Technical Field

The present invention relates to a supporting device for book pages.

Background Art

Generally, books are provided with a plurality of pages joined and bound together at one edge. The pages are enclosed by a front cover and a back cover, on which there is usually some information regarding the book, such as e.g. the title of the work and the author.

Hard covers are known which are made slightly larger than the size of the enclosed pages so that they protrude at the free edges of the book.

It is also usually known to store books on a shelf by placing them vertically, that is, resting on their free edge. In such a position, books are usually unstable and tend to fall sideways or to open. In order to keep them upright, usually, substantially the entire shelf is filled with a row of books side by side so that each book is supported by the pair of books on its side.

In addition, in the upright position, the pages of books with hard covers are raised with respect to the shelf on which the book rests.

For this reason, in the event that the shelf is not fully occupied, e.g. as a result of one of the books being taken out, the pages of the books tend to sag by drooping in on themselves, leading to the formation of defects in the binding, which, in some cases, can even lead to the detachment of the pages.

Description of the Invention

The main aim of the present invention is therefore to devise a supporting device that can effectively support the pages of books, strengthening their structure and preventing them from collapsing when stored upright.

Another object of the present invention is to devise a supporting device that can be permanently associated with a book in a practical and quick way.

Another object of the present invention is to devise a supporting device that allows the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art to be overcome within the framework of a simple, rational, easy and effective to use as well as cost- effective solution. The aforementioned objects are achieved by this supporting device having the characteristics of claim 1.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a supporting device, illustrated by way of an indicative, yet non limiting, example in the attached tables of drawings in which:

Figure 1 is an exploded view of a supporting device coupled to a book in accordance with the present invention,

Figure 2 is a view of the supporting device in Figure 1 coupled to a book, Figures 3 and 4 are perspective views of a first embodiment of the supporting device in accordance with the present invention,

Figures 5 and 6 are perspective views of a second embodiment of the supporting device in accordance with the present invention,

Figures 7, 8, 9 and 10 are top-down views of further embodiments of the supporting device according to the invention.

Embodiments of the Invention

With particular reference to these figures, reference numeral 1 globally indicates a supporting device for book pages.

Figures 1 and 2 show a book B provided with a front cover Cl and a back cover C2 associated with a spine D and between which a plurality of pages P are positioned. The pages P are associated with each other to define a back portion A. The spine D is positioned at the back portion A and is detached from it thus defining a space E.

Preferably, the pages P have a substantially rectangular shape in which two long edges and two short edges are identified. Preferably, the pages P are joined together at one of the long edges. It cannot however be ruled out that the pages may be joined at other edges or may have different conformations.

The back cover C2 and the front cover Cl are substantially similar in shape to the pages P of the book B with at least the width and length being slightly greater in size than the width and length of the pages P so that they protrude from the latter at least at one of the edges of the book B.

According to the invention, the device 1 is adapted to support a book B when positioned vertically on a supporting plane S, such as e.g. a shelf or a bookcase top, i.e., when the book B is arranged resting on one of its edges with the pages P and the covers Cl, C2 oriented substantially vertically.

In the context of this disclosure, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “front”, “back”, “vertical” and “horizontal”, used with reference to the device 1 and to the book B, are meant to refer to the conditions of use of the device 1 and of the book B shown in Figure 2, i.e., those in which they are arranged in support of the supporting plane S.

As shown in Figure 3, the supporting device 1 comprises at least one main body 2 which can be coupled to a book B which, in use, is positioned vertically resting on a supporting plane S.

Appropriately, the main body 2 is provided with a holding surface 3 of the pages P of the book B. Preferably, the holding surface 3 is substantially flat and is arranged in use substantially horizontally.

In detail, because the front cover Cl and the back cover C2 have projecting edges from the pages P of the book B, in the upright position, the pages P are raised with respect to the supporting plane S. Conveniently, the main body 2 is placed between the supporting plane S and the pages P of the book B with the holding surface 3 facing the pages P to receive them in support and hold them. Conveniently, the main body 2 is provided with fastening means 4 adapted to allow the coupling thereof to the book B.

Advantageously, the main body 2 comprises at least a first supporting portion 5 and a second supporting portion 6 associated with each other in a movable manner so as to vary the mutual distance between them and to abut against the back cover C2 and the front cover Cl, respectively. This expedient makes it possible to vary the distance between the supporting portions 5, 6 in order to change the width of the main body 2, adapting it to the size of the book.

