ADJUSTABLE BOOK PROTECTION SYSTEM WITH INTEGRATED REPLACEABLE OUTER COVER

TECHNICAL PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED & PRIOR ART

The present invention relates to a robust book protection system of modular design which is expandable and thus able to cover paperback and hardback books, magazines, journals, periodicals and related bound reading, writing and study materials of various height, width and thickness. This kind of book protector is particularly well suited to covering field and travel guides, maintenance manuals, school textbooks and any book that is subjected to being frequently moved or handled roughly.

Numerous different kinds of covers are currently employed to protect books. Most are of a comparatively simple design and constructed from either paper of thin flexible plastics. Naturally, due to wear and tear, the lifespan of such protectors is extremely limited. Due to their simple construction such covers can typically be adjusted somewhat to fit larger or smaller books, however, their low cost makes it both impractical and undesirable to reuse a semi-worn cover to protect a different book. Other protectors made from more robust materials have also been constructed, however, these are not readily adjustable to fit books of variable size. The 'Holy Grail' of long-lasting, widely reusable book covers/protectors may therefore be said to be one which places no stress on the book's spine, front and back cover-leaves, which is robust yet thin and lightweight, adjustable yet easily fitted and removed, and rapidly refreshed when worn at the edges or restyled when the current cover pattern is deemed either out of favour or fashion. With the obvious susceptibility of paperback books to the formation of 'dog eared' pages and accidental damage, it is also desirable to have the cover give the kind of protection to the pages that the cover- leaves of a hardback book provide. No cover/protector has yet been reported or commercialized which satisfies such a specification.

OBJECT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION The primary object of the present invention is to provide an extremely flexible, configurable and easy to use adjustable book protection system which can robustly protect all kinds of books, journals, periodicals, magazines and bound reading materials of various sizes.

The design and features of the book protection system that is the object of the present invention offer considerable advantages when compared to existing book covers already on the market. This starts with full consideration of how best to reduce the stresses on all of the components that maintain the integrity of a book, most essentially the spine, front and back cover-leaves, and the point at which the cover-leaves connect with the spine.

The present invention also includes features which encourage the user to quickly and easily fasten the book closed when not in use in order to protect it against accidental damage. Aesthetically, the present invention can be configured to allow the owner of the book to employ an outside cover displaying any pattern or illustration of their choosing, made from practically any flexible material.

This feature alone is certain to ensure wider usage and better protection of books among younger users who typically like to cover their books with favourite musicians or sports stars, and who change these frequently.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Advantages of the book protection system that is the subject of the present invention, as noted following performance tests:

1 - The same system is capable of perfectly protecting books with as few as 50 to 100 pages or as many as 1000 or more. For example, the test system readily accommodates books with the following dimensions: a) Paperback with height 230mm, width 155mm and thickness 7mm (160 pages); b) Hardback with height 220mm, width 145mm and thickness 21 mm (240 pages); c) Paperback with height 190mm, width 125mm and thickness 16mm (340 pages); d) Hardback with height 190mm, width 125mm and thickness 35mm (430 pages); e) Paperback with height 200mm, width 130mm and thickness 51 mm (980 pages); f) Hardback with height 230mm, width 130mm and thickness 52mm (1150 pages).

Thinner, shorter, narrower books also fit within the test dimensions, however, a smaller system is considerably optimal for smaller books. Likewise, the whole system is fully scalable and thus magazines and thicker, taller or wider books are easily protected with a larger system.

2 - During normal usage, it is impossible to damage the spine or spine to cover-leaf joints of a book when covered, even when supporting the full weight of the book by holding only the system's front and back cover-leave regions. No stress at all is placed on these parts of the book since its weight is taken up by the protection system and the front and back cover-leaves are free to move within the system, as opposed to being firmly affixed or adhered, as is the case with many book covers.

3 - Adjustment of the protection system from a thin or small book setting to a thick or large book setting takes less than one minute.

