The present invention relates to a foldable clipboard, and more particularly to a three-panel foldable clipboard in which three panels are planar relative to each other in an extended position, and at least two panels of the three panels are configured to pivotally move to overlap each other in a folded position.
Clipboards are utilized in a variety of different environments where a portable writing surface may be required. To this end, conventionally known basic clipboards generally consist of a flat panel or board and a clip mounted to one end of the board. The clip retains the writing materials or other documents being written upon against the writing surface provided by the board. Clipboards are an essential mobile writing platform that provides a flat surface for writing or drawing and which incorporates a clip device to secure a sheet of writing material. Clipboards of varying sizes and shapes are available commercially. Existing clipboards are cumbersome to carry due to their relatively large size and are inconvenient to use due to their large size. These clipboards have been restricted to merely carrying a few pages of writing material, and sometimes the pages become torn or damaged because such writing materials are unprotected on regular clipboards. These problems cause difficulty for people who, for example, but not by way of limitation, travel from one location to another, or are research scholars, physicians, healthcare workers, or those who work outside, and the like.
While some of the foregoing are alleviated by computer-based electronics, such as cell phones, computer tablets, and lap top computers, it is not always easy even when utilizing one or more of these options. Typing on cell phones and tablets is not always easy when a person is in the field. While typing can be easier on a laptop computer, they are expensive and bulky to carry into the field. Further, sun light can make the screen of any of these products difficult to see. A low technology option does not carry these problems, except for size and the ability to write an a “regular” sheet of writing material or, alternatively, an irregular sheet, such as, for example only, a standard 8.5 inch by 11-inch sheet, an A4 size sheet, an 8.5 by 14 inch sheet, and the like, of a sheet of writing material. The sheet size of, for example, an 8.5 inch by 11 inch or 8.5 by 14 inch or longer sheet of writing material makes it more difficult to easily store in one person's pocket, and the like, when in the field, such as, for example, but not by way of limitation, when checking electrical lines, sewer lines, livestock, land boundaries, or in a health care situation, as patient intake information, patient medications, patient vital signs, nursing information, physician's orders, and the like.
It would be desirable to have a low technology solution which permitted writing on a regularly sized 8.5 inch by 11 inch or longer sheet of writing material. Such a solution may carry one sheet or several sheets of writing material, and such a solution would desirably be foldable to protect the writing material (s) and prevent it/them from being crumpled and where necessary maintain the confidentiality of the information obtained on the one or more sheets of writing material, yet the solution would ideally fit within a small carrier, such as, for example only, a pocket, a purse, bag, a pack, and the like.
In one embodiment of the present invention, a foldable clipboard includes at least a first folding panel, a second folding panel, a third folding panel, and a fourth folding panel. Each folding panel is configured to cooperate to form a single planar surface when positioned in an expanded position, when a second edge of the first folding panel abuts a first edge of the second panel, a second edge of the second panel abuts a first edge of the third folding panel, and a second edge of the third folding panel abuts a first edge of the fourth folding panel. The foldable clipboard also includes a first pair of hinges, and each hinge of the first pair of hinges is positioned spaced-apart in a transverse alignment relative to each other. Each hinge of the first pair of hinges includes an outer leg bracket and an inner leg bracket that are pivotally connected together. Each respective outer leg bracket of the pair of first hinges connects to one of the first side edge and the second side edge, respectively, of the first folding panel and each respective inner leg bracket of the pair of first hinges connects to one of the first side edge and the second side edge, respectively, of the second folding panel. The foldable clipboard further includes a second pair of hinges, and each hinge of the second pair of hinges is positioned spaced-apart in a transverse alignment relative to each other. Each hinge of the second pair of hinges includes an outer leg bracket and an inner leg bracket that are pivotally connected together, and each respective outer leg bracket of the second pair of hinges connects to one of the first side edge and the second side edge, respectively, of the second folding panel and each respective inner leg bracket of the second pair of hinges connects to one of the first side edge and the second side edge, respectively, of the third folding panel. The foldable clipboard further includes a third pair of hinges, and each hinge of the third pair of hinges is positioned spaced-apart in a transverse alignment relative to each other. Each hinge of the third pair of hinges includes an outer leg bracket and an inner leg bracket that are pivotally connected together. Each respective outer leg bracket of the third pair of hinges connects to one of the first side edge and the second side edge, respectively, of the third folding panel and each respective inner leg bracket of the third pair of hinges connects to one of the first side edge and the second side edge, respectively, of the fourth folding panel. Each outer leg bracket and each inner leg bracket of the first pair of hinges, the second pair of hinges, and the third pair of hinges includes an inner side facing each other, and an outer side positioned opposite to each respective inner side. When the foldable clipboard is moved into a folded position, the inner side of each outer bracket of the first pair of hinges, the second pair of hinges, and the third pair of hinges moves over at least a portion of each outer side of each inner leg bracket of the first pair of hinges, the second pair of hinges, and the third pair of hinges.
