Indicia displaying stationery products

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 6615518
  • Patent Number
    6,615,518
  • Date Filed
    Friday, May 25, 2001
    23 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, September 9, 2003
    21 years ago
Abstract
By providing any desired stationery product with a movable or removable panel member which cooperates with the surface or body of the stationery product, a unique indicia retaining and displaying system is realized. Preferably, the panel member is movably or removably mounted to the stationery product for ease of insertion of an indicia bearing member and secure retention thereof when the panel member is returned to its original position. In addition, the panel member preferably comprises a transparent zone, in order to enable the indicia bearing member to be easily viewed.
Description




TECHNICAL FIELD




This invention relates to stationery products and, more particularly, to a unique construction for stationery products which provide an easily employed, pivoted display or arm member incorporating integrally formed identification display means.




BACKGROUND ART




Substantial effort has been expended for many years in improving the construction and operation of stationery products, such as shears, scissors, graduated and ungraduated rulers, staplers, tape dispensers, and the like. As is evident from this activity, numerous attempts have been made to improve the ease of manufacture, assembly, and operation of these products, as well as the ability of having individuals easily identifying the owner of these products. However, in spite of this substantial effort, difficulties continue to exist.




Ever increasing demands have been placed on manufacturers of stationery products to increase the ease of operation of the tools by the consumer, as well as provide a tool which is rapidly manufactured and assembled. In particular, in such products specifically designed for use by children, efficiency in production and assembly must be realized in order to attain a product which can be sold at competitive prices.




Although various attempts have been made to achieve a product construction and assembly which enables the desired product to be manufactured and produced at a minimum expense, such efforts have failed to provide a final product which is capable of withstanding all of the demands placed on the product by the users. Consequently, the need for improvements in the manufacture and assembly of such products has continued, with the industry requiring improvements in design, structure, assembly, and operational ease.




In addition to attempting to resolving these existing problems, prior art stationery products have also been unable to allow individuals to quickly and easily incorporate a tag or label as an integral part of the product in order to enable the owner of the product to be identified in a convenience and aesthetically pleasing manner. Presently, no system exists which enables ownership identification to be incorporated directly within the stationery product itself, as an integral component thereof, eliminating unsightly printed tags for labels affixed by adhesive means to the outer surface of the stationery products. Although substantial interest has existed for many years in having achieving an integrally formed system to accommodate product identification, no prior art system has been developed to satisfy this need.




Therefore, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide stationery products which are constructed in a manner to enable the product to be quickly and easily assembled while also enabling the products to be easily and conveniently employed by the consumer.




Another object of the present invention is to provide stationery products having the characteristic features described above which incorporate integrally formed, pivotal cover or arm member which is capable of securely retaining a label, tag, or other identification means for designating the owner of the product.




Other and more specific objects will in part be obvious and will in part appear hereinafter.




SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION




By employing the present invention, the difficulties and drawbacks found with prior art systems have been overcome and stationery product constructions are attained which provide ease of manufacture and assembly, as well as incorporating an integrally formed, easily manufactured identification label retaining and displaying zone. Employing the teaching of this invention, rugged, wear-resistant, long-lasting product constructions are realized which are capable of being achieved with substantial ease and simplicity.




In the present invention, a minimum of components are employed to produce the product constructions of this invention. In particular, by employing the present invention, any desired stationery product is able to be constructed with means for enabling an identification label or tag means to be retainingly inserted into a holding zone. In this way, individuals, particularly children and office workers, are able to identify their stationery products and distinguish their own products from the products of others. As a result, all individuals are able to personalize their products, if so desired, to assure their availability when needed. In addition, the personalization of these stationery products enables individuals to be able to freely share their products with others, while simultaneously enjoying a sense of pride in knowing and being recognized for such sharing, as well as knowing the products will be easily recognized and returned.




In one preferred embodiment, any desired stationery product is constructed with a separate plate member which incorporates and integrally formed, arcuately shaped boss extending from one surface of the plate. In addition, a cooperating surface of the stationery product incorporates a cooperating boss receiving zone. Alternatively, the placement of these components can be reversed with the upstanding arcuately shaped boss member being formed on the stationery product and the boss receiving zone being formed on the plate member.




By mounting these component in cooperating interengagement with each other, the plate member is able to arcuately pivot relative to the remainder of the stationery product. In this way, an easily constructed, arcuately pivotable identification label retaining and displaying zone is achieved which is integrally interconnected with the stationery product, forming a cooperating, integrally constructed portion thereof.




In the preferred construction, the plate member is formed from transparent material and incorporates a receiving zone within which any desired identification tag or label is easily placed and retained for easy visibility. As a result, the desired stationery product is constructed with a specially designated identification label retaining and displaying zone integrally formed therewith for use by the product owner.




By employing the present invention, a stationery product is constructed with a specific identification zone integrally formed therewith providing a unique distinctive construction enabling the user to quickly and easily position an identifying tag or label in direct association with the product as an integral part thereof, thereby designating the proprietor of the particular stationery product or providing any other desired information. Although the preferred construction employs affixing a cooperating plate or cover member in pivotable mounted interengagement with the stationery product to establish an easily employable, integrally formed identification zone for the product, numerous alternate constructions can be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention.




If desired, an identification zone forming plate or cover member can be securely and integrally affixed to the stationery product by employing other securement systems or methods, such as sliders, locks, snap connections, and the like. In this way, any desired stationery product can be constructed with a specific identification zone integrally formed as a part of the stationery product, providing an easily used, a readily accessible, integral component for the stationery product.




As would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in this art, stationery products such as rulers, staplers, tape dispensers, triangles, pencil boxes, and the like, may be constructed with the identification zone formed by a plate or cover member integrally interconnected and movable relative to the product structure. As detailed above, a pivotal plate or cover is preferred. However alternate constructions employing sliders, snap connections, or other lock systems can be employed with equal efficacy.




In addition to these products, other stationery products which incorporate cooperating members pivotally mounted to each other, such as the shears, scissors, garden cutters, and the like may employ the present invention with a unique construction incorporating the plate or cover member of the identification label retaining and displaying zone interconnected with the pivot means of the product itself. In this way, a unique product construction is realized, providing ease of assembly and construction, while also incorporating a readily accessible, integrally formed product identification zone.




In this regard, in providing scissors, shears, or cutter constructions which are easily manufactured and assembled, while also achieving a rugged, long-lasting, wear-resistant product, each of the two, cooperating, pivotable arm members forming the product may be formed from a single component or, in the preferred embodiment, formed from a blade portion and a handle portion, which are integrally, securely mounted in engagement with each other to form a pivotable arm member. In addition, each of the cooperating, pivotable arm members incorporates a pivot forming aperture formed therein which is constructed for receiving and cooperatively interengaging with a pivot forming boss or pin.




In the preferred construction, a pivot forming boss is employed for being inserted into the apertures formed in the pivotable arm members of the scissors, shears, or cutter product, with the boss preferably being integrally formed with an overlying cover plate. In this construction, the cover plate is cooperatively associated with part of one handle portion.




