WO2010007625A1

WO2010007625A1 - Illumination of reading material

Info

Publication number: WO2010007625A1
Application number: PCT/IL2009/000704
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bruce Gotfried
Original assignee: Bruce Gotfried
Priority date: 2008-07-16
Filing date: 2009-07-16
Publication date: 2010-01-21

Abstract

Apparatus is provided for use with a book (4, 5, and 44, together). A light source (7) and a light output surface (8) are coupled to a case member (1). The light output surface is configured to be illuminated by the light source and to pass illumination from the light source to a page (51 ) of the book placed on the surface. One or more coupling members (23, 24) are coupled to the case member. A rotation member (3) is coupled to the one or more coupling members and is couplable to the book. The rotation member provides angular motion of the book with respect to the light output surface Other embodiments are also described.

Description

ILLUMINATION OF READING MATERIAL

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED-APPLICATIONS

The present patent application claims priority of US Provisional Patent Application No. 61/081,230 to Gotfried, filed on July 16, 2008, entitled "Apparatus and method for viewing and turning illuminated pages of reading material," which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to apparatus and methods for enhancing reading. Specifically, the present invention relates to enhancing reading in the dark by illuminating pages of the reading material.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many attempts have been made to develop solutions for enabling readers to read written material under poor light conditions. Typically, products in this field are designed for use with ordinary books (such as paperback books or hardcover books). Some products use a light source that emits light from above the page downwards, and other products illuminate the page from beneath the page. Typically, products are designed for use with pages printed on both sides, for which illumination from beneath the page is typically not appropriate.

The following patents may be of interest: US 2,029,425 to Kaylor

US 2,561,744 to Langdon

US 2,597,662 to Melamed

US 3,586,847 to Nahmias

US 3,694,644 to Bauknight US 3,823,312 to Weinstein

US 3,875,396 to Webb

US 3,885,145 to Wise US 5,280,415 to Barnette US 5,381,310 to Brotz US 5,502,623 to Brotz US 6,443,588 to Nunez US 6,951,403 to Bennett

US 7, 163,306 to Major US 7,240,887 to Buote

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention make use of one or more light sources to illuminate a page of reading material from below. A light source is disposed underneath a semi- or totally- transparent surface that is substantially planar. When the light source is switched on, the semi transparent substantially planar surface is illuminated in a substantially even manner, the surface thus becoming a light output surface. This allows for a single page to be placed on top of the illuminated substantially planar surface and for the page to be viewed under poor light conditions, the light being distributed evenly. This technique of placing material to be viewed or read on a flat, light output surface is used in many fields, for example, for viewing film for editing purposes, or viewing x-ray images in a medical facility. Typically, prior art techniques for using a light output surface placed below the page require that, subsequent to a page having been read, the page is removed from the light output surface, and a new page is placed and positioned on the light output surface. The removal and placement of successive pages is typically performed in a non-continuous manner that requires substantially more effort and precision by the user than is usually required when turning pages of a book.

Apparatus and methods are provided herein, according to which pages of a book are illuminated from below, and a reader of the book is able to turn the pages of the book and place successive pages of the book on the light output surface in a more continuous manner. The apparatus and methods are configured to facilitate the reading of reading material in poor lighting conditions, for example, at night time. This is achieved by a providing apparatus that facilitates a first rotary motion, whereby a page is turned and placed on top of a light output surface, and a second rotary motion, which is performed subsequent to the page having been read, whereby the same page is further turned and stacked in an inverted position. In the second rotary motion, the book is typically raised by being rotated about an axis that is parallel to the spine of the book, but remote from the spine of the book. While the book is in a raised position, the page that has just been read is turned and stacked in the inverted position. The book is then lowered, such that the inverted page is at the bottom of the book, by the book being rotated about the axis that is parallel to the spine of the book. When the book is in the lowered position, the next page is turned and placed on the light output surface, using the first rotary motion.