4 - When covered a book can be rendered fully 'throwable', in that it is entirely possible to repeatedly throw the book some distance between two people, open it, read from it, close it and throw it back without any damage what so ever to the book. The same protection system can be adjusted and employed immediately afterwards to repeat this 'throwability' test with a larger or smaller book. This wholly impractical test simply proves to illustrate the robust, practical nature of the system.

5 - A protected book can be rapidly and carelessly stuffed into a school bag, handbag, sports holdall or backpack without fear of damage to its structural integrity or pages. Similarly, it can be allowed to fall to the bottom of the bag and remain there for an extended period undamaged.

6 - The entire book protection system has a modular design utilizing simple components, making low-cost, large volume manufacturing extremely straightforward. This also means that should a malfunction occur, the system is easily repaired by the user by simply replacing the damaged component(s). Moreover, given the simplicity of the individual components and the modular design it remains extremely straightforward to create customized configurations.

7 - A worn or unwanted outer cover of the protection system can be fully replaced in less than one minute. Unlike most other book covers, no adhesive materials or cutting tools are required to make the change, since all new outer covers fit all books accommodated by that particular size of system.

8 - The outer cover may be made from just about any flexible material depending on the requirements and wishes of the user, from thin polyethylene or paper to rugged vinyl or rubber. Fabrics such as cotton, felt, wool or fur may also be used provided that they are backed with a smooth surface capable of making and effective attachment to the frame. Much of the outer cover (that which protects the cover-leaf regions, though not the spine) may also be made from a thin metal or other rigid sheet.

9 - An infinite number of outer cover patterns, designs and illustrations are possible. Moreover, the use of a transparent two-ply (envelope) plastic outer cover would allow the user to insert their own photographs, artwork or notes, so providing the strength and water resistance of plastic with the aesthetic features of a central decorative layer.

10 - The system may be designed and configured such that replacement outer covers may be easily 'home-made' by the user to their own specifications and aesthetic requirements, so making it extremely cost-effective to maintain and refresh. Creative, artistic users will surely find this interactive aspect of the system particularly appealing. 11 - External pockets may easily be added to the outer cover to hold a small notebook and pen, or other essentials. A carrying handle may also be attached.

12 - The protection system is designed such that multiple integrated bookmarks can be added.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The present invention is further described below, with reference to one of its preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures 1 , 2 and 3 illustrate the components of a three-layer frame in which the structural elements are all made from a rigid thin plastic such as polypropylene. Figures 1 , 2, 3 and 4 are drawn to the same scale.

Figure 1 is a topside view of the left and right panels of the unassembled inner most layer of the frame (hereafter referred to as the 'inner frame' and 'inner frame panel(s)').

Figure 2 is an underside view of the left and right panels of the unassembled outer most layer of the frame (hereafter referred to as the 'outer frame' and 'outer frame panel(s)'). Figure 3 is an underside view of the components comprising the central layer of the frame

(hereafter referred to as the 'thickness adjuster(s)'). Both left and right thickness adjusters are shown. Please note that the thickness adjuster on the left belongs to the right half of the frame, and that on the right belongs to the left half.

Figure 4 is a topside view of the front (left side: 1 ) and back (right side: 2) cover-leaf holders. Figures 5 and 6 are schematic representations of how the components of the frame, cover- leaf holders and spine support bands are assembled. The length of the spine support band shown in each figure is greatly exaggerated in order to illustrate how assembly is accomplished.

Figure 7 is a topside view of the assembled inner frame, also showing the six spine support bands. The configuration shown is for a thin book.

120 Figure 8 is an underside view of the assembled outer frame, also showing the four unsecured thickness adjustment ribbons. The configuration shown is for a thin book.

Figure 9 is a topside view of the inner frame, also showing the positioning of the secured thickness adjustment ribbons. The configuration shown is for a thin book.

Figure 10 is an underside view of the outer frame, also showing the positioning of the secured 125 thickness adjustment ribbons. The configuration shown is for a thin book.

