Patent Application
20080166173
Not Applicable
The research and development of this product was not federally sponsored.
Not Applicable
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a mobile implement holder for marking boards, and is particularly concerned with an easy-access implement holder for dry-erase boards commonly called white boards. This mobile holder allows for convenient, quick access to multiple implements when the user is actively presenting or teaching as well as easy “keep together” storage of presentation or teaching implements when not actively in use.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Dry-erase boards are commonly used in situations where large-scale transfer of information is required. The markers and erasers used in conjunction with such boards are generally kept on horizontal ledges or in a fixed-position marker/eraser holder that is adhesively fixed to a section of or near the white board.
During presentations or teaching that involve using several different color implements to convey information effectively, users are typically forced to either hold multiple markers in one hand while writing with the other, which typically results in dropping the implements, or forced to walk away from the area of the board where actively presenting in order to retrieve or lay down one or more of these implements. Time is also spent searching for and retrieving the desired marker color or a real-time compromise to not use a different color is made due to the inconvenience of retrieving these markers.
In addition, when using white board implements, users are forced to remove marker caps which often fall to the floor or are misplaced while actively presenting; especially if multiple color implements are being used for effect. Picking up or searching for marker caps while presenting is inefficient and causes considerable disruption while presenting or teaching.
Moreover, the spontaneous need for quick access to a white board eraser as well as a straightedge by presenters and teachers while actively presenting material requires the user to not only put down the multiple writing implements currently in use but again walk away from the area of the board where actively presenting to retrieve or lay down these additional implements.
These identified issues are currently aggravated by presentation or classroom scenarios where multiple white boards are used, forcing users to walk considerable distances to retrieve implements. The distance and associated time to retrieve implements cause presentation interruption, especially in larger classrooms with multiple white boards and therefore larger distances.
These issues are again compounded by using laser pointers or computer assisted slide presentation devices in conjunction with active white board usage to maximize the presentation/learning environment. A remote slide advancement device, a remote computer mouse, or laser pointers are other teaching implements that require quick, convenient access for effective use in the classroom or presentation environment—yet currently require users to inconveniently recap and stow writing implements for usage. Often these additional implements are placed down somewhere in the classroom to allow for using markers, only to ‘lose’ them temporarily and cause considerable disruption while locating them during presentations or lectures.
A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the following U.S. patents are considered related:
The object of the present invention is to organize and provide mobile, immediate access to multiple, colored, dry-erase markers, a dry-erase eraser, and other teaching or presenting aids.
The above object is achieved, according to the present invention, in that a lightweight, mobile, single-hand-graspable holder is provided which comprises a number of round cavities or functional holes used to retain respective marker caps and an integral precision eraser. All functional holes for securing marker caps are dimensioned such that marker caps are frictionally restrained within the cavities.
Additionally, the holder dimensions between writing implements are set to allow easy grip and removal of each implement while the cap remains securely in place on the holder. This structure eases marker removal while permitting ambidextrous use. The integral eraser is positioned on the holder such that it can be easily used for erasing while keeping the current writing implement in the user's writing hand. The eraser has a removable and replaceable slide-on cap that covers the eraser so that once capped, any dry-erase residue on the eraser can not soil other objects that the eraser comes into contact with, especially backpacks or laptop bags that the mobile implement holder may be transported in.
According to a particular feature of the invention, the holder incorporates functional holes for hanging/storing the holder with markers on a hook, nail, or screw. The holder also incorporates a flat magnetic strip for affixing the holder to a metallic (ferrous) supporting surface such as anywhere on a magnetic white board.
Although the holder is intended for use with white board markers, such as the EXPO® markers manufactured by Sandford® Corp. Bellwood, Ill.; the holder can also be dimensioned for other manufacturer's writing implements. The caps of the white board implements can be roughened with sandpaper and bonded to the holder with epoxy for added security in addition to the mechanical retention provided by the interference fit.
Other objects, features and advantages of the invention, its organization, construction and operation will be best understood from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, on which:
Referring to
As shown in
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Although I have described my invention by reference to particular illustrative embodiments thereof, many changes and modifications of the invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, this mobile marking board implement holder's functional holes can be sized or molded in other geometric designs consistent with other dry-erase or liquid marker designs, as well as chalk, pens, and other forms of marking implements. I therefore intended to include within the patent warranted hereon all such changes and modifications as may reasonably and properly be included within the scope of my contribution to the art.
