Books typically comprise multiple leaves, bound together along a spine having end covers, which end covers are substantially rigid when the book is a so-called"hard cover"book, while it is of a much lighter material when the book is a so-called"paperback". Unfortunately, most books require that the reader use both of his or her hands to hold the book open when it is being read. This can cause difficulties if the reader wishes to do something else, the book tends to close and the reader's place in the book is lost. The desired page of the book will not remain exposed when the reader removes one or both hands from the book. A further problem is that in many instances, a person, particularly when reading more than one book, studying, or carrying out other activities which require the reading of the book on an intermittent basis, require that the book be held open and possibly propped up on a work surface to make its reading easier. There are, for example, so-called"book rests"which address this latter problem and the problem of ensuring that a reader can always find the particular page he or she was last reading when the pages close, can be achieved by a bookmark and various other devices or stratagems such as, bending over the top comer of the page, prior to closing the book.

However, the principal need is to be able to hold the book open when the reader removes one or both hands from the book.

It is known to provide devices which hold the pages of the book securely open. Unfortunately, very often, these devices obscure portion of the page of the book or are not sufficiently well designed as to hold the pages of the book, while, at the same time, allowing the reader to turnover the pages of the book easily, without damage to the pages while reading the book. Such prior art devices have various difficulties, such as, they could only handle a certain a size of book or a certain number of pages. They often require the reader to carry out various tasks as the reading progresses. Many of these devices often caused damage to the book which is unacceptable. Further, they very often are cumbersome and complex in construction. Indeed, generally the designs heretofore were awkward and aesthetically unpleasing.

Many previous devices lacked portability or demanded the reader to remove the device after finishing reading or attach it in a different way to the book. Some while being portable are not convenient to use while on the move as they lack features or involve procedures to either set them up in use or end their use. For example, a page holder with no bookmark or bookstand. No device offers the reader the ability to behave with their book as they would if no device was on it except to enjoy the benefits of the device. Nothing offers a convenient version of all to fit the lifestyle of the reader, encompassing different book sizes and types (hardback or paperback). Many require different versions of the same product for varying books.

Comfort of portability is also a relative question. Being portable can mean anything that can be transported by the reader. However, to enable readers to transport the book holder on the book it must weigh very little as many smaller books only weight approx. 200 grams themselves. A book weight should not increase by times with the use of the product but must be made of light materials.

Such devices, for example, are shown in US Patent Specification No. 4382617 (Fortier) where a relatively simple combined book leaf and bookmark is provided which is formed of bent wire and comprises a pair of substantially parallel prongs for insertion of one of the prongs behind the spine of the book and the other prong between the leaves, several pages beyond the pages of interest. Then, there is a wire arm which extends in opposite directions of each other to engage the page. Unfortunately, such a device requires it to be removed and replaced constantly during use.

US Patent Specification No. 6109658 (Moore) describes a book holder which consists of two pieces interlocked so that they are capable of sliding lengthwise in relation to one other. One end of each piece is formed so that when the device is laid upon any flat surface and extended to its most open position, an open paperback book may be laid face up on top and then the device is slid closed to such a position that the formed ends overlap the open pages on opposite sides, thus restraining the book for ease of viewing.

Again, the problem with this device is that the moving of the pages, as the reader uses, is difficult and it cannot be easily achieved. Again, the problem with this device is because of the thick page holders it is more difficult to get pages underneath it. Also, as these page holders are inflexible they can only serve most lightly paperback books where the gap between the page edge and the book cover edge is lesser. No built-in bookstand option is also an inconvenience for readers.

US Patent Specification No. 6068299 (Peltzer) describes a very complex device for holding and supporting a book and comprises, generally, a plate which will rest against the back of the book, two page clips attached to the plate which are shaped and sprung such as they will hold the pages in place and two support legs which are also attached to the plate which can be positioned to set the book in one of several positions. The support legs can be turned to lie flat with the plate such that the book can lie flat or the legs can be turned out away from the plate so that the book can be positioned at an angle forming a book rest. Unfortunately, again, there are difficulties in turning over the pages with this device. Unfortunately, again, there are difficulties in turning over the pages as the finger holders are so near the central spine of the book. Also, it must be removed each time the reader is finished reading which is a great inconvenience for many readers on the move.

