may be provided. For example the page retainer may have two or three limbs extending from a central region.

For example in order to turn a page from right to left, a user lifts the tip of the page to be turned at the top right-hand corner, while holding the page the user rotate the page retainer so that the page is released. The user can then lift the page away and then rotate the page retainer again so that part of the page retainer is positioned to prevent the second page from turning.

Ideally there are two page retainers arranged to hold pages of a left side and right side of a book/magazine.

Advantageously the page retainers permit a user to turn pages using only one hand, as a user can for example lift the tip of the page using a thumb and first finger and use other fingers of the same hand to rotate the page retainer. This therefore permits a user with an injured hand or arm to easily read a book.

In preferred embodiments the page retainers are displaceable so that they can be removed from the stand when not in use. Preferably the page retainers may be mounted in different locations on the holder so as to accommodate books, magazines or newspapers of different sizes.

In some embodiments the holder may include a recess for receiving the page retainer when not in use. In this way the page retainer can be removed from the rotatable mounting and stored in the recess. Ideally the recess is shaped to correspond to shape of the page retainer.

Preferably the mounting base and holder are substantially planar and the arm can be folded so that the mounting base and holder are arranged parallel against one another. This allows the support stand to be discretely and compactly stored when not in use.

In this arrangement the front face that holds the object is typically arranged so as to face the surface to which the stand is attached. In this way the object is hidden and only a rear face of the holder is visible.

The arm is configured for pivotal connection to the holder and mounting base at opposed ends of the arm. This provides a simple and robust mechanism that allows for a large range of adjustment.

The arm is configured such that the arm is foldable so that the mounting base and holder can be arranged parallel and adjacent to one another in a compact stowed arrangement when not in use.

In some other embodiments the arm is configured such that the arm is foldable between the mounting base and holder when folded adjacent to one another. In this way the arm is hidden when the stand is in its stowed arrangement. This allows the arm to be stored discretely and compactly between the base and media holder when not in use.

Ideally the arm has an articulated mounting on at least one end of the arm and in some embodiment at both ends of the arm. For example each end of the arm may include a ball-joint, which allows relative movement in plural planes. In this way the holder can be arranged in many orientations to suit a user.

A distal end of the arm may be pivotally connected to the holder so that the holder is vertically rotatable through substantially 180 degrees around the connection. This provides a configuration wherein the arm extends above a user in use and so as to be substantially out of their way. For example the stand may be fitted on a wall by the mounting base adjacent to the headrest of a bed so that the stand can extend over the user in use.

In some embodiments the stand may further comprise a spring connecting between the arm and the mounting base and configured to retain the arm and mounting base in a set relative position in use. This helps to retain the stand in the required position when extended by exerting leverage.

The stand may further comprise a hydraulic or pneumatic strut, such as a gas strut, that forms part of the arm or is connected to part of the arm so as to aid with extension of the arm and to support the arm in a fixed position.

Preferably the strut may also act as a brace to help retain the stand in the required position when extended.

The ledge provides a surface upon which the object is supported in use. Preferably the ledge can be arranged in an open position to receive the object and in a closed position adjacent a front face of the holder when not in use.

Ideally the ledge is formed from two portions, a first part and a second part, hinged together so as to permit the two parts to be folded to a closed position and unfolded to an open position. In this way the ledge can be folded in a closed position so that the ledge is flat against the holder, or the ledge can be unfolded to an open position so as to provide a ledge for supporting an object.

Ideally a face of the ledge that receives the object may comprises a non-slip surface, for example having a rubber coating, or textured surface so as to prevent the object from movement during use. For example the ledge may have a ridged surface.

In some embodiments the ledge is displaceable so that it can be removed from the holder when not in use.

Ideally the holder may have a plurality of fixing points for receiving the displaceable ledge so as to permit the ledge to be positioned at different heights on the holder so as to accommodate objects of different sizes. For example a rear face of the ledge may have hooks or studs for being received into apertures on holder, or the holder may include a vertical rail for receiving pad of the ledge so that it can be slid up and down the holder.

The sides of the holder are moveable so that they can be arranged to engage with the object and hold it in place.

In some embodiments the sides may be foldable inwards so as to be adjacent a front face holder. In this way the holder is configured in a more compact arrangement.

In some embodiments the sides include a lip that returns around the object in use so as to prevent an object falling forwards.

The holder includes at least one clip for extending over an edge of the object in use so that the object is secured against the front face of the holder is use and prevented from toppling off. Advantageously this can enable the holder to be tilted towards a user without the object falling from the holder.

Preferably the clip is arranged on a top portion of the front face so as to hold top portion of the object, whilst a lower portion of the object is supported by the ledge.

