GB2575425A

GB2575425A - Hand held support device

Info

Publication number: GB2575425A
Application number: GB1807902.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: West Marcus
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-05-15
Filing date: 2018-05-15
Publication date: 2020-01-15
Also published as: GB201807902D0

Abstract

A hand held document support device 10 for enabling single handed support of a document. The device comprises a base portion 12 providing an abutment surface 14 to receive and support an end of a document; a support portion 16 upstanding from the base portion, in which the support portion provides a support surface 18 configured to support at least a portion of the document; and a handle portion 34 at or adjacent to the one or more of the base portion and/or support portion. The handle portion is configured to be supported on or held by a hand of a user. The base portion preferably extends at an angle of 90 degrees to the plane defined by the support portion. The abutment surface of the base portion may be formed by a channel 15, 15’, and the support surface may comprise first and second substantially planar members. Also claimed is a kit for producing a hand held document support device, and a method of production for the device.

Description

HAND-HELD DOCUMENT SUPPORT DEVICE

The present invention provides a hand held document support device for enabling single handed support of a document, such as for example a book or folder.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

There are a number of occasions, especially within the field of performing arts, where it is useful to be able to hold bulky documents such as folders containing scripts or sheet music securely with a single hand. Some documents, such as for example folders are however cumbersome in size and can be difficult to hold in a single hand while being able to freely turn the pages within the folder.

There is therefore a need for a hand held document support device for enabling single handed support of a document. There is a need for a hand held document support device which provides stable and secure support of a document. There is a need for a hand held document support device providing free access to the document by a user and for example allowing pages of the document to be turned easily without hinderance.

The present invention seeks to address one or more of these needs.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In the first aspect the present invention provides a hand held document support device for enabling single handed support of a document, the device comprising:

a base portion providing an abutment surface to receive and support an end of a document;

a support portion upstanding from the base portion, in which the support portion provides a support surface configured to support at least a portion of the document; and a handle portion at or adjacent the one or more of: the base portion and/or support portion, in which the handle portion is configured to be supported on or held by a hand of a user.

The device may be used to support any suitable document, such as for example a folder comprising sheets of paper, a book or one or more sheets of paper. The device may therefore be a hand held folder, or book, or paper support device.

The hand held document support device of the present invention enables single handed support of a document. The hand held document support device provides stable and secure support of a document, such as for example a folder containing pages of for example sheet music or script. The hand held document support device provides free access to the document by a user. The device enables the user to be able to turn pages of the document easily and without hinderance.

According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a kit for producing a hand held document support device for enabling single handed support of a document, the kit comprising:

a support portion configured to be upstanding from the base portion, in which the support portion provides a support surface configured to support at least a portion of the document; and a handle portion configured to be supported on or held by a hand of a user, in which the base portion is attachable to the support portion, and in which the handle portion is attachable to one or more of the base portion and/or support portion.

The base portion and/or support portion and/or handle portion may be attached together by for example adhesive or fasteners such as suctions cusp.

The base portion and the support portion may each comprise attachment features configured for cooperative engagement.

The handle portion and one/or more of the base portion and/or support portion may each comprise attachment features configured for cooperative engagement.

Preferably, one or more, preferably each of the attachment features are configured for releasable engagement. The one or more, preferably each, attachment features may however in some embodiments be configured for permanent engagement.

Suitable attachment features include but are not limited to: threaded portions, complementary male and female connectors configured for push fit, snap fit or friction fit engagement, press studs, hook and loop fasteners.

The base portion, and in particular the abutment surface, may define or extend in a plane extending at any suitable angle relative to the plane defined by the support portion depending on the particular requirements for the device. Preferably, the base portion, and in particular the abutment surface, defines or extends in a plane extending at an angle of at least 90 degrees, preferably substantially perpendicular, more preferably extending at an obtuse angle relative to the plane defined by the support portion.

In one embodiment, position of the base portion, and in particular the abutment surface relative to the support portion may be adjustable so as to enable the angle extending therebetween to be adjustable.

The abutment surface of the base portion may be provided by any suitable component such as for example by a flange.

In one embodiment, the abutment surface of the base portion is preferably provided by at least one channel configured to receive an end of a document, in which the channel has a longitudinal axis extending within the plane defined by the base portion.

In one embodiment, the support portion comprises a first end located at or adjacent the base portion, and an opposed second end, and in which the support portion has an axis of symmetry extending between the first and second ends of the support portion.

The support portion preferably comprises a first end located at or adjacent the base portion, and an opposed second end, and in which the handle portion is located at or adjacent the second end of the support portion.

The handle portion may have any suitable shape and dimensions to be supported by the hand of a user. For example, the handle portion may extend from the base portion or support portion, for example from the second end of the support portion, to define a recess or opening providing an abutment surface for receiving a hand of a user.

The handle portion is preferably shaped for easy grip by the user. The handle portion may further comprise a grip portion located to provide comfortable grip to the user.

