Apparatus having page turning capability for reading assistance

The inventive apparatus having page turning capability for reading assistance enables to easily turn over pages of a book by a simple operation and provides a more comfortable environment for the person who spends time on reading.To properly use an apparatus (50), set an open book on a supporting means (1), press the midsection over the right and left pages by a page-pressing means (2), and then press the edges of the right and left pages by page-turning-up means (3, 4). To turn over the page, activate an interlocking means by using a remote handling means, move either one of the right and left page-turning-up means (3, 4), and press the page surface to create a shearing force between the first and second pages so that the page can be turned up. After that, a page-turning-over means (5) starts moving and slips into the back of the page. The page-turning-over means (5) presses the page from behind and turns over the page to the other side. At the same time, the page-pressing means (3, 4) run off the first page already turned up.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to an apparatus for reading assistance, more precisely, an apparatus having page turning capability for reading assistance such as reading easel, book stand or the like which can also be used by a person in bed or chair.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In general, when reading a book, two pages are spread in hands and each page is turned over with fingers. When reading a book for a long time, the hands holding the book may become tired.

Although various apparatuses incorporating page turning capability are known in Japanese published unexamined application Nos. H2-63410, H7-17159, H-10-137045 or other publications, in those conventional apparatuses it may be difficult to turn pages correctly one by one, and such page turning function may be complicated.

Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide an apparatus which enables to turn pages correctly in easy manners and provides a comfortable environment to people who spend time on reading.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

(1) To solve the aforementioned problems, the apparatus having page turning capability for reading assistance in this invention is characterized by comprising a supporting means to support a two page spread book, a page pressing means to hold the midsection over the right and left pages of the book, a page-turning-up means to turn up a page by creating shearing force on the page surface, a page-turning-over means to move into the back side of the page and subsequently turn over the page, an interlocking means to interlock said page-pressing means, page-turning-up means, and page-turning-over means at the specified time, and a remote handling means to relay the moving force to said interlocking means.

For the use of the apparatus in this invention, set a book to be two-page spread on the supporting means, hold the midsection over the right and left pages of the book with the page pressing means, and then hold the edges of the right and left pages with the page-turning-up means.

To properly turn over the page of the book, operate the interlocking means by the remote handling means so that one of the right and left page-turning-up means starts moving in the specified direction pressing the page surface beneath. Then, the shearing force acts between the first and second pages so that only one page is turned up.

When the page is turned up, the page-turning-over means starts moving into the back of the page. The page-turning-over means presses the back of the page and turn over the page to the other side. At the same time, the page pressing means and page-turning-up means run off the first page. And after completing the page turning, the page-pressing, page-turning-up, and page-turning-over means return again to each original position.

Thus, the interlocking system of the page pressing, page-turning-up and page-turning-over means is smoothly activated at the specified time so that each page of the book can be properly turned over.(2) The aforementioned page-pressing means is preferably provided to hold at least one margin of the upper end and lower end of the midsection of the two-page spread book. Or two sets of page-pressing means are preferably provided on both upper and lower ends of the midsection of the two-page spread book.(3) The aforementioned page-turning-up means is provided on the margin of both side edges of the right and left pages or upper end or lower end of the right and left pages, each one is symmetrically provided on the margin of the two-page spread book, or preferably provided symmetrically on four corners of the two-page spread book.

Viscoelastic material such as urethane or the like is preferably used on the contact portion between the page-turning-up means and page surface so that an appropriate frictional force can be obtained, which easily turns up the page.

Pressing force to the page surface provided by the page-turning-up means can be adjusted according to the method of the page page-turning-up, positioning or the like. The page-turning-up force can also be increased or reduced according to the distance the page-turning-up means moves. For instance, the page pressing force can be gradually increased when the moving distance is longer, and then, the page pressing force can be reduced.(4) The aforementioned page-turning-over means is preferably provided on the upper or lower end of the two-page spread book at a certain distance. If the page-turning-over means is provided on the midsection over the right and left pages, the page can be smoothly turned over to right or left.

Each shape of the aforementioned page pressing, page-turning-up and page-turning-over means include but not limited to plate type, bar type, ball type, roller type or others.(5) The interlocking means can be a device to activate the page pressing, page-turning-up and page-turning-over means together at the specified time as follows.

As a first configuration 1, the interlocking means comprises a core material to be activated by remote handling means, in which locking part to activate each of the page-pressing, page-turning-up, and page-turning-over means is provided. When pushing or pulling the core material, each locking part contacts the page-pressing, page-turning-up and page-turning-over means, and moves them into the specified direction by the specified distance. These locking portions are set on the specified position so that the page-pressing, page-turning-up and page-turning-over means can be activated together at the specified time.

As a second configuration, the interlocking means comprises a slide material to be activated by a remote handling means, in which locking part to activate each of the page-pressing, page-turning-up, and page-turning-over means is provided. When the slide material slidably moves, each locking part contacts the page pressing, page-turning-up and page-turning-over means, and moves them into the specified direction by the specified distance. Each locking part is provided on the specified position so that the page pressing, page-turning-up and page-turning-over means can be activated together at the specified time.

Also, if a return locking part is provided for the core material or slide material, the page pressing, page-turning-up and page-turning-over means will be able to be returned to the original positions after completion of the movement.(6) The aforementioned remote handling means preferably comprises a function to give cross-directional driving force to the interlocking means. Especially, a pushing and pulling cable provided inside an inner cable is preferably used, wherein the inner cable can slidably move inside an outer tube. The pushing and pulling cable can activate the inner cable and move the interlocking means by the specified distance.

Thus, the pushing and pulling cable can provide the driving force to the interlocking means so that the person who is reading does not need to touch the book or the interlocking means. Even if the distance between the person and the apparatus changes, the interlocking means will always be able to move by the specified distance. Therefore, the page of the book does not easily swing, and the person can read the book comfortably and the apparatus can be downsized.