In this way, with the cover plate preferably formed from transparent material, the cover plate functions as a receiving zone for the identifying label to enable the personalization of the scissors, shears, or cutter construction. Although alternate constructions can be employed for attaining an identification retaining member integrally formed with one handle member, including a cover plate which is not pivotable, the preferred embodiment employs a separate, arcuately pivotable cover plate integrally interconnected with the pivot forming boss.




In this regard, in order to attain an easily assembled, inexpensively produced product construction, the pivotable arm members of the product are preferably formed using plastic molded handle portions and preformed blade portions integrally affixed to the handle portions to form the desired arm member. By constructing these components for easy, rapid, ready interengagement with each other, manufacturing simplicity is attained and minimal assembly time is required to attain the unique, desirable, rugged scissors construction of this invention.




The invention accordingly comprises an article of manufacture possessing the features, properties, and relation of elements which will be exemplified in the articles hereinafter described.











THE DRAWINGS




For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:





FIG. 1

is a perspective view of the stationery product of the present invention in the form of a fully assembled scissors construction with the identification holding plate member thereof depicted arcuately pivoted away from the pivotable arm member for ease of insertion of a desired tag or label;





FIG. 2

is a top plan view of the scissors construction of the present invention depicted with the cover plate arcuately pivoted into its engaged, overlying position with the pivotable arm member;





FIG. 3

is a top plan view of the scissors construction of the present invention of

FIG. 1

with the pivotable arm members thereof arcuately pivoted into a disengaged configuration;





FIG. 4

is a bottom view of the scissors construction of the present invention;





FIG. 5

is a cross-sectional end view of the scissors construction taken along line


5





5


of

FIG. 2

;





FIG. 6

is an exploded perspective view of the scissors construction of the present invention;





FIG. 7

is a cross-sectional side view of the scissors construction of the present invention taken along line


7





7


of

FIG. 2

;





FIG. 8

is a top plan view of one pivotable arm member forming the scissors construction of the present invention;





FIG. 9

is a top plan view of a second pivotable arm member of the scissors construction of the present invention;





FIG. 10

is an exploded perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the scissors construction of the present invention;





FIG. 11

is a cross-sectional top plan view of one arm member of the scissors construction of

FIG. 10

;





FIG. 12

is an exploded perspective view of a still further embodiment of the scissors construction of the present invention;





FIG. 13

is a cross-sectional side view of one arm member of the scissors construction of

FIG. 12

;





FIG. 14

is an exploded view of a still further alternate embodiment of the scissors construction of the present invention; and





FIG. 15

is a cross-sectional side view of one arm member of the scissors construction embodiment depicted in FIG.


14


.





FIG. 16

is a top plan view of another embodiment of the stationery product of the present invention in the form of a ruler;





FIG. 17

is a side elevation view of the ruler of

FIG. 16

;





FIG. 18

is a top exploded perspective view, partially broken away, of the ruler of

FIG. 16

;





FIG. 19

is a bottom exploded perspective view, partially broken away, of the ruler of

FIG. 16

;





FIGS. 20 and 21

are both bottom perspective views of two further alternate embodiments of ruler constructions of the present invention;





FIGS. 22 and 23

are both top perspective views of two still further alternate embodiments of ruler constructions of the present invention;





FIG. 24

is a partially exploded top perspective view of a still further embodiment of a stationery product of the present invention in the form of a stapler;





FIG. 25

is a top perspective view of the fully assembled stapler construction of

FIG. 24

;





FIG. 26

is a top plan view of an additional further alternate embodiment of the scissors construction of the present invention;





FIG. 27

is a top plan view of the embodiment of the scissors of

FIG. 26

shown with the display panel thereof removed from the receiving cavity;





FIG. 28

is a cross-sectional side elevation view, partially broken away, taken along line


28





28


of

FIG. 26

;





FIG. 29

is an exploded perspective view of one arm member of the scissors of

FIG. 26

depicting the construction of this alternate embodiment;





FIG. 30

is an exploded perspective view of a still further alternate embodiment of a stationery product of the present invention in the form of a stapler; and





FIG. 31

is a partial exploded perspective view of a still further alternate embodiment of a stationery product of the present invention in the form of a ruler.











DETAILED DESCRIPTION




By referring to

FIGS. 1-31

, along with the following detailed disclosure, the construction and operation of the various embodiments of the stationery products of the present invention can best be understood. Although various alternate constructions are depicted and disclosed herein, further alternate constructions can be employed without departing from the scope of this invention. Consequently, it is to be understood that the constructions set forth herein are provided as exemplary constructions and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.




In

FIGS. 1-15

and


26


-


31


, several alternate embodiments for stationery products


20


are provided wherein stationery product


20


is in the form of a product having a pair of cooperating, pivotally interconnected arm members, such as are found with scissors, shears, gardening tools or cutters, and the like. For exemplary purposes only, stationery product


20


is depicted in

FIGS. 1-15

and


26


-


29


as a pair of scissors.




In

FIGS. 16-23

, stationery product


20


is depicted as a drafting or drawing ruler incorporating an integrally formed, pivotable plate or cover member forming the desired identification label holding and displaying zone. Finally,

FIGS. 24-25

depict stationery product


20


as a stapler which incorporates a pivotal plate or cover member to form the integrally constructed, identification label holding and retaining zone of the present invention.




As is evident from the following detailed disclosure, wherein the preferred constructions for these alternate embodiments of stationery products are provided, the present invention can be implemented in a wide variety of different products employing a wide variety of alternate constructions and configurations. However, it is to be understood that the following detailed disclosure represents a complete teaching of the best mode for carrying out the present invention, while encompassing all of the alternate constructions coming within the scope and purview of the present invention.




In

FIGS. 1-9

, one preferred embodiment of the pivotable member construction of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, stationery product/scissors


20


comprises a pair of pivotable arm members


21


and


22


. Arm member


21


comprises a handle portion


23


, and a blade portion


24


, while arm member


22


comprises a handle portion


25


and a blade portion


26


.




As best seen in

FIGS. 6-9

, handle portions


23


and


25


each comprise a pivot pin receiving passageway


30


, while blade members


24


and


26


each comprise a pin receiving passageway


31


. In addition, as further discussed below, blade portions


24


and


26


also incorporate mounting holes


32


preferably formed at the distal end of blade portions


24


and


26


for cooperating with staking posts


34


formed on each handle portion and positioned for telescopic insertion in mounting holes


32


of each blade portion


23


and


25


for securely retaining blade portion


24


to handle portion


23


and blade portion


26


to handle portion


25


.




In order to complete the construction of this preferred embodiment of scissors


20


, pivot forming boss


36


is employed. Boss


36


is constructed for telescopic insertion and engagement within passageways


30


of handle portions


23


and


25


and passageways of


31


of blade portions


24


and


26


. With pivot forming boss


36


telescopically engaged within these cooperating passageways, the desired pivot axis for arm members


21


and


22


is established. In order to securely maintain pivot forming boss


36


in position in cooperating, holding, pivoted interconnected engagement with arm members


21


and


22


, boss locking means


37


is employed, preferably in the form of a threaded screw.




