BACKGROUND AND INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a clipboard attaché case for use in an automobile or other motor vehicle.
2. Description of Related Art
Clipboards are convenient devices that enable users to clip papers, forms and other materials for display and/or writing purposes. Normally clipboards are capable of being hand-held and provide the user with a firm writing surface. The clipboards of the prior art occasionally include a means to support or hang the clipboard during use or storage.
Clipboards are useful devices utilized by professionals whose work may involve motor vehicle travel such as a sales persons, delivery persons, or contractors to name a few. The conventional clipboard includes a flat surface and a hinged clip for the insertion of the paper or forms as desired by the user. The prior art includes variations of clipboards that are useful for specific applications. In particular, U.S. Pat. No. 4,726,607 describes a clipboard that is attachable to a vehicle's steering wheel. The clipboard of the '607 patent includes a flexible hook and a Velcro attachment strap that secures the clipboard onto the steering wheel. The clipboard of the '607 patent serves as a means to expand the use of a traditional clipboard to applications to many users. In addition to attachments across the steering wheel, clipboards have been modified to attach to automobile sun visors and to the automobile mirror.
Although these improvements upon the clipboard have been useful there still remains additional features and functions that may be incorporated with a clipboard to provide a convenient and useful device for the traveling workforce.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a clipboard attaché comprising: a top half; a bottom half, where the bottom half connects to the top half about a hinge; an attachment means on the outer portion of the bottom half; and a lip extending outward from the outer portion of the top half. The attachment means includes at least one curved clamp. The clipboard attaché may include a storage mean, where in one exemplary embodiment the storage means includes a plurality of storage pouches.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1A shows a clipboard attaché according to the present invention.
FIG. 1B shows the perspective view of the clipboard attaché according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 displays a front view of the clipboard attaché in a closed position according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 depicts a side view of the clipboard attaché in a closed position according to the present invention.
FIG. 4A depicts a front view of the clipboard attaché in a closed position attached to a steering wheel.
FIG. 4B depicts a side view of the clipboard attaché in an open position attached to a steering wheel.
FIG. 4C depicts a front view of the clipboard attaché in an open position attached to a steering wheel.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present invention relates to a clipboard attaché device that may be utilized for attachment to a motor vehicle steering wheel. The clipboard attaché case according to present invention provides a practical tool to perform multiple tasks within a motor vehicle and expands the use of the traditional clipboard.
FIG. 1A depicts the clipboard attaché 10 according to the present invention. The clipboard attaché 10 includes an inner compartment 13a, 13b. The inter-compartment includes a top half 13a and a bottom half 13b that swing open upon a hinge 12. When in the open position, as depicted in FIG. 1A, the clipboard attaché 10 includes a plurality of zipper pouches 18 on the bottom half 13b of the inner compartment. These pouches 18 provide a means for storage of materials for the user. The pouches 18 have significant size to store pens, paperclips and other related materials that a user may need. A lip 17 extends from the opposite side of the inner compartment top half 13a. The lip 17 is clearly depicted in FIG. 1B. When the clipboard attaché 10 is mounted upon a steering wheel, the lip 17 provides a means to place or mount a book or other reading material for the user. The outside surface of the top half 13a includes a clip 11. The clip 11 provides a means for the attachment of papers forming a clipboard type surface.
The lip 17 is also depicted in FIG. 2 where it's shown to run horizontal across a front side 14. A means to secure the clipboard attaché 10 onto a steering wheel exists on the outer portion of the bottom half 13b. The means to secure includes clamps 15a, 15b which provide the means to attach the clipboard attaché 10 to the steering wheel. As shown, these clamps are positioned at an angle with respect to the horizontal plane of the clipboard attaché 10. The clamps 15a, 15b are sufficiently spaced so that the clipboard attaché 10 is firmly supported upon the steering wheel. Also as shown in FIG. 3, the clamps 15a, 15b are substantially curved so that they may mount upon the steering wheel.
Also depicted in FIG. 3, are the surrounding edges 19a, 19b of the inner-compartment. The clipboard attaché 10 has sufficient depth in order to provide room and space for storage of materials within the clipboard attaché 10 when it's in a closed position.
FIG. 4A depicts the clipboard attaché 10 attached to a steering wheel 22, showing a front view of the clipboard attaché 10 in a closed position. As can be seen, the lip 17 is available for placement of book or papers when the clipboard attaché 10 is in a closed position mounted on the steering wheel 22. Further, the clipboard attaché 10 may be removed and transported by the user where use of the clip 11 is readily available. FIG. 4B depicts the side view of the clipboard attaché 10 in an open position attached to the steering wheel 22. When the clipboard attaché 10 is in an open position, the storage pouches 18 are revealed and each half of the clipboard attaché 10 is visible. The clamp 15b is shown to be snugly fitting around a portion of the steering wheel 22. In order to provide additional perspective of the clipboard attaché 10 in open position, FIG. 4C shows the clipboard attaché 10 with the front view thereof attached to the steering wheel 22. The inside of both halves 13a and 13b are visible in this view of the clipboard attaché 10.
The clipboard attaché 10 enables the user to have storage room and the ability to utilize a flat surface for writing and reading in a motor vehicle. The clipboard attaché 10 essentially provides a portable desk surface that may be advantageous for any sales person, contractor, police officer or delivery carrier. The clipboard attaché 10 may be made of any sturdy lightweight material such as fiberboard, metal or plastic. The clipboard attaché 10 may be utilized primarily in a closed position where the lips or surrounding edges 19a, 19b are securely closed and sealed when the clipboard attaché 10 is in a closed position.
Patent Application
20110259690