For other forms of the pushing and pulling cable, it can be suggested that air or liquid is injected into the outer tube so that the pressure transmission of such injected air or liquid activates the interlocking means. Or, the pushing cable and pulling cable can be separately provided.

Furthermore, as the aforementioned remote handling means, servo motor with wired or unwired transmission system can be used.(7) The apparatus in this invention is characterized in that the page-turning-up means provides shearing force toward the midsection between the right and left pages in a direction from right to left or from left to right to turn up the page.

If the page of the book is unevenly turned up, the page cannot be completely turned over by the page-turning-over means.

In this invention, the shearing force is provided from right or left toward the midsection of the right and left pages, and the page surface is gently bent into an arch, and a clearance is created between the first page and second page. And then the page-turning-over means is inserted into the clearance so that each page can be completely turned over.(8) Also, the apparatus in this invention is characterized in that the page-turning-up means provides the shearing force vertically toward the upper end or lower end of the right page or left page so that the page surface is turned up.

If the page is bent into an arch to be easily turned up, and the width of the arch is not large enough, the page-turning-over means cannot easily slip into the back of the page. In other words, such arch-shaped page may hinder the page-turning-over means from slipping into the back of the page. Also, if the pages are turned up in the same position all the time, the arch-shaped deflection will be easily created on the page surfaces, which hinders each page from being completely turned over.

In this invention, when the shearing force is vertically provided from the upper end or lower end of the page surface, the page is twisted and turned up. And an open space is created between the first and second page of the book. Then, the page-turning-over means can be easily and completely slipped into the back of the page surface. Thus, the deflection will not be easily created on the page surface, and even if the pages repeatedly turned up, each page will be completely turned over.

In the page-turning-up means, the shearing force can also be provided on the page surface in the combination of vertical and horizontal directions. For example, the shearing force can be properly provided on the page surface in order that the page-turning-up means is vertically moved toward the upper or lower end of the page surface and then the page-turning-up means is horizontally moved to the midsection over the right and left pages.(9) The apparatus in this invention is characterized in that the aforementioned page pressing means and page-turning-over means rotatably move together.

If the page pressing means keeps pressing the midsection of the pages, the page-pressing means will be an obstacle for the page-turning-over means to turn over the page. To prevent this, the page-pressing means should once run off the page surface. If the page-turning-over means and page-pressing means are separately operated, the interlocking means will be mechanically complicated, and the size of the apparatus becomes larger and more complicated.

In this invention, while the page-turning-over means is moving, the page-pressing means once runs off the page surface. On the other hand, while the page-turning-over means is out of operation, the page pressing means holds the page surface. In the light of this difference, it is suggested in this invention that the page-pressing means and page-turning-over means should move together. In other words, if the page-pressing means begins to move in a condition that the page surface is being pressed by the page-pressing means and the page pressing means will run off the page surface, the page-turning-over means will slip into the back of the page surface. After the page-turning-over means has turned over the page to the other side, the page-turning-over means return again to the initial position. And at the same time, the page pressing means moves back to the initial position and holds and presses a next page. Thus, the page pressing means and page-turning-over means are formed as one unit to move together so that the interlocking means can be simplified.(10) The apparatus in this invention is characterized in that a page-pressing portion (page-pressing surface) to press the second page surface, after the first page has been turned over, is provided on the aforementioned page-turning-over means.

In turning over the page of the book, if the subsequent pages rise up, turning operation will be unstable. Therefore, it is important to keep pressing the subsequent pages until the next page is turned over. However, it is difficult to turn over the page only by the page-turning-over means. Then, in this invention the page-pressing portion (page pressing surface) is provided on the page-turning-over means, which can hold and press the second page following the motion that the first page is turned over.

Especially, if the aforementioned page-pressing portion (page pressing surface) is provided on the page-turning-over means of the apparatus comprising the page-pressing and page-turning-over means which move together, the page will be always pressed in the page-turning process, thus the book will be firmly supported and each page will be easily turned over.(11) The apparatus in this invention is characterized by comprising a supplementary page-pressing means to alternately press and turn the page downward interlocking with the page-turning motion by the aforementioned page-turning-over means.

In reading, even if the page surface is pressed by the page-pressing and turning-up means, the page may be waved, which will make it difficult to keep the book open. Also, if the person lying down reads the book, the book will drop down from the apparatus since the weight of the papers is imposed upon the page pressing means and page-turning-up means. Thus, it is uneasy to read the book and the page turning motion is unstable. To solve this problem, another separate component can be provided to hold the page surface. However, such separate component will still hinder the page-turning-over function.

In this invention, to alternately press and turn the page, a supplementary page-pressing means is provided so that the page turning motion is smoothly operated, the page surface is properly pressed and the open pages are stably supported for reading assistance.

In turning over the page by the page-turning-over means, if the page is set on the back of the supplementary page-pressing means, the page is pulled by the page-turning-over means and pulled out of the supplementary page-pressing means. At this moment, the supplementary page-pressing means can also be provided slightly over the page.

The page already turned over is led to the rear side of the supplementary page-pressing means by turning the supplementary page-pressing means downward. To lead the page placed on the topside of the supplementary page-pressing means to the rear side of the supplementary page-pressing means, for example, a pair of the supplementary page-pressing means is symmetrically and rotatably provided on the upper end or lower end of the open book. And the supplementary page-pressing means rotates, thus one end of the supplementary page-pressing means runs off the page surface, and the other end of the supplementary page-pressing means simultaneously goes up and runs on the page surface.

The supplementary page-pressing means is preferably interlocked with the page turning motion by the interlocking means, or alternatively the supplementary page-pressing means and interlocking means can be separately provided. Also, a pair of the supplementary page-pressing means can be symmetrically provided.