As detailed herein, in this embodiment of scissors


20


, cover plate


40


is employed to form label identification holding and displaying zone


45


. In order to achieve this result, cover plate


40


is constructed from transparent material and is securely mounted to one end of pivot forming boss


36


. In this way, as depicted in

FIGS. 1 and 3

, cover plate


40


is capable of arcuate pivoting movement about the pivot axis established by boss


36


, enabling cover plate


40


to move into and out of overlying secure engagement with handle portion


25


. Furthermore, for ease of access, cover plate


40


is arcuately movable through an arc depicted as “X”.




By constructing cover plate


40


with an elongated recess zone


46


, formed on one surface thereof, and positioned in juxtaposed, spaced, cooperating, overlying relationship with the surface of handle portion


25


, identification label holding and displaying zone


45


is established. This is clearly shown in

FIGS. 5 and 7

. Furthermore, in the preferred construction, handle portion


25


incorporates an area of reduced thickness which is constructed for cooperative receipt of cover plate


40


to provide nested engagement thereof with handle portion


25


. In this way, the resulting construction of handle


25


provides an overall dimension substantially equivalent to the dimensions of handle portion


23


.




By employing this preferred embodiment of these constructions of the present invention, cover plate


40


is pivoted out of overlying engagement with handle portion


25


, enabling the user to easily insert any identification label onto either the inside surface


46


of plate


40


or handle portion


25


. Then, by arcuately pivoting cover plate


40


back to its original overlying, nested position, the desired indicia on the tag/label inserted therewith is securely retained and displayed.




In order to securely maintain cover plate


40


in engagement with handle portion


25


and assure retention of the identification label therebetween, cover plate


40


and handle portion


25


incorporate locking means


41


as best seen in

FIGS. 5 and 6

. Although various alternate constructions can be employed for providing locking means


41


, a boss and associated recess are depicted for exemplary purposes.




As shown in

FIGS. 6-9

and briefly discussed above, blade portions


24


and


26


are securely affixed to handle portions


23


and


25


by securely staking each blade portion to each handle portion. In the preferred embodiment, each blade portion


24


and


26


incorporates a mounting hole


32


formed therein which is constructed for cooperative interengagement with upstanding staking post


34


formed on each handle portion


23


and


25


. In addition, each handle portion


23


and


25


incorporates a blade receiving cavity


42


for receiving and securely retaining blade


24


or


26


in the precisely desired location, with the boss receiving passageway


31


of each blade portion aligned with passageway


30


of each handle portion.




In order to securely affix blade portions


24


and


26


to handle portions


23


and


25


in an easily achieved, rapidly assembled manner, each blade portion


24


and


26


is positioned in a blade receiving cavity


42


of one handle portion


23


and


25


with staking post


34


telescopically engaged through mounting hole


32


of blade portion


24


and


26


. Thereafter, using conventional fastening means, such as ultrasonic welding or thermal heating, staking post


34


of each handle member


23


and


25


is melted to securely affix blade portions


24


and


26


to their respective handle portion


23


and


25


.




Using this simple technique, secure affixation of each blade member


24


and


26


to one of the respective handle portions


23


and


25


is quickly and easily attained. Then, with blade portion


24


securely affixed to handle portion


23


and blade portion


26


securely affixed to blade portion


25


, arm assemblies


21


and


22


are completely assembled, ready for secure affixation to each other to attain the desired scissors construction.




As is evident from the foregoing detailed disclosure, quick, easy, rapid construction and assembly of the preferred embodiment of scissors


20


of the present invention is easily attained. Furthermore, by employing the present invention, a rugged, long-lasting scissors construction is attained which is manufacturable in a cost efficient manner. Furthermore, a scissors construction is realized which also provides an easily employed, integrally formed identification retaining means for enabling individuals to personalize a pair of scissors, by secure retention of identifying indicia.




In

FIGS. 10-15

, alternate embodiments of the present invention are depicted. In each of these embodiments, an alternate construction or assembly system is detailed for achieving an easily assembled, long-lasting, rugged scissors construction which enables identifying means to be securely inserted in the scissors and retained thereby. For ease of understanding and consistency, in each of these embodiments, numeral identifications consistent with numerals employed in

FIGS. 1-9

have been used to refer to a similar component or element.




In the embodiment depicted in

FIGS. 10 and 11

, handle members


21


and


22


are constructed in a manner similar to the embodiments detailed above. In this embodiment, blade portions


24


and


26


are securely affixed to handle portions


23


and


25


by securely staking each blade portion to each handle portion by forming mounting holes


32


in each blade portion which are constructed for cooperative interengagement with upstanding staking post


34


formed in each handle portion


23


and


25


. In addition, each handle portion


23


and


25


incorporate a blade receiving cavity


42


for receiving and securely retaining blades


24


and


26


in the precisely desired location, with pivot receiving passageways


31


formed in each blade portion and aligned with passageway


30


of handle portions


25


.




In this embodiment, in order to securely affix blade portions


24


and


26


to handle portions


23


and


25


in an easily achieved, rapidly assembled manner, each blade portions


24


and


26


is positioned in blade receiving cavity


42


of associated handle portions


23


and


25


with staking posts


34


telescopically extending through mounting holes


32


of blade portions


24


and


26


. Thereafter, using conventional fastening means, such as ultrasonic welding or thermal heating, staking posts


34


of each handle member


23


and


25


is melted to securely affix blade portions


24


and


26


to their respective handle portions


23


in


25


.




In order to provide the desired pivotable, locked interengagement of arm assemblies


21


and


22


to each other, a locking/pivot screw


50


is employed. In the preferred construction, locking/pivot screw


50


incorporates an enlarged head


51


from which a generally cylindrically shaft extends which comprises shaft portions


52


and


53


. Shaft portion


52


of locking/pivot screw


50


is directly adjacent head


51


and comprises a cylindrically shaped, smooth surface.




In addition, the length of shaft portion


52


is substantially equivalent to the axial length of passageways


31


of blade portions


24


and


26


plus the axial length of passageway


30


of handle portion


25


. In this way, shaft portion


52


forms the pivot surface for handle members


21


and


22


, enabling these members to arcuately pivot in the desired manner.




Finally, the shaft of locking/pivot screw


50


terminates with shaft portion


53


which preferably incorporates threads formed in the outer surface thereof. Threaded shaft portion


53


is constructed for cooperating, threaded interengagement with threaded zone


54


formed in handle member


23


. By employing this construction, as is well known in the art, locking/pivot screw


50


is mounted through the receiving passageways of arm assemblies


21


and


22


and securely mounted in threaded zone


54


of handle member


23


. In this way, the desired pivotable interconnected interengagement of arm members


21


and


22


is obtained for providing the desired cutting action.




