1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to clipboards for holding papers and providing a writing surface and, more particularly, to a clipboard including an integral three dimension display.
2. Discussion of the Prior Art
Clipboards, which provide a portable, solid flat surface suitable for writing or drawing and which incorporate a clip device to secure one or more pieces of paper to the flat surface, have been known for many years. Many attempts have been made to expand the basic function of the clipboard to include such features as a storage drawer which slides out from the bottom area of the clipboard in which can be stored pencils, erasers and any small drawing or writing aids desired.
Another advancement of the functionality of the clipboard is found in a design that incorporates slotted compartments machined into the lateral edges of the hard surface of the clipboard to accommodate drafting aids such as triangles, templates and squares. A clipboard tailored to police enforcement use which is transparent and bullet proof so that it may be held in front of the police officer as a protecting shield while, as an example, a ticket is being written is known. Still other designs further encompasses a handle cut into one side of the hard surface so that the clipboard can be more easily held securely. Other clipboard designs incorporate lamp assemblies, digital clocks, folding covers, and/or other storage areas.
However, prior art clipboards do not address the needs of persons who both require the basic functions of a clipboard and also use models or other three dimensional displays in conjunction with a clipboard. In other words, users of prior art clipboards, such as, for example, doctors on rounds interacting with patients, that may need to explain complex relationships or physical arrangements using a model or other display, must carry the model in addition to their clipboard.
Accordingly, a need exists for an improved clipboard and an improved means for transporting and displaying a three dimensional model.
In accordance with the invention, a clipboard with an integral three dimensional display provides a convenient means for both supplying a stable writing surface and a display frame for three dimensional representations of any type. In some embodiments, the rear surface of the clipboard may include one or more recessed portions adapted to house three dimensional models, e.g., raised relief models, attached to, or formed in the material of, the clipboard.
In some embodiments, the three dimensional models may include models that do not extend out beyond the rear surface of the clipboard so that the clipboard may lay flat on a flat surface.
In other embodiments, the three dimensional models may extend beyond the rear surface of the clipboard. In such embodiments, the models may be shaped and/or disposed so as to allow the clipboard to remain stable when placed on a flat surface such as a table.
In some embodiments, the invention may include an erasable marker, e.g., a dry erase marker, and the three dimensional models may be adapted to be marked by the user to explain, illustrate and/or highlight aspects of the models. The above and other features of the invention will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description accompanied by the following drawings.
Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments of the invention that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps. The drawings are in simplified form and are not to precise scale. For purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional terms, such as top, bottom, left, right, up, down, over, above, below, beneath, rear, back, and front may be used with respect to the drawings. These and similar directional terms should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. The words “connect,” “couple,” “attach,” “join,” and similar terms with their inflectional morphemes do not necessarily denote direct and immediate connections, but also include connections through mediate elements or devices.
Turning to
The clipboard 100 as shown in
Turning now to
The particular example three dimensional models illustrated in the FIGS. are of a portion of a human stomach. Such models may be useful, e.g., for a doctor working in a hospital. For example, an internist may use the clipboard on rounds. Holding a patient chart on the front, an erasable pen as shown in
As can be more clearly seen in
In some embodiments, the three dimensional models 108A, 108B, 108C themselves may be removable and/or adapted to be marked. The present invention may include a combination pen 206 as shown in
In some embodiments as pictured in the FIGS., the models 108A, 108B, 108C maybe dimensioned so as not to extend out beyond the rear surface 104 of the clipboard 100 so that the clipboard 100 may lay flat on a flat surface.
In some embodiments, instead of (or in addition to) recesses 106A, 106B, 106C, as shown in
Front surface 110 and clip 102 may be suitably imprinted with information and/or design that enhances the information presented on the reverse side. Furthermore, clip 102 may be shaped to present further information, such as the shape of a pill or anatomical part.
This document describes the inventive three dimensional display clipboard for illustration purposes only. Neither the specific embodiments of the invention as a whole, nor those of its features limit the general principles underlying the invention. In particular, the invention is not limited to any specific configuration of clips, board shapes, board thicknesses or dimensions, display information, and/or relief display style. The specific features described herein may be used in some embodiments, but not in others, without departure from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth. Many additional modifications are intended in the foregoing disclosure, and it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that in some instances some features of the invention will be employed in the absence of a corresponding use of other features. The illustrative examples therefore do not define the metes and bounds of the invention and the legal protection afforded the invention.
This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application 60/741,107, filed Dec. 1, 2005, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
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