Abstract:
An improved page holder comprising a clamp ( 10 R) attached to a self-retracting reel ( 14 ), the latter being set at a predetermined tension to retain pages without prohibiting page turning, and having a tension adjustment dial ( 16 ) at its lower end. The reel ( 14 ) dispenses a monofilament ( 18 ) which extends across the reading matter ( 19 ) and attaches to a second clamp ( 10 L). Thus the page holder can be applied in a variety of settings, and retains various reading matter ( 19 ) against wind, drafts, and the closing tendency of bound books, while enabling manual page turning.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   Not Applicable 
   FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
   Not Applicable 
   SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM 
   Not Applicable 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of Invention 
   This invention relates to book holders, specifically to an improved page holder. 
   2. Discussion of Prior Art 
   For centuries, musicians have struggled with their sheet music. The battle to keep loose-leaf pages on the music stand and the pages of bound books open is a distraction that perpetuates to this day. Beyond the music field, this dilemma extends to public readings, ceremonies, and presentations. Many solutions have been proposed, but all have been problematic. All previously known counterparts require some sort of adjustment to permit page turning (including those that state otherwise). In every case, the page holder must be released and subsequently secured when a page is turned. This leaves the remaining pages vulnerable (e.g., to the wind) during the page turn, until the holder is replaced. Especially during a musical performance, anxiety over turning pages and securing the page holder threatens the quality and enjoyment of that performance. This is particularly true in the frequent cases when a quick page turn is necessary, and the problem is compounded by the fact that the musician usually has only one hand readily (and briefly) available. 
   Previously known page holders are dependent upon other hardware. This increases their cost and makes them cumbersome and ungainly. Their complexity requires undue time and effort to set up and operate. They are difficult to package, market, and distribute. They can only be used in certain settings, and are not easily adaptable for different materials and uses. 
   A plurality of page holders utilize a retaining line or strip, such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,978,096 to Struckmann (1990) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,946 to Pannu (1995). None provides a separate and independent device which can attach to various music holders, book holders, or loose-leaf page holders of varying design, material, and thickness. Furthermore, among the myriad of book holders, easels, copy holders, etc.—with their panels, clips, clamps, and bands—there has never been a solution to hold pages in place that does not interfere with page turning. 
   The problem has not been solved because it seems inconceivable that a device could exist which allows the user, but not the wind, to turn the page. Such a solution is long-overdue. 
   OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES 
   Accordingly, several objects and advantages of our invention are to provide a page holder which is more simple, operable, lightweight, compact, and portable than any previously known counterpart. Our page holder is attractive and inexpensive; it is easy to package, market, and distribute. It is more convenient and expedient, producing a higher quality result than anything used before: it allows the user to simply turn the page, requiring no further action. 
   Our page holder provides the musician with greater confidence, knowing that the music is secure, but can be turned in a moment. The remaining pages require no further division of concentration, since they are automatically retained throughout the page turn. This allows the musician to relax and focus on performing. Our page holder can be stored in a few inches of an instrument case or accessory bag. Its versatility makes it easily adaptable to any setting, as it can be integrated or used in conjunction with existing hardware (such as binders, easels, music stands, book holders, clipboards, etc.). This compatibility has the added advantage of not wasting a user&#39;s previous purchase of such hardware. 
   Other objects and advantages are to provide a reliable page holder whose universal application transcends geographic and cultural boundaries, and which requires minimal change in production facilities. Because this device solves an existing, long-felt need, it can be readily put into practice by an eager market, and requires little or no learning to utilize. 
   Further objects and advantages of our invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
   SUMMARY 
   In accordance with the present invention a page holder comprises a clamp bonded to a self-retracting reel, which exerts a tension between approximately 0.05 N (0.2 oz) and 0.6 N (2 oz). A retaining line is extracted from the reel and is attached to a second clamp. 

   
     DRAWINGS—FIGURES 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of our invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a view of two parallel units to compensate for moderate wind. 
       FIG. 3  is a view of two diagonal units to compensate for high wind. 
       FIG. 4  is a view of our invention applied to a clipboard. 
       FIG. 5  is a view of our invention applied directly to a book. 
       FIG. 6  is a view of an alternate tensioning mechanism. 
   

