Reading stand

Claim 1

A collapsible stand for retaining books and similar materials in an inclined position for reading and the like comprising: a plate-like planar member having a supporting surface and an opposed rearward surface; a planar strip member hinged to a lower portion of said supporting surface and extending generally horizontally to form a ledge for retaining a book or similar material, said strip being hinged so that in the open position the ledge extends to form a surface generally perpendicular to the support surface and in the closed position folds against the support surface so that it abuts and is generally parallel thereto; a first arcuate strip section hinged to the rearward surface of said support plate, said strip section being hinged so that in an open position, the arcuate strip extends generally perpendicular from the rearward surface, and in the closed position, the strip folds against the rearward surface so that it abuts and is generally parallel thereto; a retaining member attached to said hinged end of said arcuate strip having a surface which abuts the rearward surface when the strip is in the open position; a catch pivotally mounted on said rearward surface to move along an arc allowing engagement of the catch with said retaining member to retain the arcuate strip in said open position; an arcuate slot extending between opposite ends in said arcuate strip; a plurality of saw-like teeth formed along one edge of the arcuate strip and extending the length thereof; an arcuate female member constructed to receive said arcuate strip in sliding engagement therewith; a pin extending through opposite sides of said female member and through said slot for sliding engagement therewith; a plurality of roller members positioned in spaced apart relation along one edge of said female member and positioned for sliding engagement with an edge of said arcuate strip; a ratchet arm pivotally mounted to an opposite edge of said female member; a spring biasing the ratchet arm so that one end is pivoted to engage the saw teeth on the edge of the arcuate strip; and a resilient restraining member attached to the opposite end of said female member to form a foot, said arcuate strip and arcuate female member cooperating to form a telescoping leg which is adjusted by sliding said female member over said strip and adjusting their relative positions with said ratchet arm, said telescoping leg adjustably varying the angle of inclination of said support surface relative to a horizontal surface.