The ledge may also include a raised rim to prevent an object slipping of the front of the ledge.

In some embodiments the at least one clip is arranged in a channel so that position of the clip can be changed by moving it along the channel in order to accommodate different objects. The channel may be in a horizontal or vertical plane, or both.

For example the holder may further comprise a substantially vertically aligned channel, the clip mounted in and extending from the channel, and movable along the length of the channel. This provides a simple mechanism by which the position of the clip can be adjusted.

In some embodiments a rear face of holder may be configured as a picture frame.

This allows the stand to have the second or dual use of displaying a picture such as a photograph when folded for storage.

In other embodiments a rear face of the holder may have at least one photovoltaic cell so as to generate electricity. For example the power generated could be used to power a light. Advantageously the stand could be used in remote locations with no power supply, for example when camping.

In some embodiments the mounting base has a quick release mechanism so that the stand can be readily removed from the surface to which it is attached. For example the mounting base may comprises two or more parts so that one part remains fixed to a surface and the second part, that connects to the arm can be detached.

Therefore plural first parts may be arranged in a home so that the stand can be readily set up in different locations. Furthermore a portable first pad may be provided for arrangement in temporary locations such as when on holiday or at outdoors locations.

Ideally the point of connection to the wall is designed such that aesthetics of the surface such as the wall and the room as a whole will be preserved after removal of the device from the wall.

Preferably the mounting base is adapted for use of various surfaces such as a wall, a table, a chair, a caravan, a poolside recliner, a tree, a vehicle or a window.

The stand may further comprise a light. Ideally the light may be light emitting diodes (LEDs). For example the light may illuminate the object and/or surrounding area.

The light may be provided on the arm, mounting base or holder or any combination of the before mentioned.

Advantageously, the light may be directionally adjustable. This allows a user to select the area to be illuminated.

The stand may further comprise an ambient light source to provide ambient lighting.

This provides another use for the stand when it is not being used for supporting a media object.

In some embodiments the front face of the holder may include an outer frame that houses a plurality of lights. Ideally the lights are selectively opened and closed so as to control amount of light. For example each light may be covered by a displaceable flap.

The stand may further comprise a cup support mounted on and extending from the holder or elsewhere, for example on the mounting base or arm. This allows a user to store a beverage simply and easily when using the stand.

In a preferred embodiment the cup support may be arranged on an edge of the holder. Preferably the cup support may be stored within the holder when not in use, for example in a cavity between a front and rear face of the holder.

Ideally the cup support may be a ring shaped portion for receiving a beverage holder such as a cup, glass, bottle or can. Typically the cup support be stored in a vertical arrangement within the holder and can be deployed when required for use wherein the cup holder is arranged to be in a horizontal configuration so as to receive a beverage container. For example the holder may include a slot or cavity for receiving the cup support when not in use.

Preferably the cup support is connected to the holder on a rotating bracket that can pivot freely about a central axis so that the cup remains in the upright position regardless of the angle of tilt holder. For example the cup support may be weighted so as to always be level.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of examples only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the stand of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a perspective view from below of the stand; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the stand showing detail of the adjustable sides of the stand; Figure 4 shows a perspective view from above of the stand with the sides folded inwards against the front face of the holder; Figure 5 shows a rear view of the stand showing detail of a pair of clips front face of the holder; Figure 6A show an embodiment of the stand with a cup support; Figure SB shows an embodiment of the stand with a cup support; Figure 7A shows an isometric view of the stand in a retracted arrangement; Figure 7B shows a side view of the stand in a retracted arrangement; Figure SA shows an overview of the ledge with hanging hooks for attachment; Figure SB shows a series of views of how the ledge is connected to the holder; Figure SC shows an embodiment of the holder having a ledge and adjustable sides; Figure SD shows a mechanism by which the adjustable sides can be moved in unison; Figure SE shows a front face of the holder with a selection of apertures for receiving the ledge hooks; Figure 9A shows a front view of an embodiment of the holder having lighting; Figure 9B shows a front view of an embodiment of the holder having a page retainer; Figure 9C shows a front view of an embodiment of the holder with a cup support and a pair of page retainers; Figure 9D shows a selection of views of a preferred embodiment of the ledge; Figure 9E shows a close up view of lighting on the holder; Figure 1OA shows a side view of a page retainer mounted on a fixing; Figure lOB shows the fixing and the page retainer separated; Figure 1OC shows a top view of the page retainer and fixing as shown in Figure bA; Figure 10D shows a pair of page retainers in use; and Figure 11 shows a side perspective view of the holder having a cavity for the cup support.