In this embodiment, in order to provide the desired identification label holding and displaying zone


45


, handle portion


25


incorporates a transparent zone or surface


56


and a cooperating slot


57


formed therein. Preferably, surface


56


and slot


57


are formed in handle portion


25


between passageway


30


and the finger loop formed adjacent the distal end of handle portion


25


. In addition, a backing plate


58


is employed and mounted to the inside surface of handle member


25


in cooperating relationship with transparent zone


56


and slot


57


.




As clearly shown in

FIG. 11

, backing plate


58


provides a rear surface for transparent zone


56


of handle portion


25


. As a result, whenever an individual inserts any desired identifying label or tag


59


into slot


57


to be displayed through transparent zone


56


, backing plate


58


cooperates with transparent zone


56


and slot


57


to provide a surface on which identifying label or tag


59


is securely retained in the precisely desired position and location. As a result, by employing this embodiment of the present invention, the desired identifying label holding and displaying zone


45


is realized in an alternate construction capable of production easily and economically.




In

FIGS. 12 and 13

, a further alternate embodiment for constructing scissors


20


of the present invention is depicted. In this embodiment, arm members


21


and


22


are constructed substantially identically to the construction system detailed above in reference to the scissors of

FIGS. 10 and 11

. In this regard, arm members


21


and


22


are constructed with blade portions


24


and


26


securely affixed to handle portions


23


and


25


in the manner detailed above. In addition, arm members


21


and


22


are secured to each other in pivotal interengagement by employing locking/pivot screw


50


.




In addition, handle portion


25


incorporates transparent zone/surface


56


which cooperates with slot


57


formed therein. However, in this embodiment, in order to provide a rear backing surface for securely retaining identification label


59


, blade portion


26


incorporates a rearwardly extending plate


61


integrally formed therewith.




By employing this embodiment, when blade portion


26


is securely mounted to handle portion


25


, rearwardly extending plate


61


is automatically positioned and mounted in juxtaposed, spaced, cooperating relationship with transparent zone/surface


56


of handle portion


25


. As a result, a rear, supporting surface is established for receiving and retaining identification label or tag


59


when inserted through slot


57


of handle portion


25


, thereby enabling identification label or tag


59


to be easily viewed and read through transparent zone


56


. In this way, the desired identification label holding and displaying zone


45


of this embodiment is attained.




In

FIGS. 14 and 15

, a further alternate embodiment is depicted for constructing scissors


20


of the present invention with identification label holding and displaying zone


45


associated therewith. In this embodiment, as with the embodiments detailed above in reference to

FIGS. 10-13

, scissors


20


is constructed with arm members


21


and


22


formed from handle portions


23


and


25


with blade portions


24


and


26


securely mounted to each other. In addition, locking/pivot screw


50


is employed for securely holding and maintaining arm members


21


and


22


in pivotable interengaged interconnection with each other, as well as providing the requisite pivot surface for handle portions


23


and


25


and blade portions


24


and


26


.




In order to establish the desired identification label holding and displaying zone


45


, this embodiment of scissors


20


incorporates cover member


64


which is fixedly mounted to handle portion


25


in secure engagement therewith. In the preferred embodiment, cover member


64


is formed from transparent material, and comprises a construction which enables cover member


64


to peripherally surround and securely engage a substantial portion of handle portion


25


. In addition, in the preferred embodiment, cover member


64


incorporates a passageway


65


through which locking/pivot screw


50


passes for enabling cylindrical shaft portion


52


to pass therethrough and cooperate therewith enabling pivotal movement of cover members


64


along with handle portion


25


.




In the preferred construction, terminating edge


66


of cover member


64


is constructed for being spaced away from the adjacent edge of handle portion


25


. In this way, a slot is formed between cover members


64


and handle portion


25


enabling identification label or tag


59


to be inserted therebetween. In this way, once a label or tag


59


is inserted between cover member


64


and handle portion


25


, the indicia printed thereon is readily visible through transparent cover member


64


, providing the desired identification label holding and displaying zone


45


for this embodiment of the present invention.




In

FIGS. 26-29

, another preferred embodiment of a pivotable arm member construction of the present invention is shown, with the pivotable arm member comprising scissors


20


. As with the previous embodiment, scissors


20


comprises a pair of pivotable arm members


21


and


22


. Arm member


21


comprises a handle portion


23


and a blade portion


24


, while arm member


22


comprises a handle portion


25


and a blade portion


26


.




In addition, arm members


21


and


22


are mounted for arcuate pivoting movement relative to each other. In this embodiment, the pivoting interengagement of arm members


21


and


22


is achieved in a generally conventional manner by forming enlarged passageways


30


in handle portions


23


and


25


, while also forming pivot receiving passageways


31


in blade members


24


and


26


. In order to complete this construction, pivot pin/fastening means


99


is mounted in the aligned passageways


30


and


31


for securely maintaining arm members


21


and


22


interengaged with each other, while also providing independent arcuate pivoting motion of arm members


21


and


22


about the axis defined by fastening means


99


.




In the preferred construction of this embodiment of the present invention, holding and displaying zone


45


is formed by providing an enlarged, oval-shaped cavity


100


which is formed in handle portion


23


of arm member


21


. In addition, a removable panel or plate


101


is constructed with a size and shape which enables panel


101


to be inserted in and securely retained by oval cavity


100


. As detailed herein, although an oval shape is preferred for cavity


100


and panel


101


, any alternate shape can be employed with equal efficacy.




In the preferred construction, holding and displaying zone


45


is constructed for receiving, maintaining, and displaying any desired substantially flat member


102


. In general, member


102


comprises one selected from the group consisting of indicia bearing members, photographs, pictures, and other similar items. Regardless of the member being retained, a secure holding and displaying zone


45


is provided for assuring ready visibility and protection of member


102


mounted in zone


45


.




In order to enable member


102


to be inserted into cavity


100


and be readily visible through panel


101


, panel


101


is preferably formed from transparent material and comprises an overall cross-sectional shape which enables panel


101


to function as a lens, effectively enlarging the visual appearance of the indicia bearing member, photo, picture, or other item retained in holding and displaying zone


45


. In this way, the visibility and readability of member


102


is enhanced. Although the formation of panel


101


as a lens is preferred, this construction is not required and panel


101


may be formed from any clear, transparent or translucent material without departing from the scope of the present invention.




In its preferred construction, panel


101


is quickly and easily inserted into cavity


100


for secure retention, as well as being easily removable therefrom whenever desired. In order to assure ease of insertion and secure retention of panel


101


in cavity


100


, cavity


100


and panel


101


comprise mating, arcuately curved side edges constructed for locking engagement and disengagement.




As best seen in

FIGS. 28 and 29

, cavity


100


comprises a substantially flat base


104


and an upstanding wall


105


peripherally surrounding and substantially enveloping base


104


. In its preferred construction wall


105


is constructed with an arcuately curved, cross-sectional shape, with the upper, terminating edge thereof extending inwardly.




If desired, wall


105


may comprise a substantially vertical portion directly adjacent base


104


, with an inwardly extending terminating end portion. In this way, an alternate construction for holding panel


101


is provided.




