Patent Abstract:
A collapsible book rest is formed of panels that are variously interconnected by means chosen from hinges, tracks, slots, ledges, and the like that allow the panels to be deployed to form a first, supporting structure. The panels include a rear panel, front panel, top panel, bottom panel, left panel and right panel. A slidable stabilizer panel is extendable and retractable from the bottom panel. The front and bottom panels of the supporting structure define a recess that accommodates an individual&#39;s abdominal shape, and the slide stabilizer defines a similarly shaped front edge. The book rest is collapsed by variously disconnecting and folding over the panels.

Full Description:
This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/999,656 filed Oct. 19, 2007, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     A support is provided for positioning an article at a specific height and/or angle. More specifically, an improved rest for reading materials is provided for use by the infirmed or handicapped, for example. In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is capable of being used as a computer table, writing table and table top podium. Some embodiments of the present invention are collapsible to facilitate storage and transportation of the book rest. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many ill or disabled individuals find it difficult to read in a prone and/or sitting position. For example, the infirmed are often so weak that the mere task of lifting and holding a book at an optimum position for reading is very difficult. Some individuals with chronic illnesses have difficulty supporting a book of any size. In the past, individuals addressed this problem by using a pillow or blanket as a book rest. However, pillows do not provide adequate and consistent support, do not position the book at the optimum height and/or angle, are uncomfortable, i.e., add heat and weight to an individual&#39;s legs. Some book rests of the prior art require a table to rest on to function properly or to elevate the resting book, are not portable, and/or do not position the book at the ideal reading height/angle. For example, the PortaBook laptop stand is designed to receive a book on a selectively adjustable surface. This product, however, does not position the book at an acceptable height for reading wherein additional mechanisms such as a table or a pillow are needed to elevate the book at an optimum height. 
     Thus, it is a long felt need to provide a book rest that is light, transportable, easy to use, and that positions the reading material at an optimum height and angle. The following disclosure describes an improved book rest, which in some embodiments is collapsible to facilitate transportation and/or storage thereof. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is one aspect of the present invention to provide a rest for a book. One embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of interconnected panels that form a supporting structure. A book is placed on a top surface of the book rest and is held in place by a plurality of ridges that engage the lower edge of the book. The ridges may be selectively interconnected to the top surface to facilitate accommodation of books or reading material of various shapes and sizes. For example, in one embodiment the ridges are selectively interconnected to the top surface via magnets, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, studs, and slots, etc. Preferably the ridges are rigid, but could be formed of a compliant material. A portion of the book adjacent to the upper edge thereof is supported by an upper edge of the book rest&#39;s rear panel. Positioning the book on the top surface and the upper edge of the rear surface thus locates the book at a predetermined angle. The term “book” as used herein shall mean any reading material or personal electronic device. 
     Embodiments of the present invention may further include page holders to help maintain the book in a desired position of use. The page holders of one embodiment of the present invention are spring-biased preferably employing torsion springs. One skilled in the art will appreciate however, that other mechanisms may be used, such as weighted clips, magnetic clips and/or a bar or other device that is positioned across the entire reading surface. 
     It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a book rest that can accommodate books, computers or other electronic devices of larger sizes. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention are dual use such that oversized books, writing materials or lap top computers rest on a secondary reading surface. 
     It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a book rest that is collapsible and/or easily transportable. That is, embodiments of the present invention are made of lightweight materials and, thus, when in use, do not add a great amount of weight to the legs of a user. Furthermore, other embodiments of the present invention are collapsible to facilitate storage and/or transportation of the book rest in a briefcase or purse, for example. 
     It is still yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a book rest that positions a book in an optimum reading location. More specifically, often those individuals with vision problems who perhaps wear bifocals, require reading materials to be placed at a specific height and/or angle. Embodiments of the present invention include panels that elevate the book, wherein additional means, for example, a table is not required. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the book rest as contemplated herein may include selective height adjustments, such as telescoping, folding or expandable legs. It is another aspect of the invention to provide a book rest that accommodates those confined to wheelchairs. More specifically, book rests of some embodiments of the present invention include mechanisms for receiving straps, or built in straps for interconnecting to a wheel chair. Alternatively, the book rest may include apertures for receiving bungee cords or other devices for interconnection to a wheel chair. 