Detailed Description of Figures

Various embodiment of the stand of the present invention will now be described with reference to the figures.

The stand 1 has three main parts: a mounting base 2, an arm 3, and a holder 4.

These parts and their inter-relationship are described in detail below.

The mounting base 2 is a generally flat panel or plate. A number of apertures 5 are formed through the mounting base 2 so that the mounting base 2 can be mounted on a wall or a similar surface by inserting screws or similar into the wall via the apertures 5.

The mounting base 2 can also receive a power cable or similar (not shown) to provide power to auxiliary items on the support stand 1 such as lights or power sockets for tablets or similar.

The arm 3 is formed from two sections: an inner section 3A and an outer section 33.

Section 3A is pivotally connected to the mounting base 2 so that it can pivot in relation to the fixed mounting base 2. Section 3B is pivotally connected at its inner end to the outer end of the inner section 3A so that it can pivot up and down.

A gas strut 6 is connected between the top of the inner section 3A and the mounting base 2 above the pivot connection. The gas strut 6 retains the arm 3 in a user-set position in use, the gas strut 6 reacting against the leverage force exerted by the weight of the arm 3 and anything connected to the outer end of the arm 3.

A spring 6A could be used as well as or in place of the gas strut 6. The arms 3 can be folded up, pivoting around the connection between the inner and outer sections 3A, SB, and folded against the mounting base 2, pivoting around the pivotal connection between the mounting base 2 and the inner arm 3A.

The holder 4 is planar being rectangular in shape. When the holder is extended for use, away from the mounting base 2 it has a flat surface 7 for receiving the object and a base support ledge 8 that extends from the lower edge of holder 4.

In use, the bottom face or edge of the object 30 such as a book, magazine, or tablet rests on and is supported by the upper surface of the ledge 8. The book, magazine or tablet leaning backwards' so that the rear is supported by the front face (towards a user) of the holder 4.

The holder 4 is pivotally connected to the outer end of the arm outer section 3B at the top edge of the rear support panel 7, at the mid point. This pivotal connection is made such that the holder 4 can be vertically rotated or flipped' downwards through degrees around the connection so that it goes from facing upwards (as it is aligned for storage), to extending downwards from the end of the arm 3. This helps to provide an in use' configuration where the arm 3 extends above a user in use and so is substantially out of their way.

In use, a user lies or sits on a bed with their head against or next to the wall below the mounting base 2. The holder 4 is pulled forward over their head via the arm 3, which extends over their head. The pivot points between the arm sections 3a, 3b and the ends of the arm 3 and the mounting base 2 and rear support panel 7 allow the position and orientation of the holder 4 to be adjusted to suit the user lying or sitting on the bed.

The pivotally connected sections are configured for frictional engagement so that when placed in position, the section will remain in position and not move under their own weight or the weight of a book or other supported media object, and will remain in their relative position unless moved by a user pushing or pulling on them. This allows a user to adjust the support stand to the required location with the stand remaining in position after adjustment. A book, magazine or tablet, or other media object is placed on the holder 4, supported by the ledge 8 and rear support panel 7 so that a user can view it as desired. The ledge 8 includes a lip so as to prevent an object slipping from the ledge 8.

When not in use, the arm 3 can be folded or retracted against the base 2 with the holder 4 directly adjacent to the mounting base 2 or flat against the mounting base 2, the arm 3 sandwiched between the media object holder 4 and base 2. The mounting base 2 and holder 4 are substantially flat, and in this storage position, or storage configuration, the stand 1 is folded or located discretely against the wall in a low profile so that it does not intrude on or interfere with other activities that the bedroom might be used for.

In this embodiment, the holder 4 has sides that both extend and fold inwards to help with supporting a media object and storage when not in use, as described below.

The rear support panel 7 has side supports 9, one on each side of the panel 7, that extend and retract outwards from each side of the rear support panel 7 in the plane of the rear support panel 7. These have lips 10 that extend inwards towards a user and which have an inner edge that is angled inwards towards the other side support 9 on the opposite side of the rear support panel 7. These can be moved inwards once a book or magazine is positioned on the rear support panel 7 to hold it open, the lips 10 wrapping around the page edges. Alternatively, these help to hold a tablet or other electronic device in position. This helps to prevent sliding from side-to-side in use or from tipping forwards (away from the holder).

Each side 9 of the holder 4 folds inwards against the front face of holder 4 so that width of the holder 4 is significantly decreased. This allows the holder 4 to be compacted so that when it is moved against the mounting base 2 for storage it is low profile in both width and depth (from the wall).

