Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
CA 02867247 2014-10-07
CLIPBOARD
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a clipboard, and more
specifically to a
clipboard having first and second panels that are integrally coupled together.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The conventional clipboard is made up of a rigid panel that has a bulky
clip
attached thereto. The clip can be adjusted between an open position and a
closed
position. When in the open position a gap is formed between the clip and the
rigid panel
so that paper or other items can be inserted between the clip and the rigid
panel. When in
the closed position the paper or other items are sandwiched between the clip
and the rigid
panel. Paper that is held by the clipboard can be written on because the rigid
panel forms
a rigid writing surface. Although conventional clipboards serve their purpose,
they are
outdated and leave much to be desired. Furthermore, conventional clipboards do
not
offer any protection of the item retained thereon. Further still, conventional
clipboards
leave papers retained thereby exposed and visible so such papers may be
readily
accessible to passersby, which may be undesirable if, for example, the
clipboard is
holding a person's medical records. Thus, a need exists for a new and improved
clipboard that cures the drawbacks of the conventional clipboard while being
easy to
manufacture and aesthetically pleasing.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure are directed
to a
clipboard. The clipboard may have first and second panels that are coupled
together by a
first hinge at their top ends. Furthermore, the second panel may comprise a
second hinge
and a third hinge. The second hinge divides the second panel into a cover
portion and a
clip portion. The third hinge divides the cover portion into a first section
and a second
section. The structure of the clipboard enables the second panel to be
adjustable between
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open and closed positions in a manner similar to the way that a sheet of paper
in a legal
pad is flipped.
[0004] In one aspect, the invention can be a clipboard comprising: a rigid
first panel
having a front surface, a rear surface, and a top end, the first panel
comprising a first
magnet; a second panel having a front surface, a rear surface, and a top end,
the first and
second panels coupled together by a first hinge connecting the top end of the
first panel to
the top end of the second panel; the second panel comprising: a second hinge
that divides
the second panel into a cover portion and a clip portion; and a third hinge
that divides the
clip portion of the second panel into a first section and a second section,
the first section
comprising a second magnet; wherein the second panel is adjustable between:
(1) a
closed position in which the second panel overlies the front surface of the
first panel; and
(2) an open position in which the cover portion of the second panel is
adjacent to the rear
surface of the first panel, the second section of the clip portion of the
second panel
overlies the first section of the clip portion of the second panel, the first
section of the clip
portion of the second panel overlies a top portion of the front surface of the
first panel,
and a bottom portion of the front surface of the first panel is exposed; and
wherein
opposite poles of the first and second magnets are aligned when the second
panel is in
both the open and closed positions to releasably secure, via magnetic
attractive forces
between the first and second magnets, the first section of the clip portion to
the first panel
to form a clip of the clipboard.
[0005j In another aspect, the invention can be a clipboard comprising: a first
panel
having a top end; a second panel having a top end, the first and second panels
coupled
together by a first hinge connecting the top end of the first panel to the top
end of the
second panel; the second panel comprising: a second hinge that divides the
second panel
into a cover portion and a clip portion; and a third hinge that divides the
clip portion of
the second panel into a first section and a second section; wherein the second
hinge has a
first width measured between the cover portion of the second panel and the
second
section of the clip portion of the second panel, and wherein the third hinge
has a second
width measured between the first section of the clip portion and the second
section of the
clip portion, the first width being greater than the second width.
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100061 In yet another embodiment, the invention can be a clipboard comprising:
a rigid
first panel having a top end; a rigid second panel having a top end, the first
and second
panels coupled together by a first hinge connecting the top end of the first
panel to the top
end of the second panel; the second panel comprising: a second hinge that
divides the
second panel into a cover portion and a clip portion; and a third hinge that
divides the clip
portion of the second panel into a first section and a second section.
[0007] In a further aspect, the invention can be a clipboard comprising: a
first panel
extending from a bottom end to a top end and comprising a front surface, a
rear surface,
and a first magnet; a second panel extending from a bottom end to a top end
and
comprising a front surface, a rear surface, and a second magnet, the first and
second
panels coupled together by a first hinge connecting the top end of the first
panel to the top
end of the second panel; a third panel comprising a front surface, a rear
surface, and a
third magnet, the third panel coupled to the bottom end of the first panel by
a second
hinge; wherein the clipboard is adjustable between: (1) a closed state in
which the front
surface of the third panel is adjacent to a bottom portion of the front
surface of the first
panel, and the rear surface of the second panel is adjacent to the rear
surface of the third
panel and to a top portion of the front surface of the first panel; and (2) an
open state in
which the second panel is rotated about the first hinge to expose the top
portion of the
front surface of the first panel; and wherein opposite poles of the first and
third magnets
and opposite poles of the second and third magnets are aligned when the
clipboard is in
the closed state to releasably secure the third panel to the first panel via
magnetic
attractive forces between the first and third magnets and to releasably secure
the second
panel to the third panel via magnetic attractive forces between the second and
third
magnets.
[0008] In a still further aspect, the invention can be a clipboard comprising:
a first panel
comprising a bottom end, a top end, a front surface, a rear surface, and a
first magnet; a
second panel comprising a top end, a front surface, a rear surface, and a
second magnet,
the first and second panels coupled together by a first hinge connecting the
top end of the
first panel to the top end of the second panel; a third panel comprising a
front surface, a
rear surface, and a third magnet, the third panel coupled to the bottom end of
the first
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panel by a second hinge; wherein when the clipboard is in a closed state: (1)
the front
surface of the third panel is adjacent to a bottom portion of the front
surface of the first
panel and opposite poles of the first and third magnets are aligned to
releasably secure,
via magnetic attractive forces between the first and third magnets, the third
panel to the
first panel; and (2) the rear surface of the second panel is adjacent to the
rear surface of
the third panel so that opposite poles of the second and third magnets are
aligned to
releasably secure, via magnetic attractive forces between the second and third
magnets,
the second panel to the third panel.
[0009] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become
apparent from
the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that
the detailed
description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment
of the
invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended
to limit the
scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The present invention will become more fully understood from the
detailed
description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0011] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a clipboard in accordance with
a first
embodiment of the present invention, wherein a second panel of the clipboard
is in a
closed position;
[0012] Figure 2 is a front view of the clipboard of FIG. 1;
[0013] Figure 3 is a rear view of the clipboard of FIG. 1;
[0014] Figure 4 is a right-side view of the clipboard of FIG. 1;
[0015] Figure 5 is a left-side view of the clipboard of FIG. 1;
[0016] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 2;
[0017] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 2;
[0018] Figure 8 is a close-up of area VIII of FIG. 6;
[0019] Figure 9 is a side view of the clipboard of FIG. 1 illustrating the
transition of thc
second panel between the closed position and an open position;
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[0020] Figure 10 is a front perspective view of the clipboard of Figure 1,
wherein the
second panel of the clipboard is in the open position;
[0021] Figure 11 is a front view of the clipboard of FIG. 10;
[0022] Figure 12 is a rear view of the clipboard of FIG. 10;
[0023] Figure 13 is a right-side view of the clipboard of FIG. 10;
[0024] Figure 14 is a left-side view of the clipboard of FIG. 10;
[0025] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV of FIG. 11;
[0026] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI of FIG.
11;
[0027] Figure 17 is a close-up view of area XVII of FIG. 15;
[0028] Figure 18 is a close-up view of area XVIII of FIG. 16;
[0029] Figure 19 is a close-up cross-sectional schematic view illustrating a
clip of the
clipboard in an open position;
[0030] Figure 20 is a close-up cross-sectional schematic view illustrating the
clip of the
clipboard in a closed position and retaining an item;
[0031] Figure 21 is a front perspective view of a clipboard in accordance with
a second
embodiment of the present invention, wherein the clipboard is in an open
state;
[0032] Figure 22 is a front perspective view of the clipboard of FIG. 21 with
a pad of
paper retained by the clipboard;
[0033] Figure 23 is a front view of the clipboard of FIG. 22 in a closed
state;
[0034] Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXIV-XXIV of FIG.