In its preferred construction, panel


101


comprises an outer terminating edge


106


which comprises a smooth, rounded, arcuately curved, cross-sectional shape. In the preferred embodiment, wall


105


of cavity


100


and outer edge


106


of panel


101


are both formed with substantially identical radii of curvature “A”. In this way, the desired secure, mating, locked engagement of panel


101


in cavity


100


is assured.




By employing this preferred construction, panel


101


is quickly and easily inserted into locking engagement with cavity


100


. In order to attain the desired engagement, a portion of terminating edge


106


of panel


101


is brought into mating engagement with a portion of wall


105


of cavity


100


with these components being fully engaged with each other due to their complementary, curved construction.




The securement process is then completed by forcing the remainder of edge


106


into engagement with the remainder of wall


105


of cavity


100


. Once fully engaged, curved outer edge


106


of panel


101


is mounted in secure, locked engagement with curved wall


105


of cavity


100


.




By employing this construction, secure nested engagement of panel


101


with cavity


100


is achieved in a simple, easily attained one-step process. In addition, panel


101


is lockingly retained in cavity


100


, in a manner which prevents unwanted dislodgement thereof.




Prior to placing panel


101


in secure locked engagement with cavity


100


, the desired member


102


is placed on base


104


of cavity


100


. Then, when panel


101


is positioned in overlying engagement with member


102


and securely mounted in place, the desired member


102


is retained in cavity


100


and fully visible through panel


101


.




A further feature of this embodiment of the present invention is the achievement of a construction which enables panel


101


to be quickly and easily removed from cavity


100


whenever desired. In order to provide this capability, panel


101


incorporates a flange


108


which radially extends outwardly from edge


106


. In addition, cavity


100


incorporates a portal or opening


109


formed in wall


105


which is constructed and positioned for receiving flange


108


.




As best seen in

FIGS. 26 and 27

, portal


109


of cavity


100


is positioned along a side edge of handle


23


of arm member


21


. In this way, flange


108


of panel


101


is located in an easily and readily accessible area, enabling the user to quickly reach and remove panel


101


from cavity


100


whenever desired.




Furthermore, as best seen in

FIG. 29

, handle


23


incorporates a recess area or zone


110


formed therein, directly below portal


109


. By incorporating recess zone


110


below portal


109


, any user is able to easily insert one's fingernail below flange


108


and, by exerting a lifting action, quickly remove panel


101


from cavity


100


. In this way, panel


101


is easily removed from cavity


100


without requiring any special tools or special equipment.




As is apparent from the foregoing detailed discussion, numerous alternate embodiments may be employed for providing a stationery product


20


in the form of a pair of scissors, with each embodiment incorporating an easily employed, distinctive and unique identification label holding and displaying zone. Although several alternate embodiments have been fully detailed in the foregoing disclosure, further alternate constructions are capable of being employed without departing from the scope of the present invention. Consequently, the embodiments detailed above are provided as examples of alternate constructions and all additional alternate embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the present invention.




As discussed above, numerous different stationery products may be constructed incorporating an identification label holding and displaying zone in accordance with the present invention. As an example of one such other product, in addition to the scissors detailed above,

FIGS. 16-23

and


31


detail stationery product


20


in the form of rulers incorporating identification label holding and displaying zones


45


.




In each of these embodiments, ruler


20


comprises a substantially flat, elongated, rectangular shaped body member


70


on which any desired indicia may be printed, in the manner well known in the art. Typically, such indicia includes calibrated measuring units, such as inches, millimeters, etc. In this regard, any desired indicia may be printed on body member


70


without departing from the scope of this invention.




In the embodiment detailed in

FIGS. 16-19

, in order to provide the desired identification label holding and displaying zone


45


as an integral part of ruler


20


, ruler


20


incorporates arm member


71


. In its preferred construction, arm member


70


comprises a substantially rectangularly shaped section


72


which is integrally interconnected with a substantially circular shaped section


73


. As will be evident from the following the detailed disclosure, sections


72


and


73


may comprise any desired shape. However, the shapes depicted in

FIGS. 16-19

and discussed herein are preferred and, as a result, are detailed as the preferred examples for forming arm member


71


.




In the preferred construction, rectangular section


72


of arm member


71


is formed from transparent material and incorporates an elongated display area or zone


75


of reduced thickness which establishes an area for enabling any desired label or tag to be easily positioned and securely retained. In this way, the desired identification label holding and displaying zone


45


is provided.




In this embodiment of the present invention, arm member


71


is constructed to be arcuately pivotable relative to body member


70


of ruler


20


. As a result, in order to establish the desired arcuate pivotability in an easily constructed and readily assembled manner, circular shaped section


73


of arm member


71


incorporates a plurality of locking tabs or lugs


76


extending from the bottom surface thereof. Preferably, lugs


76


are formed on section


73


in a manner which establishes a generally circular shaped array, with each lug


76


being equally spaced away from a central axis point.




In addition, body member


70


of ruler


20


incorporates a plurality of notches


77


preferably formed adjacent one edge thereof and dimensioned for receiving and lockingly engaging tabs or lugs


76


of arm member


71


. In addition, notches


77


also incorporate camming surfaces


78


cooperatively associated therewith for receiving and cammingly locking and securing tabs or lugs


76


to body member


70


.




By employing this construction, arm member


71


is quickly and easily inserted into locked, pivotable interengagement with body member


70


of ruler


20


. In order to fully assemble this embodiment of the present invention, locking tabs or lugs


76


are inserted through notches


77


of body member


70


and arm member


71


is pivoted about the axis defined by lugs


76


. This movement causes locking tabs/lugs


76


to be cooperatively engaged and advanced over ramped camming surfaces


78


of body member


70


.




In the preferred construction, lugs


76


slide along ramped, sloping, camming surfaces


78


until lugs


76


pass a raised portion or abutment wall thereof and become locked to body member


70


. Once arm member


70


has moved from the assembly position to the locked position, locking tabs/lugs


76


are in locking engagement with camming surfaces


78


, preventing the arcuate movement of arm member


71


beyond the abutment wall of cam surfaces


78


.




In this way, arm member


71


is pivotally movable relative to body member


70


as shown by arrow


79


of

FIG. 1



6


. This pivotal movement enables a tag or label to be inserted within elongated display zone


75


of arm member


71


and then moved back to the desired retained and identification label holding and displaying position, as shown in FIG.


16


.




In order to prevent unwanted movement of arm member


71


as well as provide a positive stop for arm member


71


when pivoted into its normal identification label displaying position, body member


70


of ruler


20


incorporates raised surface


80


which is constructed for partially surrounding rectangular section


72


of arm member


71


and provide a positive stop therefor. In addition, snap lock means are incorporated therewith in order to provide secure, locked interengagement between arm member


71


and raised portion


80


.