As shown in Figure 5, a pair of retaining clips 11 extend from the front face of the holder 4, towards a user. These can be extended over the top of the pages of a book or magazine, or over the top edge or surface of a tablet or similar supported by the holder 4, to help hold the pages open, or to hold the tablet in position.

The clips 11 are located one each in a pair of corresponding substantially vertically aligned channels hA, extending out of the channel and movable along the height/length of the channel 1A to alter the vertical position of the clip 11, allowing the clips 11 to be used for books, magazines or tablets of different heights.

In this embodiment, the stand 1 has several secondary features of use to a user, as detailed below.

A reading light 12 is mounted on the arm 3 to shine downwards from the arm 3. This allows an object or other item either on the holder 4 or in the usei1s hands or lap to be illuminated. It is preferred that the reading light 12 is directionally adjustable at least to pivot towards and away from the holder 4, so that the light 12 can be adjusted -a user pointing the light 12 where it is required -to compensate for a user sitting in different positions, or a user varying the way they position the media object support stand 1.

The cup support (shown in Figures 6) is mounted in use displaceably on the base support ledge 8 but can be mounted on and extend from the holder 4, either on the bottom edge or one of the side edges. This allows a user to store a cup of tea or coffee, or a can of drink, or similar beverage simply and easily when they are using the stand 1.

The cup support is formed from a synthetic plastic and comprises an annular ring 13 for surrounding and maintaining the cup, flared upwards, and a stem 14 for engagement of the ledge at a dock 15.

As outlined above, when folded up for storage, the holder 4 lies against or directly adjacent to the mounting base 2. The central part of the outer face of the holder 4 faces into the area in which the stand is arranged, for example into a room. This can be used in one or more secondary ways. For example, this part of the face could be structured so that it acts as a picture frame, a user placing a photograph or similar in the frame to decorate the room. Alternatively, an ambient light source can be mounted in one or both of the holder 4 and/or the mounting base 2 to provide ambient lighting.

The holder 4 can be retracted into a compact arrangement so as to be substantially flat (Figures 7A and 7B). The reading light 12 may be activated so that the holder 4 serves to provide ambient light whilst in the compact arrangement.

Figures BA and SB show a ledge 8 having a pair of hooks mounted on a rear face of the ledge 8. The hooks 16 enable the ledge 8 to be fitted to the holder 4.

The ledge 8 is formed from first and second pads 8A and 8B that are hingeably attached by a hinge SC so as to permit the first and second parts 8A, SB to be folded in order to be parallel to one another in a closed arrangement or unfolded to an open arrangement in which an object 30 can be rested on the ledge 8 (as shown in Figure 8A).

The pair of hooks 16 are provided on a rear face of the first part of the ledge 8A.

The hooks 16 are received through apertures 17 as shown in Figure SB. The ledge S is shown being fitted to the holder 4 in the closed configuration and once fixed to the holder 4 the second part of the ledge SB is deployed ready to receive an object.

Figure 80 shows an embodiment of the holder having a ledge 8 and adjustable sides 9. The adjustable sides 9 are arranged in a channel 9A along which they can be slid in order to be positioned to engage with the object 30.

Figure SD shows a mechanism by which the adjustable sides can be moved in unison. Each adjustable side 9 is arranged on a leg 9B. The legs 9B are toothed and arranged in use to both engage with a cog 18. In this way both legs 9B can be driven simultaneously by movement of either leg 9B.

The cog 18 also includes a locking pin 19 than prevents rotation of the cog 18 so as to fix the adjustable sides in a chosen position.

Figure 8E shows a front face of the holder with a selection of apertures 17 for receiving the ledge hooks 16. This allows the ledge 8 to be positioned at different heights on the holder 4 in order to accommodate different objects 30.

Figure 8E also has two page retainers 20 arranged in recesses 23 so as not to project from the front face of the holder 4. There are also shown two holes 21 for receiving a rotating mounting (not shown) upon which the page retainers 20 are arranged in use.

Figure 9A shows a front view of an embodiment of the holder having lighting. The holder 4 has two lights 22 arranged on the front face 7 of the holder 4. The lights 22 are mounted on a pivot (not shown) so that position of the lights 22 can be altered between variation orientations.

Figure 9B shows a front view of an embodiment of the holder having a page retainer and a recess 23 for storing the page retainer 20 when not in use.

The page retainer 20 is cross-shaped having four limbs. In use the page retainer 20 rotates so as to permit a page to be turned and retained.

Figure 9C demonstrates the page retainers 20 in use wherein the holder 4 is supporting a book 30 on a ledge 8. The page retainers are holding pages of the book 30 in place.