23;
[0035] Figure 25 is a close-up view of area XXV of FIG. 24; and
[0036] Figure 26 is a close-up view of area XXVI of FIG. 24.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0037] The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely
exemplary in
nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or
uses.
[0038] The description of illustrative embodiments according to principles of
the present
invention is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings,
which
are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the
description of
embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or
orientation
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is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any
way to limit
the scope of the present invention. Relative
terms such as "lower," "upper,"
"horizontal," "vertical," "above," "below," "up," "down," "top" and "bottom"
as well as
derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "downwardly," "upwardly," etc.)
should be
construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the
drawing under
discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and
do not
require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular
orientation unless
explicitly indicated as such. Terms such as "attached," "affixed,"
"connected,"
"coupled," "interconnected," and similar refer to a relationship wherein
structures are
secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through
intervening
structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships,
unless expressly
described otherwise. Moreover, the features and benefits of the invention are
illustrated
by reference to the exemplified embodiments. Accordingly, the invention
expressly
should not be limited to such exemplary embodiments illustrating some possible
non-
limiting combination of features that may exist alone or in other combinations
of
features; the scope of the invention being defined by the claims appended
hereto.
[0039] Referring first to Figures 1-7 concurrently, a clipboard 100 will be
described in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The clipboard 100
generally
comprises a first panel 110 and a second panel 130 that are coupled together
as described
herein below to form a single unitary structure that operates as a clipboard
for retaining
items between the first and second panels 110, 130. In some embodiments the
first panel
110 may be considered a rear panel and the second panel 130 may be considered
a front
panel or cover panel. Thus, the first panel 110 may foi ___________ i a
writing surface for items
retained by the clipboard 100 and the second panel 130 may be used for privacy
or
protection of items retained by thc clipboard 100.
[0040] Furthermore, in certain embodiments the first panel 110 is rigid or is
formed of a
rigid material. Thus, the first panel 110 may be formed of one or more layers
of
cardboard that provide the first panel 110 with its rigidity. In certain
embodiments, the
first panel 110 may be formed in a manner similar to a hardcover for a book.
In that
regard, the first panel 110 may be formed of one or more book board panels,
chipboard,
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or the like. Of course, the invention is not to be particularly limited by the
material that is
used to form the first panel 110 in all embodiments and the first panel 110
can be faulted
of other materials that are known to be rigid in that they cannot be bent or
deflected more
than a minute amount without breaking.
100411 In certain embodiments the first panel 110 has a length and a width,
and when the
first panel 110 is held by one end in a cantilevered manner along its length
the first panel
110 deflects no more than 5 -10 . The rigidity of the first panel 110 is
desirable so that
when the clipboard 100 is being used to retain paper, a user can write on the
paper while
the paper is in contact with the first panel 110 so that the first panel 110
acts as a rigid
writing surface. In that regard, the rigidity of the first panel 110 is such
that if a user is
writing on paper that is positioned on the first panel 110, the first panel
110 remains stiff
and will not bend during such writing. In certain embodiments, the rigidity of
the first
panel 110 is the same as that of the cover for a hardcover book because the
first panel 110
may be manufactured using standard bookbinding techniques. Further __ more,
although the
materials are described above with regard to the first panel 110, it should be
appreciated
that in certain embodiments the second panel 130 is formed of the same
material as the
first panel 110.
[0042] In the exemplified embodiment, the first panel 110 is a flat, planar
structure
having a front surface 111, a rear surface 112, a bottom end 113, a top end
114, a first
side edge 115, and an opposing second side edge 116. Each of the front and
rear surfaces
111, 112 of the first panel 110 are flat and planar and have no ridges,
undulations,
indentations, or the like. However, the invention is not to be so limited in
all
embodiments and in certain other embodiments some ridges, undulations,
indentations, or
the like may be included on the front and/or rear surfaces 111, 112. The
second panel
130 is also a flat, planar structure having a front surface 131, a rear
surface 132, a bottom
end 133, a top end 134, a first side edge 135, and an opposing second side
edge 136. The
clipboard 100 extends along a longitudinal axis A-A from the bottom ends 113,
133 of
the first and second panels 110, 130 to the top ends 114, 134 of the first and
second
panels 110, 130. The first and second panels 110, 130 are coupled together by
a first
hinge 150 that connects the top end 113 of the first panel 110 to the top end
133 of the
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second panel 130. In the exemplified embodiment, the first and second panels
110, 130
and the first hinge 150 are formed as an integral structure and the first
hinge 150 forms a
living hinge. More specifically, in the exemplified embodiment the first hinge
150 is
formed by a portion of the clipboard 100 that has a reduced thickness relative
to the top
ends 114, 134 of the first and second panels 110, 130. Thus, despite their
rigidity, the
first and second panels 110, 130 are able to rotate relative to one another
about the first
hinge 150.
[0043] Although the first hinge 150 is illustrated and described herein as
being a living
hinge formed of a portion of the clipboard 100 having a reduced thickness
relative to the
portions of the clipboard 100 to which it is coupled, the invention is not to
be so limited
in all embodiments. In that regard, the first hinge 150 can take on any of a
plurality of
different forms, such as being a butt hinge, a T-hinge, a strap hinge, a gate
hinge, a
butterfly hinge, a barrel hinge, or the like. Thus, the exact structure used
to faun the first
hinge 150 is not to be limiting in all embodiments and the first hinge 150 can
be formed
by any structure that permits relative movement between the first and second
panels 110,
130 as described in more detail below.
[0044] While the first panel 110 faints a rear panel or writing surface of the
clipboard
100, the first panel 130 foims a front panel or cover of the clipboard 100 and
can be used
= to cover and protect documents, papers, or other items that are retained
between the first
and second panels 110, 130. Figures 1-7 illustrate the clipboard 100 with the
second
panel 130 in a closed position in which the second panel 130 overlies the
first panel 110.
More specifically, in the closed position the rear surface 132 of the second
panel 130 is
adjacent to and covers the front surface 111 of the first panel 110. In the
exemplified
embodiment, no portion of the front surface 111 of the first panel 110 is
exposed when
the second panel 130 is in the closed position because the second panel 130
covers the
entirety of the front surface 111 of the first panel 110. Of course, the
invention is not to
be so limited in all embodiments and the first panel 110 may be larger than
the second
panel 130 so that portions of the first panel 110 remain exposed even in the
closed
position. As a result of the second panel 130 overlying and covering the first
panel 110,
any papers or other items retained by the clipboard 100 will be trapped
between the first
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and second panels 110, 130 and protected against damage from the elements.
Furthermore, trapping or sandwiching the retained item between the first and
second
panels 110, 130 hides the item from view of the general public so that if the
retained item
is not one which is desired to be shared with the public, such as medical
records, tax
documents, other documents containing personal information, or the like, the
clipboard
100 will accomplish this goal. Thus, the closed position of the second panel
130 provides
privacy and protection to any item retained by the clipboard 100.
[0045] The second panel 130 of the clipboard 100 comprises several sections
that are
formed by hinges or the like which facilitate the functionality of the
clipboard 100
illustrated in FIG. 9, which will be described in more detail below.
Specifically, the
second panel 130 comprises a second hinge 160 that divides the second panel
130 into a
cover portion 120 and a clip portion 101. Furthermore, the second panel 130
comprises a
third hinge 170 that divides the clip portion 101 into a first section 140 and
a second
section 180. In the exemplified embodiment, each of the second and third
hinges 160,
170 is fonned by a portion of the second panel 130 that has a reduced
thickness relative
to adjacent portions of the second panel 130, and thus each of the second and
third hinges
160, 170 is a living hinge. Specifically, the second hinge 160 has a thickness
that is less
than thc thicknesses of each of the cover portion 120 and the second section
180 of the
clip portion 101. Furthermore, the third hinge 170 has a thickness that is
less than a
thickness of each of the first and second sections 140, 180 of the clip
portion 101. Of
course, the second and third hinges 160, 170 need not be formed by reduced
thickness in
all embodiments and can be any other type of hinge, such as those described
above with
regard to the first hinge 150 or any other type of hinge known to those of
skill in the art.