     It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a book rest that is comfortable to use. More specifically, a generous book supporting top surface is employed for receiving a book and/or a user&#39;s hands. Further, portions of the book rest may be padded to increase the comfort level of the user. 
     It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide additional integrated features onto or adapted to be received on the book rest. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention includes a power source, such as at least one battery, a power cord, or solar panel that provides electricity to a reading lamp, a music device, a dictation device, a fan, a cell phone, personal data assistant, etc. The light contemplated may be directly integrated into the book rest or may be clipped onto a portion of the book rest. One skilled in the art will appreciate that such lights may be made of light emitting diodes, i.e., small, lightweight, and long lasting. Traditional light sources, however, that employ light bulbs may be used as well. Also, it is envisioned that an electronic device may be incorporated directly into one of the panels or surfaces of the book rest. For example, an iPod®, recording device, PDA, cell phone, video screen for display of information, a clock, etc., may be incorporated directly into the book rest. It follows that other items such as magnifying glass associated with a selectively articulating arm may be incorporated into the book rest to aid those with poor eyesight. 
     It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a book rest that includes auxiliary storage areas. Some embodiments of the present invention include pockets or holders for drinks, snacks, magnifying lenses, or pens, etc. The storage areas may be comprised at least partially of stretchable material such that when the items are removed, those portions would resiliently deflect to decrease the envelope of the book rest. Other embodiments of the present invention are at least partially hollow or contain cavities for receipt of items. 
     It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a book rest that can be integrated into tables or trays. More specifically, upon review of the drawings and detailed description provided below, one of skill in the art will appreciate that some or all of the features of the book rests described may be integrated into a table. It is envisioned that such features be recessed into a table, for example, such that one could deploy the book rest to create a podium, for example. Other features of the present invention may be integrated into a tray table of a passenger jet or an adjustable hospital bed table or bed tray table such that when not employed, the book rest would lie flat with respect to the remaining portions of the table. 
     Thus an improved book rest, holder and support that is lightweight, portable and which raises a book to an optimum reading level angle to accommodate those with vision problems is provided. The device as described herein does not require a table for support and may be placed directly on an individual&#39;s legs or thighs while in bed, in a chair, or in a wheelchair. The device as described herein is comfortable, eliminates the need to hold a book for long periods of time, eases eye strain, is portable, facilitates storage, is multi-positionable and adjustable and accommodates an individual&#39;s abdomen shape. Other advantages will be apparent to those of skill in the art. 
     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. 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 and advantages 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 
       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. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a selectively collapsible embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded version of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 2A  is a detailed view of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 2B  is a rotated view of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a front elevation view of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is rear elevation view of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a side elevation view of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a view of the book rest shown in  FIG. 1  in an inclined position that is adapted to receive a large book; 
         FIG. 7A  is a view of the book rest shown in  FIG. 1  in a horizontal position that is adapted to receive a laptop computer; 
         FIG. 8  is a bottom plan view of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom perspective view of the book rest of  FIG. 1  wherein a stabilizer has been extended; 
         FIG. 10  is a view of the book rest of  FIG. 1  wherein left and right panels have been transitioned outwardly to allow folding of the book rest; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a folded book rest; 
         FIG. 12  is a front elevation view of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a rear elevation view of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a side elevation view of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a top plan view of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a book rest of another embodiment of the present invention that is not collapsible; 
         FIG. 17  is a rear perspective view of  FIG. 17 ; and 
         FIG. 18  is a rear perspective view similar to that of  FIG. 17  wherein a storage area is provided within the book rest. 
     
