Adjustable reading bookstand

Abstract

The reclining model is adjustable vertically, horizontally, and rotationally. The book holder component of the bookstand has two parts for fitting the book holder to the size of the reading material. In combination, the book holder ledge and the bookclip holds the reading material securely in place. All bookstands are designed for stress-free-body-usage. The Bookstands permit reading at eyelevel and eliminates the need for gripping reading material. Reclining model allows reading at eyelevel whether in a reclining or upright position. Each bookstand is designed for improving the quality of life of readers with physical disabilities interfering with the positioning of materials for reading. They are designed for readers with visual impairments and for readers with back, neck, shoulder, upper extremity: hand, wrist, arm, and elbow; disorders and limitations.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to improved floor and tabletop adjustable reading bookstands and book holders (`The Bookstand/s"). The method of use focusing on accommodating individuals with physical conditions that interfere with the positioning of materials for reading. The Bookstands are for readers who have physically challenging illnesses and conditions in the back, neck, shoulders and upper body extremities: hands, wrists, arms, and elbows. They eliminate the need for gripping and holding reading materials: books, magazines, newspapers, and reports. They are adjustable and are designed to present reading material at eye level.

[0003] The Bookstands will assist individuals falling within categories of illnesses and conditions stemming from three types of environments.

[0004] I. The Body as an Environment that Generates Incapacitating Diseases Such as:

[0005] Arthritis

[0006] There are approximately 43 million Americans who are affected by one of the more than one hundred different types of arthritis: pain, swelling, stiffness in or problems with moving one or more joints (NAAP, 1999). Several of the most common types include, osteoarthritis: a degenerative joint disease, which affects an estimated 20.7 million Americans. About 5% (2.2) of the 43 million have rheumatoid arthritis: bone and cartilage digested by the membranes lining joints, releasing enzymes (Arthritis Foundation). Non-deforming and non-paralytic skeletal condition numbers, e.g., orthopedic impairments that are disabilities in motion: stiffness, instability, weakness, pain, and swelling; show that disabilities of the neck, trunk, shoulder, and upper extremities exist for 5 million individuals: 3.8 m back and neck, 1.2 m for shoulder and upper extremities.

[0007] Strokes

[0008] The National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion states that there are about 4.5 million stroke survivors living today. Strokes usually affect one side of the body, causing motor, muscle strength, and coordination disabilities. They are the leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States. All age groups are vulnerable, with 28% of victims falling under 65. There are approximately 600,000 people suffering a stroke on a yearly basis with only 15% recovering completely. According to the National Stroke Association:

[0009] 150 k (25%) recover with minor impairments

[0010] 240 k (40%) experience moderate to severe impairments that require special care

[0011] 60 k (10%) require care in a nursing home or other long-term facility

[0012] While the above does not delineate which parts of the body is affected, National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) found that complete paralysis of one or both arms limited 16.4% (21 k) of the 128 k individuals interviewed.

[0013] Multiple Sclerosis

[0014] An estimated 250 k to 350 k people have multiple sclerosis: a disabling nervous system disease, that has the potential of stiffing joints which in tern affects gripping, arm muscle strength, and fine motor coordination and may cause partial or complete paralysis. Every week about 200 people are diagnosed with the disease. Most are between the ages of 20 and 40 (National Multiple Sclerosis Society, FAQs).

[0015] Amputations (May be Caused by Both Internal znd External Conditions)

[0016] In 1996, there were approximately 1.3 m amputees (Vital and Health Statistics National Health Interview Survey, Series 13, No. 139). According to the National Health Interview Survey, in 1991-2 there were 185,000 surgical amputations. Of this number, 14% (26,000) were for the removal of upper limbs.

[0017] Deformities

[0018] Curvature of the back or spine limits the activities of about 435 k people. Another 116 k are limited by deformities: contracture, atrophy, shortness, crippled, and shriveled; of the upper extremities (NHIS). With regard to congenital, there are more than 150,000 infants born with serious birth defects each year. Eighty percent (120,000) of these infants survive and live with long-term disabilities (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, 1998).