An appropriate contact area between the supplementary page-pressing means and page surface depends on how the shearing force is provided on the page surface. When the shearing force is vertically given to the page surface, comparatively small area of the page within a range of a few millimeters from the edge of the page should preferably be pressed so that the supplementary page-pressing means can easily run off the page surface when the shearing force is given to the page surface.

This supplementary page-pressing means provided on the upper end or lower end of the page enables the edge of the page to be vertically turned up. To horizontally turn up the page, the supplementary page-pressing means is preferably set to press the area within tens of millimeters from the edge of the page.(12) The inventive apparatus is also characterized by comprising a centerline supporting means which is inserted into the centerline of the book so that the spine of the book can be fixed in the appropriate position.

Repeating a series of motion by the page pressing, page-turning-up and page-turning-over means may make the open book move out of the right position, and it will become difficult to turn over the page. It is also possible to provide a clip or the like as a supporting means for fixing the spine of the book.

However, in order to place a book in the right position and turn over the page correctly, it is important to provide an appropriate clearance on the supporting means, which enables the spine of the book to be slanted to the right or left in response to various thicknesses of the right and left pages.

Thus each motion of the page pressing, turning-up and turning-over means can be perfectly repeated.

A wire rod is preferably used for the centerline supporting means to be inserted into the center of the right and left pages so that the spine of the book can be supported. Such wire rod includes wire, cord, plastic bar or the like.(13) The inventive apparatus is characterized by comprising a back supporting means which presses and holds the spine of the book from behind.

If the spine of the open book is not firmly supported by the supporting means, the book will become unstable, and the open pages will become too curved to be turned over.

In this invention, the spine of the book is supported by the back supporting means so that the surface of the open pages are horizontally spread and firmly fixed.(14) The inventive apparatus is also characterized by comprising a page-stack pressing means which presses and supports the stack of the right and left pages from behind the book.

In general, there are two types of bookbinding. One is hardcover and the other is softcover for paperback books, magazines or the like. It may be difficult to turn over the page of the softcover book since the page surface is sometimes too curved to be turned up and turned over.

The page-stack pressing means in this invention can press and support the stack of the right and left pages from behind the book so that the page surface can be firmly set up and the stacks of curved pages are set straight. Thus, regardless of type of book, each page can be easily turned up and consistently turned over.

Said page-stack pressing means is a component to press and hold the stack of the open pages from behind the book. More precisely, the page-stack pressing means is a component to press and hold a front page cover, reverse page or the like from behind the book. Also, the cover means the first cover and back cover of the book, the reverse page means an inside and reverse of the cover, and the front page means a title leaf next to the reverse page of the book or the first page before the body text of magazines.

Also, the aforementioned page-stack pressing means is preferably a tilting type which slants depending on the thickness of the stack of the right and left pages. When the thicknesses of the right and left stacks are almost the same, the both stacks are symmetrically pressed in a most equal position by the stack pressing means. When there is a difference in thickness between the right and left pages, a pair of the stack pressing means tends to make balance as a tilting device does, and presses the different positions of the right and left pages from behind the book.

In this invention, if the page-stack pressing means is initially set on the appropriate position of the backside of the book depending on the thickness of the pages, the page-stack pressing means will be able to automatically fit on the thickness of the right and left pages which accordingly changes while reading.

To keep the thick hardcover book open, it is effective to use the back supporting means. To obtain the secure contact between the pressing means and the page surface, it is effective to use the stack pressing means. However, it is preferable to use the back supporting means and page-stack pressing means.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments in this invention will be described here according to the drawings.

Referring toFIG. 1, an apparatus50comprises a supporting body1(supporting means) on which a page-pressing device2(page pressing means), page-turning-up devices3,4(page-turning-up means), page-turning-over device5and supplementary page-pressing devices6,7(supplementary page-pressing means) are provided. An open book is set on the supporting body1and the right and left page surfaces are pressed by the page-pressing device2, page-turning-up devices3and4, page-turning-over device5and supplementary page-pressing devices6and7. The page-pressing device2, page-turning-up devices3and4, page-turning-over device5and supplementary page-pressing devices6and7properly rotate at the specified time so that the page of a book can be turned over one by one from right to left or from left to right. Thus, the inventive apparatus50comprises a capability to support the open book and turn over pages of the open book. Below are the descriptions of the apparatus50in respect to the page supporting, turning and driving devices.

(Structure of Book Supporting Device)

As shown inFIG. 2, a loose-jointed arm10is provided on the book supporting body1. The loose-jointed arm10is fixed on a desk or bed with a screw10a. To support the book supporting body, a ball joint10bis provided on an end of the loose-jointed arm10. A book B can be properly fixed by adjusting the length and direction of the loose-jointed arm10.

The loose-jointed arm10is fixed on the top of the book supporting body1, and other positions such as the lower part or in the middle of the book supporting body1.

The book supporting body1comprises a pillar21, an upper-positioned vertical member22, an upper-positioned horizontal member23, a lower-positioned vertical member24and a lower-positioned horizontal member25(SeeFIG. 1). The upper-positioned vertical member22provided on the upper end of the pillar21and the lower-positioned vertical member24provided on the lower end of the pillar21extend forward. The upper-positioned horizontal member23and lower-positioned horizontal member25horizontally extend on the both ends of the vertical members22and24. The open book is supported between the upper-positioned horizontal member23and the lower-positioned horizontal member25.

The pillar21comprises a frame member21aand an axial member21b. The axial member21bis slidably inserted into the frame member21ahaving a channel-shaped sectional surface. A fixing screw provided on the back of the pillar21is tightened so that the axial member21bis fixed on the desired position of the frame member21a. To set the book on the book supporting body1, slide the frame member21aand axial member21bto the appropriate positions according to the height of the book, and at the same time the distance between the upper-positioned horizontal member23and lower-positioned horizontal member25can be properly adjusted to the size of the book.

