Abstract:
A bookmark system is provided that accommodates a plurality of bookmarks that are able to be selectively added and removed from a centralized head. Each bookmark is capable of sliding independently along a pin and is designed to fit between two pages of a book. The bookmark includes a member for secure integration to the book to ensure that it and its associated bookmarks remain in place during use of the book.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to a bookmark that employs a plurality of selectively removable page markers. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention includes a bracket that includes a plurality of removable page markers that are received between individual pages of a book, thereby marking specific sections and/or pages of the book. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Bookmarks are often employed by a reader to identify at least one page in a book for future reference and are typically fabricated of cloth or paper. Similarly flexible markers are sometimes integrated into the spine of the book with a first end fixed to an upper edge of the spine and a second end adapted to be placed between pages. Other more rigid bookmarks are comprised of a clip that interconnects with a cover of a book to associate an individual page or pages thereto, which effectively separates a first portion of the book from a second portion of the book. U.S. Pat. No. 3,898,951 to Clare is an example of a book mark that is associated with a book cover. Bookmarks sometimes consist of a flexible band that wraps around the cover of the book and a plurality of pages to separate one portion of a book from another. Bookmarks of the prior art are often misplaced. Further, bookmarks that are permanently interconnected to the book cannot be used in other books, render the book in some instances difficult to close, may be torn from the book, etc. Other types of bookmarks that clip or band pages can damage book jackets, book covers and pages. 
         [0003]    Some bookmarks of the prior art are comprised of a first member for association with the spine of a book, between an inner portion of the spine and the bound page&#39;s edges, that are made of a metallic or ferromagnetic material. A second member of the bookmark is located outside the spine and cooperates with the first member to hold each member in place. The second member includes a plurality of page markers. The drawback of this device is that it is not easily moved from one book to another. More specifically, one must remove the magnetic or ferromagnetic first member from the book and place it in another book or page marking. Further, in order to adequately secure the second member, the first member may need to be of such a size that will make the book difficult to close. Alternatively, if magnetic, the second member may need to be large, which will make it bulky and unsightly, to function properly. 
         [0004]    Other bookmarks of the prior art are associated with a space between the interior page edges and the inner surface of the spine and includes a plurality of page markers. The drawbacks of these devices is that the plurality of page markers are permanently fixed to a portion of the bookmark that fits between the spine and the pages. An example of such bookmarks may be found in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0158462 to Antoine, U.S. Pat. No. 1,322,796 to Kissel, U.S. Pat. No. 3,059,609 to Scalana, U.S. Pat. No. 2,645,197 to Towes et al., U.S. Pat. No. 2,394,372 to Evans and U.S. Pat. No. D314,589 to Cooley. 
         [0005]    It is a long felt need to provide a bookmark that provides a plurality of marking options that may be selectively associated with a book. The following disclosure teaches a bookmark that includes a device that selectively receives and secures a plurality of bookmarks, thereby providing a robust system for marking multiple pages of the book. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    It is one aspect of the present invention to provide a multipage bookmark. Hardcover books are generally comprised of a front cover and a back cover that are interconnected via a spine. The pages of the book are interconnected to a liner that is associated with bands positioned at the top edge and the bottom edge of each cover such that the liner spans the distance between joints found by the interconnection of the cover to the spine. A space is thus defined by the inner surface of the spine and the liner. One embodiment of the present invention is comprised of a bracket that is selectively associated with the book by way of a spine portion that fits in the space provided between an inner surface of a book spine and the liner. An upper portion is interconnected to the spine segment and directed towards the inside of the book. The upper portion may be positioned towards the pages or towards the outside of the book, which will be apparent upon review of the figures provided herewith. A plurality of page markers are also provided that are selectively interconnected to the upper portion of the bracket and are designed to be selectively located between various pages of the book. The plurality of page markers are designed to selectively interconnect with the upper portion of the bracket such that the number of bookmarks may be altered to suit the user&#39;s needs. 
         [0007]    It is another aspect of the present invention to add aesthetically pleasing items to the multipage bookmark. One embodiment of the present invention employs a head portion that is associated with the upper portion of the bracket. The head portion may be welded, glued, riveted, soldered, taped or otherwise interconnected to the upper portion of the bracket. In one embodiment, the head portion is adapted to receive and secure at least one photo. In other embodiments of the present invention, the head portion is comprised of a locket wherein a photo may be selectively hidden from view. To expand on this concept, it is contemplated that the head portion may be enlarged so as to receive pills, the Eucharistic host (associated with a religious ceremony, i.e., the body of Christ in a Christian ceremony), a light, etc. 