[0019] II. Work Environment Job Activities Causing Debilitating Musculoskeletal Disorders as Indicated Below:

[0020] Labor Department research shows that very roughly, 32% (600,390 overexertion and repetitive motion cases divided by 1,880,525 total occupational illness cases) of each one-year-experienced-work-force, suffers from musculoskeletal injuries (NIOSH, 2001). See types of disorders below:

[0021] Work Related Upper Extremities Musculoskeletal Injuries

1 Number Type of Of Cases Percent Disorder 313,404 52.2 Back 156,101 26.0 Upper Extremities (Carpal Tunnel & Shoulders) 12,608 2.1 Neck 64,842 10.8 Trunk except Back (Partly Arm & Elbow) 31,821 5.3 All Others & Multiple 22,214 3.7 Lower Extremities Reference NIOSH: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's analysis of the Department of Labor's 1996 special compilation of cases from the Department's Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses. See A NIOSH Look at, Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Worker Health by Industry and Occupation: Musculoskeletal Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Dermatitis, Hernia. # U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, January 2001).

[0022] III. And, Non-Work Environment Activities Causing Disorders Such as:

[0023] Spinal Cord Injuries

[0024] Approximately 200,000 people live with paralysis caused by spinal cord injury with more than half between 16 and 30 years of age. About eleven thousand (11,000) sustain these traumatic injuries each year (Safe USA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). About 18% of such injuries result in incomplete quadriplegia in the upper part of the body.

[0025] Brain Injuries

[0026] There are currently 5.3 m people with traumatic brain injuries resulting from transportation accidents, violence, and falls. The accumulation is based on a yearly incidence of 80 k to 90 k individuals surviving hospitalization with some lifelong disabilities of strength, coordination, and balance (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, 1996.)

[0027] Musculosketetal Disorders (Caused by Reading)

[0028] In an effort to understand the discomforting nerve, tendon, joint, and muscle affects believed to be the long-term consequences of reclining reading-posture-habits, technical medical research was reviewed to understand the development of these consequences. Surprisingly, literature that integrated upper body extremity disorders with reading was virtually impossible to find. However, because of industry and legal concerns with workmen compensation claims, office and workplace injuries have come under close scrutiny over the past several decades. With a combination of disciplines: reconstructive surgery, industrial ergonomics, microenvironment neurology, occupational medicine, orthopedics, and physical therapy; a host of occupational job activities have been investigated. (Most of these investigations fell under some concept of repetitive use injury.) In understanding the physiological causes of these injuries, parallels could be drawn between job related disorders and the potential for reading posture disorders. And, based on an analysis of this literature, reading could be causing musculoskeletal disorders for many of the 56 million (280 m [U.S. population].times.0.02) avid book readers who read for life long learning and as a favorite pastime. See table on page 5.

[0029] Musculoskeletal Disorders (Caused by Being Visually Impaired

[0030] Of relevance, visual impairments affect the positioning of the back and upper extremities when reading. Visual impairments cause individuals to position reading materials a few inches from the face by either bending forward to read on a flat surface or by using hands and arms to bring materials very close to the eyes. Just as described in the Reading category above, the musculoskeletal positioning compensating for this impairment, may cause disorders. These disorders have not yet been recognized and acknowledge as a general public health concern. However, approximately 5% (10 million) of individuals 15 years of age and older have difficulty seeing words and letters in ordinary newspaper print even when wearing glasses or contact lenses (Lighthouse National Survey, 1995). There is another 25% of American adults who are myopic (nearsighted) and there is the individual who becomes blind or visually impaired every seven minutes. Given the aforementioned numbers, the time has arrived for addressing the potential of reading posture habits causing additional disorders for the visually impaired. For, all of these individuals may be engaging in unhealthy body positioning reading practices.