For some applications, use of the apparatus and methods described herein allows two people, such as a child and a parent, to read pages of a book together, under poor light conditions. Prior art techniques for using a light output surface placed below the page generally require that the page is printed on one side only. However, most books are printed with text and/or illustrations on both sides of the page. The scope of the present invention includes the use of pages that are printed on both sides, but that have been configured such that a first side of the page can be read by illuminating the page from beneath the page, despite the fact that there is print on the second side of the page. For example, the pages may have the print on each side of the page only extending to a moderate depth in the page, with respect to the thickness of the page. In this manner, illumination from beneath the page does not tend to show the text or illustrations that are on the second side of the page, while the light from the light output surface nevertheless reaches the first side of the page in order to facilitate reading. In another example, the print may be of only moderate darkness (e.g., grey), such that no clear image of the printing on the second side of the page is seen when viewing the first side of the page, even though the second side of the page faces the light source. In yet another example, properties of the paper are selected so as to diffuse light passing therethrough, such that no clear image of the printing on the second side of the page is seen when viewing the first side of the page. In still another example, the light source may be configured to reduce interference by print from the second side of the page, for example, by keeping the illumination level low. Embodiments are described herein, according to which the apparatus and methods described herein are practiced with pages that have been printed on one side only. However, the scope of the present invention includes using the apparatus and methods described herein with pages that are printed on both sides of the page.

There is therefore provided, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, apparatus for use with a book, including: a case member; a light source coupled to the case member; a light output surface coupled to the case member and configured to be illuminated by the light source and to pass illumination from the light source to a page of the book placed on the surface; one or more coupling members coupled to the case member; and a rotation member coupled to the one or more coupling members and couplable to the book, the rotation member configured to provide angular motion of the book with respect to the light output surface.

For some applications, pages of the book are printed on both sides, and the light source is configured to illuminate the page of the book that is placed on the surface, so as to illuminate a top side of the page, substantially without showing, on the top side of the page, print that is printed on a bottom side of the page.

For some applications, the rotation member includes a portion thereof configured to receive and support a stack of turned pages of the book.

For some applications, at least one of the one or more coupling members includes a portion thereof configured to receive and support a stack of turned pages of the book.

For some applications, the rotation member is configured for coupling to a portion of the book that is not a spine of the book.

For some applications, the rotation member provides rotation of the book around an axis of the book that is not the spine of the book. For some applications, the axis of the book is at least 5 cm from the spine of the book.

For some applications, the axis of the book is at least 15 cm from the spine of the book. For some applications, the coupling members include at least one elongate element configured to extend from the case member.

For some applications, the elongate element is configured to move with respect to the case member.

For some applications, the elongate element is configured to remain stationary with respect to the case member.

There is further provided, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, apparatus, including: a book, including: a plurality of pages; one or more binding elements coupling together the pages and providing substantially 360 degrees of turning of each of the pages, with respect to the binding elements, without incurring damage to the pages; and a rigid base portion, supporting the pages and shaped to define two walls that (a) are on opposing sides of the rigid base portion and (b) surround the pages at least in part.

For some applications, the rigid base portion is shaped to define a protrusion that facilitates lifting of the binding elements and consequent turning of one of the pages.

For some applications, the apparatus further includes a light output surface, and the pages are printed on both sides, and are configured such that when pages of the book are placed on the surface, a top side of the page is illuminated, substantially without showing, on the top side of the page, print that is printed on a bottom side of the page. There is additionally provided, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, a method for use with a book having a spine, including, in sequence: first, coupling the book to a rotation member; second, facilitating reading a page of the book, using illumination provided by a light output surface, by turning a first page of the book in a given direction, onto the surface; third, turning the page further in the given direction by raising the spine of the book, by pivoting the book around an axis that is not the spine of the book, at the rotation member; fourth, lowering the spine of the book; and then fifth, turning a second page of the book in the given direction, onto the light output surface.

For some applications, pivoting the book around the axis includes pivoting the book around an axis that is at least 5 cm from the spine of the book.

For some applications, pivoting the book around the axis includes pivoting the book around an axis that is at least 15 cm from the spine of the book.

There is further provided, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, a method, including: providing a device that includes a light output surface for illuminating a page of a book that is placed on the surface; coupling to the device a book having a plurality of pages; and successively turning and placing each of the pages onto the light output surface, while the book remains continuously coupled to the device.