         [0008]    It is also envisioned that the head portion may be detachable from the bracket. In one embodiment, the head portion is selectively interconnected to the bracket by way of at least one magnet. Other embodiments of the present invention employ a head portion that slidingly interconnects with the upper portion of the bracket. The detachable head portion may employ a magnifying glass to help the user read without removing the multipage book mark from the book. Such a magnifying glass may also be selectively interconnectable to a user&#39;s eyeglasses. The removable nature of the head portion of embodiments of the present invention allow for interchangeability. That is, an individual may own many brackets with associated page markers that are left in their favorite books and use a single head portion to interconnect to a selected bracket. Further, the head portion may accommodate the plurality of selectively removable page markers wherein the head portion is moved from book to book that each employ a bracket. Such bracket may be selectively interconnected to the book or be permanently integrated into the book. 
         [0009]    It is also contemplated that embodiments of the present invention employ a powered head portion that employs a visual and/or sound media device that may be a digital media device. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention includes a small digital picture frame incorporated into the head portion similar to those found in digital key chains. In this embodiment, the digital information would be stored in the bracket or head portion with an integrated solid state storage device that would allow for a user to search through pictures interacting with the bracket and/or head portion. Buttons needed to access a particular photo, etc., may be incorporated in the head portion and/or the bracket. The stored photos may be displayed automatically in a slide show fashion. Furthermore, the storage device may include other information, such as sound information and may be accessed by way of earphones, similar to an iPod®. The media storage device may also be associated with a Bluetooth® communication device so that data may be transmitted to a smart phone or similar device. 
         [0010]    The head portion may also include a sound transmitter or receiver. It is envisioned that the head portion and/or bracket may employ WIFI technology or common transistor radio components wherein a sermon, for example, may be wirelessly received by the bookmark and amplified to aid hearing impaired individuals so that they enjoy the sermon or speech being given. Of course, the receiver may receive information from a broadcaster and store such information. 
         [0011]    As alluded to above, the head portion may include a Bluetooth® device that receives and/or transmits information regarding the events taking place around the individual reading. For example, the next reading number, hymn, text of the sermon, church bulletin, or other relevant information may be sent to the bookmark system to be accessed at a later time, transmitted to a smart phone, PDA, or laptop, etc. 
         [0012]    The head portion or bracket of one aspect of the present invention may include identification information as to the owner of the multipage book mark or book. For example, an individual&#39;s name and phone number may be engraved or otherwise indicated on the bracket. Further, the spine or head portion may include a power source used to power the devices described above or a reading light. It is also contemplated that the spine portion of the bracket may include a magnifying glass along its length or on a portion thereof wherein the multipage book mark may be removed from the book and used primarily as a magnifying glass by sight impaired individuals, for example. In addition, a word reader may be incorporated into the spine portion of the bracket for use by sight impaired or reading impaired individuals that generate digital information related to text that is exposed and saved for immediate broadcast or future broadcast. 
         [0013]    In one embodiment of the present invention, the head portion, and/or upper portion of the bracket is severable from the spine portion. In another embodiment of the present invention the upper portion and the spine portion are hinged and may be selectively angled with respect to each other. Further, the spine portion is hinged or otherwise foldable to decrease the length thereof for easy storage and transportation of the same. The spine portion of the bracket may include painted, machined or laser cut designs to provide a unique impression. 
         [0014]    It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a multipage bookmark that accommodates a plurality of page markers. The page markers may be made of any material, but preferably of a flexible material to facilitate placement between pages. In one embodiment of the present invention, the page markers are made of cloth and include a first end that is associated with a crimped metallic material that also includes an eyelet for receipt of a pin, which will be described in further detail below. The page markers may be of any color. For example, it is contemplated that the page markers be fabricated in school colors or be color coded to coincide certain sections of a book. Furthermore, the page markers may include other visual indicators, such as text to indicate passages of a book, such as in the Bible, i.e., to separate New Testament from Old Testament, for example. The page markers may be perforated, i.e., removable by tearing or cutting. 