In detail, in use, the main body 2 is fitted to size between the front cover Cl and the back cover C2, and the holding surface 3 is adapted to support the pages P. Specifically, each of the covers Cl, C2 has an inner face, facing the pages P of the book B, and an outer face opposite the inner face. The main body 2 is positioned between the covers Cl, C2 by abutting against the inner face of the latter.

For this purpose, at least one of either the first supporting portion 5 or the second supporting portion 6 is movable in rotation around at least one axis of rotation Xi transverse to the holding surface 3. The supporting portions 5, 6 can thus rotate around the axis of rotation Xi away from/close to each other to switch between an approached configuration and a distanced configuration, described in detail later in the description.

Preferably, each supporting portion 5, 6 is movable in rotation around one or more axes of rotation Xi, X2. According to one or more versions, each supporting portion 5, 6 is movable in rotation around respective axes of rotation XI and X2. These axes of rotation may coincide or be separate from each other. Preferably, the supporting portions 5, 6 can be pivoted to each other, and/or to a connecting element 15, to rotate around the same axis of rotation Xi or they can be pivoted by means of respective pivots to rotate around respective axes of rotation Xi, X2 substantially parallel to each other.

As shown in the figures, the main body 2 has an elongated conformation, that is, it extends mainly by length along its own longitudinal direction, and comprises: a first extreme portion 7, in use, positioned in the proximity of the spine D of the book B; a second extreme portion 8 opposite the first extreme portion 7; a central portion 9 positioned between the first extreme portion 7 and the second extreme portion 8.

The terms “length” and “width” mean the dimensions of extension along the longitudinal direction and along a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction, respectively.

Conveniently, the first supporting portion 5 and the second supporting portion 6 are pivoted to each other, and/or to the main body 2, at least one of either the first extreme portion 7, the second extreme portion 8 or the central portion 9. Appropriately, the supporting portions 5, 6 are placed side by side along the transverse direction so that by varying the distance between the supporting portions 5, 6, it is possible to increase or decrease the width of the main body 2 according to the size of the book B to be supported.

Specifically, the first supporting portion 5 comprises a first inner side 5a and a first outer side 5b, and the second supporting portion 6 comprises a second inner side 6a and a second outer side 6b. The first inner side 5a and the second inner side 6a face each other, while the first outer side 5b and the second outer side 6b are adapted to abut against the edge of the back cover C2 and the edge of the front cover Cl, respectively.

The first and the second supporting portions 5, 6 have a first and a second upper surface 5c, 6c, respectively. The upper surfaces 5c, 6c, in combination with each other, make at least part of the holding surface 3.

Advantageously, the inner side 5a, 6a of each of the supporting portions 5, 6 is arranged inclined with respect to the respective outer side 5b, 6b.

Such a conformation allows the inner sides 5a, 6a to extend substantially transverse to the pages P of the book B, thus providing a resting surface to substantially all the pages P, even when the supporting portions 5, 6 are spaced apart from each other.

As shown in Figure 3, the first supporting portion 5 has a profile that is substantially complementary to the second supporting portion 6 so that, in the approached configuration, the inner sides 5a, 6a are joined flush to each other.

Preferably, the upper surfaces 5c, 6c of the supporting portions 5, 6 have a substantially triangular or trapezoidal shape, that is, each upper surface 5c, 6c is provided with a base portion 10 and with a pointed portion 11 opposite each other; specifically, in the case of a trapezoidal shape, the pointed portion 11 corresponds to the minor base of the trapezoid and the base portion 10 corresponds to the major base of the trapezoid. Conveniently, the base portion 10 of one of the supporting portions 5, 6 is arranged side by side with the pointed portion 11 of the other supporting portion 5, 6 so that, in the approached configuration, the holding surface 3 has a substantially rectangular shape. It cannot, however, be ruled out that the supporting portions 5, 6 may have different conformations, such as e.g. a curvilinear or rectangular profile.

Appropriately, the device 1 comprises adjustment means 12 for adjusting the mutual distance between the supporting portions 5, 6. The adjustment means 12 are adapted to allow, due to an external force applied thereto, the movement of the supporting portions 5, 6 between an approached configuration, wherein the first supporting portion 5 and the second supporting portion 6 are positioned close to each other and the inner sides 5a, 6a are in contact with each other to define the holding surface 3, and a distanced configuration wherein the first supporting portion 5 and the second supporting portion 6 are moved away from each other and the inner sides 5a, 6a are moved apart from each other. Specifically, the adjustment means 12 allow the outer sides 5b, 6b to be pressed in abutment against the edges of the front cover Cl and of the back cover C2 in such a way as to keep the main body 2 fitted to size between the latter and ensure full support for the pages P of the book B.