[0046] In certain embodiments the second panel 130 comprises a rigid material
(such as
the materials described above with regard to the first panel 110) that forms
each of the
cover portion 120 and the first and second sections 140, 180 of the clip
portion 101.
Specifically, during manufacturing of the clipboard 100, the rigid materials
that fonn the
cover portion 120 and each of the first and second sections 140, 180 of the
clip portion
101 are initially separate from one another, although they may be coupled
together using
tape or some other coupling mechanism. To form the finished clipboard 100, the
rigid
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material forming the cover portion 120 and the first and second sections 140,
180 of the
clip portion 101 and the rigid material forming the first panel 110 are
collectively covered
or wrapped with an integral outer covering 109 (see FIGS. 6-8) that forms the
exposed
portions of the clipboard 100. Thus, once the outer covering 109 is applied to
the first
panel 110 and the second panel 130 (specifically to the cover portion 120 and
the first
and second sections 140, 180 of the clip portion 101 of the second panel 130),
the
clipboard 100 is a unitary structure. Thus, the first panel 110 comprises the
rigid material
noted above and a portion of the outer covering 109 that covers/surrounds the
rigid
material forming the first panel 110. The second panel 130 comprises the rigid
material
forming the cover portion 120 and the first and second sections 140, 180 of
the clip
portion 101 and the portion of the outer covering 109 that covers/surrounds
those
components.
100471 Before the outer covering 109 is applied/made to cover the rigid
portions of the
first and second panels 110, 130, the cover portion 120 is spaced apart from
the second
section 180 of the clip portion 101 by a gap, the second section 180 of the
clip portion
101 is spaced apart from the first section 140 of thc clip portion 101 by a
gap, and the
first section 140 of the clip portion 101 is spaced apart from the first panel
110 by a gap.
The outer covering 109 covers the rigid components of the first and second
panels 110,
130 and also passes over the gaps to fouli the unitary clipboard 100
structure. In the
exemplified embodiment, the outer covering 109 located at the gaps is what
forms the
first, second, and third hinges 150, 160, 170 of the second panel 130. Thus,
the outer
covering 109 is preferably fonned of a pliable or flexible material that is
able to flex and
bend in order to form the first, second, and third hinges 150, 160, 170. In
certain
embodiments, the outer covering 109 may be any desired material, including
linen (or
book linen), leather, high quality book cloth, single or multi-layer laminate,
paper
products, vinyl, or the like, although the invention is not to be so limited
in all
embodiments. Furthermore, although a bookbinding technique is described herein
above
for forming the clipboard 100, in other embodiments the clipboard 100 can be
manufactured using heat sealing methods or other techniques known in the art
and the
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invention is not to be limited by the specific examples specified herein in
all
embodiments.
[0048] In the exemplified embodiment, the third hinge 170 is located between
the first
and second hinges 150, 160 and the second section 180 of the clip portion 101
is located
between the cover portion 120 and the first section 140 of the clip portion
101. Thus,
heading in a direction from the bottom edge 133 of the second panel 130 to the
top edge
134 of the second panel 130, the second panel comprises the cover portion 120,
the
second hinge 160, the second section 180 of the clip portion 101, the third
hinge 170, and
the first section 140 of the clip portion 101. The first section 140 of the
clip portion 101
of the second panel 130 comprises the top end 134 of the second panel 130, and
thus the
first section 130 of the clip portion 101 of the second panel 130 is coupled
to the second
panel 110 via the first hinge 150.
[0049] In the exemplified embodiment, the second hinge 160 extends along a
first axis B-
B and the third hinge 170 extends along a second axis C-C, the first and
second axes B-B,
C-C being substantially parallel to one another. Furthermore, each of the
first and second
axes B-B, C-C is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A-A of
the clipboard
100. In the exemplified embodiment, each of the second and third hinges 160,
170 is
formed by a reduced thickness portion of the second panel 130 (a portion of
the second
panel 130 that is devoid of a rigid material and is only formed by the outer
covering 109)
that extends from the first side edge 135 of the second panel 130 to the
second side edge
136 of the second panel 130. This enables the cover portion 120 to rotate
relative to the
clip portion 101 about the second hinge 160. This further enables the second
section 180
of the clip portion 101 to rotate relative to the first section 140 of the
clip portion 101
about the third hinge 170.
[0050] The second hinge 160 has a first width WI measured between a top edge
121 of
the cover portion 120 of the second panel 130 and a bottom edge 181 of the
second
section 180 of the clip portion 101 of the second panel 130. The third hinge
170 has a
second width W2 measured between a top edge 182 of the second section 180 of
the clip
portion 101 and a bottom edge 141 of the first section 140 of the clip portion
101. In the
exemplified embodiment, the first width W1 is greater than the second width
W2. In
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certain embodiments, a ratio of the first width W1 to the second width W2 is
between
1.5:1 and 3:1, and more specifically approximately between 1.7:1 and 2:1.
Although not
required in all embodiments, forming the first width W1 to be larger than the
second
width W2 facilitates enabling the second hinge 160 to wrap around the top
edges 114, 134
of the first and second panels 110, 130 when the second panel 130 is in an
open position
described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 9-20.
[0051] Furthermore, in the exemplified embodiment the first section 140 of the
clip
portion 101 has a third width W3 measured between the first and third hinges
150, 170.
The second section 180 of the clip portion 101 has a fourth width W4 measured
between
the second and third hinges 170, 180. In the exemplified embodiment, the third
and
fourth widths W3, W4 are substantially the same. Furthermore, the cover
portion 120 of
the second panel 130 has a length Lcp measured between the bottom edge 133 of
the
second panel 130 and the top edge 121 of the cover portion 120. In the
exemplified
embodimcnt, the length La) of the cover portion 120 is greater than each of
the first and
second widths W1, W2. In certain embodiments a ratio of the length Lc', of the
cover
portion 120 to the first and second widths wi, W2 is between 7:1 and 10:1.
Furthermore,
in the exemplified embodiment the cover portion 120 is devoid of any hinges
along its
entire length La, from the bottom edge 133 of the second panel 130 to the top
edge 121
of the cover portion 120.
10052] In certain embodiments a ratio of each of the third and fourth widths
W3, W4 to
the first width W1 is between 1:1 and 2:1, and more specifically between 1.1:1
and 1.5:1,
and still more specifically approximately 1.3:1. Furthermore, a ratio of each
of the third
and fourth widths W3, W1 to the second width W2 is between 2:1 and 3:1, and
more
specifically between 2.1:1 and 2.5:1, and still more specifically
approximately 2.3:1.
Furthermore, in certain embodiments a ratio of the length Lci, of the cover
portion 120 to
the collective widths W1+W2-I-W3+W4 is between 2:1 and 3:1, more specifically
between
2.4:1 and 2.8:1, and still more specifically approximately 2.6:1. These ratios
are
preferable in certain embodiments to ensure that the clip portion 101 has
sufficient width
to retain items on the clipboard 100.
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[0053] In the exemplified embodiment, the clipboard 100 has an overall length
of
approximately 12 inches and an overall width of approximately 9 inches. Thus,
in the
exemplified embodiment the clipboard 100 is intended to retain and hold
notebook paper,
a legal pad, or the like. However, the invention is not to be limited by the
overall length
and width of the clipboard 100 in all embodiments. Of course, the invention is
not to be
limited by the dimensions and ratios of the various sections of the clipboard
10D in all
embodiments and the clipboard 100 may be manufactured in varying sizes and
dimensions while retaining its functionality described herein. Thus, the
clipboard 100
may be made smaller to retain smaller items or larger to retain larger items.
