Patent Application
20060214919
The present inventive subject matter relates to a multi-panel writing surface and visual display device. More particularly, the present inventive subject matter relates to a multi-panel writing surface and visual display device with each panel having an erasable surface, and which may be mounted to a surface to display information.
It is well known to display information on surfaces, typically boards on which the information is presented. For example, information is displayed on billboards, signs, prints, posters, chalkboards, and whiteboards, also known as dry erase boards and markerboards. The display may be installed through mounting interfaces to mounting structures such as walls, racks, posts, and stands. However, such known applications are typically characterized either by the relative permanence or the relative impermanence of the surfaces on which the information is contained. For example, the mounting interfaces and associated mounting structures holding or providing the surfaces are generally either too rigid and inflexible or too insubstantial. If the mounting structures are too rigid and inflexible, the mounting surfaces may be immobile and difficult to reconfigure or otherwise to use and store information. On the other hand, if the mounting structure is too insubstantial, the mounting surface maybe highly mobile but otherwise tending to put the information on display at risk of loss before it can be stored. As a result, such known applications are generally not well suited for use in a dynamic work environment, where information is ideally created, displayed (e.g. shared and communicated) and stored in a highly efficient manner.
Another important aspect of displaying information is the amount of information that can be displayed at any given time, and the ease in which this can be done. Many known applications, such as blackboards, whiteboards, tack boards, cork boards, and similar structures only provide a given amount of area for displaying information, which is the same as the size of the display surface, of each structure. In many instances, these devices do not allow a user the requisite surface area to fully and adequately display all necessary information. Because of the lack of necessary surface area needed to fully and accurately portray information, the information may be interpreted incorrectly, or the information has to be continually updated (e.g. by removing and then adding new information). This can be quite burdensome for the user, and for individuals trying to retrieve information from the application.
In an attempt to overcome the shortcomings of known applications, the use of “display boards” has proliferated. Display boards are discrete information-containing structures that are mounted within a workspace or work environment. However, known display boards have typically not provided an amount of surface area needed to adequately present information without the need to continually remove other information. Moreover, many of these applications have continually gotten bigger in size to allow for additional information to be displayed. This though creates another problem in the ability to find the amount of space to properly install and utilize such an application. For example, dry erase boards have gotten increasingly bigger, which forces the buyer and user to allocate a larger amount of space to install the board properly. Many times these dry erase boards can be several feet in length and width. Further, the board's size is proportional to its weight, so the larger the board gets, the more the board weighs. Thus, if a user desires to obtain a larger dry erase board to increase the amount of information that can be displayed, the user will also have to account for the additional space needed to install the board, as well as the correct installation device(s) to ensure the heavier board is properly installed. Therefore, known display boards have not provided a convenient and user-friendly installation process, including a reduced and convenient area size for installation.
Accordingly, it is advantageous to have a display board system adapted to use, display and store information efficiently in a dynamic work environment. It is also advantageous to have a display board system that includes display boards having surface treatments that facilitate the collection, transformation, use, display and storage of information in a variety of formats. It is further advantageous to have a plurality of display panels adapted to support and promote display and storage of a larger amount of information than typically allotted by known applications. It is further advantageous if the mounting structures are configured to allow the efficient use, display and storage of display boards so information contained on the display boards could efficiently be used, displayed, and stored by persons in a work environment to increase productivity, particularly in the performance of groups. Even more advantageous is the ability to increase the amount of information that can be displayed on an application, without having to incur the expense and hassle of accounting for a larger area to install the application.
The present inventive subject matter relates to a multi panel writing surface and visual display device comprising at least one hinge, a front panel having at least one peripheral edge attached to the at least one hinge, a back panel having at least one peripheral edge attached to the at least one hinge, and at least one intermediate panel having at least one peripheral edge attached to the at least one hinge.
The present inventive subject matter further relates to a multi panel writing surface and visual display device comprising at least one hinge having at least one knuckle, flange, or combination thereof, a front panel attached to at least one knuckle, flange, or combination thereof of the at least one hinge, a back panel attached to at least one knuckle, flange, or combination thereof of the at least one hinge, and at least one intermediate panel attached to at least one knuckle, flange, or combination thereof of the at least one hinge.
The present inventive subject matter relates to a multi-panel writing surface and visual display device. In a particular embodiment, the present inventive subject matter relates to a multi-panel writing surface and visual display device with each panel having an erasable surface, and which may be mounted to a surface to display information.
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The above embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments of the present inventive subject matter, and should not be seen as limiting the scope of the disclosure provided herein.
The multi-panel writing surface and visual display device of the present inventive subject matter can have two or more panels attached to a hinge.