Preferably, the adjustment means 12 comprise at least one elastic element 13 positioned between the first supporting portion 5 and the second supporting portion 6 and adapted to block the same in a distanced configuration to press the first outer side 5b and the second outer side 6b in abutment against the back cover C2 and the front cover Cl, respectively.

Preferably, the elastic element 13 is mounted on one of the two inner sides 5a, 6a and presses against the other inner side 5a, 6a, thus moving the supporting portions 5, 6 away from each other.

In one or more embodiments described in detail later in this description, the second supporting portion 6 is made fixed to the main body 2, in actual facts they are a single body piece, and the first supporting portion 5 rotates away from/close to the second supporting portion 6. In such embodiments, the elastic element 13 is fixed to the second supporting portion 6 and operates by thrust on the first supporting portion 5.

Preferably, the elastic element 13 is of the type of a foil spring positioned between the supporting portions 5, 6. As shown in the figures, the fastening means 4 comprise an insertion element 14 coupled to the main body 2 and positioned at least partly transversely to the holding surface 3. The insertion element 14, in use, is intended to be fitted substantially to size in the space E defined between the back portion A and the spine D of the book B. Preferably, the insertion element 14 is adapted to be fitted into the space E when the book B is open, since the space E has larger dimensions than when the book B is closed. By closing the book B, it is thus possible to tighten the insertion element 14 to block it inside the space E.

For this purpose, the insertion element 14 has a conformation that is substantially complementary to the space E.

Preferably, the insertion element 14 has a substantially rectangular shape.

Conveniently, the insertion element 14 is positioned at a first extreme portion 7 of the main body 2 so that, in use, the main body 2 is arranged along one of the edges of the book B.

Appropriately, the insertion element 14 is connected to the main body 2 by interposition of the connecting element 15.

Preferably, the connecting element 15 is arranged transversely to the insertion element 14 and substantially parallel to the holding surface 3.

Preferably, the insertion element 14 and the connecting element 15 are made in a single body piece.

It cannot, however, be ruled out that the connecting element 15 may be a separate element from the insertion element 14 and/or that the connecting element 15 be made of a single body piece with the main body 2.

Advantageously, in one or more embodiments, at least part of the main body 2 is movable with respect to the insertion element 14 around a second axis of rotation X2 transverse to the holding surface 3.

Substantially, the second axis of rotation X2 is substantially parallel to the first axis of rotation Xi so that the main body 2 can be rotated with respect to the insertion element 14 to fit the shape and size of the book B.

In one or more embodiments, described in detail later in the description, the second axis of rotation X2 substantially coincides with the first axis of rotation Xi. In other words, the supporting portions 5, 6 are pivoted to each other, and/or to the main body 2, and to the connecting element 15 by means of the same pivot.

Conveniently, the device 1 comprises anti-rotational means 16 configured to block the distanced rotation of at least one of either the first supporting portion 5 or the second supporting portion 6 with respect to a predefined angle.

In the present case, the anti-rotational means 16 are configured to block the distanced rotation of the first supporting portion 5 and/or of the second supporting portion 6 with respect to a predefined angle. In other words, the anti- rotational means 16 block the rotation of the supporting portions 5, 6 around at least one of the axes of rotation Xi, X2 when the opening angle between the supporting portions 5, 6 reaches a predetermined value.

According to one or more embodiments, the anti-rotational means 16 are configured to block the distanced rotation of the first supporting portion 5 with respect to the second supporting portion 6.

For this purpose, preferably, the anti-rotational means 16 comprise an abutment surface 17 positioned on one of the supporting portions 5, 6 and a stop surface 18 positioned on the insertion element 14 and/or on the connecting element 15. The abutment surface 17 is adapted to stop against the stop surface 18 to block the rotational movement of at least one of the supporting portions 5, 6 around at least one of the axes of rotation Xi, X2.