The size of
the clipboard 100 may be configured for use in holding portfolio paper,
drawing and/or
painting paper, scrapbooking materials, photographs of various sizes, menus,
wine lists,
and can even be wallet sized so as to fit in a person's wallet or purse.
[0054] As noted above, the second panel 130 comprises a front surface 131.
However, to
facilitate an understanding of the relative positioning of the various
sections/portions of
the second panel 130, the front surface 131 of the second panel 130 can be
divided as
follows. The cover portion 120 comprises a first portion 102 of the front
surface 131 of
the second panel 130. The second section 180 of the clip portion 101 comprises
a second
portion 103 of the front surface 131 of the second panel 130. The third
section 140 of the
clip portion 101 comprises a third portion 104 of the front surface 131 of the
second
panel 130. In the closed state depicted in Figures 1-7, the first and second
sections 140,
180 of the clip portion 101 of the second panel 101 are longitudinally spaced
apart from
one another by the third hinge 170. Furtheimore, as noted above in the
exemplified
embodiment when the second panel 130 is in the closed position no portion of
the front
surface 111 of the first panel 110 is exposed.
[0055] In the exemplified embodiment, the first panel 110 comprises a first
magnet 117,
a fourth magnet 118, and a fifth magnet 119. In the exemplified embodiment,
each of the
first, fourth, and fifth magnets 117-119 are disc magnets that are embedded
within the
first panel 110 so that no portion of the first, fourth, and fifth magnets 117-
119 is
exposed. Specifically, in the exemplified embodiment, each of the magnets 117,
118,
119 is located within a hole or cut-out that is foinied into the first panel
110. However,
13
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the invention is not to be so limited and one or more of the first, fourth,
and fifth magnets
117-119 may be exposed on an outer surface (i.e., the front or rear surfaces
111, 112) of
the first panel 110 in other embodiments. Furtheimore, one or more of the
first, fourth,
and fifth magnets 117-119 need not be disc-shaped magnets in all embodiments
and can
take on any desired shape or form. Thus, the first, fourth, and fifth magnets
117-119 may
be elongated in shape, may be formed by magnetic particles that are embedded
within the
first panel 110 at various desired locations, or the like. Furthermore,
although described
herein as being first, fourth, and fifth magnets 117-119, in certain
embodiments the
magnets 117-119 may be replaced by other fastening elements. For example,
instead of
magnets 117-119, the first panel 110 may comprise one-half of a hook-and-loop
fastener
(i.e., hooks or loops), an adhesive, a button or buttonhole, or the like.
[0056] In the exemplified embodiment, the first magnet 117 and the fifth
magnet 119 are
located in a top portion 145 of the first panel 110, arc longitudinally
aligned with one
another along a transverse axis D-D, and are transversely spaced apart from
one another
so that the first magnet 117 is closer to the second side edge 116 of the
first panel 110
and the fifth magnet 119 is closer to the first side edge 115 of the first
panel 110. More
specifically, in the exemplified embodiment the width of the first panel 110
measured
between the first and second side edges 115, 116 is approximately 9 inches,
and the first
magnet 117 is spaced approximately 2 inches from the second side edge 116 and
the fifth
magnet 119 is spaced approximately 2 inches from the first side edge 115. Of
course,
other widths of the first panel 110 are possible and other locations for the
first and fifth
magnets 117, 119 are possible. Furthermore, although two magnets 117, 119 are
depicted in the exemplified embodiment, the invention is not to be so limited
and a single
magnet can be used in some embodiments and positioned in the top portion 145
of the
first panel 110 along the transverse axis D-D, or more than two magnets can be
positioned in the top portion 145 of the first panel 110 along the transverse
axis D-D in
some embodiments.
[0057] The fourth magnet 118 is located in a central region of the first panel
110 between
the left and right side edges 115, 116 of the first panel 110. However, the
fourth magnet
118 may be positioned closer to either one of the left and right side edges
115, 116 of the
14
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first panel 110 in other embodiments. In the exemplified embodiment, a
transverse axis
E-E that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A-A intersects the fourth
magnet 118.
Furthermore, although a single fourth magnet 118 is depicted in the drawings,
more than
one magnet may be positioned along the transverse axis E-E in some
embodiments.
Furthermore, in some embodiments the fourth magnet 118 may be entirely
omitted, or
may be substituted by another type of fastening element such as those
described above.
10058] The fourth magnet 118 is spaced from the bottom edge 113 of the first
panel 110
by between 35% and 50%, and more specifically between 40% and 45% of the
length of
the first panel 110 measured between the bottom and top edges 113, 114 of the
first panel
110. Specifically, in the exemplified embodiment the first panel 110 has a
length
measured from the bottom edge 113 to the top edge 114 of approximately 12
inches and
the fourth magnet 118 is spaced approximately 5 inches from the bottom edge
113. The
fourth magnet 118 is so positioned so that it comes into alignient with a
magnet on the
second panel 130 when the second panel 130 is in the open position as
described in more
detail below. Specifically, when the second panel 130 is in the open position
the bottom
edge 133 of the second panel 130 is located between the bottom edge 113 of the
first
panel 110 and the top edge 114 of the first panel 110. Thus, the fourth magnet
118 must
be positioned at a location on the first panel 110 that is overlapped by the
second panel
130 when the second panel 130 is in the open position in order for a magnet on
the
second panel 130 to be in alignment with the fourth magnet 118.
[0059] The second panel 130 comprises a second magnet 137, a third magnet 138,
and a
sixth magnet 139. More specifically, the first section 140 of the clip portion
101 of the
second panel 130 comprises the second and sixth magnets 137, 139 and the cover
portion
120 of the second panel 130 comprises the third magnet 138. In the exemplified
embodiment, each of the second, third, and sixth magnets 13'7-139 are disc
magnets that
are embedded within the second panel 130 so that no portion of the magnets 137-
139 is
exposed. Specifically, in the exemplified embodiment, each of the magnets 137-
139 is
located within a hole or cut-out that is formed into the first panel 130.
However, the
invention is not to be so limited and one or more of the second, third, and
sixth magnets
137-139 may be exposed on an outer surface (i.e., the front or rear surfaces
131, 132) of
CA 02867247 2014-10-07
the second panel 130 in other embodiments. Furtheiniore, one or more of the
second,
third, and sixth magnets 137-139 need not be disc-shaped magnets in all
embodiments
and can take on any desired shape or form. Thus, the second, third, and sixth
magnets
137-139 may be elongated in shape, may be formed by magnetic particles that
are
embedded within the second panel 130 at various desired locations, or the
like.
Furthermore, although described herein as being second, third, and sixth
magnets 137-
139, in certain embodiments the second, third, and sixth magnets 137-139 may
be
replaced by other fastening elements. For example, instead of magnets 137-139,
the
second panel 130 may comprise one-half of a hook-and-loop fastener, an
adhesive, a
button or buttonhole, or the like.
[0060] In the exemplified embodiment, the second and sixth magnets 137, 139
are
positioned on the transverse axis D-D. Thus, the second and sixth magnets 137,
139 are
positioned on the second panel 130 along the transverse axis D-D and the first
and fifth
magnets 117, 119 are positioned on the first panel 110 along the transverse
axis D-D. As
described in more detail below, the first and second magnets 117, 137 and the
fifth and
sixth magnets 119, 139 are aligned with each other so that magnetic attractive
forces
between the first and second magnets 117, 137 and between the fifth and sixth
magnets
119, 139 facilitate the functionality of the clip of the clipboard 100.