         [0015]    It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a mechanism for selectively receiving a plurality of page markers. In one embodiment of the present invention a pin connector is integrated onto the head portion and/or the upper portion of the bracket. Such pin clasps are commonly found on brooches and include a pin that is rotatably interconnected to a clevis. The other end of the pin is selectively engaged and secured onto a locking mechanism and opened and closed by a selectively rotatable member. Other similar mechanisms may be employed wherein the pin is fixedly interconnected to the head and/or bracket and is deflected and wherein the second end thereof is held in place by a hook or a claw. Devices employing pin clasps are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,624,458 to Zook, 5,245,844 to Panzer and 7,013,540 to Wang et al., which are incorporated by reference herein. One embodiment of the present invention employs posts that emanate from the head that selectively receives a rod. The rod may be threaded on one end and screwed into one of the posts provided. 
         [0016]    Any device employed to selectively receive and secure at least one of the page markers is contemplated. More specifically, the pin is adapted to be put through the eyelet of the page marker or markers and then refastened to another part of the pin assembly to secure the page markers in place. This type of system has the advantage of quickly allowing an individual to alter the number of page markers that they wish to employ. The drawback of many other bookmarks of the prior art is that the page markers are a fixed number wherein the remaining page markers are combined with the needed page markers, thus rendering the page marking less effective and making the book more difficult to close. 
         [0017]    It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a bookmark having aesthetically pleasing items. For example, at least one charm may be associated with the head portion and/or bracket. The charms may include religious symbols, names, identifying indicia, school symbols, etc. The charms of some embodiments of the present invention are shaped as a cross, a chest, a locket, a dog tag, etc. One skilled in the art will appreciate that charms of various shapes may be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention. The charms are interconnected to the head by a band that may receive a plurality of beads or charms as well. Furthermore, an alternate embodiment of the present invention, perhaps in conjunction with a charm, employ a pouch associated with the head portion and/or bracket to receive glasses, a writing instrument, a magnifying glass, a flashlight, etc. 
         [0018]    Another embodiment of the present invention employs a resilient band instead of the bracket described above. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention employs a selectively resilient band that is positioned about the cover of the book similar to that disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0058975. The resilient band also receives a head portion that secures the plurality of page markers described above. In another embodiment, a rod or other member is provided that is associated within the rings of a spiral notebook or binder. Furthermore, the bracket may be shortened in length to interconnect directly with the individual spiral or spirals or binder of a spiral notebook. It is envisioned that the head portion also be used with this embodiment of the present invention. As one of skill in the art will appreciate, the head portion may be used interchangeably with the bracket and/or band. 
         [0019]    One embodiment of the present invention is constructed as follows. The head portion is attached to the upper portion of an L-shaped bracket wherein the head portion that is configured to function as a picture frame. Pop rivets may be used to attach the head portion to the upper portion of the L-bracket that are cut to remove excess length thereof. A photograph is then inserted into a frame integrated into the head portion. The page markers receive metallic ends that are crimped onto one end of the page marker. The pin is opened to allow the second end of the pin to be inserted through the eyelets of the crimped ends. 
         [0020]    The Summary of the Invention is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present invention. Moreover, references made herein to “the present invention” or aspects thereof should be understood to mean certain embodiments of the present invention and should not necessarily be construed as limiting all embodiments to a particular description. The present invention is set forth in various levels of detail in the Summary of the Invention as well as in the attached drawings and the Detailed Description of the Invention and no limitation as to the scope of the present invention is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary of the Invention. Additional aspects of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the Detail Description, particularly when taken together with the drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of these inventions. 
           [0022]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a bookmark of one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  is a bottom perspective view of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of a typical bound book; 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view showing one embodiment of the present invention associated with a book; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention and is used in conjunction with a sleeve for holding a pen, for example; 
           [0027]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a book mark of another embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0028]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view showing the embodiment of  FIG. 6  associated with a book. 
       