Conveniently, at least one of either the first supporting portion 5 or the second supporting portion 6 comprises at least one tooth 19 projecting from at least one of either the first inner side 5a or the second inner side 6a, and at least the other of either the first supporting portion 5 or the second supporting portion 6 comprises at least one seat 20 adapted, in at least the approached configuration, to house at least the tooth 19. The tooth 19 has an upper surface 21 which, preferably, is arranged in the same plane as the upper surfaces 5c, 6c of the supporting portions 5, 6. This expedient makes it possible to increase the extension of the holding surface 3 when the supporting portions 5, 6 are moved away from each other. Preferably, the main body 2 is made at least partly of a plastic material.

Advantageously, the main body 2 has a length between 90 mm and 220 mm, and a thickness between 1 mm and 6 mm.

According to a first embodiment shown in Figures 3, 4, 5 and 6, the supporting portions 5, 6 are pivoted to each other, and/or to the main body 2, at either the first extreme portion 7 or the central portion 9. In detail, one of either the first or the second supporting portions 5, 6 is locked together with the connecting element 15, while the other of either the first or the second supporting portions 5, 6 is pivoted to the main body 2 around the first axis of rotation Xi.

As an example, in accordance with the embodiment shown in Figures 3, 4, 5 and 6, the second supporting portion 6 is locked together with the connecting element 15, while the first supporting portion 5 is pivoted to the main body 2.

Preferably, the second supporting portion 6 and the main body 2 are made in a single body piece.

One of either the first 5 or the second 6 supporting portions, preferably the first supporting portion 5, is connected to the main body 2 at the base portion 10, while the other of either the first 5 or the second 6 supporting portions, preferably the second supporting portion 6, is connected to the main body 2 at the pointed portion 11.

By means of this expedient, when the supporting portions 5, 6 are in the approached configuration, the main body 2 has a substantially rectangular shape.

Preferably, the pointed portion 11 of the second supporting portion 6 is locked together with the connecting element 15, while the base portion 10 of the first supporting portion 5 is pivoted to the main body 2.

As visible from Figure 5, the base portion 10 of the first supporting portion 5 has an outer section 23, arranged adjacent to the first outer side 5b, and an inner section 22 arranged adjacent to the first inner side 5a. Conveniently, the outer section 23 is inclined with respect to the inner section 22 to make the abutment surface 17 of the anti-rotational means 16. That is, in the distanced configuration, the outer section 23 is adapted to abut against the stop surface 18 positioned on the insertion element 14 and/or on the connecting element 15 to block the rotation of at least the first supporting portion 5 around the first axis of rotation Xi and/or the second supporting portion 6 around the second axis of rotation X2. In detail, the inclination of the outer section 23 with respect to the inner section 22 causes the maximum rotation of the first supporting portion 5 around the first axis of rotation Xi; in other words, the amplitude of the angle defined by the outer section 23 and by the inner section 22 causes the freedom of rotation of the first supporting portion 5 with respect to the fastening means 4. Similarly, the pointed portion 11 of the second supporting portion 6 also defines a respective abutment surface 17 adapted to block and stop the rotation of at least the second supporting portion 6.

Preferably, the outer section 23 is inclined with respect to the inner section 22 by an angle between 10° and 40°, preferably 20°.

Conveniently, at least one of either the first supporting portion 5 or the second supporting portion 6 has a tooth 19 arranged at the second extreme portion 8 of the main body 2, and the other of either the first supporting portion 5 or the second supporting portion 6 has a seat 20, opposite the tooth 19, adapted to house the tooth 19.

Preferably, the tooth 19 has a smaller thickness than the thickness of the main body 2 and the seat 20 is obtained by means of a thickness reduction of at least one portion of the second supporting portion 6.

Preferably, the tooth 19 is at least partly housed in the seat 20 in both the approached and distanced configurations.

As visible in Figures 5 and 6, the tooth 19 has an elongated conformation and the seat 20 also has an elongated conformation that is substantially complementary to the conformation of the tooth 19.

This allows the tooth 19 to slide within the seat 20 when moving the supporting portions 5, 6 between the approached and distanced configuration.

In the present case, the seat 20 is defined by at least a lower edge 24 and an upper edge 25 arranged in the proximal and distal position respectively, with respect to the axis of rotation Xi. The upper edge 25 has a substantially curvilinear profile such that the tooth 19 can slide within the seat 20. Preferably, the lower edge 24 also has a substantially curvilinear profile.

Preferably, the tooth 19 has a substantially rectangular shape and is coplanar to the upper surface 5c, 6c of the respective supporting portion 5, 6. The seat 20, on the other hand, is lowered with respect to the upper surface 5c, 6c of the respective supporting portion 5, 6.