The embodiment shown in Figure 90 also has a cup support for holding a beverage container. The cup support 13 is ring shaped so as to receive and hold a beverage container that has a widened upper region. The cup support 13 is attached to the holder by a stem 14. The stem 14 is rotatable so that orientation of the cup support 13 can be changed from vertical to horizontal and can pivot so as to enable the cup support 13 to be folded into a cavity 4A (Figure 11) within the holder 4. In this way the cup support 13 can be stowed when not in use and the cup support 13 can be arranged to support a beverage when the holder is in any orientation.

Figure 9D shows a selection of views of another embodiment of the ledge 8 wherein the ledge 8 includes a portion 24 for being received by a rail 25 (see Figure 93) so that position of the ledge 8 can be easily adjusted up and down along the rail.

Figure GD also shows a wedge 26 that can be used to keep the ledge horizontal.

The wedge 26 is arranged beneath the second part of the ledge 8B.

The second part of the ledge 8B has a non-slip surface so as to prevent the object 30 from movement during use.

The embodiment of the ledge 8 shown in Figures 9D and GE includes studs 27 for being accepted into apertures 17 so as to allow the ledge 8 to be arranged at different heights.

Figure 9E shows a close up view of lighting on the holder wherein the lights 22 have been displaced downwards to as to alter direction of the light emitted. The lights 22 are integrated with an outer edge of the holder 4. The portion of the outer edge containing each light 22 is cuboid and attached to the holder 4 by a pivot (not shown) so that position of the light can be changed.

Figures 1OA to 1OD show a page retainer 20 and a fixing 28. The fixing 28 includes a collar 31 for holding the page retainer 20 in such a way that it is free to rotate in use.

The fixing 28 is threaded 29 at a distal end so as to be received securely by an aperture.

The page retainer 20 is cross-shaped having four limbs 20A, 20B, 200 and 20D.

The page retainer 20 is rotated so as to engage and disengage pages.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A stand for supporting an object to be viewed, comprises: a mounting base for connection to a surface; a holder has a front face for supporting the object on the front face, a clip for securing the object against the front face, a ledge on which the object rests and side supports which are adjustably extendable from each side of the holder so as to engage with the object; the mounting base and the holder are connected together by an adjustable arm, the adjustable arm includes at least two pivotally connected sections so that the position and orientation of the holder, relative to the mounting base can be altered, wherein the mounting base and the holder are each substantially flat and capable of being arranged so as to be positioned adjacent one another in a stowed orientation.
2. A stand for supporting an object to be viewed according to claim 1 wherein the pivotally connected sections of the arm include a friction fitting so that the arm sections remain in position unless a force is applied by a user.
3. A stand for supporting an object to be viewed according to claim 1 or claim 2 including a page retainer.
4. A stand for supporting an object to be viewed according to any preceding claim wherein the arm is configured such that the arm is foldable between the mounting base and holder when folded adjacent to one another.
5. A stand for supporting an object to be viewed according to any preceding claim wherein the ledge can be arranged in an open position to receive the object and in a closed position adjacent a front face of the holder.
6. A stand for supporting an object to be viewed according to any preceding claim wherein the ledge is displaceable.
7. A stand for supporting an object to be viewed according to claim 6 wherein the holder has a plurality of fixing points for receiving the displaceable ledge so as to permit the ledge to be positioned at different heights on the holder.
8. A stand for supporting an object to be viewed according to any preceding claim wherein the side supports of the holder are foldable inwards so as to be adjacent a front face holder.
9. A stand for supporting an object to be viewed according to any preceding claim wherein the at least one clip is arranged in a channel so that position of the clip can be changed by moving it along the channel.
10. A stand for supporting an object to be viewed according to any preceding claim wherein a rear face of the holder is configured as a picture frame.
11. A stand for supporting an object to be viewed according to any preceding claim wherein a rear face of the holder includes a photovoltaic cell.
12. A stand for supporting an object to be viewed according to any preceding claim wherein a distal end of the arm is pivotally connected to the holder so that the holder is vertically rotatable through substantially 180 degrees around the connection.
13. A stand for supporting an object to be viewed according to any preceding claim further comprising a spring connection between the arm and the mounting base configured to retain the arm and mounting base in a set relative position in use.
14. A stand for supporting an object to be viewed according to any preceding claim wherein the arm includes or is associated with a hydraulic or pneumatic strut.
15. A stand for supporting an object to be viewed according to any preceding claim having a light.
16. A stand for supporting an object to be viewed as claimed in claim 15 wherein the light is directionally adjustable.
17. A stand for supporting an object to be viewed according to any preceding claim further comprising a cup support.
18. A stand for supporting an object to be viewed as substantially herein described with reference to the figures.