2 STATIC POSITIONS AND POSTURES CONTRIBUTING TO COMMON AND UNCOMMON DISORDERS TABLE* PROLONGED COMMON STATIC PROLONGED READING STATIC NAME OF POSTURES/POSITIONS POSTURES/POSITIONS INJURY/CONSEQUENCE COMMON DISORDER wrist out of line with forearm When holding a book the wrist is Wrist flexion increases pressure on Carpal tunnel syndrome flexed backwards. The lower the already compressed median nerve that hands are placed toward the bottom of is in the carpal tunnel. the book the greater the degree of flexion. thumb pressure used for gripping When lying down, the book is gripped The phalanx (bone) compresses the DeQuervain's syndrome by the thumb pressing the book radial nerve against the surface of the against the fingers. object being gripped. Bending of the wrist when gripping an When lying down and gripping the Gripping places pressure on the palm's Guyon tunnel syndrome object. book, the weight of the book is rested hypothenar eminence causing in the palm of the hand, compression of the ulner nerve in the Guyon tunnel. elbow and wrist flexion When reading and holding a book the Flexion of the elbow increases Pronator syndrome elbow is naturally flexed and the hand pressure on the ulner nerve as it passes it turned toward the body. through the cubital tunnel. Combination of flexions function to tighten pronator muscles and may cause median or radial nerve compression. arm elevation above head. When lying down and reading a book, Pectoralis minor muscle compresses Thoracic outlet syndrome/ some will elevate an arm and place the the brachial plexus nerve in the brachial plexus neuritis hand behind the head. scalene muscles of the neck. The posture causes some muscles in the neck and shoulder to shorten and others to lengthen. Forward neck bending When sitting in an upright position The posture affects the efficiency of Neck tension syndrome and reading a book on a table or in the neck muscle contractions. The posture lap, the neck is bent forward. causes some neck muscles to shorten and other to lengthen. PROLONGED UNCOMMON PROLONGED READING STATIC NAME OF STATIC POSTURES/POSITIONS POSTURES/POSITIONS INJURY/CONSEQUENCE UNCOMMON DISORDER bent Leg When reading in a reclining position some read with the leg(s) bent to position and/or support a book. upper Body By lying on their side, some will read See above for injuiy descriptions. Thoracic outlet syndrome? arm elevation above head in a reclining position with upper arm Carpal tunnel syndrome elbow and wrist flexion extended above the head, along the Pronator syndrome wrist out of line with forearm line of the body; Neck tension syndrome? forward neck bending wrist flexed backwards, elbow and wrist bent head resting on hand. *General advice for preventing, managing, or reversing these disorders: keeping the body in a natural position (not an erect posture) is the best preventative measure; keep the neck straight when involved in any activity; try and keep the wrist in line with the forearm; avoid excessive hand gripping; and, take micro-breaks or periodic rest breaks when engaging in prolonged physically stressing activities. See attached References.

[0031] With reference to the reading and visual impairment sections above, The Company does expect some controversy regarding its hypothesis. However, given the fact that (1) the overexertion and repetitive motion cases researched by the Labor Department (see above section on work related injuries) are similar to the Comm n Dis rders described in table above. And (2), given the fact that there are those who argue that the same Common Disorders described above fall within the arthritic category (Arthritis Foundation), cries of consternation should be minimal. But most importantly, The Company expects the theory to generate reading posture research. Both the public and industry would have a vested interest in the findings. And, all findings will be excellent PR for The Company and its bookstands.

[0032] For the reader's information, as part of the rehabilitation effort in addressing disabilities, there are many health facilities and organizations (approximately 5,500) whose goal is to make a difference in the lives of the disabled. Their objective is to help individuals with physical disabilities to achieve their greatest degree of independence. Thousands of American enter rehabilitation facilities to restructure their lives and learn new skills as a means to this autonomy. In taking the whole person into consideration, regaining independence takes into account recreational activities as well.

[0033] Therapists teach patients new leisure skills and help to adapt old leisure interest. Thus, The Adjustable Reading Bookstand will function to help the rehabilitation medical community fulfill its commitments to its patients. The inventor will achieve this objective by:

[0034] acquainting rehabilitation practitioners with bookstands and book holders as technology that will facilitate in accomplishing their goals and objectives;

[0035] aggressively marketing the products to inform the rehabilitation medical profession that the products are easily available;

[0036] developing different models for the different disabilities;

[0037] offering bookstands that are flawlessly adapted to their patient's disabilities and/or abilities; and, by

[0038] designing products for maximum applicability in both the medical and home environments.

[0039] Description of the Prior Art

[0040] What prompted the invention was 1) discomfort in hands, arms, and legs was concluded to be attributed to reading in a reclining position; and 2), failure at finding a bookstand after asking around, stalling appropriate stores, and calling headquarters of large bookstore chains. Basically, the bookstand market is almost invisible. To the inventor's knowledge, bookstands have never been aggressively marketed to either individuals with disabilities that limit the positioning of materials for reading or to the general "reading" public.

[0041] The prior art has not been particularly focused on designs with disabilities in mind. For example, most reclining models of bookstands do not allow for the reader to be in a complete supine position. Reader tends to be propped up with pillows in most pictures of reclining models. The pictures also show that the mechanism(s) for holding the book open and for holding pages in place are not capable of supporting a book in a facedown position. Or, if the book holder is facedown, it is attached to a wall, to the bed, or to the body of the reader. Being attached to the body of a reader does not allow for a stress-free-body-position while reading. With The Adjustable Reading Bookstand reclining model, given the combination of the bookclip and ledge, the facedown objective is easily achieved. Also, bookstands take up prime real estate space in hospital rooms and are dangerous for hospital room traffic. The base of ARB's bookstand tucks neatly under a bed.

