Adjustable reading and viewing support apparatus and method

Abstract

An apparatus for holding a book, cell phone, or audio player or other object providing a source of information or entertainment. A flexible tubing having sufficient flexibility for positional adjustment while maintaining the object in a stable position has a proximal end attached to the object holder and a distal portion adapted to be coiled to provide an integral stand for the object holder.

Description

[0001]This invention claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 850,974 filed Oct. 11, 2006, the entire contents of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates generally to a positionally adjustable support for books and other objects that provide a source of information or entertainment.DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART[0003]When reading for prolonged periods of time, persons continually change positions, slightly or drastically, requiring that the position of the reading material be adjusted as well, such that a comfortable focal length and orientation of the reading material to the eyes is maintained. When holding a book with the hands, such positional adjustment occurs naturally and without thought. But there are situations in which a reading position can become uncomfortable, or even not possible. Such is the case when a person, lying on his / her back and holding a book above the head, quickly develops fatigu...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]Embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus for holding a book or device, in a fixed position at any angle relative to the eye, without obscuring the printed page or device and while providing a positional adjustment to accommodate normal bodily movements common when, for example, reading a book or viewing a video screen for any extended length of time. Flexible tubing provides for easy positional adjustment and is adapted for forming a coil at one end establishing a stable base and does not require any additional base or apparatus for clamping to a piece of furniture.

[0007]In one embodiment, the apparatus hold the pages of the book open and allows for easy turning of the pages.

Problems solved by technology

But there are situations in which a reading position can become uncomfortable, or even not possible.

Such is the case when a person, lying on his / her back and holding a book above the head, quickly develops fatigue in the arms.

Similarly, portable viewable devices which are normally handheld such as audio and video electronic devices, e.g. the iPod, the iPod Nano and similar MP3 players, depend upon the user to hold the device at the appropriate position which for the non-handicapped typically means that both hands are not free for some other activity and for a handicapped persons, the device is either not usable or very inconvenient to use.

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