A pushrod26is inserted into the midsection of the pillar21. A channel-shaped guide27(back supporting means) to receive and support the back of the book is rotatably fixed on the end of the pushrod26. A handle28is provided on the rear end of the pushrod26. When rotating the handle28, the guide27moves back and forth in the axial direction of the pushrod26. The spine of the book is properly positioned by controlling the handle28according to the thickness of the book.

A channel H2is horizontally provided on the upper-positioned horizontal member23. The page-pressing devices3and4can be slidably positioned along the channel H2. To set the open book on the book supporting body1, place the page-pressing devices3and4respectively on the upper-left corner of the left page and on the upper-right corner of the right page.

Bed plates29are provided at certain distance on the lower-positioned horizontal member25. The bed plates29extend horizontally to rearward of the lower-positioned horizontal member25and prevent the book from dropping down from the book supporting body1.

A centerline supporting pin30(centerline supporting means) is provided on the lower-positioned vertical member24. A disk31is fixed on the bottom of the centerline supporting pin30and slidably engaged with the vertical channel H1extending along the lower-positioned vertical member24. The centerline supporting pin30vertically moves along the vertical channel H1so that the centerline supporting pin30can be inserted into the centerline between the right and left pages of the book.

To firmly set the open book on the book supporting body1, insert the centerline supporting pin30into the center of the open book so that both stacks of the right and left pages are equally supported.

A channel-shaped guide27is provided to receive and push the spine of the book. Thus, the centerline of the book is properly positioned, and the spine of the book can be flexibly and gently fixed without trembling, which eventually creates a better reading environment. Therefore, even if there is a difference in thickness between the right and left stacks of paper, the open page surfaces will always be well-balanced.

Also, the centerline supporting pin30can be provided on the upper-positioned vertical member22in the alternative embodiment instead of the lower-positioned vertical member24in this embodiment. Furthermore, instead of the centerline supporting pin30, other materials such as wire, thick lace, thick string or the like can be inserted into the centerline of the open book.

A stack holding arm32(stack holding means) is provided on the bottom of the upper-positioned vertical member22. The stack holding arm32comprises arms32a,32aand supporting pads32b. A pair of the arms32ais symmetrically provided on the bottom of the upper-positioned vertical member22, and a supporting pad32bis provided on each end of the arms32a. When the open book is placed on the book supporting body1, the supporting pad32bcontacts the right and left cover pages, and then the page surfaces are gently pressed from behind with spring action of the arm32a. Eventually, the open book is firmly set up and the page can be turned up by the page-turning-up devices3and4, then, smoothly turned over.

(Structure of Page Turning Device)

Page turning structure of this inventive apparatus50will be here described.

The page-pressing devices3and4are rotatably supported on both ends of the upper-positioned horizontal member23with pivots3aand4a. The right and left page surfaces are turned up by the page-turning-up devices3and4which are symmetrically provided.

As shown inFIG. 3, mats3band4bmade of viscoelastic material are provided on the surface of the page-turning-up devices3and4. Each of the mats3band4bhas a semispheric face which contacts the page surface. While the page-turning-up devices3and4are rotatably moving, frictional force is generated between the mats3b,4band the page surfaces, and then the page is turned up in an anterior direction of the page-turning-up devices3and4.

To turn up the page as described above. The initial position of the mats3band4bare set on the lower side of the pivots3aand4a. When the page-turning-up device3or4rotates, the shearing force is generated on the page surface and transmitted from the edge to the midsection of the right or left page, and eventually the page is turned up.

Viscoelastic material such as resin, rubber or the like is used for the mats3band4b. It is preferable to use urethane resin with an appropriate viscosity, strength and excellent durability, which generates frictional force sufficient to turn up the page. Although the semispheric shaped mat is used in this embodiment, other shapes such as rectangular, disk, projection, wave, hollow ball are also acceptable.

A cut portion K is provided on the page-pressing devices3,4(FIG. 3). Bend portions3c,4care provided on the area adjacent to the cut portion K. When the page-pressing devices3,4(FIG. 1) rotates clockwise having a page P under the cut portion K (FIG. 3), the bend portions3c,4crun on the page P. Thus, the page P can be forwarded from the top to the rear side of the page-pressing devices3,4by turning the cut portions3c,4cinto the side of the cut portion K.

The page-pressing device2and page-turning-over device5are rotatably supported with a pivot2ain the middle of the upper-positioned horizontal member23. As shown inFIG. 4, the page-pressing device2and page-turning-over device5are vertically formed around the pivot2a. Also, the horizontal length of the page-pressing device2is shorter than that of the page-turning-over device5. When the page-pressing device2rotates, the page-turning-over device5also rotates at the same rotation angle of the page-pressing device2.

When the page-pressing device2is located downward, the upper midsection of the right and left pages are pressed by the page-pressing device2. At this time, the page-turning-over device5is located away from the pages. When the page-pressing device2rotates clockwise or anticlockwise, the page-pressing device2runs off the page surface. On the other hand, both edges of the page-turning-over device5turn from side to side so that the page is turned over.

Both ends of the page holding device2and page-turning-over device5respectively comprise bend portions2b,2band5b,5bwhich are pressed upward with certain angle of inclination so as to face front. The bend portions2b,5b, when rotating, run on the page surfaces and prevent the edges of the page-pressing device2and page-turning-over device5from being stuck on the pages.

A page pressing portion5cis provided on the page-turning-over device5, and is connected to the page holding device2. Thus, while the page-turning-over device5is turning the page, the following page is pressed by the back side of the page pressing portion5c.