    
    
       [0029]    To assist in the understanding of one embodiment of the present invention the following list of components and associated numbering found in the drawings is provided herein: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 # 
                 Components 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 2 
                 Bookmark 
               
               
                 6 
                 Bracket 
               
               
                 10 
                 Head portion 
               
               
                 14 
                 Strap 
               
               
                 18 
                 Charm 
               
               
                 22 
                 Recess 
               
               
                 26 
                 Underside 
               
               
                 30 
                 Clasp assembly 
               
               
                 34 
                 Page marker 
               
               
                 38 
                 First end 
               
               
                 42 
                 Second end 
               
               
                 46 
                 Corner member 
               
               
                 50 
                 Outer edge 
               
               
                 54 
                 Upper portion 
               
               
                 58 
                 Spine portion 
               
               
                 62 
                 Hook 
               
               
                 66 
                 Pin 
               
               
                 70 
                 Mount 
               
               
                 74 
                 Crimped metallic member 
               
               
                 78 
                 Hole 
               
               
                 86 
                 Charm 
               
               
                 90 
                 Bead 
               
               
                 94 
                 Book 
               
               
                 98 
                 Cover 
               
               
                 102 
                 Page 
               
               
                 106 
                 Liner 
               
               
                 110 
                 Space 
               
               
                 114 
                 Inner surface 
               
               
                 118 
                 Spine 
               
               
                 122 
                 Sleeve 
               
               
                 126 
                 Connecting member 
               
               
                 128 
                 Strap 
               
               
                 130 
                 Spine portion 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0030]    It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0031]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  4  and  5 , one embodiment of the present invention is shown. More specifically, the bookmark  2  of this embodiment of the present invention is generally comprised of a bracket  6  with an interconnected head portion  10 . The head portion  10  is shown accommodating a strap  14  for holding a charm  18 . The head portion  10  may also include a recess  22  for the receipt of a picture, for example. The underside  26  of the head portion  10  includes a clasp assembly  30  that accommodates a plurality of page markers  34  having a first end  38  and a second end  42 . 
         [0032]    Referring now specifically to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the head portion  10  of one embodiment is made of die cast material, for example steel or aluminum. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the head portion  10  may also be made of plastic or other rigid material without departing from the scope of the invention. The head portion  10  includes a recess  22  having a plurality of corner members  46  or other members associated with the outer edge  50  thereof that are designed to secure a photo or other item within the head portion  10 . Thus, the head portion  10  of the embodiment of the present invention shown is designed to be used similar to a picture frame. The corner members  46  may be omitted wherein an adhesive is used to secure the photo or other embellishment to the head portion  10 . 
         [0033]    The bracket  6  provided possesses an upper portion  54  for engagement to the head portion  10  and an elongated spine portion  58  for engagement to a book, which will be described in further detail below. The upper portion  54  of the bracket  6  of one embodiment of the present invention is about 0.750 inches long, the spine portion  58  is about 3.4 inches long and the thickness is about 0.32 inches. The bracket  6  may be made out of any rigid plastic or material. One embodiment of the present invention is made of aluminum 5052. 