[0042] Most tabletop models of bookstands do not allow for the reader to read at eye level. They allow for reading in an upright or sitting position but not reading at eye level. The bookstand or book holder sits on a flat surface and the reader has to bend the neck forward to position the eyes for reading the material. While medical research on reading postures and disabilities are non-existent, medical research on causative job activities show that repetitive use and static postures can cause damage to the neck. Of import, these causative job activities can be paralleled with reading postures. Thus, this forward neck positioning can cause disabilities that current bookstands and book holders are not addressing. Also, the problem with most tabletop models on the market is that they collapse under the weight of publications for very large tomes: medical and legal; and they don't provide a means for keeping a book open.

[0043] Most bookstands do not have a suitable base, post, post extension, and appropriate book holder component orientation whereas the bookstand can be use by individuals confined to wheelchairs. Such bookstands do not have a base that is "T" shaped, they are not mobile with attached wheels, they are not of durable metal material, the post and post extension are not adjustable to accommodate the height of the chair as well as the height of the individual, they do not present reading material at eye level, the horizontal arm is not adjustable to account for the width of the wheelchair, and most importantly the book holder is not mounted at the end of the horizontal arm, facing the chair. Albeit, The Adjustable Reading Bookstands are designed for promoting and improving the quality of life for readers with physical disorders, injuries, and impairments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0044] Health Benefits:

[0045] The bookstands eliminate the need for:

[0046] gripping a book while reading;

[0047] a head down position while reading;

[0048] a static flexed elbow position; and,

[0049] a static flexed leg position to support either the angle or weight of a book while reading in a reclining position.

[0050] The Bookstands are designed for:

[0051] presenting reading materials at eye level, whether in an upright or reclining position;

[0052] keeping the body in the most natural position possible; and for

[0053] functioning as a preventative measure for repetitive use injury by creating a stress-free-body-usage reading environment.

[0054] Adjustability of The Bookstands is based on pressure and can be managed by persons with little strength; knobs are designed for easy prehension and for maximum utilization of strength; bookstands are made of metal and will last a lifetime; reclining model structured with safety details; properly structured for keeping bookstand upright for the positioning and weight of books; desk/tabletop and wheelchair/chair/couch models designed with convenient and user friendly connecting device; streamlined modem furniture that is mobile and can be easily dismantled and stored.

[0055] In summary, the disabilities and limitations referenced above, handicap an individual's ability to grip and hold and impinge on the ability to position the neck and back for reading. The Adjustable Reading Bookstands will aid individuals in performing the recreational activity of reading by circumventing these handicapping disabilities. The Bookstands' adjustable capability will obviate back, neck, shoulder, and upper extremity disorders by presenting reading material at eye level and by eliminating the need for gripping and holding a book. Also, in creating a stress-free-body-usage-reading-position, The Bookstands are mitigating because they provide relief for those with disorders. In addition, their utilization functions as a treatment as well as a cure. For, there are those who argue that if frequent or static repetitive usage ceases, symptoms of the disorders will lessen and even disappear. Lastly, The Bookstands function to prevent disorders because they eliminate improper reading positioning. They are designed with considerable detail for maximizing the body's natural position in whatever position the reader assumes for whatever furniture selected.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056] Reclining Model

[0057] FIG. 1

[0058] The bookstand includes a u-shaped base comprising three square tubular horizontal legs, two legs perpendicular to one leg, legs welded or otherwise attached. The three legs fit snugly over four square tubular stub legs, welded or otherwise attached. Rubber cups and casters are inserted into bores at the end of the four subs. A small post is centered in the middle of the cross bar in the u-shaped base, welded or otherwise attached. The bookstand vertical post fits upright over the cross bar post. A welded nut is attached to the vertical post. The vertical post is secured to the base post by a knob that is crewed thru the welded nut and tubular post. The vertical post extension fits into the vertical post. The adjustability of the vertical post extension is controlled by the height the vertical post extension, is extended above the vertical post. The height of the vertical post extension is secured in place by a knob being screwed through a welded nut attached to the upper end of the vertical post