There is additionally provided, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, apparatus, including: a book having a plurality of pages; and a rotation member that is couplable to the book, and configured to facilitate turning of each successive page of the book, by providing rotation of the book around a defined axis that is remote from a spine of the book. The present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, taken together with the drawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figs. 1 and 2 are schematic illustrations of respective views of apparatus for illuminating, viewing and turning pages of reading material, in accordance with some applications of the present invention;

Fig. 3 is a schematic illustration of a rigid base member of the apparatus, in accordance with some applications of the present invention; Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of a rotation member; in accordance with some applications of the present invention;

Fig. 5A is a schematic illustration of a base portion of a pages-binding member, in accordance with some applications of the present invention;

Figs. 5B-D are schematic illustrations of page-binding elements, in accordance with respective applications of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of the apparatus in a first position, during the use of the apparatus, in accordance with some applications of the present invention; and

FIG. 7A-B are respective views of the apparatus in a second position, during use of the apparatus, in accordance with some applications of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present Detailed Description is divided into two sections:

(1) A description of individual components, as shown in Figs. 1-5D; and

(2) A description of an embodiment of the invention in actual use, as shown in Figs. 6-7B.

Reference is now made to Fig. 1, which is an exploded view of apparatus for viewing and turning illuminated pages of reading material, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. For some applications, the following apparatus is provided:

• A case member 1 containing a light source 7 enclosed therein, and having a top semi-transparent substantially planar surface 8 configured to be illuminated when the light source is switched on. • A sliding-book-supporting member 2 (as shown in Fig. 1) that slides with respect to case member 1, or a non-sliding book-supporting member 102 (as shown in Fig. 3) that forms an integrated base member 10 with case member 1. The sliding-book-supporting member (as shown in Fig. 1, for example) is configured to be retracted into case member 1 , through one or more side wall openings 13 and 14 in the case member. The non-sliding book-supporting member (as shown in Fig. 3) is attached to the case member in a non-slidable manner, such that the book-supporting member is disposed adjacent to the case member and forms a single integrated base member 10, together with the case member. (Although embodiments are described herein with reference to the sliding book-supporting member, the scope of the present invention includes using the non-sliding book-supporting member instead of the non- slidable book-supporting member, mutatis mutandis. The term "book- supporting member 2" should be understood to include within its scope both the sliding book-supporting member, and the non-sliding book-supporting member, unless otherwise specified.)

• A rotation member 3 pivotally coupled to book-supporting member 2 by being inserted into two holes 28 and 29 at the distal end of the book- supporting member. The pivotal coupling of the rotation member to the book-supporting member facilitates rotary motion of the rotation member with respect to the book-supporting member. The rotation member is configured to receive a pages-binding member 4 (e.g., the cover of a book), . and the rotation member typically includes a central portion 37 that is configured to receive and support a stack of turned, inverted pages (as described hereinbelow with reference to Fig. 7A). • Pages-binding member 4 is configured to be inserted into rotation member 3, at a distal end of the pages-binding member (i.e., at the end which is toward the upper-left, in Fig. 1). A proximal end 43 of the pages-binding member is configured to pivotally bind a stack 5 of pages by means of binding elements 44 that allow the pages to be turned over and to be stacked in an inverted manner. The pages-binding member is also referred to herein as a book, and the term "pages-binding member" should be generally understood to mean any assembly for binding pages together.

It is noted that as shown in Fig. 1, and in the remainder of the Figures, the apparatus is being used with a book that is read from right-to-left (e.g., an Arabic, or a Hebrew book). However, the apparatus is also for use with books that are read from left-to-right (e.g., English, or French books). For use with books that are read from left-to-right, the apparatus is positioned such that book-supporting member 2 is disposed to the right of case member 1, instead of being disposed to the left of case member 1, as shown in the Figures. (In other words, the same device, without change, can be used for left-to-right and right-to-left books, simply by turning the device around prior to use.)

For some applications, stack 5 of pages is placed face down on top of a (typically rigid) base portion 48 of pages-binding member 4. The pages are pivotally bound to the pages-binding member by means of binding elements 44 that allow the pages to be turned by means of a first rotary motion. Binding elements 44 shown in Fig. 1 are two spiral coils, which typically facilitate complete 360 degrees turning of each of the pages. (For some applications, pages-binding member 4, stack 5 of pages, and binding elements 44, together form a book. For example, the pages- binding member may be the cover of the book, and the binding elements may be the spine of the book, e.g., a spiral coil spine, or another of the binding elements described herein.) Pages-binding member 4 is pivotally coupled to book-supporting member 2 by means of rotation member 3. Book-supporting member 2 is configured to be coupled to and adjacent to case member 1 during use.

