Bookstand with adjustable mechanism

Abstract

Provided is a bookstand having an upper and a lower member, each pivotally attached to a backing support member. An outer edge of the upper member fits into slots provided in the lower member, thereby allowing the angle at which a book or other reading material is inclined to be changed by a user. In addition, a latch on the lower member permits the selected angle to be locked in. In certain configurations, the backing support member also is provided with a removable scented element.

1 . A bookstand, comprising: 
 (a) support means for holding at least one of a book and a paper, said support means including: 
 (i) a backing element having a top edge and a bottom edge; and  
 (ii) a ledge extending forwardly from the backing element, near the bottom edge of the backing element; and  
   (b) positioning means for adjusting the support means into a desired position, said positioning means including: 
 (i) an upper member having a proximal edge and a distal edge, pivotally attached to the backing element at its proximal edge; and  
 (ii) a lower member that includes: 
 (1) a proximal edge and a distal edge, the proximal edge of the lower member being pivotally attached to the backing element at a position closer than the upper element to the bottom edge of the backing element,  
 (2) a plurality of slots that are configured to accept the distal edge of the upper member, thereby permitting the support means to be fixed at a plurality of different angles of inclination, and  
 (3) at least one latch that is movable so as to cover at least one of the slots when the distal edge of the upper member is inserted therein.  
 
   
   
   
       2 . A bookstand according to  claim 1 , further comprising a scented element.  
   
   
       3 . A bookstand according to  claim 2 , wherein the scented element is disposed within the backing element of the support means.  
   
   
       4 . A bookstand according to  claim 3 , wherein the backing element comprises a pouch of that contains the scented element.  
   
   
       5 . A bookstand according to  claim 4 , wherein the pouch comprises closure means for securing the scented element within the pouch and for readily reopening the pouch to replace the scented element.  
   
   
       6 . A bookstand according to  claim 4 , wherein the pouch is comprised of fabric.  
   
   
       7 . A bookstand according to  claim 2 , wherein the scented element comprises a plurality of scented ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) beads.  
   
   
       8 . A bookstand according to  claim 2 , wherein the scented element has a scent of at least one of lavender, lemon, and rose.  
   
   
       9 . A bookstand according to  claim 2 , wherein the scented element is removably attached to the bookstand.  
   
   
       10 . A bookstand according to  claim 1 , wherein the positioning means is pivotally attached to the support means such that the entire bookstand folds approximately flat.  
   
   
       11 . A bookstand according to  claim 1 , further comprising a pair of latches that are rotatably attached to the ledge for holding a book open at a desired page.  
   
   
       12 . A bookstand according to  claim 1 , wherein the bookstand is comprised of wood.  
   
   
       13 . A bookstand according to  claim 1 , wherein the backing element is comprised of fabric.  
   
   
       14 . A bookstand according to  claim 1 , wherein the upper member comprises a pair of arms attached by a cross member at the distal edge of the upper member.  
   
   
       15 . A bookstand according to  claim 1 , wherein the lower member comprises a pair of arms attached by at least one cross member, and wherein the slots are provided within the arms of the lower member, a pair of slots for each desired position of the support means.  
   
   
       16 . A bookstand according to  claim 1 , wherein the backing element is approximately 10-40 cm wide by 12-50 cm long.