In one embodiment, the support portion comprises first and second substantially planar support members. The plane defined by the first planar support member may extend at any suitable angle, such as for example substantially perpendicular, preferably at an obtuse angle, relative to the plane defined by the second planar support member. The first and second substantially planar support members may be located adjacent to or spaced apart from each other. The first and second substantially planar support members may be provided as a single integral unit.

One or more, preferably each of the first and second planar support portions are preferably moveable relative to each other in order to provide an adjustable angle extending therebetween.

The support portion may further comprise a channel, preferably a substantially centrally disposed channel, for receiving a portion of a document. The channel may for example be shaped and dimensioned to receive and/or support a portion of a document such as for example a spine of a book or folder. The channel may define a longitudinal axis extending at any suitable angle, such as for example an angle of at least 90 degrees, preferably substantially perpendicular, to the plane defined by the base portion, and in particular the abutment surface. The position of the channel and/or base portion may be adjustable relative to each other to provide an adjustable angle extending therebetween.

In one embodiment, the support portion comprises a pair of spaced apart support members and a centrally disposed channel located therebetween. The support members may have any suitable shape and dimensions, in one embodiment the support members are substantially planar. The channel is preferably substantially cylindrical in shape having an opening extending along the length, preferably along the entire length, for example substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, of the cylinder. In one embodiment, the channel may be semi-cylindrical in shape.

The support surface is preferably a continuous support surface extending across the support portion, for example across each of the pair of support members (such as for example spaced apart support members), and optionally the channel located therebetween.

In one embodiment, the base portion preferably comprises a pair of spaced apart base members, each base member located at or adjacent a corresponding support member. The base members may be adjacent to or spaced apart from each other. The base members may be provided as an integral unit with the support portion and/or handle portion. The base members may be releasably attached to the support portion and/or handle portion.

According to a third aspect, the present invention provides a method for producing a hand held document support device for enabling single handed support of a document, the method comprising: producing a base portion providing an abutment surface to receive and support an end of a document;

producing a support portion configured to upstand from the base portion, in which the support portion provides a support surface configured to support at least a portion of the document;

producing a handle portion configured to be attachable or for attachment at or adjacent to the one or more of: the base portion and/or support portion, in which the handle portion is configured to be supported on or held by a hand of a user;

engaging the support portion to the base portion; and engaging the handle portion to one or more of the support portion and/or the base portion.

In one embodiment, one or more of the base portion, the support portion and the handle portion are produced by injection moulding or 3D printing.

One or more, preferably each, of the base portion, the support portion and the handle portion are formed from plastic, such as for example acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying Figures:

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a perspective view of one embodiment of the hand held document support device of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a perspective side view of the hand held document support device of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of an enlarged view of the base portion and support portion of the device of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of a perspective view from above of the hand held document support device of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of a view from above of the hand held document support device of Figure 1; and

Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of a perspective front view of the hand held document support device of Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to the Figures, the hand held document support device 10 enables single handed support of a document, preferably bulky documents. Examples of suitable documents include but are not limited to: a book, a folder containing sheet paper, and/or sheet paper.

The device 10 comprises a base portion 12 providing an abutment surface 14 to receive and support an end of a document (not shown). The abutment surface 14 is provided by a base member providing a pair of spaced apart channels 15, 15' configured to receive an end of a document. It can be seen that each channel 15,15' has a longitudinal axis extending within the plane defined by the base portion 12. The channels 15, 15' each provide a free end 17, 17' which is dimensioned and curved to ensure pages of a document may be easily turned without hinderance from the device. The free end 17,17' of each channel curves outwardly.

The device further comprises a support portion 16 upstanding from the base portion 12. The support portion 16 provides a support surface 18 configured to support at least a portion of the document (not shown). The support surface 18 may be configured to provide sufficient support to a surface of the document to ensure that the document can be accessed by a user and where appropriate pages can be freely turned without the document becoming separated from the device and falling. The support surface 18 may be configured to support an entire surface of a document. Alternatively, the support surface 18 may be configured to support a majority of a surface of a document. In some embodiments, the support surface 18 may be configured to support a minority of a surface of a document.

The base portion 12, and in particular the abutment surface 14, extends in a plane extending substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the support portion 16. It is however to be understood that the plane of the base portion 12, and in particular the abutment surface 14, may extend at any suitable angle relative to the plane of the support portion 16 depending on the particular requirements for the device 10. Preferably, the plane of the base portion 12, and in particular the abutment surface, extends at an angle of at least 90 degrees relative to the plane defined by the support portion 16.

The support portion 12 has a first end 20, a second end 22, and a pair of first and second sides 24, 26 extending therebetween. The first end 20 of the support portion 16 is adjacent to and in communication with base portion 12. It is to be understood that the support portion 16 and the base portion 12 may be formed as separable components and as such may be configured to be releasably engageable with each other. It is however to be understood that the support portion 16 and the base portion 12 may be formed as an integral unit.

It is to be understood that in some embodiments the support portion 16 may comprise a single planar support member.