Figure 11 is an underside view of the outer frame, also showing the positioning of the secured thickness adjustment ribbons and elongated spine support bands. The configuration shown is for a thick book.

Figure 12 is a topside view illustrating the placement of the cover-leaf holders on the inner 130 frame, also showing the four gaps created for the thickness adjustment ribbons to feed through the cover-leaf holders.

Figure 13 is a topside view (inside) of the outer cover. Figure 14 is an underside view (outside) of the outer cover.

Figure 15 is a topside view of the inner frame showing its positioning above the unsecured 135 outer cover.

Figure 16 is a topside view of the inner frame once it has been secured into the outer cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION WITH REFERENCE TO THE DRAWINGS

The rigid part of the frame of the book protection system consists of four rectangular (book-

140 shaped) panels of a thin sheet of a comparatively rigid plastic such as polypropylene (Figures 1 and 2). The inner frame panels (Figure 1 ) are essential to the frame's structure and function, while the optional outer frame panels (Figure 2) add strength, rigidity and improved performance.

Figure 1 shows the two panels of the inner frame (1 ) and the essential slits made in each (2, 3 and 4) to create the thickness adjustment mechanism. Two slits towards the outer edges (2) are for

145 the thickness adjuster ribbons to feed through, while six slits at the inner edges (3 and 4) are for the spine support bands. Three of the spine support bands are integrated with the left thickness adjuster (3) and three with the right thickness adjuster (4).

Figure 2 shows the outer frame panels (1 ), which are very similar in design to the inner frame panels. In this embodiment of the invention the outer frame panels effectively act as a protective

150 cover for the adjustment mechanism. The main difference is that there are Velcro-type attachment points (2), onto which the thickness adjuster ribbons (See Figure 3) are secured, rather than feedthrough slits. The thickness adjusters form the central layer of the frame, and the adjuster ribbons attached to them pass through the inner frame before wrapping around to their point of attachment on the outer frame (See Figure 10). Again, there are slits for the six spine support bands

155 (for the left adjuster: 3; for the right adjuster: 4)

Figure 3 illustrates the two thickness adjusters, the key components which allow the book protection system to accommodate books of various sizes. Again, rigid polypropylene is the material of choice for the adjusters' structural components (1 and 2). Each adjuster has a 'spine support band side' (1 ) and a 'ribbon side' (2). The spine support band side has three slits (5) readied for the

160 insertion of spine support bands during assembly. Attached to the ribbon side of each adjuster are two ribbons (typically of thin inelastic dressmaker's ribbon), one at each end (3), which will ultimately be secured to the outer frame via Velcro-type attachment points (4). For the best possible performance, the two sides of each thickness adjuster are connected via short lengths of flat elastic tape (6). These elastic linkages have the important function of moderating all adjustments made, so

165 eliminating all stress on the book once in use. The book protection system does not need to be a precision piece of equipment, and hence any change in the thickness adjustment due to elongation/contraction of the elastic has no deleterious effect on its function. Moreover, the elastic linkages help keep the book perfectly snug, but not too tightly held or contorted.

Figure 4 illustrates the front (1 ) and back (2) cover-leaf holders, typically made from a thin but

170 strong transparent plastic film, which hold the book in place in the frame. Both holders are the same height as the inner and outer frame panels, but are narrower, to allow for easy insertion of the book's cover-leaves. The back cover-leaf pocket also has a Velcro-type attachment point (3) which is used to attach the outer cover to the right side of the inner frame (see Figure 16).

