Book cover, carrier and book stand

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a book cover that is also operable to provide a book stand and purse. Embodiments of the present invention include a carrying compartment to facilitate carrying personal items. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, pockets are provided for receiving the front and back covers of a book. Exterior portions function to protect the book when the book cover and book stand is closed. A support member is provided to hold the book at an angle to a support surface when the book cover and book stand is open. Straps are provided for keeping the book open to a desired page when the book cover and book stand is in an open position.

1 . A book stand, comprising: 
 a tension member;    first and second rigid backing members;    at least a first backing member enclosure;    first and second pockets on a first side of said at least a first backing member enclosure, wherein said first pocket is operable to receive a front cover of a book, and wherein said second pocket is operable to receive a back cover of said book; and    at least a first rigid support member, wherein a first end of said rigid support member is interconnected to said at least a first backing member enclosure, and wherein a second end of said at least a first rigid support member is interconnected to said first backing member enclosure by said tension member.    
   
   
       2 . The book stand of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a compartment.    
   
   
       3 . The book stand of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 at least a first support member enclosure, wherein a first end of said first support member enclosure is affixed to said first backing member enclosure, and wherein a second end of said first support member is affixed to said tension member.    
   
   
       4 . The book stand of  claim 1 , wherein said at least a first backing member enclosure comprises first and second pockets for maintaining a position of said first and second rigid backing members with respect to said at least a first backing member enclosure.  
   
   
       5 . The book stand of  claim 4 , wherein said first and second pockets are separated by a first distance.  
   
   
       6 . The book stand of  claim 3 , wherein at least one of said tension member, said at least a first backing member enclosure, and said at least a first support member enclosure are formed from a fabric.  
   
   
       7 . The book stand of  claim 1 , further comprising a first strap positioned across at least a portion of an area defined by said first pocket and a second strap positioned across at least a portion of an area defined by said second pocket, wherein said straps are operable to hold a left hand page and a right hand page of a book respectively.  
   
   
       8 . The book stand of  claim 7 , wherein said first and second straps are formed from a transparent material.  
   
   
       9 . The book stand of  claim 1 , further comprising a carrying compartment.  
   
   
       10 . The book stand of  claim 1 , wherein said rigid support member is interconnected to said backing member enclosure by a hinge member.  
   
   
       11 . A combination book stand and book carrying device, comprising: 
 means for receiving a front cover of a book;    means for receiving a back cover of the book; and    means for supporting the book at a first angle, wherein in a first position said means for selectively supporting supports the book at said first angle, and wherein in a second position said means for supporting are substantially parallel to at least one of said means for receiving said front cover and said means for receiving a back cover.    
   
   
       12 . The device of  claim 11 , further comprising: 
 compartment means.    
   
   
       13 . The device of  claim 11 , further comprising: 
 means for limiting a position of said means for supporting the book.    
   
   
       14 . The device of  claim 11 , further comprising: 
 first means for stiffening associated with said means for receiving a front cover;    second means for stiffening associated with said means for receiving a back cover.    
   
   
       15 . The device of  claim 11 , further comprising: 
 carrying means.    
   
   
       16 . The device of  claim 12 , further comprising closure means, wherein said device operates as a book cover and purse when said closure means are secured.  
   
   
       17 . A method for holding a book, comprising: 
 receiving front and back covers of a book in first and second pockets respectively;    placing a first edge of each of said first and second pockets adjacent a support surface;    supporting said first and second pockets at a distance from said first edge with a rigid support, wherein an end of said rigid support is adjacent said support surface, and wherein said rigid support is not parallel to said first and second pockets; and    providing a compartment integral to said book cover operable to carry items other than said book.    
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising: 
 maintaining said book open to a desired page;    positioning said rigid support substantially parallel to said first and second pockets; and    closing said book, wherein said front and back covers of said book continue to be received by said first and second pockets.    
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising: 
 after said receiving, closing said book; and    after said closing, opening said book, wherein said book is opened to said desired page.    
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19 , further comprising: 
 placing said first edge of each of said first and second pockets on said support surface;    positioning said rigid support at an angle to said first and second pockets; and    placing an end of said rigid support surface adjacent said support surface, wherein said book is held at an angle to said support surface.