As shown inFIG. 1, the supplementary page-pressing devices6,7are rotatably and symmetrically provided on the lower-positioned horizontal member25with the pivots6a,7a. The upper part of the pivots6a,7apress the lower part of the page surface. The supplementary page-pressing device6presses the left page and the other page-pressing device7presses the right page.

Bend portions6a,7bare formed back to back on the supplementary page-pressing devices6,7(FIG. 1). The bend portions6b,7bare pressed upward with certain angle of inclination so as to face front. InFIG. 1, when the supplementary page-pressing device6rotates anticlockwise and the other page-pressing device7rotates clockwise, the supplementary page-pressing devices6,7run off the page surfaces. When the supplementary page-pressing devices6,7reversely rotate and return to the initial positions, the bend portions6b,7brun up to the lower part of the page surfaces, which prevents the supplementary page-pressing devices6,7from being stuck on the page surfaces.

Also, key portions6c,7care symmetrically provided on the supplementary page-pressing devices6,7. As shown inFIG. 1, the key portions6c,7care located on a position lower than the bend portions6b,7b.

Referring toFIG. 1, when the page surfaces are located on the supplementary page-pressing devices6,7, the bottom end s of page surfaces are located just above the key portions6c,7c.If the supplementary page-pressing device at this stage rotates anticlockwise, the key portions6c,7crun up to the page surfaces which are located on the supplementary page-pressing devices6,7and send the page downward. At the same time, the bend portions6b,7brun off the lower part of the page surface.

(Structure of Moving Part)

As shown inFIG. 5, the page-pressing device2, page-turning-up devices3,4, page-turning-over device5and supplementary page-pressing devices6,7are respectively activated by a pinion gear48and rack gear49. When the rack gear49moves along the upper-positioned horizontal member23or the lower-positioned horizontal member25, the pinion gear48starts rotating, and then the page-pressing device2, page-turning-up devices3,4, page-turning-over device5and supplementary page-pressing devices6,7rotate at the specified rotation angle. The pinion gear48and rack gear49are preferably installed as a unit in the page-pressing device2, page-turning-up devices3,4, page-turning-over device5and supplementary page-pressing devices6,7. The page-pressing device2and page-turning-over device5rotate together and can be activated by a pair of pinion gear48and rack gear49.

FIG. 6refers a cable system50to activate the pinion gear48and rack gear49. The cable system50consists of a movable handling cable51(remote handling means) and an interlocking unit52(interlocking means).

The handling cable51has a structure in which one cable is bifurcated. An inner cable54bis slidably inserted into an outer tube54a. The outer tube54bis fixed on the specified place of the book supporting body1or the like. A knob56and a return spring57are provided on the end of a single cable (unbranched part) of the handling cable51. A core material59for the interlocking unit52is connected to an end of a double cable (branched part) of the handling cable51.

When pushing or pulling the knob56, the inner cable54bmoves inside the outer tube54a,and subsequently the moving force is given to the core material59. When releasing the knob56, the inner cable54breturns to the original position by the spring force of the return spring57, and at the same time, reverse moving force is given to the core material59. In other words, when the inner cable54bmoves, the core material59also moves the same distance.

The knob56is connected to a stopper58which moves together with the inner cable54b.The stopper58controls the moving distance of the knob56and prevents the core material59from receiving unnecessary moving force.

One of the core materials59,59, as shown inFIG. 7, is connected to each rack gear49provided on the page-pressing device2(page-turning-over device5), page-turning-up devices3,4. The core material59is slidably inserted into each rack gear of the page-turning-up device3, page-pressing device2(page-turning-over device5), and then page-turning-up device4.

The other core material59, as shown inFIG. 8, is connected to each rack gear49provided on the supplementary page-pressing devices6,7. The core material59is slidably inserted into each rack gear49of the supplementary page-pressing devices6,7.

As shown inFIGS. 7 and 8, the core material59has locking parts59a,59bwhich are fixed on both sides of each rack gear49at a certain distance. When the core material59moves inside the rack gear49, the locking parts59a,59bmove from side to side of the rack gear49.

InFIGS. 7 and 8, when the knob56is pushed in, the pushing force is given to the core material59through the inner cable54b, and the locking parts59a,59bmove the same distance that the knob56moves. At the same time, the locking part59a pushes one end of the rack gear49, and as indicated by arrows inFIGS. 7 and 8, the page-pressing device2, page-turning-up devices3,4, page-turning-over device5and supplementary page-pressing devices6,7rotate respectively.

When releasing the knob56, the core material59is pushed by the return spring57, and then the knob56and locking parts59a,59breturn to the original positions.

On the other hand, inFIGS. 7 and 8, when the knob56is pulled, the reverse motion is activated, in other words, the locking parts59bpushes the other end of the rack gear59in the counter direction, and then the page-pressing device2, page-turning-up devices3,4, page-turning-over device5and supplementary page-pressing devices6,7rotate in a direction opposite to the arrows inFIGS. 7 and 8.

Each distance among the rack gear49, locking parts59aand59bshould be adjusted in advance in respect to the moving order of the page-turning-up devices3,4page-turning-over device5and supplementary page-pressing devices6,7. In other words, such difference in each distance activates an interval difference mode to move the page-turning-up devices3,4, page-turning-over device5and supplementary page-pressing devices6,7.

For instance, if distances among the rack gear49, locking pats59aand59bare short, the locking parts59a,59bwill hit the rack gear49immediately after operating the knob56, which accelerates the motion starting time. On the other hand, if the distances among the rack gear49, locking parts59aand59bare long, the locking parts59a,59bhit the rack gear49belatedly after operating the knob56, which delays the motion starting time. Also, the pushing and pulling distances of the knob56are preferably set in the range of 20 to 50 millimeters.