[0059] The horizontal arm has a tubular horizontal arm post. Welded or otherwise attached, the horizontal tubular arm is attached to the horizontal post and a horizontal rod is welded or otherwise attached to the horizontal tubular arm. This horizontal arm is secured to the bookstand post by a knob that is screwed thru a welded nut on the horizontal arm post. The horizontal rod is either smooth or grooved. This rod allows for the adjustability/rotation of the angle of the book holder component of the bookstand. The rod also allows for adjustability horizontally to accommodate different widths of furniture and the reader's distance from the edge of the furniture. The horizontal rod fits through a hollow tube that is welded or otherwise attached to the back of the bottom half of the book holder component. The angle of the book holder is secured by a knob being screwed thru the welded nut and hollow tube on the backside of the book holder component

[0060] Book holder component is in two parts. These two parts are for adjusting the size of book holder to size of the reading material. In both parts of the book holder is a long open rectangular slot. The two parts of the book holder are held together by the thread part of a screw being attached to the backside of the bottom half of the book holder. The thread of the screw fits into the open rectangular slot in the top half of the book holder. The adjustability of the book holder in adjusting to the size of the reading material is achieved by sliding this crew-thread up and down the length of the open slot. The height of the book holder is secured by a female knob being screwed over the thread of the screw, down to the surface of the book holder. On the backside of the bottom half of the book holder is an attached safety device to keep the two book holder parts together if the knobs are not firmly in place. This safety device fits into an open square cut out at the top of the rectangular open slot on the top half of the book holder.

[0061] There is a ledge on bottom half of the book holder. The ledge in combination with the bookclip keeps a book open and firmly in place when book holder is face down when reader in lying in supine position. Bookclip is for the purpose of retaining reading material on the flat support surface of the book holder by clamping them against the book holder. The backside of said clip is to be part of the constructed book holder. Front part of the clipboard clip is to be connected to the book holder same as clipparts are connected for a clipboard clip. The arms of the bookclip are longer in length. The midsection of bookclip is indented. Indentation prevents bookclip from pressing against binding of book, such pressure causes book pages to become concave, instead of staying flat. Sub-bookclips underneath arms of bookclip, welded or otherwise attached, are for keeping disproportionate number of pages on the left when beginning and on the right when finishing a book, flat.

[0062] Tabletop Model

[0063] FIG. 2

[0064] The bookstand includes a h-shaped base comprising three square tubular horizontal legs, two legs perpendicular to one leg, legs welded or otherwise attached. A small post is centered in the middle of the cross bar in the h-shaped base, welded or otherwise attached. The bookstand vertical post fits upright over the cross bar post. A welded nut is attached to the vertical post. The vertical post is secured to the base post by a knob that is crewed thru the welded nut and tubular post. The vertical post extension fits into the vertical post. The adjustability of the vertical post extension is controlled by the height of the vertical post extension, is extended above the vertical post. The height of the vertical post extension is secured in place by a knob being screwed through a welded nut attached to the upper end of the vertical post.

[0065] The horizontal arm has a tubular horizontal arm post. Welded or otherwise attached, the horizontal arm extension is attached to the horizontal arm post. This horizontal arm extension is secured to the bookstand post by a knob that is screwed thru a welded nut on the horizontal arm post. Horizontal arm post fits over the vertical post extension. Welded or otherwise attached on the top of the horizontal arm is a long lever at the end of which is welded or otherwise attached, a strip of metal that leans against the book holder for the angling of reading materials. On the bottom of the horizontal arm, welded or otherwise attached is a connecting mechanism that fits into a reverse connecting mechanism on the bottom part of the book holder. Slats are on the backside of the book holder to allow for angling of the reading material held by the book holder. There is a ledge at the bottom of the book holder. In the ledge there are rows of staggered holes and an additional small holes in each outer edge corner of ledge. Pegs with small holes in the top half are included with this book holder and pieces of a length of connecting flexible material. Holes in ledge are for placing pegs to keep reading material in place. As a safety device, a length of connecting flexible material, knotted through the two small holes at corner of ledge, keeps the pegs attached to the ledge of the book holder.

[0066] Tabletop Model for Visually Impaired

[0067] FIG. 3

[0068] See description for Tabletop Model.

[0069] The tabletop model for the visually impaired, however, includes a magnifying sheet and a frame that the magnifying sheet fits into. The frame is attached to the backside of the book holder via top-open slats. The frame has bottom open slats that drop into the top-open slats of the book holder. The frame is adjustable in distance from the book holder by adjustable side rods.

