Book cover, carrier and book stand

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a book cover that is also operable to provide a book stand and purse. Embodiments of the present invention include a carrying compartment to facilitate carrying personal items. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, pockets are provided for receiving the front and back covers of a book. Exterior portions function to protect the book when the book cover and book stand is closed. A support member is provided to hold the book at an angle to a support surface when the book cover and book stand is open. Straps are provided for keeping the book open to a desired page when the book cover and book stand is in an open position.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/488,594, filed Jul. 18, 2003, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention provides a portable book stand. More particularly, the present invention provides a book stand that functions as a book cover and purse when in a closed position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] When reading a book, it is often desirable to have one's hands free to perform other tasks. Accordingly, devices for keeping a book open to a desired page, such as weights or a number of weights interconnected by flexible members, have been developed. However, because such devices are heavy, they are not easily carried. Also, such devices are typically not interconnected to the book when the book is closed, and therefore must be carried separately. In addition, such devices do not assist the reader in maintaining the book at an angle to a support surface, which often provides a more comfortable reading position.

[0004] Book stands that both keep a book open to a desired page and hold the book at an angle have been developed. Typically, such devices are large, and are designed for stationary use. Accordingly, they are not well adapted to use as a portable book stand.

[0005] Book stands that can be folded to assist in portability have been developed. Some such book stands additionally may provide a volume, for example in the form of an attach case, for carrying a book when the book stand feature is not in use. However, such devices require the user to remove the book from the carrying volume, erect the book stand portion of the device, place the book in the book stand, and open the book to the desired page. Therefore, such devices are not particularly convenient.

[0006] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a book stand that also functioned as a book cover to protect an interconnected book while the device and book were being carried, and that facilitated transport of the book. It would also be desirable to provide a device that included a compartment to facilitate carrying personal items as well as a book. In addition, it would be desirable to provide such a device that opened the book to a desired page when the device is changed from a book cover configuration to a book stand configuration.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention is directed to solving these and other problems and disadvantages of the prior art.

[0008] According to embodiments of the present invention, a combination book cover and book stand is provided. The device includes first and second pockets for receiving the front and back covers respectively of a book. The device is formed from a flexible material and/or hinged in an area generally corresponding to the area adjacent the spine of the book, to allow the device to function as a cover when the book is closed. Straps are provided on top of the first and second pockets for keeping a book received by the device open to a desired page. In accordance with other embodiments of the present invention, a pocket or purse is interconnected to the device, such that it may also function as a carrying bag or purse. Furthermore, straps for carrying the device may be provided. Closure devices may also be included for maintaining the device in a closed position.

[0009] In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, at least a first rigid support member is interconnected to an end of the device generally corresponding to the top of a received book. The rigid support member is hinged such that it is generally parallel to the front and back covers of the received book when the device is in a closed position. When the device is in an open position, the rigid support member extends at an angle to the front and back covers of a received book, such that an edge of the device adjacent the bottom edges of the front and back covers of the received book rests on a support surface, and a free edge of the rigid support member also rests on the support surface. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the distance between the edge of the device adjacent the bottom edges of the front and back covers of the received book and the free edge of the rigid support member is maintained by a tension member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a book cover and book stand in accordance with embodiments of the present invention holding a book in the open position;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a book cover and book stand in accordance with embodiments of the present invention holding a book in the closed position;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the inside of a book cover and book stand in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0013] FIG. 4 is a side elevation of a book cover and book stand in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0014] FIG. 5 is a side elevation of a book cover and book stand in accordance with embodiments of the present invention in a partially opened state; and

[0015] FIG. 6 is a plan view of an exterior of a book cover and book stand in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] With reference now to FIG. 1, a book cover and book stand 100 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention is illustrated in an open position. As shown in FIG. 1, the book cover and book stand 100 is operable to hold a book 104 open to a desired page and at an angle to a support surface 108. The book cover and book stand 100 includes a first pocket 112 for receiving the front cover of a book 104, and a second pocket 116 for receiving the back cover of a book 104. In addition, the book cover and book stand 100 includes a first rigid backing member 120 and a second rigid backing member 124. The first 120 and second 124 backing members are generally positioned adjacent the first 112 and second 116 pockets. The first 120 and second 124 rigid backing members may be held in enclosures formed as part of or interconnected to an interior panel 128 of the book cover and book stand 100. As used herein, a material or member that is "rigid" includes material that is resistant to bending.