By employing this construction, ruler


20


is easily achieved with the desired identification label holding and displaying zone


45


integrally incorporated therewith. However, although the construction detailed above is preferred, for its ease of manufacture and its simplicity of assembly, alternate constructions can be employed for providing ruler


20


with an identification label displaying and retaining zone. By referring to

FIGS. 20-23

, along with the following disclosure, these alternate constructions can best be understood.




In

FIGS. 20 and 21

, two alternate embodiments for constructing ruler


20


with the desired identification label holding and displaying zone


45


are depicted. In each of these embodiments, arm member


71


is pivotally mounted to body member


70


for use and operation in the manner detailed above in reference to

FIGS. 16-19

. In addition, in each of these embodiments, arm member


71


is constructed in a manner substantially identical to the construction detailed above, with arm member


71


incorporating rectangular section


72


, circular section


73


, and elongated label or tag receiving zone


75


. However, in each of these embodiments, arm member


71


is pivotally mounted to body member


70


using alternate constructions.




In the embodiment depicted in

FIG. 20

, arm member


71


incorporates a circular boss


81


extending from the bottom surface of circular section


73


which is cooperatively associated with an accommodating receiving cavity formed in the top surface of body portion


70


. In this embodiment, in order to securely affix arm member


71


to body member


70


in a manner which provides arcuate pivoting movement of arm member


71


relative to body member


70


, fastening means


82


is employed. Preferably, fastening means


82


comprises a threaded screw which is securely affixed to a receiving hole formed in circular boss


82


. However, if desired, any alternate fastening member may be employed without departing from the scope of this invention.




In the embodiment depicted in

FIG. 21

, arm member


71


incorporates a cylindrically shaped pin


83


extending from the bottom surface of circular section


73


. Pin


83


mates with a receiving hole formed in body portion


70


of ruler


20


and is securely retained in this desired position for pivotal movement relative to body member


70


by circular shaped fastening cap


84


. In this way, the desired arcuate pivoting movement of arm member


71


relative to body member


70


is achieved in a quickly and easily assembled manner, providing ruler


28


with the desired identification label holding and displaying zone


45


integrally formed thereon.




In

FIG. 23

, a further alternate embodiment is depicted for providing ruler


20


with the desired identification label holding and displaying zone


45


. In this embodiment, ruler


20


incorporates body member


70


within which in an elongated cavity


85


is formed. Preferably, elongated cavity


85


extends from one side edge of body member


70


and comprises a substantially rectangular shape. In addition, slots


86


are formed in opposed side edges of elongated cavity


85


.




In order to provide the desired identification label holding and displaying zone


45


, this embodiment of the present invention incorporates a substantially rectangular shape plate member


87


which is dimensioned for sliding engagement and securement with elongated cavity


85


. In order to assure secure locked interengagement of plate member


87


within recess cavity


85


, plate member


87


incorporates a plurality of locking fingers


88


extending from the side edges thereof, positioned for a mating, locking interengagement with slots


86


of cavity


85


. As a result, once plate member


87


is slidingly engaged within cavity


85


, fingers


88


are moved into biased engagement with slots


86


, assuring locked engagement of plate member


87


within cavity


85


. Preferably, disengaging means are incorporated into plate member


87


to enable fingers


88


to be dislodged from slots


86


, in order to allow plate member


87


to the removed from cavity


85


when desired.




By constructing plate member


87


from transparent material, and preferably incorporating a tag or label receiving zone on one surface thereof, plate member


87


, when positioned in locked interengagement with cavity


85


of body member


70


, provides the desired identification label holding and displaying zone


45


in an easily assembled, effective manner, in accordance with the teaching of the present invention.





FIG. 23

depicts a further alternate embodiment for providing ruler


20


with the desired identification label holding and displaying zone


45


of the present invention. In this embodiment, ruler


20


incorporates body member


70


on which elongated plate


89


is pivotally mounted. However, in this embodiment, plate


89


is pivotally mounted relative to the top surface of body member


70


about an axis which is parallel to the side edges of body member


70


. This arcuate pivotal motion is distinctly different from the pivoting movement of arm member


71


detailed above, wherein the pivot axis is perpendicular to the top surface of body member


70


.




In the preferred construction of this embodiment, body member


70


incorporates a recess or cavity zone formed in the top surface thereof which accommodates the dimensions of plate


89


. As result, pushing one end of plate


89


in a generally downward direction causes the opposed end of plate


89


to move in the opposite direction, revealing a recess zone within which any desired tag or label can be placed. Then, by returning plate


89


to its original position, the tag or label inserted in the receiving zone is on display and the desired identification label holding and displaying zone


45


is realized.




In

FIG. 31

, a final alternate embodiment is depicted for providing ruler


20


with the desired identification label holding and displaying zone


45


in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, ruler


20


incorporates a body member


70


in which cavity


100


is formed. In the preferred construction, cavity


100


comprises a generally oval shape and is constructed for cooperating, locked engagement with panel


101


which is to be inserted and securely retained by cavity


100


. Although an oval shape is preferred for both cavity


100


and panel


101


, any alternate shape can be employed with equal efficacy.




As with the embodiments detailed above, holding and displaying zone


45


is constructed for receiving, maintaining and displaying any desired substantially flat member


102


. In general, member


102


comprises one selected from the group consisting of indicia bearing members, photographs, pictures, and the like. Regardless of the member being retained, holding and displaying zone


45


is provided for assuring ready visibility and protection of member


102


in zone


45


.




In order to enable member


102


to be inserted into cavity


100


and be readily visible through panel


101


, panel


101


is preferably formed from transparent material and comprises an overall cross-sectional shape which enables panel


101


to function as a lens, effectively enlarging the visual appearance of the indicia bearing member, photo, picture, or other item retained in holding and displaying zone


45


. In this way, the visibility and readability of member


102


is enhanced. Although the formation of panel


101


as a lens is preferred, this construction is not required and panel


101


may be formed from any clear, transparent, or translucent material without departing from the scope of the present invention.




In its preferred construction, panel


101


is quickly and easily inserted into cavity


100


for secure retention, as well as being easily removable therefrom whenever desired. In order to assure ease of insertion and secure retention of panel


101


in cavity


100


, cavity


100


and panel


101


comprises mating, arcuately curved side edges constructed for locking engagement and disengagement.




As shown in

FIG. 31

, cavity


100


comprises a substantially flat base


104


and an upstanding wall


105


peripherally surrounding and substantially enveloping base


104


. In its preferred construction, wall


105


is constructed with an arcuately curved, cross-sectional shape, with the upper terminating edges thereof extending inwardly.




In its preferred construction, panel


101


comprises an outer terminating edge


106


which comprises a smooth, rounded, arcuately curved cross-sectional shape. In the preferred embodiment, wall


105


of cavity


100


and outer edge


106


of panel


101


are both formed with substantially identical radii of curvatures. In this way, the desired secure, mating, locking engagement of panel


101


in cavity


100


is assured.