[0061] Although two magnets are illustrated and described as being positioned
on the
second panel 130 along the transverse axis D-D in the exemplified embodiment,
the
invention is not to be so limited and a single magnet or more than two magnets
may be
used in other embodiments. Furthermore, as described above, the second, third,
and sixth
magnets 137, 138, 139 may not be magnets but may instead be any type of
fastening
element, such as any of the fastening elements described above. However the
use of
magnets may be beneficial for achieving a sleeker aesthetic appearance and for
facilitating retention of items with the clipboard 100 as described herein. In
certain
embodiments the second magnet 137 may be spaced approximately 2 inches from
the
first side edge 135 of the second panel 130 and the third magnet 138 may be
spaced
approximately 2 inches from the second side edge 136 of the second panel 130.
Furtheiniore, the sixth magnet 139 may be spaced approximately one inch from
the
16
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bottom edge 133 of the second panel 130. Of course, other magnet locations are
possible
within the scope of the present invention as long as the functionality of the
clipboard 100
and the alignment of the relevant magnets are adhered to as described herein
below.
[0062] Referring to Figures 6-8 concurrently, the clipboard 100 will be
described with
the second panel 130 in the closed position. When the second panel 130 of the
clipboard
100 is in the closed position, the second panel 130 overlies the entirety of
the first panel
110 so that no portion of the front surface 111 of the first panel 110 is
exposed. Of
course, as noted above in alternative embodiments portions of the front
surface 111 of the
first panel 110 may be exposed when the second panel 130 is in the closed
position.
Furthermore, in the closed position the first section 140 of the clip portion
101 of the
second panel 130 overlies the top portion 145 of the first panel 110 and the
cover portion
120 of the second panel 130 overlies a bottom portion 146 of the first panel
110. When
the second panel 130 is in the closed position the first magnet 117 of the
first panel 110 is
aligned with the second magnet 137 of the first section 140 of the clip
portion 101 of the
second panel 130. More specifically, the second magnet 137 of the first
section 140 of
the clip portion 101 directly overlies the first magnet 117 of the first panel
110 and
opposite poles of the first and second magnets 117, 137 are adjacent to one
another.
Thus, if the negative pole of the first magnet 117 of the first panel 110 is
facing the front
surface 112 of the first panel 110 then the positive pole of the second magnet
137 of the
first section 140 of the clip portion 101 is facing the rear surface 132 of
the second panel
130. As a result, the first and second magnets 117, 137 are magnetically
attracted to one
another, thereby releasably securing the first section 140 of the clip portion
101 of the
second panel 130 to the top portion 145 of the first panel 110. This magnetic
attraction
between the magnets is depicted in FIG. 8 with regard to the magnets 117, 137
(the same
applies to the magnets 119, 139).
[0063] As described above, in the exemplified embodiment when the second panel
130 is
in the closed position as illustrated in FIGS. 1-8, the first and second
magnets 117, 137
(and also the fifth and sixth magnets 119, 139) are in direct alignment with
one another
so that an axis passing through either one of the first and second magnets
117, 137 (in the
direction of the front and rear surfaces 111, 112 of the first panel 110 or
the front and rear
17
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surfaces 131, 132 of the second panel 130) will also pass through the other
one of the first
and second magnets 117, 137. Although the first and second magnets 117, 137
are
described herein as being aligned, the invention is not to be so limited and
the first and
second magnets 117, 137 need only be positioned sufficiently near to one
another so that
the first and second magnets 117, 137 are magnetically attracted to one
another to
releasably secure the first section 140 of the clip portion 101 of the second
panel 130 to
the top portion 145 of the first panel 110. Thus, in certain embodiments the
first and
second magnets 117, 137 may be slightly offset from one another while the
magnet
attractive forces between the two still sufficiently secures the first section
140 of the clip
portion 101 of the second panel 130 to the top portion 145 of the first panel
110.
Moreover, although the positioning of the first and second magnets 117, 137 is
described
herein above, in the exemplified embodiment the same description applies to
the fifth
magnet 119 of the first panel 110 and the sixth magnet 139 of the first
section 140 of the
clip portion 101 of the second panel 130.
[0064] Referring to FIG. 7, when the second panel 130 is in the closed
position, the third
magnet 138 of the second panel 130 is not aligned with the fourth magnet 118
of the first
panel 110 or any other magnet on the first panel 110. However, the invention
is not to be
so limited and the first panel 110 may include an additional magnet that would
be aligned
with the third magnet 138 of the second panel 130 when the second panel 130 is
in the
closed position in order to releasably secure the cover portion 120 of the
second panel
130 to the first panel 110. In the exemplified embodiment, the purpose of the
third and
fourth magnets 118, 138 is that they become aligned when the second panel 130
is
transitioned into the open position so that the cover portion 120 of the
second panel 130
is releasably secured to the first panel 110 to maintain the second panel 130
in the open
position and to prevent the second panel 130 from flapping around.
100651 Referring to FIG. 9, as noted above the second panel 130 is adjustable
between
the closed position depicted in FIGS. 1-8 and the open position depicted in
FIGS. 10-20.
Specifically, in the closed position the second panel 130 overlies the first
panel 110 so
that no portion of the front surface 111 of the first panel 110 is exposed. Of
course, in
some embodiments some portions of the front surface 111 of the first panel 110
may be
18
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exposed even with the second panel 130 is in the closed position. To
transition from the
closed state to the open state, the second section 180 of the clip portion 101
of the second
panel 130 is rotated about the third hinge 170 until the second section 180 of
the clip
portion 101 is adjacent to and overlies the first portion 140 of the clip
portion 101. Next,
the cover portion 120 of the second panel 130 is rotated about the second
hinge 160 until
the second hinge 160 wraps around the top edges 114, 134 of the first and
second panels
110, 130 and overlies the first hinge 150. The cover portion 120 of thc second
panel 130
continues to be rotated about the second hinge 160 until the cover portion 120
of the
second panel 130 is adjacent to the rear surface 112 of the first panel 110.
At this point,
the second panel 130 is in the open position and the front surface 111 of the
first panel
110 (or portions thereof) is exposed. It should
be appreciated that in certain
embodiments the cover portion 120 can be rotated about the second hinge 160
first,
follows by rotation of the second section 180 of the clip portion 101 about
the third hinge
170.
[0066] Referring to FIGS. 10-18 concurrently, the structure and relationship
between the
components of the clipboard 100 will be described when the second panel 130 is
in the
open position. Specifically, when the second panel 130 is in the open
position, the cover
portion 120 of the second panel 130 is adjacent to the rear surface 112 of the
first panel
110. More specifically, the first portion 102 of the front surface 131 of the
second panel
130 (i.e., the portion of the front surface 131 of the second panel 130 that
belongs to the
cover portion 120 of the second panel 130) is adjacent to (and possibly in
surface contact
with) the rear surface 112 of the first panel 110. Furthermore, the second
section 180 of
the clip portion 101 of the second panel 130 overlies the first section 140 of
the clip
portion 101 of the second panel 130. More specifically, the second portion 103
of the
front surface 131 of the second panel 130, which belongs to the second section
180 of the
clip portion 101 of the second panel 130, is adjacent to (and possibly in
surface contact
with) the third portion 104 of the front surface 131 of the second panel 130,
which
belongs to the first section 140 of the clip portion 101 of the second panel
130.
Furthermore, in the open position the second hinge 160 of the second panel 130
wraps
19
CA 02867247 2014-10-07
around the top ends 114, 134 of the first and second panels 110, 130 and
overlies/covers
the first hinge 150.
[0067] Finally, in the open position the clip portion 101 of the second panel
130 remains
in the same position as described above with regard to the closed position in
which the
clip portion 101 of the second panel 130 overlies the first panel 110, and
more
specifically the top portion 145 of the first panel 110. Thus, even when the
second panel
130 is adjusted or transitioned into the open position, the clip portion 101
remains
positioned atop of the first panel 110. As a result, this clip portion 101 of
the second
panel 130 forms a clip for the clipboard 100 and retains items between the
clip portion
101 and the first panel 110 when the second panel 130 is in both the open and
closed
positions. It should also be appreciated that the second hinge 170 forms a
front edge of
the clip of the clipboard 100 that is formed by the clip portion 101 of the
second panel
130. When the second panel 130 is in the open position, the bottom portion 146
of the
first panel 110 (specifically of the front surface 111 of the first panel 110)
is exposed due
to the cover portion 120 of the second panel 130 being located at the rear
surface 112 of
the front panel 110. Furthermore, when the second panel 130 is in the open
position, the
clip portion 101 can also be adjusted between a closed position and an open
position,
which will be describcd in more detail below with regard to FIGS. 19 and 20.