[0070] Wheelchair Model

[0071] FIG. 4

[0072] The bookstand includes a t-shaped base comprising two square tubular horizontal legs, one leg centered and perpendicular to this leg, legs welded or otherwise attached. The two legs fit snugly over three square tubular stub legs, welded or otherwise attached. Rubber cups and casters are inserted into bores at the end of the three subs. A small post is centered in the middle of the cross bar in the t-shaped base, welded or otherwise attached. The bookstand vertical post fits upright over the cross bar post. A welded nut is attached to the vertical post. The vertical post is secured to the base post by a knob that is crewed thru the welded nut and tubular post. The vertical post extension fits into the vertical post. The adjustability of the vertical post extension is controlled by the height the vertical post extension, is extended above the vertical post. The height of the vertical post extension is secured in place by a knob being screwed through a welded nut attached to the upper end of the vertical post

[0073] The horizontal arm has a tubular horizontal arm post. Welded or otherwise attached, the horizontal arm extension is attached to the horizontal arm post. This horizontal arm extension is secured to the bookstand post by a knob that is screwed thru a welded nut on the horizontal arm post. Horizontal arm post fits over the vertical post extension. Welded or otherwise attached on the top of the horizontal arm is a long lever at the end of which is welded or otherwise attached, a strip of metal that leans against the book holder for angling reading materials. On the bottom of the horizontal arm, welded or otherwise attached is a connecting mechanism that fits into a reverse connecting mechanism on the bottom part of the book holder. Slats are on the backside of the book holder to allow for angling of the reading material held by the book holder. There is a ledge at the bottom of the book holder. In the ledge there are rows of staggered holes and one smaller hole in each outer edge corner of ledge. Pegs with small holes in the top half are included with this book holder and pieces of a length of connecting flexible material. Holes in ledge are for placing pegs to keep reading material in place. As a safety device, a length of connecting flexible material, knotted through the small holes at corner of ledge, keeps the pegs attached to the ledge of the book holder.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

[0074] Accordingly, the reader will see that The Adjustable Reading Bookstands are designed for averting back, neck, and upper extremity disorders by presenting reading materials at eye level and by eliminating the need for gripping and holding books. In addition, their utilization functions as a treatment as well as a cure. For, there are those who argue that if frequent or static repetitive usage ceases, symptoms of the disorders will lessen and even disappear. Lastly, The Bookstands function to prevent disorders because they eliminate the need for improper reading positioning. Furthermore, The Adjustable Reading Bookstands have the additional advantage that

[0075] the bookstands' design and parts/elements ("elements") permit accommodation to any accident or physical conditions, e.g., heart conditions, lung disorders, blood disorders, abnormal growths: internal organ disorders; post polio, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, spinal bifida, epilepsy, nerve muscle disorders;

[0076] the bookstands' design and elements permit for the attachment of an automated page turner;

[0077] the bookstands' design and elements permit for the attachment of a light;

[0078] the bookstands' design and elements permit for the reclining model book holder component (part that holds the book) to be converted into the desk/tabletop, desk/tabletop for the visually impaired, and the wheelchair/chair/couch book holder component;

[0079] the bookstands' design and elements permit for the desk/tabletop models and wheelchair model book holder component to be converted into the reclining model book holder component;

[0080] the bookstands' design and elements permit the production of bookstands in a variety of colors;

[0081] the bookstands' design and elements permit the change in size of the various parts of the bookstands;

[0082] the bookstands' design and elements permit the elimination or duplication of some parts;

[0083] the bookstands' design and elements permit for the bookstands to be made out of different materials;

[0084] the bookstands' design and elements permit for the parts of the bookstands to be made into different shapes or replaced by other parts;

[0085] the bookstands' design and elements permit for different elements to be replaced with other elements;

[0086] the bookstands' design and elements permit for adjacent elements to be connected or associated in a different manner;

[0087] the bookstands' design and elements permit for the parts to be given a different mode or function of operation; and,

[0088] the bookstands' design and elements permit for the bookstand elements to be made integrally or separately (modular or in sections); and,

[0089] the reclining model bookstand's bookclip design and elements permits for: the production of bookclips in a variety of colors, the change in size of the various parts of the bookclip, the elimination or duplication of some parts, the bookclip to be made out of different materials, the parts of the bookclip to be made into different shapes or replaced by other parts, different elements to be replaced with other elements, for adjacent elements to be connected or associated in a different manner, the parts to be given a different mode or function of operation, the bookclip elements to be made integrally or separately (modular or in sections).