In an aspect of the one embodiment, the foldable clipboard folds transversely relative to an axial alignment of the foldable clipboard when in the expanded position.
In another aspect of the one embodiment, when the foldable clipboard is in the folded position, the third folding panel is substantially parallel to the fourth folding panel.
In a further aspect of the one embodiment, at least one inner bracket or outer bracket of at least one hinge is connected to a flange.
In still another aspect the one embodiment, the foldable clipboard comprises a clip, the clip includes a spring-loaded clip, and the clip includes a mounting bracket connected to the foldable clipboard.
And in another aspect of the first embodiment, a pair of ends of the first folding panel are each rounded, and a pair of ends of the fourth folding panel are also each rounded.
In a further aspect of the one embodiment, the first folding panel, the second folding panel, the third folding panel, and the fourth folding panel are each constructed from at least one of metal, plastic, and cardboard.
In yet another aspect of the one embodiment, the foldable clipboard includes a writing implement holder for a writing implement.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the foldable clipboard comprises at least.
In one aspect of the other embodiment, the at least two folding panels of the foldable clipboard fold transversely relative to an axial alignment of the foldable clipboard when in the expanded position.
In a further aspect of the other embodiment, the at least two folding panels are constructed from at least one of metal, plastic, and cardboard.
In yet another aspect of the other embodiment, the foldable clipboard includes a writing implement holder for a writing implement.
Also, in still a further aspect of the other embodiment, at least one outer or inner bracket of one hinge of the at least pair of hinges extends from a flange.
The structure, operation, and advantages of the present invention will become further apparent upon consideration of the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures. The figures are intended to be illustrative, and not limiting.
In the description that follows, numerous details are outlined to provide a thorough. understanding of the present invention. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations of these specific details are possible while still achieving the results of the present invention.
Exemplary illustrative embodiments of the invention should be interpreted as example(s) and non-limiting. The relationship between various components, where they are located, their composition(s), their operation, and sometimes their sizes relative to the desired operation of the invention are significant.
The foldable clipboard 10 is designed as an improvement to a traditional flat, rigid clipboard and other known clipboards. It is designated as a “mini” foldable clipboard 10 because it can be folded to a size which is reasonable to place, for example, but not by way of limitation, in a suit jacket pocket, a laboratory coat pocket, a standard coat pocket, a pants pocket, a purse, bag, pack, and the like. The foldable clipboard 10 is of particular use to doctors and medical personnel because the foldable clipboard 10 can be folded to comfortably fit into a medical coat pocket, a scrubs pocket, and even a jeans pocket. For example, the foldable clipboard 10 may be utilized to secure patient assessment forms, nursing protocols, medication lists, and all documentation in a HIPAA compliant secure foldable clipboard. However, it is within the terms of the embodiment that the foldable clipboard 10 may also be used to accommodate the needs of a variety of different people in a variety of services or work environments, as described in non-limiting examples herein.
Referring now to
The first folding panel 14 includes a clip 12, and the first folding panel 14 is defined by an upper edge 22 and a spaced-apart lower edge 24, a first side edge 26 spaced-apart from a second side edge 28, an upper surface 30 and a lower surface 32.
The second folding panel 16 includes an upper edge 34 and a spaced-apart lower edge 36, and a first side edge 38 spaced-apart from a second a side edge 40. The second folding panel 16 includes an upper surface 42, and a lower surface 44.
The third folding panel 18 also includes an upper edge 46, a spaced-apart lower edge 48, a first side edge 50, and a second side edge 52. The third folding panel 18 also includes an upper surface 54 and a lower surface 56.
The fourth folding panel 20 further includes an upper edge 58, a spaced-apart lower edge 60, a first side edge 62, and a second side edge 64. The fourth folding panel 20 also includes an upper surface 66 and a lower surface 68.
