GB290804A - Improvements in book supports or reading desks - Google Patents

Abstract

290,804. Gauldie, K. April 23, 1927. Desks supported on the person.-A device for enabling a book to be comfortably supported in a reading-position on the body of the reader consists of a cross member, against which rests the back of the book, and guys or struts which may be connected to the body of the reader, or other means for laterally supporting the book. Fig. 1 shows a book supported on a ledge E on a lower crosspiece F, its top resting against an upper .crossbar A; a supporting-cord B, with a pad E, passes behind the reader's body, and the lower piece F rests against his body. The cord B may be passed through notches S to prevent shadows from falling on the paper. Spring tines C, preferably crossed, retain the pages open. One of thess has a hump which may be engaged with the other tine so as to hold both away from the pages. The other ends of the tines are fitted in spiral springs in the member A. The upper and lower members A, F are connected by lazy-tongs linkwork fitted with springs which tend to collapse it, and draw the members A, F together, thus securing the book between the ledges E, M. Short projections N engage the bookbinding. To prevent the ledges from crushing a soft-backed magazine, a strip of cardboard may be fitted between them, or a friction joint tightened by a thumbscrew or other means, may be fitted in one of the joints of the linkwork. A pivoted stabilizing-foot 0 may be fitted on the part F. In a modification, the bar A is omitted, and is released by corner pieces on extended arms of the lazy-tongs linkwork; these corner pieces engage the upper corners of the book. The tines C are mounted on the ledge E or part F, on the lower-edge of which may be fitted a flexible bowed strip for abutting on the body of the reader. In another modification, the ledge E is mounted on the linkwork so as to be vertically adjustable with respect to the part F, which further is fitted with two stabilizing-feet pivoted to the lowest edge of the part F. The rods G are slidingly mounted in holes in the part A, complete withdrawal being prevented by spring catches.