Appropriately, each of the first supporting portion 5 and of the second supporting portion 6 has a housing hole for the elastic element 13 cut at the respective inner side 5a, 6a.

According to one embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6, the supporting portions 5, 6 are connected to the first extreme portion 7 of the main body 2. In such an embodiment, preferably, the first extreme portion 7 is pivoted to the connecting element 15 by means of the same pivoting pin as the first supporting portion 5 to the first extreme portion 7 so that the first axis of rotation Xi coincides with the second axis of rotation X2 .

Preferably, in such an embodiment, the main body 2 has, in an approached configuration, a width between 90 mm and 170 mm, preferably 96 mm; and a length between 100 mm and 160 mm, preferably 134 mm.

This embodiment is preferably used for thick books, that is, with a lot of pages.

In this embodiment, the insertion element 14 and the connecting element 15 are in a single body piece.

The insertion element 14 has a length between 30 mm and 80 mm, preferably 50 mm; a width between 50 mm and 100 mm, preferably 80 mm; and a thickness between 0.5 mm and 4 mm, preferably 2 mm.

Advantageously, the connecting element 15 has a length between 10 mm and 50 mm, preferably 30 mm; a width between 60 mm and 100 mm, preferably 80 mm; and a thickness between 0.5 mm and 2 mm, preferably 1 mm.

The first extreme portion 7 has a substantially trapezoidal shape wherein a first base facing the connecting element 15, a second base facing the supporting elements 5, 6, an inner side and an outer side are identified.

Preferably, the first base of the first extreme portion 7 has a length between 60 mm and 100 mm, preferably equal to 82 mm; the second base has a length between 30 mm and 70 mm, preferably equal to 59 mm; the inner side has a length between 5 mm and 15 mm, preferably equal to 11 mm. The thickness of the first extreme portion 7 is between 0.5 mm and 3 mm, preferably equal to 1.5 mm.

Advantageously, the second supporting portion 6 has: the base portion 10 having a length between 80 mm and 120 mm, preferably 96 mm; the second inner side 6a having a length between 80 mm and 120 mm, preferably 109 mm; an angle between the base portion 10 and the second inner side 6a between 50° and 70°, preferably 64°; an angle between the base portion 10 and the second outer side 6b between 60° and 80°, preferably 75°; a thickness between 2 mm and 6 mm, preferably 4 mm.

The first supporting portion 5 has: the first inner side 6a between 100 mm and 150 mm in length, preferably 135 mm; the first outer side 6b between 80 mm and 120 mm in length, preferably 103 mm; the outer section 23 between 20 mm and 50 mm in length, preferably 34 mm; the inner section 22 between 20 mm and 60 mm in length, preferably 42 mm; a thickness between 2 and 6, preferably 4 mm.

Conveniently, the first supporting portion 5 has at the base portion 10 a decrease in thickness at which it is superimposed on the first extreme portion 7. In detail, at the base portion 10, the first supporting portion 5 has a thickness between 0.5 mm and 3 mm, preferably 1 mm.

The tooth 19 has a longitudinal extension between 50 mm and 80 mm, preferably 66 mm; and a thickness between 1 mm and 3 mm, preferably 2 mm. According to one embodiment shown in Figure 10, at least one of the supporting portions 5, 6, preferably the first supporting portion 5, is pivoted at the central portion 9 of the main body 2. In turn, the main body 2 is pivoted to the connecting element 15 at its own first extreme portion 7. In detail, the first supporting portion 5 is pivoted at the central portion 9 to rotate around the axis of rotation Xi, while the first extreme portion 7 of the main body 2 is pivoted at the connecting element 15 to rotate around the axis of rotation X2.

Preferably, in such an embodiment, the main body 2 has a width between 10 mm and 90 mm, preferably 30 mm; and a length between 100 mm and 160 mm, preferably 137 mm.

This embodiment is preferably used for books of limited thickness, that is, with only a few pages.

The first supporting portion 5 has a thickness between 2 mm and 6 mm, preferably 4 mm.

Conveniently, the first supporting portion 5 has, at the base portion 10, a decrease in thickness at which it is superimposed on the first extreme portion 7. In detail, at the base portion 10, the first supporting portion 5 has a thickness between 0.5 mm and 3 mm, preferably 1 mm.