The clip 12 is positioned desirably and for example, but not by way of limitation, on the upper surface 30 of the first panel 14 near the upper edge 22 thereof, and may include a mechanism, i.e., a clip 12, to hold writing material (
The clip 12 and any part(s) thereof may be formed from metal and/or plastic. The clip 12 illustrated herein is commercially available. The clip 12 may be connected to the foldable clipboard 10 via welding, adhesives, connectors (as shown herein) or by any other manner known in the art.
A first pair of pair of hinges 76, 78, which are transversely oriented relative to each other and spaced apart connect the first folding panel 14 and the second folding panel 16 together. A second pair of hinges 80, 82, which are also transversely oriented relative to each other and spaced apart connect the second folding panel 16 and the third folding panel 18 together. And a third pair of hinges 84, 86, also transversely oriented relative to each other and spaced apart, connect the third folding panel 18 and the fourth folding panel 20 together. Each of the hinges 76, 78, 80, 82, 84, and 86 may include an outer leg bracket 88, an inner leg bracket 90, and a pin 92.
In the first pair of hinges 76, 78, each outer leg bracket 88 is connected to first and second side edges 26, 28 of the first folding panel 14, near the lower edge 24 thereof. Each inner leg bracket 90 of the first pair of hinges 76, 78, is connected to first and second side edges 38, 40, of the second folding panel 16, near the upper edge 34 thereof. Pin 92 connects each outer leg bracket 88 to each inner leg bracket and permits each inner and outer leg bracket 88, 90 and the respective panel to which it is connected to pivot.
Similarly, in the second pair of hinges 80, 82, each outer leg bracket 88 is connected to first and second side edges 38, 40 of the second folding panel 16, near the lower edge 36 thereof. Each inner leg bracket 90 of the second pair of hinges 80, 82, is connected to first and second side edges 50, 52, of the third folding panel 18, near the upper edge 46 thereof. Pin 92 connects each outer leg bracket 88 to each inner leg bracket 90 and permits each outer and inner leg bracket 88, 90 and the respective panel to which it is connected, to pivot.
In addition, in the third pair of hinges 84, 86, each outer leg bracket 88 is connected to first and second side edges 50, 52 of the third folding panel 18, near the lower edge 56 thereof. Each inner leg bracket 90 of the third pair of hinges 84, 86, is connected to first and second side edges 62, 64, of the fourth folding panel 20, near the upper edge 58 thereof. Pin 92 connects each outer leg bracket 88 to each inner leg bracket 90 and permits each inner and outer leg bracket 88, 90 and the respective panel to which it is connected, to pivot.
Each hinge 76, 78, 80, 82, 84, 86 may be, for example, but not by way of limitation, a type of knife hinge and may be formed, for example, but not by way of limitation, from metal or plastic. The hinges 76, 78, 80, 82, 84, 86 may be integrally formed with each panel 14, 16, 18, and 20 as shown and described herein, and the pivot pin 92 may be added to each hinge later. Alternatively, each hinge 76, 78, 80, 82, 84, 86 may be connected to panels 14, 16, 18, and 20 as shown and described in detail herein by welding, adhering, connecting via connectors, and all other forms of connection known and commercially available. Varying a position of any hinge 76, 78, 80, 82, 84, 86 on a side edge and/or surface of a panel is also enabled herein, as is a variation of size and/or spacing of any hinge.
Referring to
Each outer leg bracket 88 and each inner leg bracket 90 of each hinge 76, 78, 80, 82, 84, 86, respectively, is connected to the foldable clipboard 10 along an inner surface 94 of each inner leg bracket 90, and each outer leg bracket 88, of each respective hinge 76, 78, 80, 82, 84, 86. Each outer leg bracket 88 and/or each inner leg bracket 90 may include, or be position upon, a small flange 98 (formed on at least one side edge of one or more panels) and may permit the connection of the outer leg brackets 88 to their respective panels, so that each outer leg bracket 88 can overlap its respective inner leg bracket 90 to permit an expanded position and a folded position of the foldable clipboard 10, as illustrated in
Referring to
Referring to
When the foldable clipboard 10 is moved into the folded position, the foldable clipboard 10 naturally hides any writing materials it is holding, thus helping maintain confidentiality when it is desired, while also protecting the writing material from damage. And, when in the folded position, the foldable clipboard 10 may be positioned in a pocket, a purse, a briefcase, a pack, and the like.