    
    
     To assist in the understanding of the present invention the following list of components and associated numbering found in the drawings is provided below: 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 # 
                 Component 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                  2 
                 Book rest 
               
               
                   
                  6 
                 Rear panel 
               
               
                   
                  8 
                 Front panel 
               
               
                   
                  12 
                 Top panel 
               
               
                   
                  16 
                 Book 
               
               
                   
                  20 
                 Ridge 
               
               
                   
                  22 
                 Seat 
               
               
                   
                  24 
                 Protrusion 
               
               
                   
                  28 
                 Left wall 
               
               
                   
                  32 
                 Right wall 
               
               
                   
                  36 
                 Left panel 
               
               
                   
                  40 
                 Right panel 
               
               
                   
                  44 
                 Hinge 
               
               
                   
                  48 
                 Bottom panel 
               
               
                   
                  52 
                 Page holder 
               
               
                   
                  56 
                 Stabilizer 
               
               
                   
                  60 
                 Slot 
               
               
                   
                  64 
                 Opening 
               
               
                   
                  68 
                 Track 
               
               
                   
                  72 
                 Ledge 
               
               
                   
                  76 
                 Fastener 
               
               
                   
                  76M 
                 Male fastener 
               
               
                   
                  76F 
                 Female fastener 
               
               
                   
                  78 
                 Stop 
               
               
                   
                  80 
                 Edge 
               
               
                   
                  84 
                 Tabs 
               
               
                   
                  88 
                 Aperture 
               
               
                   
                  92 
                 Side opening 
               
               
                   
                  93 
                 Large book 
               
               
                   
                  94 
                 Computer 
               
               
                   
                  96 
                 Raised member 
               
               
                   
                 100 
                 Recess 
               
               
                   
                 104 
                 Grasping member 
               
               
                   
                 108 
                 Raised member 
               
               
                   
                 112 
                 Lip 
               
               
                   
                 116 
                 Slot 
               
               
                   
                 120 
                 Hinge 
               
               
                   
                 130 
                 Support 
               
               
                   
                 134 
                 Edge 
               
               
                   
                 138 
                 Side wall 
               
               
                   
                 142 
                 Top surface 
               
               
                   
                 146 
                 Rib 
               
               
                   
                 150 
                 Ledge 
               
               
                   
                 154 
                 Palm rest 
               
               
                   
                 158 
                 Front surface 
               
               
                   
                 162 
                 Recess 
               
               
                   
                 166 
                 Base 
               
               
                   
                 170 
                 Handle 
               
               
                   
                 174 
                 Storage area 
               
               
                   