[0017] One or more rigid support members 132 are provided to support the book 104 at an angle to the support surface 108 when the book cover and book stand 100 is in an open position. Each rigid support member 132 may be held within a support member enclosure 136 formed as part of or interconnected to an exterior panel 140. The support member enclosure 136 forms a hinge 144 adjacent a first end of the rigid support member 132, while the maximum angle .alpha. between the rigid support member 132 and a corresponding rigid backing member 120 or 124 is maintained by a tension member 148.

[0018] Also visible in FIG. 1 is a pair of a carrying handles 152. The carrying handles 152 may be interconnected to the exterior panel 140. Also interconnected to the exterior panel 140 are closure members 154 and 156 (see FIGS. 2 and 6).

[0019] The book 104 is held open to a desired page by straps 160 and 164. Each of the straps 160 and 164 are attached so that they extend across at least a portion of the interior panel 128. In particular, the straps 160 and 164 are positioned so that they can extend across at least a corner of a page of the book 104. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the straps 160, 164 are formed from a transparent, elastic material. As an additional indexing device, a book mark 168 may also be provided.

[0020] An embodiment of the book cover and book stand 100 of FIG. 1 is illustrated in a closed position in FIG. 2. As seen in FIG. 2, the book cover and book stand 100 generally conforms to the outline of the book 104 when the book is closed. As also seen in FIG. 2, the pair of carrying handles 152 can easily be held in one hand when the book cover and book stand 100 is in a closed position. As can be appreciated, as an alternative or in addition to handles 152, a shoulder strap may be provided. The closure members 154, 156 are shown joined together in FIG. 2, to hold the book stand and book cover 100, and thus the book 104, in a closed position. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the closure members 154, 156 may comprise a strap or belt 154 that is received by a buckle 156. However, as can be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the closure members 154, 156 may comprise any device capable of maintaining the book stand 100 in a closed position while it is being carried. Thus, as examples, the closure members 154, 156 may comprise a hook and loop fastener, a snap, a button, or a metal or plastic clasp.

[0021] The book stand 100 may additionally include a compartment 158. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the compartment 158 is interconnected to a portion of the exterior panel 140 overlaying one of the rigid support members 132. An additional compartment 158 may be interconnected to a portion of the exterior panel overlaying the other rigid support member 132. In general, a single compartment 158 should not extend across the flexible central portion 304 (see FIG. 3) of the book cover 100, so that the book stand 100 can be easily and reliable closed for transport. The provision of one or more compartments 158 allows the book stand 100 to function as a purse or bag. Although depicted in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6 as a single-volume compartment, any number and configuration of sub-compartments can be provided. For example, a compartment 158 may comprise a larger volume for bulky items, such as wallets and keys, and a smaller volume for smaller items. In addition, more than one compartment 158 may be provided on a side of the book cover 100, and a compartment 158 may have any desired shape. As can be appreciated by one of skill in the art, zippers, snaps, buttons, hook and loop fasteners, etc., may be provided to prevent items from falling out of the compartment or compartments 158.

[0022] With reference now to FIG. 3, an embodiment of the book cover and book stand 100 is shown in an open position. In particular, FIG. 3 illustrates the interior panel 128 of the book cover and book stand 100. In general, the interior panel 128 may be formed from a flexible material, such as a fabric material. Accordingly, the first 112 and second 116 pockets may be formed by suitable stitching of the interior panel 128. Also shown in FIG. 3 is the relationship of the first 120 and second 124 rigid backing members (shown by dotted lines in FIG. 3) with respect to the first 112 and second 116 pockets. In general, the first 120 and second 124 rigid backing members are positioned adjacent the pockets 112, 116 to prevent bending of the front and back cover of paperback books. The first 120 and second 124 rigid backing members may be held in position by enclosures, such as sleeves or pockets, formed as part of or adjacent to the interior panel 128. A central portion 304, between the first 120 and second 124 rigid backing members is flexible, to allow the book cover and book stand 100 to be opened and closed. In addition, the flexible central portion 304, which is in an area generally corresponding to the spine of a book held by the book cover and book stand 100, allows books of different thicknesses to be accommodated.

