Reading aid or device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a reading aid which is able to hold a book, of varying size and thickness, open in a natural reading position without the need for hands or other devices and comprises a non-linear, book supporting member each end of which is angled between 160 degrees and 60 degrees from the centre of said member with resilient asymmetric flexible left and right hand page retaining portions at opposite ends of said member which narrow along their length to less than a 12 point font size to fit between the text. Different book sizes are accommodated by different sized devices and a telescopic version. When not being used to read books the device wraps around the spine acting as a page mark.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a reading aid which is able to hold a book, of varying size and thickness, open in a natural reading position without the need for hands or other devices. The reading aid also functions as a page marker when the book is not in use. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Upon opening a book, the potential energy in the spine of the book naturally causes it to close of its own accord. Likewise, once opened, the potential energy in the cover and pages also naturally causes the book to close. [0003] There are three main positions one adopts when reading a book. The first position is to lie the spine of the book on a surface, e.g. a table top or the ground. This position supports the book and then enables it to be forced open with one or both hands to allow the text to be visible. [0004] The second position is to force the book open with hands to reveal the text, followed by supporting the base of the spine on a surface, e.g. tab...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012] The advantage of the reading aid of the invention is that it not only keeps a book open without the need for hands or other devices but it also acts as a page marker when not in use to overcome the aforementioned problems.

[0027] In a yet further preferred embodiment, each end of the non-linear book supporting member is angled in the range of between 160 degrees and 60 degrees from the centre of said member, more preferably between 150 degrees and 60 degrees. Preferably, the non-linear book supporting member may be hinged at or near its centre. It will be appreciated that the hinge may either be integral or may be an addition to the non-linear book supporting member. Preferably, the hinged points may incorporate a friction or snap fit or catch mechanism. This feature has the advantage of controlling the angle of the non-linear book supporting member.

Problems solved by technology

Likewise, once opened, the potential energy in the cover and pages also naturally causes the book to close.

There are many applications where a user finds keeping a book open whilst reading to be awkward and uncomfortable.

Reading a book held open with hands or other aids can also be restrictive since invariably the pages are not flat and squarely presented to the eyes.

Whilst holding a book open, the hands and fingers need to exert a certain amount of force to prevent the book from closing and they therefore reduce the readable area of the page.

Not only can this become uncomfortable both over short and long periods of time, but for both elderly and disabled, the force needed to keep a book open can also restrict their reading ability.

Cramping in the hands is also a problem for some people when holding a book open for a prolonged period of time.

Other reading aids have been proposed, but these generally obscure text, damage the spine and the pages of the book by forcing the book open further than is naturally needed for reading.

Known reading aids also require two-handed operation, lack adequate control of page tension and movement, and do not allow for expansion to increase the usability.

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