The panels of the present inventive subject matter can be of single or multi device construction, and can be constructed of any suitable material, including, but not limited to any metal, alloy, plastic, polymer, elastomer, wood, fiberglass, porcelain, particleboard, fiberboard, and combinations thereof. As a non-limiting example, a panel can comprise a substrate constructed of an inflexible material, such as particleboard or fiberboard, and have a laminated surface attached on opposite face sides of the board. Additionally, as a non-limiting example, a panel can comprise a substrate constructed of an inflexible material, such as particleboard or fiberboard, and have a magnetic metal sheet disposed between the substrate and a laminated surface attached on opposite face sides of the board. Further, as a non-limiting example, a panel can substantially comprise a flexible or non-flexible polymeric material, such as but not limited to, a thermoplastic, a thermosetting, an acrylate, an acrylic, an amide, a carbonate, a chlorinated polymer, a copolymer, an ester, an ether, a fluorinated polymer, a ketone, a methacrylate, an olefin, a rubber, a styrenic, a sulfur containing polymer, a vinyl, polyvinyl chloride, elastomeric olefins, styrenic butadiene, acetate film, polystyrene, and polyethylene, and derivatives and combinations thereof.
The panels of the present invention can be rigid or flexible. As a non-limiting example, rigid panels of the present invention can be of any dry erase board, chalkboard, or blackboard construction. Further, as a non-limiting example, flexible panels of the present invention can be of film or paper-like constructions.
Moreover, panels of the present inventive subject matter can be pivotable around at least one substantially linear axis. Further, panels can have knuckles directly attached or indirectly attached thereto. As a non-limiting example of panels of the present inventive subject matter, panels can be formed such that knuckles form an integral part of the panel. Such panels can be constructed of, but not limited to, a polymer material from processes such as, but not limited to, injection molding with knuckles forming an integral part of the panel. As another non-limiting example of panels of the present inventive subject matter, panels can be constructed such that knuckles are attached to the panel by a mechanical device or chemical interaction, such as attaching flanges to a panel, where the flanges are attached to the knuckles, which comprise a hinge.
Further, panels of the present inventive subject matter can have a frame or edge around at least the peripheral edge. The frame or edge can be constructed of any suitable material, including, but not limited to any metal, alloy, plastic, polymer, elastomer, wood, fiberglass, porcelain, particleboard, fiberboard, and combinations thereof. The frame or edge can have a single or multi-device construction, and can be attached to the peripheral edge and any surrounding area of the panels by at least one mechanical device or chemical substance. As a non-limiting example, the frame or edge can be constructed from a plastic, polymer, elastomer, and combinations thereof and band the peripheral edge of the panels. Non-limiting examples of a mechanical device that can secure a frame or edge to a panel include, but are not limited to, a bolt, a screw, a crimp, a clamp, a nail, and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of chemical substances that can secure a frame or edge to a panel include, but are not limited to an adhesive, a bonding agent, and combinations thereof. As previously described above, frames can comprise rails and corners. Rails and corners can be constructed from any suitable material, including but not limited to, any metal, alloy, plastic, polymer, elastomer, wood, fiberglass, porcelain, particleboard, fiberboard, and combinations thereof.
In particular embodiments of the present inventive subject matter, at least one panel will have a writing surface that is erasable. Erasable surfaces include, but are not limited to, dry erase board surfaces, also known as white board and marker board surfaces, blackboard surfaces, polymer surfaces, elastomer surfaces, glass surfaces, porcelain surfaces, and combinations thereof. Accordingly, the erasable surface can be constructed from any suitable material, including but not limited to any metal, alloy, plastic, polymer, elastomer, wood, fiberglass, glass, porcelain, and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of a flexible or non-flexible polymeric material include a thermoplastic, a thermosetting, an acrylate, an acrylic, an amide, a carbonate, a chlorinated polymer, a copolymer, an ester, an ether, a fluorinated polymer, a ketone, a methacrylate, an olefin, a rubber, a styrenic, a sulfur containing polymer, a vinyl, polyvinyl chloride, elastomeric olefins, styrenic butadiene, acetate film, polystyrene, and polyethylene, and derivatives and combinations thereof.
Further, in a particular embodiment, the panels can be constructed from a fiberboard or particleboard substrate having a laminate sheet attached to both face sides of the board, with a frame around the peripheral edge of the board. The frame can be of a single or multi device construction, and can have corners. Additionally, in a particular embodiment, the panels can be constructed from a fiberboard or particleboard substrate having a metal sheet disposed between the substrate and a laminate sheet, where the metal and laminate sheets are attached to both face sides of the board, with a frame around the peripheral edge of the board. In another embodiment, the panels of a multi panel writing surface and visual display device can be constructed such that the panels are completely constructed of a writing surface.
Hinges of the present inventive subject matter can comprise any number of elements, including, but not limited to, at least one knuckle, elongated rod, flange, and securing device. In a further embodiment, the hinge will comprise at least one knuckle, elongated rod, and securing device. In another embodiment, the hinge will comprise incorporating at least part of an edge of a panel for attachment purposes. As a non-limiting example, if panels are constructed of a flexible polymer material, the hinge can comprise at least a part of the peripheral edge of each panel, which is secured in a substantially linear fashion such that at least part of the peripheral edge of each panel intersectingly attaches along one axis. Further, the hinge may not comprise knuckles, and may be a substantially linear intersection of panels. As a non-limiting example, an embodiment of a multi-panel writing surface and visual display device can have flexible polymeric sheets interconnected along a peripheral edge of each sheet, such that the hinge comprises the peripheral edge of each sheet and the physical end product or area of the securing device or attachment process interconnecting each sheet.