In such cable system50, operating the knob56enables the page-pressing devices2, page-turning-up devices3,4, page-turning-over device5and supplementary page-pressing devices6,7to be interlocked at certain intervals. And the pages can be easily turned over with a single touch, which makes it possible to provide a good environment for the person who spends time on reading.

Also, the person who is reading does not need to hold a book and turn over the pages while in use of this cable system50. The outer tubes54a,58aare fixed on the specified places of the book supporting body1, therefore, the book supporting body1, arm10or the like will not be easily trembled even if the knob56is operated.

A conventional apparatus for reading assistance which is manually operated by the person lying down has a large and complicated structure made of thick steel pipes to prevent the overhead oscillation. This new inventive apparatus having the cable system50has structurally significant points which can be simplified and downsized by the arm10and book supporting body1.

Also, as an alternative type of the cable system50, the knob56can be operated by a motor or the like. Furthermore, each rack gear49of the page-turning-up devices3,4, page-turning-over device5and supplementary page-pressing devices6,7can be activated directly by the motor. A return spring57can be provided on each rack gear49of the page-turning-up devices3,4, page-turning-over device5and supplementary page-pressing devices6,7.

A series of page turning motion of the apparatus50will be described here referring toFIGS. 9 to 13.

Firstly, an open book B is set on the book supporting body1and the pages are pressed by the page-pressing device2, page-turning-up devices3,4and supplementary page-pressing devices6,7(FIG. 9). At this time, the page-pressing device2is located over the upper midsection between the right and left pages, and the mats3b,4bare placed on the upper corners of the left and right pages respectively. And the supplementary page-pressing devices6,7are placed symmetrically and back to back on the bottom part of the left and right pages.

The page-pressing device2, page-turning-up devices3,4and supplementary page-pressing devices6,7press and support the page margins so that reading is not disturbed.

To turn over the page of the open book B from right to left, push in the knob56of the cable system50, and then the page-turning-up device4starts rotating in a direction as indicated by an arrow inFIG. 9aand the mat4bpresses and turns up the right page surface toward the page-pressing device2. At this time, as shown inFIG. 10, the page surface between the page-pressing device2and the mat4bis bent into an arch so as to be turned up.

Then, the page-turning-over device5rotates in a direction as indicated by an arrow b inFIG. 10, and the edge of the page-turning-over device5slips into the back of the page. As indicated by an arrow c inFIG. 10, the supplementary page-pressing device7goes up so that the page surface can easily come off the supplementary page-pressing device7. Also, the supplementary page-pressing device7preferably rotates inward by 30 to 90 degrees so that the page surface easily comes off the supplementary page-pressing device7.

As indicated by arrows e, f, and g inFIG. 11, when the rotation angles of the page-turning-up device4, page-turning-over device5and supplementary page-pressing device7increase, the page comes off the page holding device2, the page pressing portion5cof the page turning-over device5presses the page surface downward, and then the page is pressed, turned up and turned over from right to left. The page surface is pulled obliquely upward, and comes off the mat4band supplementary page-pressing device7, and then the page is turned over to the left side. Then the page is placed upon the page-turning-up device3and supplementary page-pressing device6.

As described above, while the right page is being turned over to the left side the page-turning-up device3and supplementary page-pressing device6remains still.

Afterward, as shown inFIG. 12, the page-turning-up device3and supplementary page-pressing device6start rotating. When the page-turning-up device3rotates in a direction as indicated by an arrow h inFIG. 12, the mat3bruns off the page surface and the bend portion3cruns on the page surface. At the same time, when the supplementary page-pressing device6rotates in a direction as indicated by an arrow i, the key portion6cof the supplementary page-pressing device6picks up and presses the page surface, and then the bend portion6bonce runs off the page surface.

At this time, the knob56is completely pushed in, and each rotation of the page-pressing device2, page-turning-up devices3,4page-turning-over device5and supplementary page-pressing devices6,7stops.

As understood from the above explanations concerning a series of page tuning motion, the page surfaces are always pressed and supported by the page-turning-up device3and page-turning-over device5as well as the supplementary page-pressing device6. As result, this invention can provide a new inventive apparatus50which prevents the book from dropping and keeps the condition of the page surfaces suitable for smooth reading.

When releasing the knob56, the return spring57activates the page-pressing device2, page-turning-up devices3,4page-turning-over device5and supplementary page-pressing devices6,7to reversely rotate (FIG. 13). The page-turning-up device4rotates in a direction as indicated by an arrow j, the page-pressing device2and page-turning-over device5rotate in a direction as indicated by an arrow k, the supplementary page-pressing device6rotates in a direction as indicated by an arrow1, and then all the devices return to the original positions as shown inFIG. 9.

As described in the above referencedFIGS. 9 to 13, a series of right-to-left page turning operation can be completely conducted.

On the other hand, in order to conduct the left-to-right page turning operation, pull the knob56, so that the page-pressing device2, page-turning-up devices3,4, page-turning-over device5and supplementary page-pressing devices6,7reversely rotate.

Thus, the inventive apparatus enables the person to easily operate the knob56and properly turn over the page of the book B. For example, the person sitting in the chair or lying down on the bed can easily turn over the page by manually operating the know56.

A second embodiment will be explained here referring toFIG. 14. The second embodiment comprises a tilting type of a page stack pressing arm.

As shown inFIG. 14, a page stack pressing arm60comprises a swing arm62which is connected to a main support61with a pivot61a. A back supporting guide63is provided in the center of the swing arm62. Page stack supporting devices64,64are provided on both ends of the swing arm62.

The back supporting guide63pushes the spine of the book B from behind. The swing arm62keeps balance depending on the thickness of the right and left pages and properly pushes the right and left cover pages. When there is a difference in thickness of the right and left pages, as shown inFIG. 4, the page stack supporting device64supporting a thicker page stack moves to the upper side of the book, on the other hand, the page stack supporting device supporting a thinner page stack moves to the lower side of the book. Thus, the right and left pages are supported in a well-balanced condition

FIG. 15shows a third embodiment comprising a page-stack supporting arm which moves back and forth.