[0023] Rigid support members 132a and 132b extend from about the bottom edge of the book cover and book stand 100 to a line at or towards the top edge of the book cover and book stand 100. As shown in FIG. 3, the rigid support members 132a and 132b extend to the lines 172 and 176 respectively. In addition, the rigid support members 132 are hinged to the exterior panel of the book cover and book stand 100 at lines 172 and 176.

[0024] Also shown in FIG. 3 are the first 160 and second 164 straps used to keep a book held by the book cover and book stand 100 at a desired page. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the straps 160, 164 may extend across a corner of the first 112 and second 116 pockets respectively. Accordingly, the straps 160, 164 can be positioned across a corner of the left and right pages of a book when the book (and the book cover and book stand 100) is open. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the straps 160, 164 are formed from an elastic material, to provide a force that maintains the book 104 at the desired page. In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the straps 160, 164 are formed from a transparent material, so that no readjustment of the straps 160, 164 is required by a person reading a book 104 held by the book cover and book stand 100. In addition to keeping a book 104 at a desired page while the book cover and book stand 100 is open, the straps 160, 164 also function to open the book 104 to the last page being viewed when the book cover and book stand 100 is re-opened. Accordingly, the book 104 is automatically opened to the last page that was being read when the book cover and book stand 100 is re-opened.

[0025] With reference now to FIG. 4, a book cover and book stand 100 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, is shown in a side elevation, in an open position. As shown in FIG. 4, the rigid support members 132 hold the rigid backing members 120, 124 at an angle to the support surface 108 when the book cover and book stand 100 is in the open position. The angle .alpha. between the rigid backing members 120, 124 and the support members 132 is maintained by the tension member 148.

[0026] With reference now to FIG. 5, a book cover and book stand 100 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention is shown in a side elevation, in a partially closed position. As shown by FIG. 5, the tension member 148 can be folded between the rigid backing members 120, 124 and the support members 132, to bring the backing members 112, 116 and the support members 132 parallel to one another as the book cover and book stand 100 is being closed. Accordingly, the tension member 148 may be formed from a flexible material. As a further example, the tension member 148 can be formed from a rigid material having a central hinge.

[0027] With reference now to FIG. 6, a book cover and book stand 100 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention is shown in an exterior plan view and in an open position. In particular, the exterior panel 140 and interconnected compartment 158 are shown in FIG. 6. As also shown in FIG. 6, the rigid support members 132 extend from a first edge of the book cover and book stand 100 to a line proximate to the hinge 144. In addition, the rigid support members 132 do not extend into the flexible central portion 304. Accordingly, the rigid support members 132 do not interfere with the ability of the book cover and book stand 100 to accommodate books 104 of different thicknesses. The hinge 144 may be formed by interconnecting an enclosure for the rigid support members 132 provided as part of the exterior panel 140 to a surface of or adjacent to the interior panel 128 across the top edge of the support members 132. In accordance with other embodiments of the present invention, the hinge 144 is formed by the enclosure provided by the exterior panel 140 between the rigid support member 132 and a rigid spacer member 604 In general, the spacer member 604 prevents the support member 132 from moving up, away from the hinge 144 when the book stand 100 is open, and ensures a substantially planar exterior panel 140 surface when the book cover 100 is closed. For additional security, a seam may be provided between each rigid support member 132 and the complimentary spacer member 604. However, as described in connection with other embodiments of the book cover and book stand, a spacer member 604 is not required, for example where the support members 132 are held in position by some other structure.

[0028] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the handles 152 may be formed from an integral piece of material. Similarly, the closure members 154 and 156 may be formed from an integral piece of material interconnected to the exterior panel 140.