As discussed above in reference to

FIGS. 26-29

, panel


101


is quickly and easily inserted into locked engagement with cavity


100


, by placing a portion of terminating edge


106


of panel


101


into mating engagement with a portion of wall


105


of cavity


100


and forcing the remainder of edge


106


into engagement with the remainder of wall


105


of cavity


100


. By employing this construction, secure nested engagement of panel


101


with cavity


100


is achieved in a simple, easily attained, one-step process. In addition, panel


101


is lockingly retained in cavity


100


, in a manner which prevents unwanted dislodged thereof.




In addition, as also detailed above, a further feature of this embodiment of the present invention is the achievement of a construction which enables panel


101


to be quickly and easily removed from cavity


100


whenever desired. In order to provide this capability, panel


101


incorporates a flange


108


which radially extends outwardly from edge


106


. In addition, cavity


100


incorporates a portal or opening


109


formed in wall


105


which is constructed and positioned for receiving flange


108


.




As shown in

FIG. 31

, portal


109


of cavity


100


is positioned along a side edge of body member


70


of ruler


20


. In this way, flange


108


of panel


101


is located in an easily and readily accessible area, enabling the user to quickly reach and remove panel


101


from cavity


100


, whenever desired.




Furthermore, body member


70


of ruler


20


also incorporates a recessed area or zone


110


formed therein, directly below portal


109


. By incorporating recessed zone


110


below portal


109


, any user is able to easily insert one's fingernail below flange


108


and, by exerting a lifting action, quickly remove panel


101


from cavity


100


. In this way, panel


101


is easily removed from cavity


100


without requiring any special tools or special equipment.




As a result, it is apparent from the foregoing detailed disclosure that numerous alternate embodiments can be employed for achieving an identification label holding and displaying zone in direct association with a ruler. Although numerous alternate embodiments have been disclosed and discussed above in reference to

FIGS. 16-23

and


31


, these alternate embodiments are intended as examples of the present invention and are not intended as limiting the present invention to the specific embodiments. Consequently, since further alternate constructions can be employed in achieving a label holding and displaying zone in association with ruler


20


, it is intended that the foregoing embodiments, as well as all of the alternate embodiments which are capable of being employed, are encompassed within the scope of the present invention.




In

FIGS. 24

,


25


and


30


, a further examples of another stationery product incorporating the present invention is depicted. In these embodiments, stationery product


20


comprises a stapler which incorporates an identification label holding and displaying zone


45


integrally formed therewith.




In these embodiments, stapler


20


comprises a generally conventional construction incorporating a base


90


and a staple holding and dispensing chamber


91


which is pivotally mounted to base


90


. In order to incorporate identification label holding and displaying zone


45


as an integral part of stapler


20


in the embodiment of

FIGS. 24 and 25

, stapler


20


incorporates an arm member


71


pivotally mounted to staple holding and dispensing chamber


91


.




In the preferred construction of this embodiment, arm member


71


is constructed in a manner substantially identical to the construction detailed above in

FIGS. 16-19

with arm member


71


being mounted to staple holding and dispensing chamber


91


in a substantially identical manner as detailed above in these figures. As a result, arm member


71


preferably incorporates a rectangular section


72


integrally interconnected with circular section


73


. In addition, circular section


73


incorporates locking tabs or lugs


76


mounted to the bottom surface thereof, with locking lugs being constructed in a substantially circular array, as detailed above.




Furthermore, rectangular section


72


incorporates an elongated display area or zone


75


having a reduced thickness, for establishing the area which enables any desired label


59


to be easily positioned and securely retained therein. In addition, as discussed above, rectangular section


72


is formed from transparent material, in order to enable the indicia placed on identification label or tag


59


to be easily viewed therethrough.




In order to enable arm member


71


to be securely affixed to staple holding and dispensing chamber


86


, as well as pivotally mounted relative thereto, chamber


86


incorporates notches


77


and camming surfaces


78


formed therein for cooperative, locking interengagement with tabs/lugs


76


of arm member


71


in the manner detailed above. As result, once arm member


71


is positioned and placed in locked interengagement with chamber


86


, arm member


71


is capable of arcuate pivoting movement relative to chamber


86


in a specific, controlled, arcuate distance.




As detailed above, the arcuate movement of arm member


71


is constructed to enables tag or label


59


to be inserted into display area


75


, and then pivoted back to its original position for maintaining tag or label


59


in the precisely desired location for complete visibility through rectangular section


72


. In this way, the desired identification label holding and displaying zone


45


is attained in a further stationery product, providing consumers with another product with the desired display system.




In

FIG. 30

, a final alternate embodiment is depicted for providing stapler


20


with the desired identification label holding and displaying zone


45


in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, stapler


20


incorporates a body member in which cavity


100


is formed. In the preferred construction, cavity


100


comprises a generally oval shape and is constructed for cooperating, locked engagement with panel


101


which is to be inserted and securely retained by cavity


100


. Although an oval shape is preferred for both cavity


100


and panel


101


, any alternate shape can be employed with equal efficacy.




As with the embodiments detailed above, holding and displaying zone


45


is constructed for receiving, maintaining and displaying any desired substantially flat member


102


. In general, member


102


comprises one selected from the group consisting of indicia bearing members, photographs, pictures, and the like. Regardless of the member being retained, holding and displaying zone


45


is provided for assuring ready visibility and protection of member


102


in zone


45


.




In order to enable member


102


to be inserted into cavity


100


and be readily visible through panel


101


, panel


101


is preferably formed from transparent material and comprises an overall cross-sectional shape which enables panel


101


to function as a lens, effectively enlarging the visual appearance of the indicia bearing member, photo, picture, or other item retained in holding and displaying zone


45


. In this way, the visibility and readability of member


102


is enhanced. Although the formation of panel


101


as a lens is preferred, this construction is not required and panel


101


may be formed from any clear, transparent, or translucent material without departing from the scope of the present invention.




In its preferred construction, panel


101


is quickly and easily inserted into cavity


100


for secure retention, as well as being easily removable therefrom whenever desired. In order to assure ease of insertion and secure retention of panel


101


in cavity


100


, cavity


100


and panel


101


comprises mating, arcuately curved side edges constructed for locking engagement and disengagement.




As shown in

FIG. 31

, cavity


100


comprises a substantially flat base


104


and an upstanding wall


105


peripherally surrounding and substantially enveloping base


104


. In its preferred construction, wall


105


is constructed with an arcuately curved, cross-sectional shape, with the upper terminating edges thereof extending inwardly.




In its preferred construction, panel


101


comprises an outer terminating edge


106


which comprises a smooth, rounded, arcuately curved cross-sectional shape. In the preferred embodiment, wall


105


of cavity


100


and outer edge


106


of panel


101


are both formed with substantially identical radii of curvatures. In this way, the desired secure, mating, locking engagement of panel


101


in cavity


100


is assured.




As discussed above in reference to

FIGS. 26-29

and


31


, panel


101


is quickly and easily inserted into locked engagement with cavity


100


, by placing a portion of terminating edge


106


of panel


101


into mating engagement with a portion of wall


105


of cavity


100


and forcing the remainder of edge


106


into engagement with the remainder of wall


105


of cavity


100


. By employing this construction, secure nested engagement of panel


101


with cavity


100


is achieved in a simple, easily attained, one-step process. In addition, panel


101


is lockingly retained in cavity


100


, in a manner which prevents unwanted dislodged thereof.