         [0034]    The clasp assembly  30  is comprised of a hook  62  that selectively receives a pin  66  that is hingedly interconnected to a mount  70  that is associated with the head portion  10 . In operation, the pin  66  would be selectively removed from the hook  62 , thereby allowing the plurality of page markers  34  to be associated therewith. After the page markers  34  were associated with the pin  66 , the free end would again be interconnected to the hook  62  to secure the page markers  34  to the head portion  10 . The head portion  10  may be interconnected to the bracket  6  by way of soldering, welding or by rivets. One embodiment of the present invention contemplates welding or soldering the clasp assembly  30  to either the head portion  10  or the upper portion  54  of the bracket  6 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 2  shows the plurality of page markers  34  integrated to the clasp assembly  30 . Each page marker  34  comprises the first end  38  and the second end  42  wherein the first end includes a device for associating the page marker  34  to the pin  66  of the clasp assembly  30 . The first end includes a crimped metallic member  74  having a hole  78  therethrough for receipt of the pin  66 . Second end  42  of the page marker  34  is generally free and adapted to fit between pages of a periodical or book. The page marker  34  may be of any material but is preferably quite flexible to allow it to be easily inserted between pages. 
         [0036]    Embodiments of the present invention are adapted to include additional features to enhance the appearance thereof. More specifically, the strap  14  may be provided that is associated with the head portion  10  on one end and associated with a charm  86  on the other end. Shown in the figures, a dog tag shaped charm  86  is employed. The charm  86  may include a picture or symbol as described above. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the charm  86  may comprise a cross, crucifix, Star of David, etc. without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, a plurality of beads  90  may be associated with the charm  86  or the strap  14 . That is, one skilled in the art will appreciate that additional charms  86 , often associated with charm bracelets may be used to enhance the appearance of the book mark  2  or personalize the same. 
         [0037]    Referring now specifically to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the bookmark  2  of one embodiment is shown integrated into a book  94 . Typical bound books  94  are comprised of a rigid outer cover  98  that is interconnected to a plurality of pages  102  via a liner  106 . A space  110  exists between the liner  106  and an inner surface  114  of the book spine  118  that receives the spine portion  58  of the bracket  6  as shown in  FIG. 4 . One of skill in the art will appreciate that the head portion  10  may also include elastic bands associated therewith that integrate directly with the covers  98  of the book  94  to secure the head portion  10  and associated page markers  34  to the book  94 . In such instances, the bracket may be omitted or simply placed on the outside of the spine  118 . Placement of the spine portion  58  within the space  110  associates the head portion  10  with the book  94 , thereby allowing individuals to place individual page markers  34  between the pages of the book. Additional page markers  34  may be added or removed at will. One of skill in the art will appreciate that excess page markers  34  may be placed outside of the cover  98  if not in use. 
         [0038]      FIG. 5  shows another embodiment of the present invention that includes a sleeve  122  for receiving a pen, magnifying glass, light, eyeglasses, etc. The sleeve  122  is associated with the head portion  10  by way of at least one connecting member  126 , i.e. a strap. In operation, the spine portion  58  of the bracket  6  would be placed between the spine and the book liner as described above wherein the sleeve  122  is positioned outside of the spine and enabled to receive at least one pen, for example. 
         [0039]      FIGS. 6 and 7  show another embodiment of the present invention that employs an elastomeric strap  128  to affix the bookmark  2  to the book  94 . More specifically, elastomeric straps  128  are associated with the head portion  10  of the bookmark  2  that are placed around the front and rear covers  98  of the book  94  to hold the head portion  10  adjacent to the top of the book  94 . The head portion  10  may also employ a shortened spine portion  130  that helps maintain the head portion  10  in a proper orientation. The spine portion  130  may be placed within the spine as described above or located outside of the spine. This embodiment of the present invention is ideal for use with soft-covered books that may not be adapted to accommodate an elongated spine portion as described above. This embodiment of the present invention also includes a strap  14  with associated charm  18  and beads  90 . Furthermore, some embodiments of the present invention employ beads  90  on a portion of the strap  128 . 
         [0040]    In one embodiment of the present invention, the bracket  6  is made of aluminum and is bent or cast into the shape shown. The head portion is die cast and soldered or otherwise interconnected to the upper portion  54  of the bracket  6 . The recess  22  of the head portion  10  receives a picture or other item described above. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the recess is not required. 
         [0041]    While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims. Further, the invention(s) described herein is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.