[0029] In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the rigid backing members 120, 124 and rigid support members 132 are formed from a light weight, rigid material, such as plastic, aluminum, or cardboard. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the rigid panels 120, 124, 132 are formed from LEXAN. The interior 128 and exterior 140 panels may be formed from one or more pieces of material, stitched together to form the various enclosures and pockets. Stitching may additionally be used to interconnect the interior 128 and exterior 140 panels. Likewise, the carrying straps 152 and latch members 154, 156 may be interconnected to the exterior panel 140 by stitching. Accordingly, various panels and enclosures, such as panels 128, 140 and pockets and enclosures 112, 116, 136, as well as the tension member 148 may be formed from a textile, cloth, fabric, leather, vinyl, rubber or other material. In accordance with other embodiments, the various rigid members 120, 124, 132 may be integral to other components, such as the interior 128 and/or exterior 140 panels, with a flexible section formed in or interconnecting portions of the panels 128 and 140 at the central portion 304 of the book stand.

[0030] The foregoing discussion of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Further, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the above teachings, within the skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present invention. The embodiments described hereinabove are further intended to explain the best mode presently known of practicing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in such or in other embodiments and with various modifications required by their particular application or use of the invention. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include the alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A book stand, comprising: a tension member; first and second rigid backing members; at least a first backing member enclosure; first and second pockets on a first side of said at least a first backing member enclosure, wherein said first pocket is operable to receive a front cover of a book, and wherein said second pocket is operable to receive a back cover of said book; and at least a first rigid support member, wherein a first end of said rigid support member is interconnected to said at least a first backing member enclosure, and wherein a second end of said at least a first rigid support member is interconnected to said first backing member enclosure by said tension member.

2. The book stand of claim 1, further comprising: a compartment.

3. The book stand of claim 1, further comprising: at least a first support member enclosure, wherein a first end of said first support member enclosure is affixed to said first backing member enclosure, and wherein a second end of said first support member is affixed to said tension member.

4. The book stand of claim 1, wherein said at least a first backing member enclosure comprises first and second pockets for maintaining a position of said first and second rigid backing members with respect to said at least a first backing member enclosure.

5. The book stand of claim 4, wherein said first and second pockets are separated by a first distance.

6. The book stand of claim 3, wherein at least one of said tension member, said at least a first backing member enclosure, and said at least a first support member enclosure are formed from a fabric.

7. The book stand of claim 1, further comprising a first strap positioned across at least a portion of an area defined by said first pocket and a second strap positioned across at least a portion of an area defined by said second pocket, wherein said straps are operable to hold a left hand page and a right hand page of a book respectively.

8. The book stand of claim 7, wherein said first and second straps are formed from a transparent material.

9. The book stand of claim 1, further comprising a carrying compartment.

10. The book stand of claim 1, wherein said rigid support member is interconnected to said backing member enclosure by a hinge member.

11. A combination book stand and book carrying device, comprising: means for receiving a front cover of a book; means for receiving a back cover of the book; and means for supporting the book at a first angle, wherein in a first position said means for selectively supporting supports the book at said first angle, and wherein in a second position said means for supporting are substantially parallel to at least one of said means for receiving said front cover and said means for receiving a back cover.

12. The device of claim 11, further comprising: compartment means.

13. The device of claim 11, further comprising: means for limiting a position of said means for supporting the book.

14. The device of claim 11, further comprising: first means for stiffening associated with said means for receiving a front cover; second means for stiffening associated with said means for receiving a back cover.

15. The device of claim 11, further comprising: carrying means.

16. The device of claim 12, further comprising closure means, wherein said device operates as a book cover and purse when said closure means are secured.

17. A method for holding a book, comprising: receiving front and back covers of a book in first and second pockets respectively; placing a first edge of each of said first and second pockets adjacent a support surface; supporting said first and second pockets at a distance from said first edge with a rigid support, wherein an end of said rigid support is adjacent said support surface, and wherein said rigid support is not parallel to said first and second pockets; and providing a compartment integral to said book cover operable to carry items other than said book.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: maintaining said book open to a desired page; positioning said rigid support substantially parallel to said first and second pockets; and closing said book, wherein said front and back covers of said book continue to be received by said first and second pockets.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising: after said receiving, closing said book; and after said closing, opening said book, wherein said book is opened to said desired page.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: placing said first edge of each of said first and second pockets on said support surface; positioning said rigid support at an angle to said first and second pockets; and placing an end of said rigid support surface adjacent said support surface, wherein said book is held at an angle to said support surface.