[0068] The positioning and relationship between the first and second magnets
117, 137
(and also the fifth and sixth magnets 119, 139 in the exemplified embodiment)
further
facilitate the use of the clip portion 101 as a clip for the clipboard 100.
Specifically,
when the second panel 130 is in the open position with the cover portion 120
of the
second panel 130 adjacent to the rear surface 112 of the first panel 110, the
first and
second magnets 117, 137 (and also the fifth and sixth magnets 119, 139) are
still aligned
with one another so as to be magnetically attracted to one another. As a
result, when the
second panel 130 is in the open position, the clip portion 101 of the second
panel 130
(comprising the first and second sections 140, 180 which are overlying one
another) is
magnetically adhered, or releasably secured via the magnetic attractive forces
between
the first and second magnets 117, 137, to the front surface 111 of the first
panel 110.
CA 02867247 2014-10-07
[0069] When the second panel 130 is in the open position, the bottom portion
146 of thc
front surface 111 of the first panel 110 is exposed. Thus, if the clip portion
101 is being
used to retain paper or other items in the clipboard 100, the paper or other
items will also
be exposed. Specifically, top edges of the paper or other items will be
trapped or
sandwiched between the clip portion 101 of the second panel 130 and the first
panel 110,
and the portions of the paper or other items that are not sandwiched between
the clip
portion 101 and the first panel 110 will be exposed. As a result, if the item
is paper a user
can display the paper and write on the paper using the first panel 110 as a
rigid writing
surface.
[0070] Moreover, when the second panel 130 is in the open position, the third
magnet
138 of the cover portion 120 of the second panel 130 is aligned with the
fourth magnet
118 of the first panel 110. As noted above, when the second panel 130 is in
the closed
position, the third and fourth magnets 138, 118 are not aligned because the
third and
fourth magnets 138, 118 are transversely offset from one another. Thus,
although both of
the third and fourth magnets 138, 118 are positioned on the longitudinal axis
A-A, no
magnetic attraction occurs between the third and fourth magnets 138, 118 when
the
second panel 130 is in the closed position. However, due to all of the folding
that occurs
in transitioning between the closed and open positions (and due to the fact
that the first
and second sections 140, 180 of the clip portion 101 remain adjacent to the
front surface
111 of the first panel 110), when the second panel 130 is in the open position
the third
and fourth magnets 138, 118 are aligned and magnetically attracted to one
another
(because opposite poles of the third and fourth magnets 138, 118 are facing
one another).
Thus, due to the magnetic attractive forces between the third and fourth
magnets 138, 118
when the second panel 130 is in the open position, the cover portion 120 of
the second
panel 130 is releasably secured to the first panel 110. These magnetic
attractive forces
prevent the cover portion 120 of the second panel 130 from flopping or
flapping around
when in the open position. Thus, when the second panel 130 is in the open
position, it
remains in that position until user force greater than the magnetic attractive
force between
the third and fourth magnets 118, 138 is applied to the cover portion 120 of
the second
21
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panel 130 and the first panel 110 in a direction opposite to the direction of
the magnetic
attractive force between the third and fourth magnets 118, 138.
[0071] Although thc third and fourth magnets 118, 138 are described herein as
magnets,
the invention is not to be so limited. The third and fourth magnets 118, 138
may be any
fastening element capable of releasably securing the cover portion 120 of the
second
panel 130 to the rear surface 112 of the first panel 110 when the second panel
130 is in
the open position. Specifically, hook-and-loop fasteners that align with each
other when
the second panel 130 is in the open position can be used instead of the
magnets to
releasably secure the cover portion 120 of the second panel 130 to the first
panel 110.
Alternatively, adhesive can be positioned on one of the rear surface 112 of
the first panel
110 and the front surface 131 of the cover portion 120 of the second panel
130. Further
still, in some embodiments the third and fourth magnets 118, 138 may be
omitted and
there may be no feature for releasably securing the cover portion 120 of the
second panel
130 to the first panel 110 when the second panel 130 is in the open position.
Thus,
although the figures provide illustrations of one particular embodiment, other
embodiments are possible within the scope of the present invention.
[0072] In certain embodiments, it may bc desirable to include indicia, such as
a person's
initials, a company logo, or the like, on the clipboard. Such indicia may be
included on
any one of the front and rear surfaces 131, 132 of the second panel 130 or the
front and
rear surfaces 111, 112 of the first panel 110. Alternatively, the indicia may
be located on
the rear surface 132 of the second panel 130 within the second section 180 of
the second
panel 130 because when the second panel 130 is in the open position, the rear
surface 132
of the second portion 180 of the second panel 130 fornis the exposed outer
surface of the
clip/clip portion 101. Thus, when so positioned, indicia such as a user's
initials, a
company logo, a character, or any other desired indicia can be visible when
the second
panel 130 is in the open position.
100731 When in the open position, the first and second hinges 150, 160
provides a
location that a pen or other writing device can be coupled to the clipboard by
inserting a
clip of the pen into the space created by the first and second hinges 150,
160.
22
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Furthermore, in the closed position the first hinge 150 provides such a
location for
attachment of a pen or other writing device.
[0074] Although the invention has been described herein whereby the second
panel 130
is magnetically or otherwise adhered to the first panel 110 when the second
panel 130 is
in the open position, the invention is not to be so limited. In certain
embodiments, the
second panel 130 may be used as a stand to hold the clipboard 100 upright.
Specifically,
in the open position the second panel 130 may be spaced from the first panel
110 and the
bottom edges 113, 133 of the first and second panels 110, 130 may both be
positioned
atop of a horizontal surface (such as a desk or floor) to support the
clipboard 100 in an
upright orientation. In this manner, the materials retained by the clipboard
100 can be
displayed without a user needing to physically hold the clipboard 100.
Furthemiore, to
assist in maintaining the clipboard 100 in the upright orientation, removable
rubber
elements may be coupled to each of the corners of the clipboard 100 to prevent
the
clipboard 100 from sliding on a desk or other horizontal surface upon which it
is being
supported. In an alternative embodiment, the comers could be dipped in a
rubber
material (or ovennolded with a rubber material, such as via an injection
molding process)
to achieve this added stability without necessitating separate rubber comer
pieces.
[0075] Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, the functionality of the clip portion 101
of the
clipboard 100 will be further described. When the second panel 130 is
transitioned into
the open position, the clip portion 101 is in a closed position in which the
clip portion 101
is overlying and releasably secured to the top portion 145 of the front
surface 111 of the
first panel 110 via the magnetic attractive forces between the first and
second magnets
117, 137 and the fifth and sixth magnets 119, 139. In this position, an item,
such as paper
or the like, can be retained between the clip portion 101 of the second panel
130 and the
first panel 110. However, using force to overcome the magnetic attractive
force between
the first and second magnets 117, 137 (and/or the fifth and sixth magnets 119,
139 or any
other magnets or other fastener elements), a user can pull the clip portion
101 of the
second panel 130 in a direction away from the front surface 111 of the first
panel 110.
Specifically, by pulling the clip portion 101 of the second panel 130 in a
direction away
from the front surface 111 of the first panel 110 with sufficient force to
overcome the
23
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magnetic attractive forces noted above, the clip portion 101 transitions from
the closed
position to an open position (see FIG. 19). During transition from the closed
position to
the open position, the clip portion 101 rotates about each of the first and
second hinges
150, 160 simultaneously.