Another somewhat similar device is described in US Patent Specification No. 5797631 (Lander) where there is provided a book holder having a telescopic frame on which the book rests, at each opposed end of which are mounted slender fingers which will hold the pages of the book open. Again, the problem with the device is that, depending on the thickness of the book, the pages are securely held or not, as the case may be.

Further, simpler devices are, for example, illustrated in US Patent Specification Nos. 5992887 (Maruchi) and 5364056 (Jiang). However, as mentioned above, none of these overcome the various problems and provide a simple book holder that will be efficient in use and will overcome some of the problems inherent in the present designs of book holder.

Statements of Invention According to the invention, there is provided a book holder comprising : - a book spine engaging support; a pair of pivot arms pivotally mounted adjacent one end of the spine support and substantially orthogonal thereto; and a page engaging arm mounted adjacent the other end of each pivot arm.

In use, the page engaging arm engages the pages and allows the pages to be turned over easily, without difficulty.

Ideally, the length of the pivot arms is adjustable.

Preferably, the length of the pivot arms may be adjustable by a telescopic means, and in an alternative embodiment, the length of the pivot arm is adjustable by means of a slot and pin mechanism located within the arm. In addition to these two preferred embodiments, other commonly known methods of increasing effective length are conceived.

In a further embodiment, there is provided at least one book cover engaging support.

The page engaging arm may be movably mounted on a connecting limb. The connecting limb may be formed integrally or independently from the pivot arm or integrally or independently from the book cover engaging support. Ideally, the page engaging arm is spring biased to engage the book and preferably is mounted so as to engage the pages of the book intermediate the top and bottom of the book. The spring biasing may be, for example, by a torsion spring.

In one embodiment of the invention, the page engaging arm depends from the connecting limb and substantially orthogonal thereto. The page engaging arm may be engagable with the pages of a book substantially between the top and bottom of the page of the book, while the spine engaging support is engaged with the book. Ideally, the page engaging arm is directable; this may be achieved by a variety of means, such as a joint or hinge or flexible portion located along the length of the page engaging arm. The page engaging arm may be directable inwardly and/or outwardly. Indeed, the page engaging arm could be fashioned entirely or partially from a still yet flexible material.

In a further embodiment, there is also provided a page engaging leg extending from the page engaging arm. The page engaing leg may be fixed in relation to the page engaging arm, or it may be movable in relation to the page engaging arm.

The page engaging arm may be an L-shaped bar comprising a side leg depending from the pivot arm, substantially orthogonal to the connecting limb, and in a further embodiment may also comprise an inwardly directed page engaging leg. The page engaging leg may be located substantially parallel to the pivot arm, and in various embodiments may be fixed or directable, for example inwardly and/or outwardly directable.

In another embodiment of the invention, the book spine engaging support is a bifurcated arm, one arm lying on the exterior of the spine of the book and the other, intermediate the pages.

In another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a book cover engaging support. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the book cover engaging support depends from the connecting limb. Ideally, the book cover engaging support comprises a pair of book cover engaging elements, with one book cover engaging element adapted to engage the front side of a book cover and the second book cover engaging element adapted to engage the reverse side of the book cover.

In one preferred embodiment, the book cover engaging support comprises a pair of spaced-apart plates, spring urged together. The spring urging may be for example by means of at least one spring clip. In an alternative embodiment, the shape of at least one of the book cover engaging elements is selected from the group consisting of a loop, coil, bracket, prong or finger.

In another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a work surface engaging support, to make the device freestanding and to form a book rest. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the work surface engaging support is hinged. In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the work surface engaging support is engagable with the connecting limb. In a further embodiment, various parts of the book holder may be pivoted intermediate their ends for ease of folding.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the book holder is provided with a light means removably attachable to the bookholder, which may comprise a light source, such a light bulb, lamp, torch, spotlight or similar. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the light means may be integrally connected to the book holder. Ideally, the position of the light source is adjustable, this may for example, be by means of articulated or jointed or bendable arms or other similar means.