Supporting devices73,74are provided on both ends of an upper-positioned horizontal member71of a page-stack supporting arm70. A main pillar72is vertically fixed in the center of the upper-positioned horizontal member71, and a back supporting guide75having a channel-shaped cross-section surface is provided on the lower part of the main pillar72. A pushing bar77extends from the back of the main pillar72into the frame76.

A handle78is provided on the rear end of the pushing bar77. When rotating the handle78, the pushing bar77moves back and forth, then the supporting devices73,74and the back supporting guide75also move back and forth.

To set a book on the book supporting body, firstly place the supporting devices73,74on the front cover and back cover of the open book and place the back supporting guide75on the spine of the book. Secondly, turn the handle8and move forward the supporting devices73,74and back supporting guide75so that the supporting devices73,74and back supporting guide75can be properly positioned.

As described above, when the handle is initially positioned according to the thickness of the book, the back supporting and the right-and-left page stack supporting functions are sufficiently controlled for smooth reading.

As indicated by arrows inFIG. 15, the supporting devices73,74and the back supporting guide75can be horizontally swung. Also, the upper-positioned horizontal member71is rotatably supported with the main pillar72. Therefore, while turning over the page, the supporting devices73,74and the back supporting guide75can be properly balanced according to the thickness of the right and left pages.

Vertically-extending convex portions73a,74ahaving 2 to 5 millimeters in height are formed on the supporting devices73,74. For example, if the page-stack supporting arm70is used for a soft cover book, the page surface will be raised up by the convex portions73a,74a.

By using the page-stack supporting arm70, the right and left stacks and spine of the book are directly pressed from behind, and the page-pressing device, page-turning-up device, page-turning-over device and supplementary page-pressing device can easily contact the page surface. Therefore, the page surface can be smoothly turned up and each page can be properly turned over.

FIG. 16shows a fourth embodiment comprising a pressing device which rotates back and forth.

As shown inFIG. 16, a page-pressing device80is connected to a page-turning-over device83with a spindle81. The page-pressing device80and page turning-over device83respectively move around the spindle81. A rod-like spring member85is placed between the page-pressing device80and page-turning-over device83. One end of the spring member85is glued to the back side of the page-pressing device80and page-turning-over device83. The page-pressing device and page-turning-over device are balanced to become flat by the spring member85.

When the thicknesses of the right and left stacks are different, the page pressing device80swings left and right around the spindle81(FIG. 16). Thus, the right and left pages are pressed in a well-balance manner by the page-pressing device80. At this time, the page-turning-over device83does not move. When the page-pressing device80runs off the page surface, the page-turning-over device83returns to the original position.

FIGS. 17 and 18show a fifth embodiment comprising page-turning-up devices which vertically move.

As shown inFIG. 17, an inventive apparatus90comprises a page-holding device92, page-turning-up devices93,94and page-turning-over device95. The page-turning-up devices93,94are provided on the lower side of the book B. An elongate hole is provided on the page-turning-up devices93,94respectively. The page-tuning-up devices93,94vertically move in a length direction of the elongate hole. The page-pressing device92and page-turning-over device95move around the pivot92aand have substantially the same configuration that the first embodiment has.

Pivots93a,94aare fixed just below the open book B. The pivots93a,94aare engaged in the elongate holes of the page-turning-up devices93,94. The vertical length of the elongate hole controls the moving distance of the page turning-up devices93,94. Return springs (not shown in the figure) to pull down the page-turning-up devices93,94are provided on the lower sides of the pivots93a,94a.

Mats93b,94band mats93c,94cmade of urethane or the like are fixed on the upper sides of the page-turning-up devices93,94. The mats93c,94cpress the lower sides of the page surfaces according to the horizontal width of the open book. When a normal sized book is set, the outer mats93b,94bcontact the page surfaces, and when a small-sized book such as a paperback book or the like is set, the inner mats93c,94ccontact the page surface.FIG. 17shows that the mats93b,94bcontacting the lower side of the page surface.

InFIG. 17, when the page is turned over from right to left, the page-turning-up device94moves in a direction as indicated by an arrow. Then, as shown inFIG. 18, the mat94bcreates an upward shearing force on the page surface, the upper side of the page surface is turned up, and then a clearance is created between the first page and second page. Finally, the edge of the page-turning-over device95slips into the clearance so that the right page is turned over to the left side.

In the fifth embodiment, the shearing force is vertically given to the page surface, and an open clearance is created behind the page to be turned up. Therefore, the page-turning-over device95easily slips into the back of the page. Also, the curve of the page is comparatively small, and a crease will not be easily created on the paper even if the page is repeatedly turned over while reading.

FIG. 19shows a sixth embodiment in which a page-pressing device is provided on the upper and lower sides of the open book.

As shown inFIG. 19referring to the inventive apparatus100, page-pressing devices92,96are respectively provided on the upper side and lower side of the midsection between the right and left pages. The page-pressing devices92,96rotatably move around pivots92a,96a.The page-pressing device92and the page-turning-over device95are formed as a unit around a pivot92a. Also, the page-pressing device96and the page-turning-over device97are formed as a unit around a pivot96a. Page-pressing portions95c,97care formed respectively on the page-turning-over devices95,97. In other words, the sixth embodiment has a configuration that the page-pressing device and page-turning-over device as shown in the first embodiment are vertically and symmetrically placed.

When the right page is turned up by the page-turning-up device94, the page-pressing devices92,96rotate in a direction opposite to the direction as indicated by arrows inFIG. 19with the specified time difference, and run off the page surface. And then, the page turning-over devices95,97push and turn over the page already turned up to the left side. On the other hand, when the left page is turned up by the page-turning-up device93, the page is turned over to the right side based on the same mechanism.