[0076] In the open position, the clip portion 101 of the second panel 130 is
spaced from
the front surface 111 of the first panel 110 to expose the front surface 111
of the top
portion 145 of the first panel 110. As a result, in this position items that
were previously
sandwiched between the clip portion 101 and the first panel 110 can be removed
from the
clipboard 100 and new items can be placed into position for being retained by
the clip
portion 101 of the clipboard 100. Specifically, FIG. 19 illustrates the clip
portion 101 in
the open position and a stack of paper 200 being inserted onto the front
surface 111 of the
first panel 110 of the clipboard 100. The stack of paper 200 will be
positioned onto the
clipboard 100 so as to be in contact with the front surface 111 of the first
panel 110
within the top portion 145 of the first panel 111. After the stack of paper
200 is properly
positioned, the clip portion 101 of the second panel 130 is rotated back into
the closed
position by pressing the clip portion 101 of the second panel 130 in the
direction of the
front surface 111 of the first panel 110 until the clip portion 101 of the
second panel 130
contacts the stack of paper 200.
[0077] At such time, the stack of paper 200 is sandwiched between the clip
portion 101
of the second panel 130 and the front surface 111 of the first panel 110.
Furthelinore,
due to magnetic attraction forces as described herein above the first and
second magnets
117, 137 (and the fifth and sixth magnets 119, 139 and any other corresponding
magnets
or fastening elements) pull the clip portion 101 of the second panel 130
towards the first
panel 110 with sufficient magnetic force to retain the stack of paper 200 in
position (see
FIG. 20).
[0078] Because the clip of the clipboard 100 is built into the second panel
130 of the
clipboard 100, there is no bulky clip protruding from the first panel 110 for
item
retention. Thus, the clipboard 100 has a small and thin profile regardless of
whether the
second panel= 130 is in the open or closed positions. Furthermore, the lack of
a bulky clip
also pelinits a plurality of the clipboards 100 to be stacked atop of one
another. When
24
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stacked atop of one another, the magnets 117, 119 of a top one of the
clipboards 100 will
adhere via magnetic attraction to the magnets 137, 139 of the clipboard 100
directly
below the top one of the clipboards 100 to perfectly align the clipboards 100
during
stacking. Furthermore, due to the magnets 117, 119 on the first panel 110, the
clipboard
100 can be magnetically adhered to a metal surface such as a refrigerator or
metal cabinet
with the rear surface 112 of the first panel 110 of the clipboard 100 facing
the metal
surface. Alternatively, due to the magnets 137, 139 thc clipboard can be
magnetically
adhered to the metal surface with the front surface 131 of the second panel
130 facing the
metal surface.
[0079] Furthermore, in the exemplified embodiment the front surface 111 of the
first
panel 110 and the rear surface 132 of the second panel 130 are lined with
paper 119 (see
FIGS. 11 and 12). The paper can be any color and may include pattering
thereon. In
alternate embodiments, at least the front surface 111 of the first panel 110
may be lined
with chalkboard paint so that a user can write directly on the front surface
111 of the first
panel 110 with chalk. In another embodiment, at least the front surface 111 of
the first
panel 110 may be lined with dry erase white board material so that a user can
write on the
front surface 111 of the first panel 110 with a dry erase marker. In such an
embodiment,
the clipboard 100 may be sold as a kit with a dry erase marker, and the dry
erase marker
may comprise a magnet so that the dry erase marker can be magnetically adhered
to the
clipboard 100 via one of the magnets 117-119, 137-139. With the dry erase
board or
chalkboard material, when the second panel 130 is in the open position and the
front
surface 111 of the first panel 110 is exposed, a user can directly write onto
the front
surface 111 of the first panel 110 to give a presentation or for any other
desired reason.
[0080] Furthermore, in yet another embodiment a slit may be formed into the
front
surface 111 of the first panel 110 to enable the back cardboard liner of a
paper pad (legal
pad, notepad, drawing pad, etc.) to be inserted and held in place.
Specifically, the
cardboard liner of a paper pad may be able to be inserted into a slit in the
first panel 110
so that the cardboard liner of the paper pad is positioned between the front
and rear
surfaces 111, 112 of the first panel 110 and the paper of the paper pad is
positioned atop
of the front surface 111 of the first panel 110. This can be useful if, for
example, the
CA 02867247 2014-10-07
strength of the magnets is insufficient to retain the entire paper pad on its
own or if it is
simply desired to hide away from view the cardboard liner of the paper pad.
[0081] In the exemplified embodiment, when the second panel 130 is in the
closed
position, there is no magnet or other fastening element releasably securing
the cover
portion 120 of the second panel 130 to the first panel 110. However, the
invention is not
to be so limited and magnets on the cover portion 120 and the first panel 110
may be
aligned and magnetically attracted to one another when the second panel 130 is
in the
closed position to achieve this purpose. Alternatively, other fastening
elements such as
those described above can be used to rcleasably secure the cover portion 120
of the
second panel 130 to the first panel 110 when the second panel 130 is in the
closed
position. In another embodiment, the clipboard 100 may comprise an elastic
band or
strap that can be secured around the first and second panels 110, 130 to
maintain the
cover portion 120 closed onto the first panel 110. Such an elastic band may be
fixedly
coupled to the clipboard 100 or a separate component.
[0082] As an alternative to traditional clipboard uses, the clipboard 100 of
the present
invention can be used as a cutting board, chalk board, dry erase white board
with or
without peimanent lines depicting a basketball court or the like for use by a
basketball
coach. Furthermore, additional straps, clips, or the like may be included with
the
clipboard 100 for the attachment of tablets, smartphones, or the like to the
clipboard 100.
Finally, additional flaps, panels, or the like may be incorporated into the
clipboard 100
and attached to the existing first and/or second panels 100, 200 to enhance
the upright
standing of the clipboard 100.
[0083] Referring now to FIGS. 21-26 concurrently, a clipboard 500 will be
described in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. It should be
appreciated
that in the interest of brevity, the details of certain components of the
clipboard 500 will
be omitted, it being appreciated that the description of a similar component
of the
clipboard 100 applies. For example, the clipboard 500 will be described as
having
magnets, and it should be appreciated that the details with regard to the
shape and the like
of the magnets of the clipboard 100 applies, and also that the magnets of the
clipboard
500 can be replaced by other fastening elements as described above with regard
to the
26
CA 02867247 2014-10-07
magnets of the clipboard 100. Thus, although the clipboard 500 is described
herein as
another embodiment of the present invention, the description of certain
features of the
clipboard 100 is applicable to the clipboard 500 as would be readily
appreciated by
persons of ordinary skill in the art.
[00841 The clipboard 500 generally comprises a first panel 510, a second panel
530, and
a third panel 540. The first panel 510 extends along a longitudinal axis F-F
from a
bottom end 511 to a top end 512. Furthermore, the first panel 510 comprises a
front
surface 513, a rear surface 514, and a first magnet 515. In certain
embodiments, the first
panel 510 is a rigid panel as the term rigid has been defined herein above.
Furthen-nore,
the first panel 510 is a flat and planar structure such that each of the front
and rear
surfaces 513, 514 of the first panel 510 is flat and planar.
[0085] The first panel 510 further comprises a slit 516 formed therein. The
slit 516 is
elongated in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis F-F, and thus the
slit 516
extends horizontally along the first panel 510 between the opposing lateral
sides of the
first panel 510. The slit 516 forms a passageway into a space 517 defined
between the
front and rear surfaces 513, 514 of the first panel 510 (see FIG. 25). In
certain
embodiments, the clipboard 500 may be configured to retain a notepad or legal
pad 600
thereon. Conventional legal pads 600 comprise a cardboard backer panel 601 and
a
plurality of sheets of paper 602. The slit 516 preferably has a length that is
equal to or
greater than a width of the cardboard backer panel 601 (which has a
conventional size of
8.5 inches, but may be larger or smaller). Thus, in use the cardboard backer
panel 601 of
the legal pad 600 can be inserted through the slit 516 and into the space 517
defined
between the front and rear surfaces 513, 514 of the first panel 510. This is
best illustrated
in FIGS. 24 and 25.