   DRAWINGS—REFERENCE NUMERALS 
   
     
       
             
             
             
             
           
         
             
                 
             
           
           
             
               10R 
               right clamp 
               10L 
               left clamp 
             
             
               11R 
               weighted right clamp 
               11L 
               weighted left clamp 
             
             
               12R 
               rubber teeth 
               12L 
               rubber teeth 
             
             
               13R 
               magnet 
               13L 
               magnet 
             
             
               14 
               self-retracting reel 
               15 
               hole 
             
             
               16 
               tension adjustment dial 
               16A 
               alternate tension dial 
             
             
               17 
               support 
               18 
               monofilament 
             
             
               19 
               reading matter 
               19A 
               varying lengths of paper 
             
             
               19B 
               book 
               20 
               clipboard 
             
             
               22 
               alternate reel 
               24 
               rubber band 
             
             
                 
             
           
        
       
     
   
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   FIG.  1 —Preferred Embodiment 
     FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a basic version of our page holder. A clamp  10 R has rubber teeth  12 R. A self-retracting reel  14  (a known device, utilized in several fields) is glued, welded, or bonded in any suitable fashion to clamp  10 R. The reel  14  has a tension adjustment dial  16  at its lower end. 
   The reel  14  dispenses a monofilament  18 , which extends across the reading matter  19  and is knotted, thermally bonded, or otherwise attached to a second clamp  10 L. The clamp  10 L also has rubber teeth  12 L. 
   The clamps  10 R and  10 L can be made of metal, plastic, wood, or any suitable material. They can be approximately 5 cm (2 in) square. The rubber teeth  12 R and  12 L protect delicate surfaces, and prevent slippage on irregular surfaces such as music stands comprising thin, flat, metal bands. 
   The reel  14  can be made from metal or plastic, and in the preferred embodiment utilizes a metal spring. The casing can be approximately 3 cm (1.25 in) in diameter, and about 1 cm (0.5 in) thick. The reel  14  has a tension adjustable between approximately 0.05 N (0.2 oz) and 0.6 N (2 oz). This specific range holds the reading matter  19  in place, while allowing the user to turn the page against the monofilament  18  without damaging the reading matter  19 . The tension can be varied by either increasing or decreasing the friction (drag) on the monofilament  18 , or tightening/loosening the spring. 
   In the preferred embodiment, the monofilament  18  is made from 15-pound polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF, or “Fluorocarbon”), such as that used in fishing line. PVDF is smoother and less refractive than ordinary monofilaments. Heavier-weight line is usable but less efficient, being more visually distracting, and requiring more space on the reel  14 . Lighter weights can introduce threat of incision to the page&#39;s edge. The monofilament  18  could be approximately 1-1.5 m (3-5 ft) long. 
   The monofilament  18  is passed through a hole  15  (with a protective grommet or eyelet, not shown) drilled in metal clamp  10 L and knotted, glued, or otherwise attached inside the clamp  10 L. In the preferred embodiment, the clamps  10 L and  10 R can be compactly stored together with magnets  13 L and  13 R (shown here glued to the backs of clamps  10 L and  10 R) or other attaching components, or simply clamped together. 
   Operation 
   The manner of securing reading matter  19  with the page holder is exceedingly simple. The user attaches the clamp  10 R to the right edge of the music stand, binder, easel, or other support  17  for reading matter  19 . The user pulls the clamp  10 L across the reading matter  19 , extracting the monofilament  18  from the reel  14 . The user then attaches the clamp  10 L to the left edge of the support  17 . 
   When a page is to be turned, the user simply grasps the page and turns it normally, exerting slight force to overcome the gentle tension of the reel  14 . The page glides smoothly across the monofilament  18  as the reel  14  dispenses additional length to allow the page to turn. The monofilament  18  continues to provide retention at the edges of the remaining pages throughout the page turn. The reel  14  retracts automatically to secure the monofilament  18  across the pages in unison with the completion of the page turn. 
   Use of the lowest tension setting is most comfortable for the user, since it provides the least amount of resistance against the page. Use of low settings is also necessary for very thin pages, such as a minister&#39;s Bible at an outdoor wedding or funeral. (Particularly fragile pages can be turned under the edge of the monofilament  18  and “peeled” across to complete the page turn. Also, loose-leaf pages can be inserted into plastic sheet protectors, which will not interfere with the page holder&#39;s operation.) However, outdoor wind conditions frequently place the user at the mercy of unpredictable gusts. In the event of increasingly windy conditions, the user can quickly increase the retaining power of the device by turning the dial  16 . This is located at the lower end of the reel  14 , since the user&#39;s hands are usually below the reading matter  19 . Our page holder&#39;s tension range does not exceed 0.6 N (2 oz)—since beyond that force, there is a tendency for the monofilament  18  to crush the page. 