The foldable clipboard 10 may be constructed of any suitable rigid material, such as cardboard, metal, plastic, and combinations thereof. In particular, but not by way of limitations, aluminum provides a very strong, lightweight material that is very durable. Alternatively, plastic also provides a strong and lightweight material that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture. The foldable clipboard 10 may have any desired dimensions which will hold a standard writing material, such as, for example only, an 8.5 inch by 11 inch or an 8 inch by 14-inch sheet of writing material. Alternatively, each folding panel 14, 16, 18, 20 may carry one or more sheets of writing material or a size similar to the size of each panel which carries the sheet, when the foldable clipboard is in the expanded position. For example, but not by way of limitation, the foldable clipboard 10 may have a length 100 of 12 inches and a width 102 of 8.5-9 inches, or alternatively, a length of 15 inches and a width of 9-10 inches. The depth 104 or thickness of the foldable clipboard 10 may range from 0.5 millimeter to 5 millimeters. It will be understood that other lengths, depths, and widths of the foldable clipboard 10 are possible, so long as the foldable clipboard 10 operates as shown and described in detail herein, and includes the advantages shown and described herein.
Each folding panel 14, 16, 18, 20 of the foldable clipboard 10, desirably is generally rectangular, and may be configured to be substantially rectangular in shape. However, as illustrated herein in
When the foldable clipboard 10 is moved into the folded position, as illustrated in
When the foldable clip board 10 is in the planar expanded position, the first folding panel 14, the second folding panel 16, the third folding panel 18, and the fourth folding panel 20 cooperate together with the hinges 76, 78, 80, 82, 84, 86 to form a first stop 118 which is formed between the lower edge 24 of the first folding panel 14 and the upper edge 34 of the second folding panel 16 abut each other in the expanded position, to assist in holding the first folding panel 14 and the second folding panel 16 in the planar expanded position. Similarly, a second stop 120 is formed between the lower edge 36 of the second folding panel 16 and the upper edge 46 of the third folding panel 18 which abut each other in the expanded position, to assist in holding the second folding panel 16 and the third folding panel 18 in the planar expanded position. Further, a third stop 122 is formed between the lower edge 48 of the third folding panel 18 and the upper edge 58 of the fourth folding panel 20 which abut each other in the expanded position, to assist in holding the third folding panel 18 and the fourth folding panel 20 in the planar expanded position.
While the clip 12 is positioned on an upper surface 30 of the first folding panel 14, it will be understood that the clip 12 is excluded from the consideration of the planar expanded position, and the clip 12 is desirably a low-profile clip as illustrated or could be formed partially or totally within the first folding panel 14 to more closely conform to the planar formation of the foldable clipboard 10 (not shown). Alternatively, the clip 12 could be provided separately and attached to any portion of the foldable clipboard 10 by any means known in the art and commercially available. In yet another alternative, the foldable clipboard 10 may be provided without a clip.
The foldable clipboard 10 may include additional features, including one shown in
Although the invention has been shown and described concerning a certain preferred embodiment or embodiments, certain equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above-described components (assemblies, devices, etc.) the terms (including a reference to a “means”) used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component (i.e., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary embodiments of the invention. In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed concerning only one of several embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more features of the other embodiments as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.
The present non-provisional patent application claims the benefit of US non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 18/389,576, entitled “FOLDABLE CLIPBOARD,” filed Nov. 14, 2023, which claims the benefit of U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 17/555,472, entitled “FOLDABLE CLIPBOARD,” filed Dec. 19, 2021, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/245,804, filed Sep. 18, 2021; and U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 18/389,576 entitled “FOLDABLE CLIPBOARD,” filed Nov. 14, 2023, also claims the benefit of U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 17/685,357, entitled “FOLDABLE CLIPBOARD,” filed Mar. 2, 2022, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/245,804, filed Sep. 18, 2021, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63245804 | Sep 2021 | US | |
63245804 | Sep 2021 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 18389576 | Nov 2023 | US |
Child | 18409814 | US | |
Parent | 17555472 | Dec 2021 | US |
Child | 18389576 | US | |
Parent | 17685357 | Mar 2022 | US |
Child | 17555472 | US |