In addition, as also detailed above, a further feature of this embodiment of the present invention is the achievement of a construction which enables panel


101


to be quickly and easily removed from cavity


100


whenever desired. In order to provide this capability, panel


101


incorporates a flange


108


which radially extends outwardly from edge


106


. In addition, cavity


100


incorporates a portal or opening


109


formed in wall


105


which is constructed and positioned for receiving flange


108


.




As shown in

FIG. 31

, portal


109


of cavity


100


is positioned along a side edge of body member


70


of ruler


20


. In this way, flange


108


of panel


101


is located in an easily and readily accessible area, enabling the user to quickly reach and remove panel


101


from cavity


100


, whenever desired.




Furthermore, the body member forming stapler


20


also incorporates a recessed area or zone


110


formed therein, directly below portal


109


. By incorporating recessed zone


110


below portal


109


, any user is able to easily insert one's fingernail below flange


108


and, by exerting a lifting action, quickly remove panel


101


from cavity


100


. In this way, panel


101


is easily removed from cavity


100


without requiring any special tools or special equipment.




It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, since changes may be made in constructing the articles detailed herein, without departing from the scope of the present invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.




It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.



Claims
  • 1. An indicia displaying stationery product which enables users to place any desired indicia bearing member in a protective, readily viewable area, said product comprising:A. a stationery product-forming body having a. a construction enabling said product-forming body to be easily carried to alternate positions for normal use, and b. an exposed, readily visible surface formed on said product-forming body, and B. a display assembly cooperatingly associated with the exposed surface of the stationery product forming body and comprising, a. an indicia bearing member receiving zone constructed for enabling any desired indicia bearing member to be mounted therein, and incorporating 1. a base forming portion, and 2. a wall member having a fixed height, extending upwardly from the base forming portion in peripheral surrounding relationship therewith, and comprising an open zone or portal formed therein, said open zone/portal extending through the entire height of the wall member, and b. a removable panel 1. formed at least partially from transparent material for enabling the indicia bearing member to be viewable there-through, 2. having an outer terminating edge dimensioned for cooperative engagement and retention with the wall member of the receiving zone, 3. constructed for being quickly and easily inserted into and removed from engagement with the wall member of the receiving zone; and 4. comprising a flange radially extending from the outer terminating edge thereof, with said flange being dimensioned for co-operatively engaging and extending through said open zone/portal of the wall member of the receiving zone for being readily accessible for enabling the panel to be easily removed from engagement in the receiving zone.
  • 2. The stationery product defined in claim 1, wherein said indicia bearing member is further defined as comprising one selected from the group consisting of pictures, photographs, and indicia bearing sheets.
  • 3. The stationery product defined in claim 1, wherein the wall member is further defined as comprising an arcuately curved, portion integrally formed therein.
  • 4. The stationery product defined in claim 3, wherein said wall member is further defined as having a smooth, upwardly extending, arcuate radius of curvature formed on a substantial portion thereof.
  • 5. The stationery product defined in claim 4, wherein the terminating edge incorporates a smooth, arcuate radius of curvature substantially equivalent to the radius of curvature of the wall member of the receiving zone.
  • 6. The stationery product defined in claim 5, wherein the removable panel and the receiving zone both comprise substantially oval shapes.
  • 7. The stationery product defined in claim 1, wherein said open zone/portal is further defined as comprising a recess zone cooperatively associated therewith for providing easy access to the flange of the removable panel whenever access thereto is required.
  • 8. Indicia displaying scissors which enable users to place any desired indicia bearing member in a protected, readily viewable area, said scissors comprising:A. a pair of arm members pivotally mounted together, with each arm member comprising a blade portion and a handle portion; and B. a display assembly formed in one handle portion of one arm member, and comprising a. an indicia bearing member receiving zone constructed for enabling any desired indicia bearing member to be mounted therein, and incorporating 1. a base forming portion, and 2. a wall member having a fixed height, extending upwardly from the base forming portion in peripheral surrounding relationship therewith, and comprising an open zone or portal formed therein, said open zone/portal extending through the entire height of the wall member, and b. a removable panel 1. formed at least partially from transparent material for enabling the indicia bearing member to be viewable therethrough, 2. having an outer terminating edge dimensioned for cooperative engagement and retention with the wall member of the receiving zone, 3. constructed for being quickly and easily inserted into and removed from engagement with the wall member of the receiving zone; and 4. comprising a flange radially extending from the outer terminating edge thereof, with said flange being dimensioned for co-operatively engaging and extending through said open zone/portal of the wall member of the receiving zone for being readily accessible for enabling the panel to be easily removed from engagement in the receiving zone.
  • 9. The indicia displaying scissors defined in claim 8, wherein said indicia bearing member is further defined as comprising one selected from the group consisting of pictures, photographs, and indicia bearing sheets.
  • 10. The indicia bearing scissors defined in claim 8, wherein the wall member of the receiving zone of the display assembly is further defined as comprising an arcuately curved, portion integrally formed therein.
  • 11. The indicia bearing scissors defined in claim 10, wherein said wall member is further defined as having a smooth, upwardly extending, arcuate radius of curvature formed on a substantial portion thereof.
  • 12. The indicia displaying scissors defined in claim 11, wherein the terminating edge incorporates a smooth, arcuate radius of curvature substantially equivalent to the radius of curvature of the wall member of the receiving zone.
  • 13. The indicia displaying scissors defined in claim 12, wherein the removable panel and the receiving zone both comprise substantially oval shapes.
  • 14. The indicia displaying scissors defined in claim 8, wherein said open zone or portal is further defined as comprising a recess zone cooperatively associated therewith for providing easy access to the flange of the removable panel whenever access thereto is required.
RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. Ser. No. 09/491,508, filed Jan. 26, 2000 entitled Indicia Displaying Stationery Products, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,263,599, which is a Continuation Application of U.S. Ser. No. 09/164,688, filed Oct. 1, 1998 entitled Indicia Displaying Stationery Products, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,041,530 on Mar. 28, 2000, which is related to Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/065,640, filed Nov. 18, 1997 entitled Scissors Construction with Personal Identification Holder.

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Number Name Date Kind
876317 Booth Jan 1908 A
1350275 Gafinowitz Aug 1920 A
1815154 Larson Jul 1931 A
4216862 Daenen Aug 1980 A
4258472 Wallace et al. Mar 1981 A
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6263599 Matthews et al. Jul 2001 B1
Foreign Referenced Citations (1)
Number Date Country
2266759 Nov 1993 GB
Provisional Applications (1)
Number Date Country
60/065640 Nov 1997 US
Continuations (1)
Number Date Country
Parent 09/164688 Oct 1998 US
Child 09/491508 US
Continuation in Parts (1)
Number Date Country
Parent 09/491508 Jan 2000 US
Child 09/865955 US