   After use, the clamps  10 L and  10 R are detached from the support  17 , and the reel  14  automatically stores the monofilament  18 . The clamps  10 L and  10 R are secured to one another with magnets  13 L and  13 R or other attaching components, or simply clamped together. 
   Description and Operation of Alternative Embodiments—FIGS.  2 - 6   
   FIG.  2 —Description of Two Parallel Units 
   When wind is strong enough to bend the pages&#39; corners toward the center, two units may be placed along the top and bottom of the reading matter  19 . The page is still turned normally. When two units are utilized, lower tension settings may be selected. 
   FIG.  3 —Description of Two Diagonal Units 
   A very strong wind can lift the middle of a page like a sail, pulling it out from the parallel units on top and bottom ( FIG. 2 ). When conditions merit, two units may be placed diagonally across the reading matter  19 . The page is still turned normally, and as conditions allow, the use of two units might permit a lower tension setting. 
   FIG.  4 —Description of the Device Applied to a Clipboard 
   Use with a clipboard  20  presents the unique challenge of retaining the page, but allowing it to turn and to wrap over and around the top of the board  20 . By placing the clamp  10 R with the reel  14  at the base of the board  20  toward the right (this would best suit a right-handed user), the monofilament  18  can be extended diagonally up and left across the page. Placement of clamp  10 L on the left side of the board  20 , near the top, permits the page to be turned against, and eventually free of, the monofilament  18 . The user can then wrap the page over and around the top of the board  20 . If desirable, an optional component (not shown) to retain the wrapped pages against the back of the board  20  can be added. 
   Our page holder brings to the clipboard the distinct advantage of effective retention of varying lengths of paper  19 A, even in combination. This embodiment can be manifested as a clipboard integrated with our page holder, or our device can be readily applied to an existing clipboard. 
   FIG.  5 —Description of the Device Applied Directly to a Book 
   The page holder can be placed directly on the covers of a hardcover or softcover book  19 B. The clamps  11 L and  11 R are weighted to hold the bound book  19 B open. This allows for hands-free reading in any setting. An alternative embodiment could include a support member across the back of the book (not shown). Our page holder can also be applied to any existing book holder. 
   FIG.  6 —Description of an Alternate Reel Mechanism 
   Instead of a spring-biased reel, our page holder can also function using a reel  22  tensioned by means of a rubber band  24 , a braided elastic band, or similar material. Tension is still increased by turning the tension adjustment dial  16   a.    
   Conclusion, Ramifications, and Scope 
   Thus the reader will see that the page holder of the invention provides a highly reliable, compact, versatile, ingenious, yet economical device that can be used by students and professionals alike. 
   While our above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example, the page holder can be integrated with or used in combination with any existing book holder, easel, copy holder, etc. The number of units, or components thereof, can be increased or decreased. 
   “Reading matter” can be construed as books, newspapers, sheet music, photographs—any such material for viewing. 
   The clamps can be made from other materials such as plastic—and thus the clamps and reel casing can be molded as one piece; the clamps can be made in different colors, sizes, gripping capacities, strengths, and weights; and can be attached together in any suitable fashion for storage. Other methods can be used to attach the page holder, such as suction cups (e.g., on a polished wood piano or organ). 
   The reel casing can be made of metal, plastic, or any suitable material; and can be produced in various sizes or colors (including clear). The number of reels can be increased—such as an additional reel on the left side for greater ease if the reading matter is to be turned back and forth frequently. Any tensioning device which produces the proper range of force can function—including a hanging weight in place of a reel. The tension range can be increased to accommodate heavier reading matter. The reel can have a static tension, such as 0.6 N (2 oz), and not be adjustable. A ratcheting reel can be introduced, mounted to the left clamp (or other suitable place), to take up the slack of the monofilament for storage, e.g., at the push of a button. 
   The tension adjustment dial can alternatively be positioned on the face, side, or other surface of the reel. The tension can also be adjusted by a button, lever, knob, or other suitable hardware. 
   The monofilament can be a strand, cord, or band of any material that does not present threat of incision to the page&#39;s edge, or friction prohibitive of page turning. It can be made in varying thickness and weight to accommodate different reading materials. The monofilament can be made in any length to suit the device&#39;s application—such as 1.5 m (about 5 ft) to accommodate several sheets of music along a piano or organ. 
   The application of the page holder to a clipboard can be expanded to further retain the pages that have been turned up and wrapped behind the board. 
   Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.