Turning the top page of the stack of pages using the first rotary motion places the top page onto light output surface 8 (as shown in Fig. 6). Subsequent to the top page having been read, a proximal end 43 of pages-binding member 4 is raised by the pages-binding member being rotated, using a second rotary motion, by means of rotation member 3. As shown in Fig. 7A, the second rotary motion rotates pages- binding member 4 around an axis 92, in the direction of arrow 93. Proximal end 43 of the pages-binding member having been raised, the top page is further turned and stacked in an inverted position, underneath pages-binding member 4. Other pages of the stack of pages are placed on the light output surface while they are read, and are then placed underneath the pages-binding member, in a similar manner (as shown in Fig. 7A). For some applications, rotation member 3 receives and supports the pages that have been read, turned, and then stacked in an inverted manner.

For some applications, case member 1 is generally rectangular having a length 11 at least as long as length 55 of stack 5 of pages and a width 12 at least as long as width 56 of stack 5 of pages. Case member 1 is typically configured to receive a light-reflecting part 6, and one or more light sources 7, and surface 8 is configured to be fixed on top of the case member 1. Light-reflecting portion 6 typically comprises reflective surfaces (e.g., aluminum or mirrors), as is known in the art. When the light sources 7 are switched on, surface 8 is illuminated, thereby allowing a page of the stack of pages to be illuminated and viewed under poor light conditions.

For some applications, light source 7 includes two fluorescent light bulbs that emit light in a generally even manner. Light-reflecting portion 6 typically facilitates even illumination of light output surface 8. The scope of the present invention includes light sources 7 including incandescent bulbs, fluorescent bulbs, light emitting diodes, black light bulbs, or other devices which are capable of producing light. Furthermore, the scope of the present invention includes, for example, light sources 7 using electrical energy provided by one or more batteries, an electric cord, or another structure or method of storing, and/or transmitting electrical energy. Still furthermore, the scope of .the present invention includes light sources 7 having different types of switches, or other structures, for turning-on and turning-off the generation of light therefrom. Although light source 7, as shown in Fig. 1, is configured to be disposed beneath light output surface 8, for some applications, the light source is disposed in a different position with respect to the light output surface. For example, light source 7 may be disposed adjacent to and optionally somewhat lower than light output surface 8. In this case, for some applications, light source 7 may comprise one or more light emitting diodes. For some applications, case member 1 defines openings 13, 14 on a side wall 15 thereof, the openings being configured to receive sliding book-supporting member 2. The sliding book-supporting member is configured such that, when not in use, it can be retracted into the case member 1. Sliding book-supporting member 2 has a proximal end 21 and a distal end 22, and is constructed, generally, as two coupling members (e.g., legs) 23, 24 that are connected to each other by means of a handle 25 that facilitates proper alignment and unified movement of the two legs 23, 24 during sliding motion of member 2. Both legs 23, 24 have protrusions 26, 27 at proximal ends thereof. When the sliding book-supporting member is fully extended from case-member 1, protrusions 26, 27 contact inner surface 16 of side wall 15 of case member 1 in a manner that prevents the legs 23, 24 from completely exiting case member 1. Thus, protrusions 26, 27 act as stoppers which limit the extent to which the legs 23, 24 may be extended from case member 1. Toward distal end 22 of book- supporting member 2, legs 23, 24 have holes 28, 29 that are opposite to each other. Holes 28 and 29 are configured to receive cylindrical protrusions 31, 32 of rotation member 3, the protrusions being configured to be rotatably disposed inside holes 28, 29.

For some applications, rotation member 3 includes two vertical walls 33, 34, the walls both having cutouts 35, 36 on inner sides of the walls. The cutouts are configured to receive side walls 41 of pages-binding member 4. The side walls of the pages-binding member in part surround stack 5 of pages. Once placed face down on pages-binding member 4, stack 5 of pages is pivotally bound to the pages-binding member at proximal end 43 of the pages-binding member by means of binding elements 44. (This binding step is typically at the time of manufacture of the book.) Reference is now made to Fig. 2, which is a schematic illustration of the described apparatus in an assembled state, such that reading material can be illuminated and viewed using the apparatus, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. Fig. 2 shows the apparatus at the beginning of a reading session, before any of the pages of stack 5 have been read. All the parts used for light output surface 8 (including light sources 7, and reflecting portion 6) are assembled and enclosed inside case member 1, such that when the uppermost page of stack 5 is turned in a first rotary motion and placed on top of surface 8, and light sources 7 are switched on, the uppermost page can be viewed in the dark.

