Importance

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Abstract

A book-holding apparatus includes a spine support member, a supporting device, and a page restraining device. The spine support member engages with the spine of the book. The supporting device supports the book by interengaging with the front and back cover of the book when the book is in an open position. The supporting device is deflectably coupled to the spine support member. The page restraining device restrains the pages of the book between the restraining device and the book supporting device. Preferably, the spine support member comprises first and second substantially cylindrical members telescopically interengaged so that the spine support member can be adjusted to accommodate a range of spine lengths for books. The apparatus may further include a book restraining device that restrains and trains the spine of the book in relation to the spine support member as pages of the book are turned. Preferably, the book support device includes deflectable book support members having substantially flattened surfaces at one end thereof and being flexibly coupled to the spine support member at the opposite end thereof, and the book support members are configured in relation to the spine support members so as to hold the book in a substantially flat configuration when opened. The page restraint device may include page restraint members each pivotally connected to a respective one of plural restraint arms, whereby portions of the book are held in place by the corresponding page restraint member. The book holder may also be rotatably coupled to an arm member, where the arm member holds the book holder at a fixed position relative to a base member.

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First Claim