Further, when the book with the book holder is carried from one place to another the book holder remains secure, the tight spring clips ensure that the book holder is secured to the book cover. There is further provided rubber strips mounted on the rear plate which prevent the book cover from sliding or becoming unsteady on the rear plate due to the motion of the movement, this is particularly important with respect to glossy book covers.

Detailed Description of the Invention The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:- Fig. 1. is a front perspective view of a book holder according to the invention in the folded position, Fig. 2 is a rear perspective view of the book holder folded, Fig. 3 is a front perspective view of the book holder in an opened position, Fig. 4 is a rear perspective view of the book holder in an opened position, Fig. 5 is a side view of the book holder, Fig. 6 is a front perspective view of the book holder fully opened for a free standing position, Fig. 7 is a rear perspective view of the book holder for a free standing position, Fig. 8 is a front perspective view of the book holder mounted on a book in the closed and bookmark position, Fig. 9 is a rear perspective view of the book holder mounted on a book in the closed and bookmark position, Fig. 10 is a front perspective view of the book holder mounted on a book in an opened position, Fig. 11 is a rear perspective view of the book holder with the book open, Fig. 12 is a front perspective view of the book holder in a fully open position.

Fig. 13 is a rear perspective view of the book holder in a fully open position.

Fig. 14 is a front perspective view of the book holder open and in a freestanding position, Fig. 15 is a front perspective view of the book holder open and in a free standing position, Fig. 16 is a front perspective view of the book holder open and in a free standing position, Fig. 17 is a rear perspective view of a book mounted on the book holder in a freestanding position, Fig. 18 is a front perspective view of an alternative construction of book holder, Fig. 19 is a rear perspective view of the book holder of Fig.

14, and Fig. 20 is a perspective view of the book holder of Figs. 16 in the position of use on a book.

Detailed description of the drawings Referring to the drawings and initially to Figs. 1 to 13 thereof, there is provided a portable book holder, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1, comprising a book spine engaging support, indicated generally by the reference numeral 2, in the form of a bifurcated arm having two depending arms 3 mounted on a support 4.

Telescopic pivot arms 5 are each mounted on the support 4 at their proximal ends by pivot hinges 6, which hinges 6 are generally friction hinges.

The telescopic pivot arms 5 have mounted on their distal ends, by further pivot hinges 8, which are attached to a connecting limb 11 (in the form of an arm or platform), to which are attached book cover engaging supports, indicated by the reference numeral 10. Attached to the connecting limb 11 depends a pair of plates, namely a front plate 12 and a rear plate 13, urged together by a spring clip 15. The connecting limb may be integrally formed with one of the book cover engaging supports. In the embodiments depicted in the accompanying figures, the connecting limb is integrally formed with the front plate 12.

A panel of rubber may optionally be applied to the front plate 12. The rear plate 13 has two spaced apart rubber strips 13a and 13b mounted thereon. The rubber strip 13a is substantially hemispherical shaped and is mounted directly under the spring clip 15. The rubber strip 13b which is a narrow elongate rubber strip is positioned towards the pivot end of the rear plate 13 and runs substantially the breadth of the rear plate 13. The connecting limb 11 is very much a part and the one piece or moulding of front plate 12 and is not an independent arm to the front plate 12 but a shaping or moulding to hold other parts including the rear plate 13. The connecting limb 11 is effectively an extension of the pivot arm 5 mounts, on its end, remote from the main support 4, a page engaging arm, indicated generally by the reference numeral 20. Each page engaging arm 20 is mounted on the connecting limb 11 by a pivot hinge 21 and is of substantially L-shape, comprising a side leg 22 pivoted and sprung at 23 intermediate its length, depending effectively from the pivot arm 5, although actually mounted on the connecting limb 11 and substantially orthogonal thereto. The page engaging arm 20 also comprises an inwardly directed page engaging leg or finger 25. The pivot hinge 21 incorporates a torsion spring (not shown).

