Book-Supporter (Lewis H. Latimer, No. 781,890)
The patent by Lewis H. Latimer describes certain new and useful Improvements in Book-Supporters (Patent No. 781,890, 1905). The well-known need is for a convenient supporter for books on shelves to prevent them from tipping over and becoming distorted. The key features are the device’s adaptability for use at both the top or bottom of books and its ability to be easily manufactured from a single piece of sheet metal.
Inventor Background: Lewis H. Latimer
Lewis H. Latimer (1848–1928) was a crucial African-American inventor and draftsman, renowned for his foundational work in electric lighting (carbon filament process, No. 252,386). This later patent demonstrates his continued ingenuity in solving everyday utility and domestic problems, applying simple mechanical principles to create a highly effective consumer product.
Invention and Mechanism (Simplified)
The book supporter is a single piece of bent metal designed with opposing folds to provide support in two directions, making it reversible for different uses.
- Manufacturing: The support is preferably stamped up (formed) from a single piece of sheet metal.
- Shelf Grip: One end of the metal piece is bent to form an upright piece (2) and a nearly horizontal piece (3).
- Function: These two parts are designed to slide over and grip the edge of a shelf (like a clamp).
- The Reversible Rest (Key Innovation): The opposite end of the metal piece is modified by a series of precise bends:
- Cut and Bend: A slit is cut in the metal. The portion beyond the slit is first bent upward (part 4). The rest of that portion is bent twice at right angles (parts 5 and 6).
- Flush Edge: The final edge of the bent part (6) is brought substantially flush with the edge of the main body of the sheet (1).
- Dual Operation:
- Bottom Support (Fig. 2): When the flat section (1) grips the shelf, the upright parts (4, 5, 6) form a solid surface against which the bottoms or lower ends of the books rest.
- Top Support (Fig. 1): When the bent section (4, 5, 6) grips the shelf, the original upright part (2) serves as the support against which the tops or upper ends of the books rest.
- Result: The device is fully reversible and functional as both a top and bottom support.
Concepts Influenced by This Invention
Latimer’s book supporter influenced subsequent metal stamping and consumer product design by establishing principles for toolless, convertible utility using minimal material.
- Single-Piece Fabrication for Dual Utility: The core concept of stamping a product from a single piece of sheet metal and using precise, opposing bends to create a dual-function (reversible) tool influenced the design of modern:
- Sheet Metal Brackets and Clips: Components in electronics, shelving, and machinery that are fabricated rapidly from flat stock and rely on their geometric bends for spring tension, strength, and multi-functional attachment.
- Non-Marring Toolless Attachment: The design uses the spring tension and geometry of the metal itself (parts 2 and 3) to grasp the shelf, avoiding the need for screws or external clamps. This influenced toolless installation hardware.
- Integrated Support and Aesthetics: The design’s simplicity and adaptability influenced the aesthetic and functional requirements for modern consumer and office accessories, prioritizing clean lines, low cost, and versatile utility.