[0086] The second panel 530 extends from a bottom end 531 to a top end 532.
Furthermore, the second panel 530 comprises a front surface 533, a rear
surface 534, and
a second magnet 535. In certain embodiments, the second panel 530 is a rigid
panel as
the term rigid has been defined herein above. Furthermore, the second panel
530 is a flat
and planar structure such that each of the front and rear surfaces 533, 534 of
the second
panel 530 is flat and planar. The first panel 510 has a length measured
between the
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CA 02867247 2014-10-07
bottom and top ends 511, 512 of the first panel 510 and the second panel 530
has a length
measured between the bottom and top ends 531, 532 of the second panel 530. In
the
exemplified embodiment, a ratio of the length of the first panel 510 to the
length of the
second panel 530 is approximately 1:1. However, other length ratios are
possible in other
embodiments and the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments.
[0087] The first and second panels 510, 530 are coupled together by a first
hinge 560 that
connects the top end 512 of the first panel 510 to the top end 532 of the
second panel 530.
In the exemplified embodiment, the first hinge 560 is foinied by a portion of
the
clipboard 500 that has a reduced thickness relative to the top ends 512, 532
of the first
and second panels 510, 530. Of course, the invention is not to be so limited
in all
embodiments and the first hinge 560 may be formed in any other manner such as
those
described herein above with regard to the hinges of the clipboard 100.
[0088] The third panel 540 extends from a bottom end 541 to a top end 542. The
third
panel 540 comprises a front surface 543, a rear surface 544, and third magnet
545. The
third panel 540 is coupled to the bottom end 511 of the first panel 510 by a
second hinge
570. More specifically, the second hinge 570 couples the top end 542 of the
third panel
540 to the bottom end 511 of the first panel 510. The third panel 540 has a
length
measured from the bottom end 541 of the third panel 540 to the top end 542 of
the third
panel 540. Although the first, second, and third panels 510, 530, 540 are each
illustrated
and described herein with a single magnet, each can be multiple magnets in
other
embodiments. Furthermore, the magnets can be replaced by other fastening
elements
such as has been described herein above with regard to the clipboard 100.
[0089] In certain embodiments, a ratio of the length of the first panel 510
(and also of the
length of the second panel 530) to the length of the third panel 540 is
between 4:1 and
7:1, and more specifically between 5:1 and 6:1. Of course, the invention is
not to be so
limited in all embodiments and the ratio of the length of the first and second
panels 510,
530 to the length of the third panel 540 can be outside of the above-noted
range in some
embodiments. However, the range noted above enables the third panel 540 to
properly
function as a hinge for the clipboard 500 as desired. Thus, the third panel
540 is an
28
CA 02867247 2014-10-07
alternative mechanism for retaining items such as the legal pad 600 within the
clipboard
500 when the slit 516 described above is not used or is omitted.
[0090] The clipboard 500 is alterable between an open state and a closed
state. The
clipboard 500 is illustrated in a partially open state in FIGS. 21 and 22 and
in the closed
state in FIGS. 23 and 24. In the closed state, the front surface 543 of the
third panel 540
is adjacent to and in confronting relation with the front surface 513 of the
first panel 510.
Specifically, the third panel 540 is rotated about the second hinge 570 until
the front
surface 543 of the third panel 540 contacts or is at least closely adjacent to
the front
surface 513 of the first panel 510. When the third panel 540 is positioned in
this manner,
the third magnet 545 of the third panel 540 and the first magnet 515 of the
first panel 510
are aligned with one another. More specifically, in this position opposite
poles of the
first and third magnets 515, 535 are aligned with one another to releasably
secure the
third panel 540 to the first panel 510 via magnetic attractive forces between
the first and
third magnets 510, 540. Furthermore, due to the smaller length of the third
panel 540
relative to the first panel 510 as described above, the third panel 540 only
covers and is
only adjacent to a bottom portion 518 of the front surface 513 of the first
panel 510.
[0091] When the third panel 540 is in this closed position, the third panel
540 can
function as a clip for the clipboard 500. Thus, papers or other items can be
sandwiched
between the front surface 543 of the third panel 540 and the front surface 513
of the first
panel 510. Furtheiniore, when the third panel 540 is in this closed position,
the second
panel 530 may be in an open position such that the front surface 533 of the
second panel
530 is adjacent to and in confronting relation with the rear surface 514 of
the first panel
510. When the second panel 530 is in this open position, the first and second
magnets
515, 535 are adjacent to one another so that magnetic attractive forces
between the first
and second magnets 515, 535 releasably secures the second panel 530 to the
rear surface
514 of the first panel 510. Although this positioning of the clipboard 500 is
not
illustrated in the figures, it should be readily understandable by persons of
ordinary skill
in the art. When the second panel 530 is in the open position, a top portion
519 of the
front surface 513 of the first panel 510 is exposed, and any papers retained
by the
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CA 02867247 2014-10-07
clipboard 500 and sandwiched between the first and third panels 510, 540 will
be
exposed for viewing or to be written on.
100921 Furthermore, the second panel 530 can be rotated about the first hinge
560 so that
the second panel 530 is also in a closed position in which thc rear surface
534 of the
second panel 530 is adjacent to and in confronting relation with the front
surface 513 of
the first panel 510. More specifically, in the closed position the rear
surface 534 of the
second panel 530 covers or overlies the top portion 519 of the front surface
513 of the
first panel 510. Thus, in the closed position the second panel 530 may offer
cover and
protection of any papers or other items retained by the clipboard 500. When
the second
panel 530 is in the closed position, opposite poles of the second magnet 535
of the second
panel 530 and the third magnet 545 of the third panel 530 are adjacent to one
another to
releasably secure the second panel 530 to the third panel 534 via magnetic
attractive
forces between the second and third magnets 535, 545.
[0093] Thus, the clipboard 500 can be used in manner different mariners.
Specifically,
the cardboard backer panel 601 of a legal pad 600 can be inserted into the
slit 516 to
retain the legal pad 600 on the clipboard 500. During such use, the second
panel 530 can
be opened to expose the legal pad 600 for display or use and closed to protect
the legal
pad 600. Furthermore, when the clipboard 500 retains a legal pad 600 using the
slit 516,
the third panel 540 can either be open or closed. When the clipboard 500 is
used in this
manner, the top end 512 of the first panel 510 forms a top of the clipboard
500.
Furthermore, the third panel 540 has a thickness measured between the front
and rear
surfaces 543, 544 of the third panel 540. In certain embodiments the thickness
of the
third panel 540 is substantially equal to the thickness of a spine 603 of the
legal pad 600.
As a result, when the legal pad 600 is positioned inside of the clipboard 500
and the
second panel 530 is in a closed position (FIG. 24), the first and second
panels 510, 530
are oriented substantially parallel to one another.
[0094] Alternatively, the clipboard 500 can be used such that the third panel
540 operates
as the clip/retaining structure of the clipboard 500. Thus, papers or other
items can be
retained between the third panel 540 and the first panel 510. Again, during
such use the
second panel 530 can be open to expose the paper or other items for display or
use and
CA 02867247 2014-10-07
closed to protect the paper or other items. When the clipboard 500 is used in
this manner,
the bottom end 511 of the first panel 510 forms a top of the clipboard 500.
Thus, when
used in this manner the clipboard 500 can be flipped/rotated for proper use.
[0095] While the invention has been described with respect to specific
examples
including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those
skilled in the art
will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the
above
described systems and techniques. It is to be understood that other
embodiments may be
utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without
departing from
the scope of the present invention. Thus, the spirit and scope of the
invention should be
construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims.
31