Mounted on each connecting limb 11 is a spring biased work surface engaging support 27. In the drawing, a book is identified by the reference number 30, its cover, by the reference numeral 31, spine 32 and pages 33.

Referring firstly to Figs. 8 and 9, the book holder 1 is illustrated mounted in the closed position on a book 30. The orientation of the book holder in this closed position, without the book, can be seen easily in Figs. 1 and 2. It will be noted that the book spine engaging support 2 has one of its arms 3 on the outside of the spine, in the open position, as illustrated in Fig. 10, with the fingers 25 engaging the pages 33. In Fig. 11, there can be seen portion of the book cover engaging support 10, namely, the rear plate 13, engaging the book cover 31. These correspond to the views of Figs. 3 and 4 with the book 30 removed.

Referring now to Figs. 14 and 15, there is shown the book 30, again mounted in the book holder 1 but now with the surface engaging supports 27 pivoted to lie on a work surface. The same position has been illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7 with the book removed. It should be noted that the book holder could also be used with the work surface engaging supports 27 pivoted upwards, i. e. using the book holder along the bottom of the book 30, rather than across the top. This is illustrated in Figs 16 and 17.

Referring to Figs. 18 to 20, there is illustrated an alternative construction of book holder, indicated generally by the reference numeral 40, in which parts similar to those described with reference to the previous drawings, or essentially performing the same function, are identified by the same reference numerals. In this embodiment, instead of providing a telescopic pivot arm 5, there is provided a pivot arm 41 engaging a slot 42 within the arm 11. Further, the page engaging arm 20 is still L-shaped but oriented in a different way than heretofore. Essentially, all that happens is that the fingers 25 move to the top of the page, rather than to the side.

It is suggested that there are numerous advantages with the present invention. Firstly, the book holder, according to the present invention, keeps the book fully open and is adjustable to small and large books and book type, whether paperback or hardback. The pages of the book can be turned as normally when reading a book, indeed, as if the device were not on the book as no contact is required with the book engaging arm 20 and its finger 25 nor does the book have to be picked up and folded in to turn a page which is the case with many book items which have straps running across the two open pages. The book holder can be manufactured from any suitable moulded plastics material and therefore, can be made of very light material and is thus completely portable, allowing it to be carried on the book at all times without adding significant weight for the reader.

The advantage of the book holder being able to support a book on a work surface is of great use in certain circumstances. It is also important that the stand is both an optional (can fold up) and a built-in part of the product and does not have to be attached as a separate part which is often difficult to transport or cumbersome to carry or attach. Further, it will be appreciated that the book holder, according the present invention, may be left in a book with the book closed, thus forming an adequate bookmark. The book holder can be put on at the book's beginning and optionally only removed on its completion enabling one to carry around the book as one would always do. Even greater convenience comes from the fact that one can close or shut the book immediately from a reading position as they would if the book holder were not on the book.

There is no need to adjust or move the position of the book holder to change from a page holding position to that of a bookmark position. This is especially convenient for a person on the move where they may have to close the book quickly and go.

It is also envisaged that the book holder, according to the present invention, may incorporate a light means with a light source so as to allow the illumination of pages while reading. In one embodiment, the light means is attachable to the bookholder by a clip or snap-on means or magnet or other suitable means of attachment. In one embodiment of the invention, the bookholder may be provided with at least one specific area of attachment for the light means, whereas in an alternative embodiment the light means is attachable to the bookholder in a wide variety of locations about the bookholder. Ideally, the position of the light source is also adjustable, for example by means of a movable or positionable arm, such as a jointed or articulated or bendable arm wherein the light source itself is located at the end of the arm. The light may also be battery powered.

