GB2328757A - Reading device with two mirrors - Google Patents

Abstract

A device two mirrors 2 to enable books or papers to be read by invalids or others whilst lying on their backs. Reading material 1 is laid on the chest and the mirrors 2 are adjustable in angle and height by the interlocking back plates and the sliding profiled standards. A baseplate 6 ensures stability and the whole device can be folded and demounted for storage.

Description

LAY READER DESCRIPTION This invention provides a means to enable books, papers, etc. to be read by persons resting on their backs.

There are many people, in hospital, or their homes, unable to sit upright, or at an angle, temporarily or permanently, due to an accident or disease of the spine, and others merely relaxing, who find it difficult or tiring to support a book and turn the pages while in a supine position, This invention uses a light support to hold adjustable mirrors in such a way that a book lying flat on the chest can be read, and the pages easilytumedF The essence of this invention (called Lay Reader) is two mirrors, preferably silvered on the face to eliminate distortion, supported above the reader's head at such angles relative to each other that the book on the readers chest is twice reflected and rever3ed so that the print is readable in the nonnal manner. The device is secured in position by the weight of the reader, and the device is readily demountable or erected. Mternatively, Lay Reader may be attached to any other vertically adjustable means of support The accompanying drawings show one of several possible embodiments ofthe invention: Fig 1 Shows the Lay Reader in use, with the two hinged mirrors mounted on the vertically adjustable support Fig 2 is a perspective of Lay Reader showing the stabilising base plate Fig 3 Shows a vertical section of the device Fig 4 Illustrates the hinging and mounting ofthe mirrors Fig 5 Shows how the upper adjustable support slides within the profile ofthe lower, and is secured.

By ensuring that the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection, reading material (1) laid on the chest is reflected twice reversed - into the recumbent reader's eyes (3) The adjustable support, in two slotted sections (4 & 5), with profiled edges for rigidity, is stablized by a base plate (6) under the reader or below a mattress.

Height adjustment secured by wing-nut (8) or other means, facilitates either arrangement and takes acount of differing eyesight factors and size of reading material.

The device may stand on either side of the reader.

The baseplate (6) is turned up and fitted with a capping of nylon or similar (7) to ensure a tight fit in the adjustable support (5) The mirrors (2) are stuck or otherwise secured to metal or rigid plastic backing sheets (9) interlocking on part of one side, curved and secured round sections of plastic tubing (11) the total length of which is greater than that of the backing sheets and continuation tube (10).

Large metal washers (16) ensure maximum friction and easy release.

A compressible washer (17) absorbs pressure on back plates and plastic tube sections.

Through these tubular sections l runs a metal rod (12) with a boss (13) at one end and threaded at the other end (14). A profiled threaded wheel (15) enables hand pressure to be applied to the plastic tubing and thus maintain a desired angle of the backing plates and mirrors.

To simplify packing and carriage, the rod supporting the mirrors may be lifted from the top slot, the mirrors folded flat, the baseplate removed from the vertical support, which may be lowered and the whole device packed into a container.

Claims (8)

Claims

1. A reading device comprising an adjustable frame supporting adjustable mirrors above a supine reader, so arranged that the image of reading material is reflected correctly into the reader's eyes.

2. A reading device as claimed in (1) in which the mirrors are of metal or plastic or 'silvered' on the face ofthe glass to minimise distortion.

3. A reading device as claimed in ( or (2) in which the angle oftile mirrors is maintained by friction, or may be adjusted by electrical or mechanical means to achieve required angles.

4. A reading device as claimed in (1) (2) or (3) wherein the vertical support is telescopic or otherwise vertically adjustable.

'). A reading device as claimed above, in which a removable or folding baseplate may be connected to vertical support or supports.

6. A reading device as claimed above in which the mirrors may be attached to a floor standing support or a table mounted clip or other independent means.

7. A reading device as claimed above. in which the angles of the mirrors can be varied by electrical or mechanical means i'emotely controlled.

8. A reading device materially as described and illustrated in Figures 1-4 attached.