In the sixth embodiment, when the book is set to be open, the midsection over the right and left pages is vertically pressed by the page-pressing devices92,96. Also, when turning over the page, the page surface around the midsection is pressed by the page-pressing portions95c,97cof the page-turning-over devices95,97. In other words, the sixth embodiment provides a function that the upper and lower parts of the midsection over the right and left pages are always pressed during the page turning motion. Therefore, the right and left pages are always stable and the page turning motion is completely operated for smooth reading.

FIGS. 20 to 22show a seventh embodiment comprising a slide member which interlocks the page pressing device and page-turning-up device with the specified time difference.

As shown inFIG. 20, first locking portions102,103and second locking portions104,105are symmetrically provided on a slide member110. When the slide member110is horizontally moved by the pushing and pulling cable or the like, the first locking portions102,103and the second locking portions104,105also move the same distance.

First receiving portions106,107are formed on the lower edges of the page-turning-up devices93,94respectively. The first receiving portions106,107vertically move together with the page-turning-up devices93,94, and comprise inclined planes which are slidably moved to the edge faces of the first locking portions102,103respectively.

A second receiving portion108is provided on the other end of the page-pressing device96across the pivot96a. The second receiving portion108moves together with the page-pressing device96around the pivot96a. For convenience of explanation, the page-turning-over device97(FIG. 19) which moves together with the page-pressing device96is not shown inFIGS. 20 to 22.

The initial position of the slide member110is set so that certain distances can be maintained in advance between the first locking portions102,103and the first receiving portions105,107and between the second locking portions102,103and the second receiving portion108.

When the slide member110starts moving in a direction as indicated by an arrow inFIG. 20, firstly the edge face of the first locking portion103contacts the inclined plane of the first receiving portion107so that the page-turning-up device94goes up (FIG. 21), and secondly, when the second receiving portion108contacts the second locking portion104as shown inFIG. 21, the page-pressing device96starts moving in a direction as indicated by an arrow inFIG. 21.

When the slide member110moves further to the right, as shown inFIG. 22, the page-turning-up device94is lifted higher by the first locking portion103and reaches to the highest position.

When the slide member110moves from right to left inFIG. 20, the page-turning-up device93is lifted while the page-turning-up device94remains still, and the page-pressing device96rotates in a direction opposite to the direction as indicated by an arrow inFIG. 21.

In the seventh embodiment, when moving the slide member110by the specified distance to the right side or left side, the page-pressing device96and page-turning-up devices93,94are interlocked keeping the specified time difference according to the timing of the page turning operation. The inventive apparatus can be further reduced in size and weight by utilizing the slide member110, page-pressing device96, page-turning-up devices93and94.

FIG. 23shows an eighth embodiment comprising a rotatable centerline supporting pin.

As shown inFIG. 23, a centerline supporting pin122and a back supporting plate123are vertically fixed on a rotor plate121. Other configurations are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment.

To properly set a book on an inventive apparatus120, the book is placed on the apparatus such that the right and left stacks of pages are equally balanced and the midsection of the book is placed in between the centerline supporting pin122and the back supporting plate123. At this time, the open pages of the book face the centerline supporting pin122and the spine of the book faces the back supporting plate123so that the centerline of the open book can be held and supported in a space between the centerline supporting pin122and the back supporting plate123.

When there is a difference in thickness of the right and left pages, the rotor plate121moves around the pivot121aso that the spine of the book slants to equalize the height of right and left papers. As for the centerline supporting pin122, other flexible materials like wires, cords, plastic bars or the like can be used instead of pin material. Elastic wire rod like rubber or the like can also be used since such material will not easily damage the page surface. Besides, it is possible to modify the centerline supporting pin122such that it can move back and forth. Furthermore, it is preferable to provide the return spring so that the centerline supporting pin122can return to the original position.

Although eight different embodiments are described above, other embodiments including various changes, modifications and alterations from the teachings of the present invention may be contemplated. For example, the shapes of the page-pressing device, page-turning-up device, page-turning-over device, supplementary page-pressing device or the like are not limited to the scope of this invention if the similar functions are incorporated.

The arrangement of the page-pressing device, page-turning-up device, page-turning-over device and supplementary page-pressing device on the book supporting body can be turned upside down.

A rack pinion system to activate the page-pressing device, page-turning-up device, page-turning-over device and supplementary page-pressing device is disclosed as an example for the driving means.

The aforementioned embodiments 1 to 8 have a common configuration that the page-pressing device and page-turning-over device rotate together. However, those devices can be modified to work separately.

Furthermore, the aforementioned embodiments 1 to 8 have another common configuration that the page-pressing device, page-turning-up device and supplementary page-pressing device press the edges (page margins) of the right and left pages. However, if those devices are made of transparent materials, those devices can be placed at any part of the page surface. Also, if the center point of the open book is pressed by such transparent page-pressing device, the book will be greatly supported.

Examples of books to be set on the inventive apparatus include, but not limited to, paperback books, magazines, comic books, photo books or the like.

Also the inventive apparatus can be used for music stand or the like. For example, if the cable system is changed to another type of cable systems such as a foot-operated cable system, pages of musical score or the like will be able to be turned over without using hands.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As described above, the apparatus in this invention produces the following significant effect.(a) Pages can be properly turned over with one-touch simple operation which produces a comfortable environment for the person who spends time on reading.(b) It is possible for the person to turn over the pages while standing, sitting or lying in a comfortable position and read for a long time without undue fatigue.(c) It is useful especially for the disabled since they do not need to hold the book.(d) The inventive apparatus can be manufactured by a combination of simple components and can also be mechanically simplified and downsized.