The hinges of the present inventive subject matter can be of single or multi-device construction, and can be constructed of any suitable material, including, but not limited to any metal, alloy, plastic, polymer, elastomer, wood, fiberglass, porcelain, particleboard, fiberboard, and combinations thereof. The purpose of the hinge is to interconnect each panel such that at least one portion of each panel is attached to the hinge, and for the hinge to allow at least a substantially free range of motion from about 0 to about 180 degrees for each panel.
Non-limiting examples of polymers which can be used in the present inventive subject matter include, but are not limited to thermoplastic polymers, thermoset polymers, an acrylate containing polymer, an acrylic containing polymer, an amide containing polymer, a carbonate containing polymer, a chlorinated polymer, a copolymer, an ester containing polymer, an ether containing polymer, a fluorinated polymer, a ketone containing polymer, a methacrylate containing polymer, an olefin containing polymer, a rubber, a styrenic containing polymer, a sulfur containing polymer, a vinyl containing polymer, polyvinyl chloride containing polymer, elastomeric olefins, styrenic butadiene, acetate film, polystyrene, polyethylene, latex, polyvinyl chloride, silicone, polyvinyl alcohol, chlorinated polyethylene resins, ethylene vinyl alcohol, fluoroplastics, ionomers, polyacrylates, polybutadiene, polybutylene, polyethylene, polyethylenechlorinates, polymethylpentene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinylchloride, polyurethane, polybutylene, high-molecular-weight polyethersulfone, polyphenylsulfone, polyvinylidene, fluoride polyamide-imide, PVDF homopolymer, PVDF copolymer, PVDF homopolymer, ECTFE copolymer, ECTFE nBuA terpolymer, polyarylamide, liquid crystal polymer, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, aramid, bakelit, diene polymer, dimethylformamid, epoxy, polyvinyl chloride, hydroxy-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB), teflon, nylon 6, nylon 6,6, polycarbonate, polyester, silicones, nylon, PA (Polyamid), PE (Polyethylen), phenol-formaldehyde, polyacrylates, polyacrylonitrile, polybutadiene, polyetherimide, polygermane, polystannane, polyisoprene, polymethyl methacrylate, polyoxymethylene, polyoxymethylene copolymer, polyoxymethylene homopolymer, poly(para-xylylene), polyphosphazenes, polypropylen, polysilanes, polystyrene, polystyrol, polytetrafluoroethylen, polyurethan, synthetic polyisoprene, vinyl, polyvinylidene chloride, polyamide, polyamide-imide, polyaryletherketone, polycarbonate, polyketone, polyester, polyetheretherketone, polyetherimide, polyethersulfone, polyimide, polyphenylene oxide, polyphenylene sulfide, polyphthalamide, polysulfone, chlorinated polyethylene resin, allyl resin, melamine formaldehyde, phenol-formaldehyde plastic, silicone, polyurethane, epoxy, cellulosic, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, liquid crystal polymer, polyacetal, polyacrylonitrile, thermoplastic elastomers, diisodecyl phthalate, and combinations, mixtures, and derivatives thereof.
Non-limiting examples of wood material which can be used in the present inventive subject matter include compositions with cellulosic fiber including particleboard, fiberboard, plywood, and combinations and derivatives thereof. Non-limiting examples of glass material which can be used in the present inventive subject matter include fiberglass, porcelain, tempered glass, and combinations, mixtures, and derivatives thereof. Non-limiting examples of metals and alloys which can be used in the present inventive subject matter include iron, steel, aluminum, tin, copper, bronze, and combinations, mixtures, and derivatives thereof.
Generally, embodiments of a multi panel writing surface and visual display device will comprise at least three panels and a hinge. The panels can be of singular or multi component construction and can be flexible or rigid. Generally, the panels will have at least one writing surface attached or incorporated therein, and will be attached to a hinge or connected in such a fashion to form a hinge structure.
Embodiments of the multi panel writing surface and visual display device as discussed herein can be mounted to a display surface, such as a wall, by a mounting system. Mounting system can comprise at least one bracket, clip, clamp, securing device, and combinations thereof. As a non-limiting example, the multi panel writing surface and visual display device can be mounted to a display surface by using at least one bracket secured to the peripheral edge of the bottom and top of the back panel, with both brackets further secured to the display surface. In another non-limiting example, the multi panel writing surface and visual display device can be mounted to a display surface by constructing a back panel of the multi panel writing surface and visual display device to have hanging holes therein, such that at least one securing device can be mounted into the display surface and the visual display device mounted thereon. Non-limiting examples of a mechanical securing device includes at least one bolt, screw, crimp, clamp, nail, and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of chemical securing device includes at least one adhesive, a bonding agent, and combinations and mixtures thereof.
The present invention has been described with respect to preferred selected embodiments, and several alternative embodiments thereof. However, other embodiments would be obvious to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