The major components of the book protection system come together in Figures 5 and 6,

175 wherein the various layers (1 , 2, 3 and 4) are assembled around six flexible spine support bands. For an average specification, with frame panels of height equal to 235mm and width equal to 125mm, the spine support bands should be approximately 230mm in length. The flat bands employed are typically made from a woven synthetic ribbon (of approximately 25mm in width) in which the ends are stitched together to complete a circle. In all six cases, the bands pass through the inner and outer frame

180 panels (6). Figures 5 and 6 only differ in that Figure 5 illustrates how the left thickness adjuster is incorporated, while Figure 6 shows the incorporation of the right adjuster. In Figure 5, the spine support band passes through the slit (7) of the left adjuster, but passes in front of the right-side adjuster (8). The reverse is the case in Figure 6. In all cases each band has five points of contact with the assembled frame.

185 Figure 7 illustrates the appearance of the inner frame (1 ) once all six spine support bands have been inserted and configured to hold a thin book. At this point there is no longer a visible distinction between the bands interwoven with the left (2) and right (3) thickness adjusters. The role of the spine support bands as a flexible bridge between the two rigid halves of the frame is also clearly evident here.

190 Figure 8 illustrates the appearance of the underside of the assembled frame (1 ), with particular reference to the positioning of the thickness adjuster ribbons (3). The ribbons exit the centre of the frame via the inner frame (see Figure 9) before wrapping around to the outer frame (2), where the book's thickness adjustment is locked in place, by securing the Velcro-type attachment points on the ribbons (4) to those on the outer frame (5) (see Figures 10 and 11 ).

195 Figure 9 shows the position (2) at which the adjuster ribbons exit the inner frame (1 ) before wrapping around to be secured on the outer frame.

Figures 10 and 1 1 compare how the inner frame of the book protection system is configured and secured in the case of a thin and thick book, respectively. In the case of a thin book (Figure 10), the adjustment ribbons (2) are at full extension before being attached to the outer frame (1 ), so

200 meaning that the spine support bands (3) are at their shortest. Conversely, Figure 1 1 illustrates the configuration for a thick book, wherein the adjuster ribbons (2) are at their shortest due to elongation of the spine support bands (3). When secured to the outer frame (1 ), part of the Velcro-type fastener therefore remains unused and thus visible (4).

Figure 12 serves to illustrate how the cover-leaf holders (2) are connected to the assembled

205 frame (1 ), and how the frame itself is held together as a single unit. The bold line (3), corresponding to the top, bottom and outer edges of the holders, indicates the points at which the cover-leaf holders and both inner and outer frame panels are stitched, stapled or otherwise joined together. The inner edges of the cover-leaf holders are naturally left open and unstitched (4), as are the points at which the four adjuster ribbons exit the inner frame (5).

210 Once assembly of the frame is complete, it only remains to integrate it with the outer cover.

Vinyl is a tried and tested material for the most robust of outer covers, however lighter plastics and any number of other materials are undoubtedly also usable. Figure 13 shows the inside of a representative outer cover (1 ). The basic design encompasses a rectangular sheet with a pocket (2) wherein the left edge of the frame is placed (see Figure 16). The pocket is left open on the inner edge

215 (3) and stitched to the outer cover on the other three sides (4). The inside of the outer cover also contains Velcro-type attachment points for securing the right-hand side of the frame (5) and a flap (6. See Figure 14), which overlaps to fasten the outer cover closed.

Figure 14 illustrates the very simple features of the outside of the outer cover (1 ). The cover's flap (3) is separated from the main cover by a crease (4), which is employed to help the flap lie flat

220 when not in use. When the book is open and in use, the flap is designed to lie between the front leaf- cover (now protected) and the first page of the book. When closed, the cover flap is secured from the inside (see Figure 13) to Velcro-type attachment points on the outside opposite end of the outer cover

(2).

Figure 15 shows the frame (1 ) and outer cover (2) prior to final assembly. The left-hand edge 225 of the frame is seen positioned immediately above the pocket in which it is placed to complete the integrated system. Further to this, Figure 16 shows the appearance of the frame (1 ) once inserted into the open edge (3) of the pocket (4) on the inside of the outer cover (2). Figure 16 also shows the Velcro-type attachment points on the frame (5) and right-hand side of the outer cover (6) which when fastened together lock the frame into the outer cover so completing the system.