It is suggested that because the page engaging arm 20, in the embodiment of the first figures, shows the finger engaging the side of the page, it has considerable advantages. By the use of friction devices, it will be appreciated that the friction exerted against the fingers, for example, halfway down a page, is less than at the top, which makes it relatively easy to hold a new paperback book. It will be appreciated that many paperback books are produced by gluing the spine which leads to extremely stiff books which have to be opened out quite firmly. A page finger position half-way down the page is far superior as pages naturally move from left to right and right to left which makes page turning considerably easier than using the top or bottom of the book. The particular hinge construction of page engaging arm allows the book holder to accommodate easily, that gap or spacing between the edge of the pages and the book cover edge of especially hardback book The ability to hinge-in the engaging arms bringing the page finger over the gap to the edge of the page allows the page to be held back more effectively. Indeed, in accordance with the present invention, there is no need for the reader to touch any portion of the holder, when turning pages. The pages of the book tend to spring seamlessly to follow the reader, maintaining a constant pressure enabling pages to be easily removed or retained. Also, this is helped by the fact the page finger is very thin. Page holders that are thick are both more difficult to get pages under and are an unwelcome distraction to the reader.

The particular construction of book holder allows the reader to work and perform other tasks. The book holder can be used on various sizes of books and made to adjust easily to different sizes of book. Further, the book holder does not damage the book and because of the shape of the book cover engaging support, the book holder readily accommodates lighter book covers. Further, it will be appreciated that the book holder according to the invention, provides a fair deal of protection for books, preventing their damage due to careless handling and bending of pages.

A further advantage of the book holder according to the present invention is that it does not cover large amounts of the exterior of the book cover and thus, it does not interrupt the reading of. the indicia and other printing on the book cover. Also, much of the book holder that covers the top of the book cover is optional transparent i. e rear plate 13. Further, there is no need, with the book cover according to the present invention, to engage in any elaborate adjustment and manipulation of the book holder to accommodate various sizes of book.

One of the great advantages of the page engaging arm is that since the fingers engage the page intermediate the top and bottom of the page, the pages are more clearly held in position. Further, the fact that the book holder can be folded is particularly advantageous. One of its main advantages is that it can be transported around with a book, without making the book, even a paperback, too unwieldy to put in one's pocket.

The particular sprung construction of the page engaging arms allows one to extend back the page finger outside the page edge allowing groups of pages to be turned at once with great ease.

This is especially convenient for going back and forward in the book while for example referencing notes.

This invention presents the advantages of a bookmark, bookstand, and book opener/holder all-in-one without in any way comprising the portability of the book itself or the means in which it is carried.

It is particularly advantageous for those engaged in work or study which requires the use of a considerable number of books or texts which must be referred to and referenced intermittently.

In use, the preferred embodiment of the book holder is applied to a book by means of engaging the book spine engaging support to the spine of the book. Essentially, the spine of the book is inserted between the prongs, or arms, formed by the bifurcated arm of the book spine engaging support. One of the arms engages with the exterior of the spine of the book and the second arm is engagable with the pages of the book such that the second arm lies substantially along the seam joining the pages of the book.

In this way, the book is held in a pincer grip along its spine, which has the advantage of not obscuring the text.

In the case of hardback books, it may be preferable to insert one of the arms into the space between the spine of the book cover and the bound portion of the pages.

Following this, the pivot arms may be positioned and extended, for example telescopically, such that the page engaging arm lies just outside of and substantially along the length of the page. The book cover engaging supports are then engaged with the cover of the book. Firstly, the spring clip is positioned to loosen the pair of book cover supports from each other. Then, one book cover engaging support is applied to the front side of the book cover and the second book cover engaging support of then pair is applied to engage the reverse side of the book cover. The spring clip is then positioned to ensure that the book cover engaging supports are urged together and grip the cover of the book. In this aim, the grip is improved by the presence of the rubber strips in the book cover engaging supports.

Next, the page engaging arms are positioned such that the page engaging leg holds the page in place, while providing minimal obstruction of the text. Should the user desire, the work surface engaging supports may be hingably extended from the pivot arm to provide support for positioning the book.

In the specification the terms"comprise, comprises, comprised and comprising"or any variation thereof and the terms "include, includes, included and including"or any variation thereof are considered to be totally interchangeable and they should all be afforded the widest possible interpretation and vice versa.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment hereinbefore described, but may be varied in both construction and detail.

The words"comprises/comprising"and the words "having/including"when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.