Patent Application
20080083147
Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.
A first writing surface 115 is integral with the front portion 110 in the first exemplary embodiment. The first writing surface 115 can be used for writing a label on a clip 100. For instance, the clip 100 may be placed on a bag, such as a bag of potato chips or pretzels and a date the bag was opened could be written on the first writing surface 115. Additionally, the clip 100 may be used for holding papers. The first writing surface 115 may be a dry erase surface or a surface for receiving removable labels, such as sticky notes. The first writing surface 115 may be used to label the material held in the clip 100. If the material is a food item, the first writing surface 115 may be labeled with information regarding the date the material was opened or may expire.
A protrusion 135 is provided in the first exemplary embodiment for holding a writing utensil 140. The writing utensil 140 may be a dry erase marker, with an eraser attached thereto. A pencil may also be used as a writing utensil in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment. Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize other means exist for retaining a writing instrument 140 on the clip 100 and those means will be considered to be within the scope of the present invention. The clip 100 may similarly support an eraser if the first writing surface 115 is a dry erase board. Also, an eraser for a dry erase board may be fixed to or attachable to the writing utensil 140.
The hinge mechanism 130 in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment may be any type of hinge mechanism known to those skilled in the art. For instance, the hinge mechanism 130 may be a spring, wherein the clipping portion 128 is opened by placing a pinching pressure on a front distal end 145 and a back distal end 150. The hinge mechanism 130 in the first exemplary embodiment holds the clipping region 128 in a naturally closed position absent pressure on the front distal end 145 and the back distal end 150 to securely hold a desired material in the clip 100. Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize other means exist for connecting the front portion 110 to the back portion 120 and for biasing the lip portion 125 and the back edge 126 together. Those means will be considered to be within the scope of the invention.
The back portion 120 may also include a means of allowing the back portion 120, and the clip 100 itself, to be supported along a vertical surface. The back portion 120 may further include an opening 160 from which the back portion 120 may be supported by a thumbtack or hook. Similarly, an adhesive backing may be used along the back portion 120 to support the clip 100 on a vertical surface.
The lip portion 225 and the back edge 226 are pivotably biased to a closed position by a biasing mechanism 230. The biasing mechanism 230 may be a metal element. The biasing mechanism 230 is preferably axially aligned with the pin 275. The biasing mechanism 230 may operate to hold a desired item securely, such as a bag or a paper, at a clipping region 228. The clipping portion 228 may be opened by placing a pinching pressure on a front distal end 245 and a back distal end 250. The hinge mechanism 230 in the second exemplary embodiment may hold the clipping portion 128 in a naturally closed position absent pressure on the front distal end 245 and the back distal end 250 to hold a desired material in the clip 200.
A protrusion 235 is provided in the second exemplary embodiment for holding a writing utensil 240. The writing utensil 240 may be a dry erase marker, with an eraser attached thereto. A pencil may also be used as a writing utensil 240 in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment. Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize other means exist for retaining a writing instrument 240 on the clip 200 and those means will be considered to be within the scope of the present invention. The clip 200 may similarly support an eraser if the first writing surface 215 is a dry erase board. Also, an eraser for a dry erase board may be fixed to or attachable to the writing utensil 240.
As is shown by block 302, a front portion and a back portion pivot to an open position, wherein the front portion and back portion are pivotably biased to contact at a clipping region. The item is placed within the clipping region (block 304). The item is clipped in the clipping region between the front portion and the back portion (block 306). A writing surface is provided on the front portion (block 308). A writing instrument is used to write on the writing surface (block 310).
According to the method described, a user may write a note indicating types of material, due dates, expirations dated, and types of food products as reminder notes in accordance with the present invention.
It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present invention, particularly, any “preferred” embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments of the invention without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the invention. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present invention and protected by the following claims.
This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/828,135 filed Oct. 4, 2006, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60828135 | Oct 2006 | US |