                 178 
                 Rear surface 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     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 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-15 , a book rest  2  of one embodiment of the present invention is shown. The book rest  2  includes a rear panel  6  that is spaced from a front panel  8 . A top panel  12  is also included that is adapted to receive a book  16 . In order to maintain the book  16  in a preferred orientation, at least one ridge  20  is employed that are adapted to receive a lower edge of the book  16 . A plurality of ridges  20  are preferably provided such that by moving the lower edge of the book  16  to engage different ridges  20  (or, alternatively, moving the ridge) the angle of the book  16  is selectively altered. The ridges  20  may be continuous across the top panel  12  but are preferably broken by page holder seats  22 , i.e., non-continuous, which will be described in further detail below. The ridges  20  may be of any shape and as long as they function to maintain the book  16  in a preferred angle. Ridges may also be formed by recesses in the top panel  12  to decrease the envelope of the folded book rest  2 . The top panel  12  may be made at least partially of a resilient material such that the weight of the book creates a stabilizing indentation. Further the top surface may have a roughened surface that frictionally supports a book. In operation, the book  16  rests on the top panel  12  and is supported by a ridge  20  and an upper edge of the rear panel  6 . In some embodiments of the present invention, a protrusion  24  is provided that aids in using the book rest in a second position of use, which will be described in further detail below. 
     In order to maintain the pages of the book  16  in a desired position, some embodiments of the present invention include at least one page holder  52  that is incorporated into the top panel  12 . 
     In one embodiment a left wall  28  and a right wall  32  extend from the rear panel  6 . A left panel  36  is associated to the left wall  28  and a right panel  40  is associated to the right wall  32 . One of skill in the art will appreciate that the left panel  36  and the right panel  40  may be associated directly to the rear panel  6 . The panels are preferably operably interconnected to the walls via a hinge  44 . Preferably, embodiments of the present invention employ a flexure bearing, i.e., a “living hinge” wherein a portion of material is provided of decreased thickness that allows the panels to rotate relative to the rear panel  6 . One skilled in the art will appreciate, however, that the panels may be interconnected to the walls/rear panel  6  in other ways such as by piano hinges, pins, clasps, magnets, adhesives, hook &amp; loop fasteners, strings, ball and socket type connectors, etc., without departing from the scope of the invention. The front panel  8  and a bottom panel  48  are also preferably interconnected by this type of hinge  44 . Further, the front panel  8  and the top panel  12  also employs such a hinge  44  for operable interconnection. The bottom panel  48  is adapted to rest on a user&#39;s legs or on a table to function as a podium. 
     Referring now specifically to  FIG. 2 , an exploded view of the book rest  2  of one embodiment of the invention is shown that includes a stabilizer  56  that is operably interconnected to the bottom panel  48  via a slot  60  that slidingly received by a tab (See  FIGS. 5  and # 84 ). The front panel  8  and the bottom panel  48  may also include an opening  64  to accommodate physiological differences between individuals. Preferably, the stabilizer  56  has a profile generally the same as the profile of the bottom panel  48  such that when the stabilizer  56  is in a first, retracted position of use its edges are generally flush with the edges of the bottom panel  48 . The stabilizer is contoured such that when in the first, retracted position of use, at least a forward edge of the stabilizer is flush with a forward edge of the bottom panel at the recess. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the stabilizer  56  may be smaller or larger than the bottom panel  48 . Further, the stabilizer  56  may include arms or other devices that selectively alter its shape. The stabilizer  56  may be telescopic having interlocking members to enable the user to selective alter its shape and/or degree of offset from the rear surface  6 . 
     Also, in  FIG. 2 , a plurality of tracks  68  are shown. The tracks  68  receive edges of the bottom panel  48 , front panel  8  and top panel  12  to secure those panels in a predetermined location when the book rest  2  is in use. The left panel wall  36  and right panel wall  40  also include at least one ledge  72  that maintains a bottom surface of the top panel  12  in the proper position of use. Although the track  68  and ledges  72  are shown to be continuous, they may be formed by a series of discrete members. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , in order to maintain the left panel  36  and the right panel  40  in the proper configuration of use, a plurality of fasteners  76  are employed adjacent to an edge of each of the left panel  36  and the right panel  40 . The fasteners are preferably deformable sleeve clips having a male portion  76 M and a female portion  76 F. The female portions  76 F receive and secure the male portions  76 M, which are located adjacent to an edge  80  of the front panel  8 . The female portions  76  are adapted to resiliently deflect to receive the male portions  80  to selectively interconnect the left panel  36  and the right panel  40  to the front panel  8 . One of skill in the art will appreciate that the left panel  36 , the right panel  40  and front panel  8  may employ other devices, such as magnets, snaps, pins, hook &amp; loop materials, adhesives, etc. to maintain the left panel  36  and right panel  40  in the proper location relative to the front panel. The lower edge of the left panel  36  and the right panel  40  may also include such interconnection means. The front panel  8  and the bottom panel  48  may also include stops  78  that prevent over flexing the hinge  44 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a front elevation view of the book rest  2  of one embodiment of the present invention is shown. Here, the book  16  is situated on the top surface  12  wherein the page holders  52  are shown maintaining the book  16  in an open position. The stabilizer  56  is shown in a first, retracted position of use wherein tabs  84  maintain the stabilizer  56  against the bottom panel  48  while allowing the stabilizer  56  to move relative thereto. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a rear elevation view of one embodiment of the present invention in shown. Here, the stabilizer  56  is shown positioned adjacent to the bottom panel  48  and in a sliding relationship therewith. The back panel  6  includes an aperture  88  that is designed to facilitate transportation of the folded or unfolded book rest  2 . In addition, the aperture  88  may be used to receive a hook, for example, to fasten the book rest  2  to a wall or other vertical or semi-vertical surface. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , the book  16  is shown resting on an upper edge of the back panel  6 . Some embodiments of the present invention include a protrusion  24 , which will be described in detail below. In those embodiments, the book  16  will rest on the protrusion  24  instead of an upper edge of the rear panel  6 . A plurality of side openings  92  are provided that decrease the weight of the book rest  2  and increase ventilation therethrough. The side openings  92  may be of any shape or size and also may receive a bungee cord or other device to help fasten the book rest  2  to an individual or to a wheel chair, for example. The side openings  92  also provide additional locations to help move and position the book rest  2 . 
     Review of  FIG. 6  will also succinctly show the hinge  44 . As mentioned above, the hinge  44  is preferably a living hinge wherein the right wall  32  and the right panel  40  are made of the same component (same is true for the left wall and left panel, which are not shown). The hinge  44  is a thinned portion of parent material that allows for the right panel  40  to rotate relative to the right wall  32 . Again, one skilled in the art will appreciate that various other ways may be employed to interconnect the panels to the walls. It will also be appreciated that the rear panel  6 , the right wall  32 , left wall, right panel  40  and left panel may be made of a single component to simplify construction. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , one embodiment of the present invention is shown in an inclined, second position of use. More specifically, the rear panel  6  is adapted to receive other items, such as a large book  93 . In this orientation, the protrusion  24  functions to maintain the book  93  on the rear panel  6 . Although the protrusion  24  is shown extending across the entire rear panel  6 , one skilled in the art will appreciate that the protrusion  24  may be comprised of many small protrusions without departing from the scope of the invention. A protrusion of this type or one similar thereto may be employed on the second one-piece embodiment of the present invention that will be described in further detail below. The book rest  2  may be further rotated to provide a surface for a laptop computer  94  or writing materials. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , a bottom plan view is shown wherein the stabilizer  56  in a first, retracted position of use. Here, the profile of stabilizer  56  is generally similar to that of the bottom panel  48 . The stabilizer  56  is held in place via the tab  84  that resides in the slot  60  of the stabilizer  56 . The stabilizer  56  of one embodiment includes at least one raised member  96  that selectively engages a recess  100  in the bottom panel  48 . The engagement between raised member  96  and recess  100  allows the stabilizer  56  and the bottom panel  48  to be locked relative to each other. 
       FIG. 9  shows the stabilizer  56  in a second, extended position of use wherein the tabs  84  are positioned at one end of the slot  60 . Some embodiments include a grasping member  104  i.e., a protruding surface of a stabilizer  56 , that interacts with a raised member  108  of the bottom panel  48  that also helps maintain the stabilizer  56  in a locked configuration as shown in  FIG. 8 . The grasping member  104  allows for an individual to easily move the stabilizer  56  from the first position of use to the second position of use. The stabilizer  56  is also operably secured by a lip  112  associated with the bottom portion of the left and right panels and walls. The lip  112  acts as a track that allows free movement of the stabilizer  56  while keeping it adjacent to the bottom panel  48 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 10-15 , the collapsible nature of one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In operation, the book rest  2  is collapsed by rotating the left panel  36  and the right panel  40  outwardly relative to their respective walls. Rotation of the panels allows the fasteners  76  to be removed from the edge  80  of the front panel  8 . Rotation of the left and right panels also removes the front panel  8  and the bottom panel  48  from the slot  116  provided between the two adjacent tracks  68  located on each of the left panel  36  and the right panel  40 . The interconnected front panel  8  and the bottom the bottom panel  48  is then transitioned upwardly towards the rear panel  6 . The bottom panel  48  and the rear panel  6  are interconnected via a hinge  120 , which is, preferably, a piano hinge. One skilled in the art will appreciate other types of hinges may be employed effectively well such as a living hinge. Once the front panel  8  and the rear panel  48  are folded to a position adjacent to the rear panel  6 , the top panel  12  is folded to a location adjacent to the outside portion of the rear panel  6  as seen in  FIG. 14 . Finally, the left panel  36  and the right panel  40  are folded over the front panel  8  and the bottom panel  48  to provide a low profile folded configuration. Some embodiments of the present invention provide mechanisms that maintain the left panel  36  and the right panel  40  in the folded position, such as hook &amp; loop fasteners, clips, magnets, etc. In one embodiment of the present invention, the folded dimension of the book rest  2  is about 1.25 inches, which renders the book rest ideally suited for storage in a brief case or attaché, for example. Further, one embodiment of the present invention that is constructed of polystyrene weights about 1.5 lbs. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-15 , the collapsible embodiment of the present invention is made of rigid or semi-rigid materials, such as plastic (preferably blow molded, injection molded, thermoformed, vacuum formed, etc.). However, one skilled in the art will appreciate other materials, such as metal, wood, cardboard, etc. may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. It is also contemplated that the surfaces be adapted to receive a plurality of indicia and/or colors. In one embodiment of the present invention, the left panel  36 , left wall  28 , rear panel  6  and the right wall  32  and the right panel  40  are made of a single piece of material (i.e., a first subassembly) that is molded or subsequently formed to define the walls and panels as shown in the figures. Similarly, the top panel  12 , front panel  8  and bottom panel  48  may be fabricated as a single component (i.e., a second subassembly). Further, all of the panels may be made from a single mold or as a unitary component. Preferably, the two sub-assemblies are operably interconnected via a piano hinge  120 , wherein a bottom wall  178  of the rear panel  6  is selectively interconnected to said bottom panel  48 . The stabilizer  56  is integrated onto the bottom panel  48  via the slot/tab configuration described above. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the stabilizer may be completely removable and interconnected to the book rest  2  via magnets, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, adhesives, etc. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 16-18 , another embodiment of the present invention is shown that is preferably formed of a solid or semi-solid piece of material such as foam, i.e., Styrofoam, EVA foam, fixed foam, expanded polystyrene, etc. The foam may be spray coated with a plastic or rubber, for example. The book rest  2  includes a book support  130  bounded by an edge  134  of a sidewall  138 . A top surface  142  is also shown that includes a plurality of ribs  146  to support a book as described above. The top surface  142  also may include a ledge  150  to prevent the supported book from sliding from the top surface  142 . Some embodiments of the present invention also include a palm rest  154 . A front panel  158  of the book rest  2  of this embodiment of the present invention also includes a recess  162  to accommodate the user&#39;s abdomen. Preferably, a solid base  166  is provided which is adapted to rest on a user&#39;s legs. Some embodiments of the present invention include a handle  170  to facilitate moving the book rest. One related embodiment of the present invention includes a hollow portion that provides a storage area  174  for books, electronic devices, snacks, CDs, DVDs, etc. The storage area  174  may be accessible through the rear surface  178  of the book rest  2  and may include a slidable door or other closure mechanism to prevent stored items from falling out of the book rest  2  while in transport. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that additional mechanisms may be incorporated into the book rest  2  of this embodiment of the present invention. For example, telescoping legs or other mechanisms that selectively slide from the base  166  of the book rest  2  may be incorporated to provide additional height adjustments to the book rest. The legs of one embodiment of the present invention are posts that are selectively moved with respect to the base  166  to selectively angle and/or position the book. For example, the rear legs may be extended less than the front legs, thereby altering the angle of the top surface  142  of the book rest  2 . It is also contemplated that the entire base  166  or legs, if applicable, be of a telescoping nested nature such as to provide selective height adjustments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate such height adjustments render the book rest ideal for use as a podium for business presentations or for a cookbook, for example. 
     The edge  134  of the book rest may also include a built in light that is adapted to shine onto the pages of the secured book. For example, a light may be selectively incorporated into the edge such that action by the user would extend the light to place the light in a position for illuminating the page. 
     The upper edge of the rear surface may also include a protrusion as shown in  FIG. 1  to support a larger book, writing tablet or computer as described above. 
     This embodiment of the present invention is preferably constructed of coated foam as described above, which is easily moldable and/or modifiable. The surfaces of the embodiment of the invention shown may also include indicia and/or colors. Cushions may also be added to increase comfort to the user. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-18 , embodiments of the present invention are used by individuals who, by means of medical necessity, for example, require a supporting device for their reading materials. The user places the book rest with the base or bottom panel on his/her legs with the front panel positioned adjacent to their abdomen. The openings or recesses provided by embodiments of the present invention accommodate muscle atrophy or individuals with larger abdomens. The book would then be placed on the top surface of the book rest with a portion thereof resting against the upper edge of the rear panel. The bottom edge of the book is placed in a position between the ridges or ribs to selectively position the book at the desired angle. In some instances a stabilizer would be needed and deployed to increase the surface area of the base to provide further stability to the book rest. 
     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.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0