As shown in Fig. 2, stack 5 of pages is placed face down on top of pages- binding member 4, and the pages are pivotally bound to proximal end 43 of the pages-binding member, by means of binding elements 44. Pages-binding member 4 is further connected to rotation member 3 by being inserted into cutouts 35, 36 of walls 33, 34 of the rotation member (cutouts 35, 36 and walls 41 shown in Fig. 1). A protrusion 45 at proximal end 43 of pages-binding member 4 is horizontally positioned on top of a protrusion 17 of side wall 15 of case member 1. Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which is a schematic illustration of an integrated base member 10 that includes a case portion 101 (which is generally similar to case portion 1), and a substantially rectangular portion 102 extending outwardly from case portion 101 (which is a non-sliding book-supporting member), in accordance with some applications of the present invention. Like case member 1, case portion 101 of base member 10 has light sources 7 and light reflecting part 6 enclosed therein and a semi transparent substantially planar light output surface 8 fixedly placed on top. The non-sliding book-supporting member is generally similar to the sliding book-supporting member described with reference to Fig. 1. Non- sliding book-supporting member 102 includes two coupling members (e.g., legs) 103, 104, having a joining-stabilizing bar 105 therebetween. Legs 103, 104 define two holes 106, 107 that are opposite to each other, and are configured to receive rotation member 3 (shown in Fig. 1, for example). Cylindrical protrusions 31, 32 of rotation member 3 are configured to be rotatably disposed inside holes 106, 107. Like case member 1, case portion 101 of base member 10 includes a protrusion 108 on a side wall 109. The embodiment shown in Fig. 3 is similar to the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, except that, unlike legs 23, 24 of member 2, legs 103, 104 of member 102 do not slide with respect to case portion 101.

For some applications, a sliding book-supporting member 2, as shown in Fig. 1, is used, as this allows the book-supporting member to be stored inside case member 1. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 3, the case member and the book- supporting member are configured as a single integrated base member, which typically makes the device more stable. Reference is now made to Fig. 4, which is a schematic illustration of rotation member 3, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. Rotation member 3 has a generally cylindrical middle portion 37 that has a length that is at least as long as width 56 of stack 5 of pages (shown in Fig. 1). As described hereinabove, rotation member 3 has two cylindrical protrusions 31, 32 configured to be rotatably disposed inside holes 106, 107 of member 102 (shown in Fig. 3) or inside holes 28, 29 of member 2 (shown in Fig.1). Vertical walls 33, 34 of the rotation member are adjacent to cylindrical protrusions 31, 32, and define cutouts 35, 36 on the inner sides of the vertical walls. The cutouts of the vertical walls are configured to receive side walls 41 of pages-binding member 4, as shown in Fig. 5 A. For some applications, as shown, both cutouts 35, 36 are T-shaped cutouts. When pages-binding member 4 has been inserted into the cutouts, and when pages have been placed, in an inverted state, underneath the pages-binding member, the rotation member supports and stacks the inverted pages. The inverted pages are stacked between cylindrical middle portion 37 and the pages-binding member, as shown in Fig. 7A.

Stacking the inverted pages in the described manner typically prevents the inverted pages from obstructing the turning of other pages that have not yet been read. It is to be appreciated that, if desired, other apparatus for supporting the inverted pages (e.g., including magnets integrated into the pages, or various protrusions or coupling elements) may be used as well. In addition, the scope of the present invention includes allowing the inverted pages to hang freely after being turned.

It is noted that the scope of the present invention includes using a rotation member that does not itself rotate, but which, in any case, facilitates rotation of the book, for example, by the book being pivotally coupled to the rotation member.