In the illustrated embodiment, the support portion 16 comprises first and second substantially planar support members 28, 28'. The plane defined by the first planar support member 28 extends at an obtuse angle relative to the plane defined by the second planar support member 28'. Each of the support members 28, 28' is located adjacent a corresponding channel 15, 15' provided by the base portion 12.

The support portion 16 further comprises a substantially centrally disposed channel 30 for receiving a portion of a document, such as for example a spine of a book or folder. It is to be understood that the channel may be located at any suitable location on the device and where required the device may comprise more than one spaced apart channel.

In the illustrated embodiment, the channel 30 is located between the first and second planar support members 28, 28'.

The channel 30 defines a longitudinal axis extending substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the base portion 12, and in particular the abutment surface 14. It is to be understood that the channel 30 may extend at any suitable angle relative to the base portion, for example at an angle of at least 90 degrees.

The channel 30 is an open channel with an opening (not shown) extending along the entire length thereof. The opening (not shown) is dimensioned to receive a portion of the document, such as for example a spine of a book or document.

The support portion 16 provides a continuous support surface extends across the surface of the support portion, for example extending across each of the pair of spaced apart support members 26, 28 and the centrally disposed channel 30 located therebetween.

The support portion 16 may further comprise a rear surface 40 opposed to the support surface 18. The rear surface 40 may comprise a grip portion (not shown) adjacent to the handle portion 34 configured for engagement with the hand of a user to provide improved contact and grip.

The device 10 has an axis of symmetry extending in a direction from the first end 20 to the second end 22 and located substantially centrally between the first and second sides 24, 26 of the support portion 16.

The device 10 further comprises a handle portion 34 extending from the second end 22 of the support portion 16. It is however to be understood that the handle portion 28 may be located at any suitable adjacent on or adjacent the base portion and/or support portion. The handle portion 28 is in the form of an open ended loop dimensioned to receive and be support on a hand of a user. It is however to be understood that the handle portion 28 may take any suitable form such as for example a shaft or a closed loop. The handle portion 34 may be configured to releasably engage the support portion 16 or base portion 12 or may be formed as an integral unit.

The handle portion 34 may be shaped or dimensioned to provide ease of grip to the user. In some embodiments, the handle portion 34 may comprise a grip portion to provide a comfortable grip for the user.

In use, the user places the document in contact with the abutment surface 14 provided by the base portion. The edge of the document, for example a folder comprising sheet paper, slots into the channels 15, 15' of the base portion 12, the spine of the document is received within the centrally located channel 30 of the support portion 16, and the document, for example the cover of the folder, is supported on the support surface 18 of the support portion 16. The user slips their hand into contact with the handle portion 34 and is therefore able to easily support the document with a single hand leaving the other hand free to access and turn the pages without hinderance from the device. The device may for example be used within amateur dramatics or by members of choirs.

Claims

1. A hand held document support device for enabling single handed support of a document, the device comprising:

2. A document support device as claimed in claim 1, in which the base portion extends in a plane extending at an angle of at least 90 degrees to the plane defined by the support portion.

3. A document support device as claimed in either of claims 1 and 2, in which the abutment surface of the base portion is provided by at least one channel configured to receive an end of a document, in which the channel has a longitudinal axis extending within the plane defined by the base portion.

4. A document support device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the support portion comprises a first end located at or adjacent the base portion, and an opposed second end, and in which the handle portion is located at or adjacent the second end of the support portion.

5. A document support device as claimed in claim 4, in which the handle portion extends from the second end of the support portion to define a recess or opening providing an abutment surface for receiving a hand of a user.

6. A document support device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, in which the support portion comprises first and second substantially planar support members, and in which the plane defined by the first planar support member extends at an obtuse angle relative to the plane defined by the second planar support member.

7. A document support device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the support portion comprises a substantially centrally disposed channel for receiving a portion of a document.

8. A document support device as claimed in claim 7 in which the centrally disposed channel defines a longitudinal axis extending at an angle of at least 90 degrees to the plane defined by the base portion.

9. A document support device as claimed in either of claims 7 and 8, in which the support portion comprises a pair of spaced apart support members and a centrally disposed channel located therebetween.

10. A document support device as claimed in claim 9, in which a continuous support surface extends across each of the pair of spaced apart support members and the centrally disposed channel located therebetween.

11. A document support device as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 10, in which the base portion comprises a pair of spaced apart base members, each base member located at or adjacent a corresponding support member.

12. A kit for producing a hand held document support device for enabling single handed support of a document, the kit comprising:

13. A kit as claimed in claim 12, in which the base portion and the support portion comprise attachment features configured for cooperative releasable engagement.

14. A method for producing a hand held document support device for enabling single handed support of a document, the method comprising:

producing a base portion providing an abutment surface to receive and support an end of a document;

producing a handle portion configured to be attachable or for attachment at or adjacent the one or more of: the base portion and/or support portion, in which the handle portion is configured to be supported on or held by a hand of a user;

15. A method as claimed in claim 14, in which oneor moreof the base portion, the support portion and the handle portion are produced by injection moulding or 3D printing.