[0090] While the above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. For example, the metal bookclip could be replaced with a plastic attachment designed to keep a book open and the pages flat. The base of the reclining model could be triangular. The base of the wheelchair model could be designed to be located at the side of the wheelchair. The rod on the horizontal arm of the reclining model could be grooved rather than smooth.

[0091] Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.

Claims

1. Five (5) models of the Adjustable Reading Bookstands: reclining, desk/tabletop, legal/medical desk/tabletop, visually impaired desk/tabletop, wheelchair/chair/couch model; designed to obviate physical conditions stemming from arthritis, stroke, multiple sclerosis, amputations, deformities, and/or spinal cord, brain, and musculoskeletal injuries, interfering with the positioning of materials for reading;

2. The above referenced reclining model includes such features as: book holder component of two parts for adjusting to the size of the reading material; bookclip designed for keeping books open and holding reading materials in place; bookclip designed for keeping from one (1) sheet of paper to books of varying widths open and in place; bookclip subclip designed to keep the disproportionate number of pages at the beginning and end of a book flat; safety catch attached to keep book holder parts from falling apart bookstand base appropriate length in relationship to horizontal arm so that book's weight will not tip bookstand over; vertical post: vertical post extension for adjustability for height of furniture; horizontal arm for horizontal adjustability; horizontal arm for rotational adjustability bookstand capable of holding considerable weight; book holder capable of holding books of considerable height; book holder ledge for helping to keep reading materials in place; wheels allowing for easy positioning at reading site and easy mobility in moving bookstand from one location to another; unobtrusive technology, horizontal bar can easily be removed and placed by bed headboard along with base; or the bookstand may be dismantled and placed under the bed; color options; bookstand made of metal and will last a lifetime.

3. The above referenced reclining model is a method for allowing halo-equipped patients to read. Comprises placing the book holder component of The Adjustable Reading Bookstand reclining model facedown at eyelevel of halo-equipped* patient. *After a person has had surgery due for example to a spinal cord injury or to an arthritic condition, a halo is screwed into their skull and they are unable to move their head until they heal.

4. The above reference desk/tabletop model Adjustable Reading Bookstand has features such as: book holder component is of one solid piece; book holder ledge with rows of staggered holes; with a small hold at each corner of ledge; pegs with smalls holes at top; connecting convenience, small holds in outer edge of ledge and hold in peg designed to keep peg connected to ledge with a length of connecting flexible material; small holds in ledge and pegs hold reading material in place; vertical post; vertical post extension for adjustability of height of individual and furniture; horizontal arm connecting mechanism and for horizontal adjustability and angling of reading material; bookstand holds unlimited weight; and,

5. A method for reducing the effect of repetitive use injuries in the back, neck, shoulder, and upper extremities of avid readers comprise the disuse or minimal use of the aforementioned body parts when utilizing the above referenced Adjustable Reading Bookstand tabletop model.

6. The above referenced desk/tabletop model for the visually impaired has features such as: same features as tabletop model above with the addition of cut-out-slats on back of book holder for holding magnifying sheet frame to book holder component; magnifying frame; adjustable side rods on frame; and, magnifying sheet for fitting in frame.

7. The above referenced wheelchair/chair/couch model has features such as: a t-shaped base; book holder component attached at end of horizontal arm and facing wheelchair; book holder component is of one solid piece; book holder ledge with rows of staggered holes; with a small hold at each corner of ledge; pegs with smalls holes at top; connecting convenience, small holds in outer edge of ledge and hold in peg designed to keep peg connected to ledge with a length of connecting flexible material; small holds in ledge and pegs hold reading material in place; vertical post; vertical post extension for adjustability of height for wheelchair, individual, and furniture; horizontal arm connecting mechanism for horizontal adjustability and angling of reading material; bookstand holds unlimited weight; and,

8. A method for assisting a paraplegia or quadriplegia in achieving the greatest degree of independence, which takes into account recreational activities, comprise providing the above reference wheelchair model designed to be used by a wheelchair bound individual.

9. The above referenced wheelchair model for wheelchair bound individuals who are without disabling physical conditions but who are susceptible to Static Postures and Positions disorders stated in said table on page 5.