Reference is now made to Fig. 5 A, which is a schematic illustration of pages- binding member 4, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. For some applications, pages-binding member 4 defines holes 46 near the edge of proximal end 43 of member 4, the holes being configured to receive binding elements 44, as shown in Fig. 2. For convenience, pages-binding member 4 may include a protrusion 47 which facilitates the lifting of proximal end 43 when turning pages. (Although protrusion 47, as shown in Fig. 5A, is disposed at the center of proximal end 43 of the pages-binding member, for some applications, protrusion 47 is disposed at a different position on the pages-binding member, for example, on one of the sides of the pages-binding member.) Member 4 further includes a protrusion 45 which is supported by corresponding protrusion 17 of case member 1 (shown in Fig. 2), or of corresponding protrusion 108 of case portion 101 (shown in Fig. 3), while a page is being read. Side walls 41 of pages-binding member 4 are shaped to correspond to the shapes of cutouts 35, 36 of rotation member 3 (shown in Fig. 4). For example, side walls 41 may be horizontal T-shaped walls. Side walls 41 are spaced apart from each other such that they can accommodate width 56 of stack 5 of pages (as shown in Fig. 2).

Reference is now made to Figs. 5B-D, which are schematic illustrations of page-binding elements 44, in accordance with respective applications of the present invention. For some applications, a spiral coil 441 pivotally binds stack 5 of pages to holes 46 at proximal end 43 of pages-binding member 4, as shown in Fig. 5B. The pages are typically bound by the coil prior to sale of the pages. Typically, the pages, the coil and the page-binding member are sold as an integrated unit (i.e., as a book, which can be read using the apparatus described herein, or, when lighting conditions are good, without the apparatus described herein). For some applications, a plurality of rings 442 pivotally bind stack 5 of pages to holes 46 at proximal end 43 of pages-binding member 4, as shown in Fig. 5C. The pages are typically bound by the coil prior to sale of the pages. Typically, the pages, the rings and the page-binding member are sold as an integrated unit.

For some applications, binding elements 443 that are irreversibly coupled to proximal end 43 of pages-binding member 4, pivotally bind stack 5 of pages to holes 46 at proximal end 43, as shown in Fig. 5D. The binding elements shown in Fig. 5D are configured to allow a user to bind (for example, to attach) pages thereto.

It is noted that the scope of the present invention includes other binding elements besides those shown in Figs. 5B-D. Reference is now made to Fig. 6, which is a schematic illustration of the apparatus described herein in an assembled state, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. Fig. 6 shows top page 51 of stack 5 having been turned in a first rotary motion, around axis 91 in the direction of arrow 94. (As noted above, the Figures show a book that is being read from right-to-left, therefore the top page appears on the right of Fig. 6.) Case member 1 has light sources 7 and light reflecting part 6 enclosed therein. Light sources 7 are switched on, and light output surface 8, which is fixedly placed on top of the case member, is illuminated from below. Both legs 23, 24 of book-supporting member 2 are placed inside openings 13, 14 of side wall 15 of case member 1. Top page 51 has been placed face-up on top of light output surface 8, in order to be illuminated from below and viewed. The remaining pages of stack 5 are face down on top of the pages-binding member 4, and are pivotally bound to proximal end 43 by means of binding elements 44. Pages-binding member 4 is further connected to rotating member 3. Protrusion 45 at the proximal end 43 of pages-binding member 4 is supported by protrusion 17 of side wall 15. Reference is now made to Figs. 7A-B, which are schematic illustrations of the apparatus described herein, while a second rotary motion is being performed on the apparatus, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. As shown in Figs. 7A-B, (a) a first portion 53 of the pages of stack 5 have already been viewed and turned, (b) a second portion 57 of the pages have not yet been read, and (c) page 52 has just been read and is being inverted and stacked under pages-binding member 4. Pages-binding member 4 is rotated about axis 92, in the direction of arrow 93, by causing rotary motion of rotation member 3, by lifting proximal end 43 of the pages-binding member (for example, using protrusion 47, shown in Fig. 5A). Axis 92 is parallel but not identical to the spine of pages-binding member 4, and is typically at least 5 cm away from the spine (e.g., at least 15 cm away from the spine). It is noted that rotation as indicated by arrow 93 constitutes pivoting the book (pages- binding member 4), based on rotation of the book around a portion of the book that is not the spine (for example, the side of the book opposite the spine, or, as shown, a site between that side and the spine). Thus, the second rotary motion is executed and the page that has been read is fully turned and positioned adjacent to the other previously-read pages (e.g., stacked below the pages-binding member). For some applications, the pages-binding member is rotated such that the member is in a substantially vertical position. As described, page 52 may be placed and supported in an inverted position by middle cylindrical portion 37 of rotation member 3, together with portion 53 of the pages that have already been read and turned.