The second supporting portion 6 has a thickness between 2 mm and 6 mm, preferably 4 mm.

The central portion 9 of the main body 2 has a thickness between 1 mm and 6 mm, preferably 4 mm. Conveniently, the central portion 9 has a decrease in thickness at the first supporting portion 5 and at the connecting element 15 such that it allows it to superimpose on the latter. In detail, the central portion 9 preferably has a thickness between 1 mm and 3 mm, preferably 1 mm, at the first supporting portion 5 and/or the connecting element 15.

The connecting element 15 has a thickness between 0.5 mm and 4 mm, preferably 2 mm.

According to a second embodiment shown in Figure 7, the supporting portions 5, 6 are substantially similar to the preceding embodiments, that is, they have a substantially triangular or trapezoidal shape. Specifically, the base portion 10 of the first supporting portion 5 is pivoted to the pointed portion 11 of the second supporting portion 6, while the base portion 10 of the second supporting portion 6 is pivoted to the connecting element 15.

In more detail, the first supporting portion 5 is movable in rotation around the first axis of rotation Xi and the second supporting portion 6 is movable in rotation around the second axis of rotation X2.

In this embodiment, the first supporting portion 5 has smaller dimensions than the second supporting portion 6.

According to a third embodiment shown in Figure 8, the first supporting portion 5 comprises at least a first tooth 19a and the second supporting portion comprises at least a second tooth 19b arranged at the first inner side and at the second inner side, respectively, in a mirroring position to each other.

Conveniently, each of the teeth 19a, 19b has a lowered recess 28 adapted to make, in the approached configuration, a coupling by shape with the other of the teeth 19a, 19b.

Appropriately, the length of the teeth 19a, 19b is at least equal to the maximum opening of the supporting portions 5, 6 so that, in a distanced configuration, the teeth 19a, 19b are at least partly superimposed on each other to provide a resting surface for the book pages.

In detail, one of the teeth 19a, 19b is arranged coplanar to the upper surface 5c, 6c of the respective supporting portion 5, 6, and the recess 28 is obtained inferiorly to the tooth 19a, 19b, while the other of the teeth 19a, 19b has a recess 28 obtained superiorly from the upper surface 5c, 6c.

Preferably, the supporting portions 5, 6 have a substantially rectangular shape.

Preferably, each supporting portion 5, 6 is pivoted to the connecting element 15 around a respective axis of rotation Xi, X2.

In detail, the first supporting portion 5 is pivoted to the connecting element 15 around the first axis of rotation Xi and the second supporting portion 6 is pivoted to the connecting element around the second axis of rotation X2.

According to a third embodiment shown in Figure 9, the first supporting portion 5 comprises at least a first tooth 19a and at least a first seat 20a, and the second supporting portion 6 comprises at least a second tooth 19b and at least a second seat 20b. In detail, the first seat 20a and the second seat 20b are intended to receive and accommodate the second 19b and the first tooth 19a, respectively. For this purpose, the first seat 20a and the second seat 20b have a substantially complementary shape to the second and first teeth 19b, 19a and are arranged in a mirroring position.

Preferably, each tooth 19a, 19b has a lower edge 26 and an upper edge 27 arranged proximal and distal, respectively, to their respective axes of rotation Xi and X ₂ .

Advantageously, each supporting portion 5, 6 is pivoted to the connecting element 15 around a respective axis of rotation Xi, X ₂ .

In detail, the first supporting portion 5 is pivoted to the connecting element 15 around the first axis of rotation Xi and the second supporting portion 6 is pivoted to the connecting element around the second axis of rotation X ₂ .

Usefully, the upper edge 27 is inclined with respect to the lower edge 26, that is, each tooth 19a, 19b has a substantially triangular shape. This conformation allows the tooth 19a, 19b to slide internally into the seat 20 during the rotation of the supporting portions 5, 6.

Specifically, the seat 20 is a cavity made from the inner side of the respective supporting portion 5, 6.

Preferably, the first tooth 19a and the second tooth 19b are arranged close to the pointed portion 11 of the first and the second supporting elements 5, 6, respectively, while the first and the second seats 20a, 20b are arranged close to the base portion 10 of the first and the second supporting elements 5, 6.

It has, in practice, been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects, and in particular, the fact is emphasized that the supporting device is able to effectively support the pages of a book, thus strengthening the structure thereof and preventing it from sagging. In addition, the supporting device turns out to be easily associable with a book.