With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationship for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art having read the present patent application, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed within the scope of the present invention. For example:

• handle 25 of sliding book-supporting member 2 may take many shapes that serve the same purpose of facilitating the sliding motion of the sliding book- supporting member,

• middle portion 37 of rotation member 3 may take many shapes that serve the same purpose of facilitating the rotating motion,

• the substantially vertical position of pages-binding member 4, during the second rotary motion may differ from (e.g., be less than or greater than) a 90 degree angle,

• T-shaped cutouts 35, 36 of rotation member 3 may be of a different shape or structure that provides an adequate connection between the rotation member

3 and the pages-binding member 4, and side walls 41 of the rotation member may take a different shape accordingly, and

• for supplying electrical power to light sources, both regular batteries or rechargeable batteries or cord may be used. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather, the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features described hereinabove, as well as variations and modifications thereof that are not in the prior art, which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description.

Claims

1. Apparatus for use with a book, comprising: a case member; a light source coupled to the case member; a light output surface coupled to the case member and configured to be illuminated by the light source and to pass illumination from the light source to a page of the book placed on the surface; one or more coupling members coupled to the case member; and a rotation member coupled to the one or more coupling members and couplable to the book, the rotation member configured to provide angular motion of the book with respect to the light output surface.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein pages of the book are printed on both sides, and wherein the light source is configured to illuminate the page of the book that is placed on the surface, so as to illuminate a top side of the page, substantially without showing, on the top side of the page, print that is printed on a bottom side of the page.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rotation member comprises a portion thereof configured to receive and support a stack of turned pages of the book.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more coupling members comprises a portion thereof configured to receive and support a stack of turned pages of the book.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rotation member is configured for coupling to a portion of the book that is not a spine of the book.

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the rotation member provides rotation of the book around an axis of the book that is not the spine of the book.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the axis of the book is at least 5 cm from the spine of the book.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the axis of the book is at least 15 cm from the spine of the book.

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the coupling members comprise at least one elongate element configured to extend from the case member.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the elongate element is configured to move with respect to the case member.

11. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the elongate element is configured to remain stationary with respect to the case member.

12. Apparatus, comprising: a book, comprising: a plurality of pages ; one or more binding elements coupling together the pages and providing substantially 360 degrees of turning of each of the pages, with respect to the binding elements, without incurring damage to the pages; and a rigid base portion, supporting the pages and shaped to define two walls that (a) are on opposing sides of the rigid base portion and (b) surround the pages at least in part.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the rigid base portion is shaped to define a protrusion that facilitates lifting of the binding elements and consequent turning of one of the pages.

14. The apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising a light output surface, wherein the pages are printed on both sides, and are configured such that when pages of the book are placed on the surface, a top side of the page is illuminated, substantially without showing, on the top side of the page, print that is printed on a bottom side of the page.

15. A method for use with a book having a spine, comprising, in sequence: first, coupling the book to a rotation member; second, facilitating reading a page of the book, using illumination provided by a light output surface, by turning a first page of the book in a given direction, onto the surface; third, turning the page further in the given direction by raising the spine of the book, by pivoting the book around an axis that is not the spine of the book, at the rotation member; fourth, lowering the spine of the book; and then

5 fifth, turning a second page of the book in the given direction, onto the light output surface.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein pivoting the book around the axis comprises pivoting the book around an axis that is at least 5 cm from the spine of the book.

10 17. The method according to claim 16, wherein pivoting the book around the axis comprises pivoting the book around an axis that is at least 15 cm from the spine of the book.

18. A method, comprising: providing a device that includes a light output surface for illuminating a page 15 of a book that is placed on the surface; coupling to the device a book having a plurality of pages; and successively turning and placing each of the pages onto the light output surface, while the book remains continuously coupled to the device.

19. Apparatus, comprising: 0 a book having a plurality of pages; and a rotation member that is couplable to the book, and configured to facilitate turning of each successive page of the book, by providing rotation of the book around a defined axis that is remote from a spine of the book.