Top Patents (Class 248/452)
  • Patent number: 6681452
    Abstract: A clamping apparatus having a flexible sheet dispenser attached thereto is provided. The clamping apparatus includes a base member, an upper member pivotally attached to the base member, and a flexible sheet dispenser removably secured to the upper member. The flexible sheet dispenser includes a housing and a flexible sleeve containing one or more stacks of flexible sheets disposed within the housing. The flexible sleeve is configured to individually dispense flexible sheets from one or more stacks disposed within the flexible sleeve. The flexible sleeve comprises opposite edge portions that are engaged by retaining members in the housing such that the flexible sleeve is maintained in arcuate, face-to-face contacting relationship with the arcuate wall surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Adstracts, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason S. Holland
  • Patent number: 6676100
    Abstract: A note holder for holding a notepaper, card, etc. The note holder has a foldable capability and includes a body pivotally mounted in a base. The base has an inner space for receiving the body when the note holder is folded. A slot adapted to hold a piece of paper is defined in the body and several fins are formed in the slot on the body. The fins hold the paper that is inserted in the slot in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Synchro Ent., Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Nick Hsu
  • Patent number: 6641105
    Abstract: A hanger comprising a base having a supported surface adapted to be positioned along a generally vertical surface, and an elongate peg having one end mounted on the base with a portion of the peg projecting from an outer surface of the base opposite its supported surface generally at a right angle with respect to the supported surface of the base. The peg has an axially extending surface portion adapted to be positioned uppermost when the supported surface of the base is positioned along a generally vertical surface, which axially extending surface portion restricts free movement axially of the peg of sheets of paper around and hanging on the peg. That axially extending surface portion can be defined by a layer of adhesive on the peg or by closely spaced sharp edges on the peg. Such sharp edges could be on screw threads around the peg, ridges extending transversely across the peg, serrations formed on the peg, or by abrasive granules adhered along the peg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Michael D. Hamerski
  • Patent number: 6634614
    Abstract: A portable combination clipboard and book holder has a flat generally rectangular board with a hinged book support at one end connected by stop hinges to allow it to be pivoted between a horizontal stored position on the top surface of the board and an upright in-use position. The unhinged edge of the book support has a wide V-shaped configuration. A pair of generally rectangular transverse bars secured to the top surface of the board in laterally opposed spaced apart relation extend inwardly from the left and right sides of the board and a short distance vertically upward from the top surface of the board. When the book support is pivoted to its upright position, an opened book may be supported in a generally inclined position with the laterally opposed lower edges of its cover or pages engaged on the transverse bars and the exterior of its cover supported on the V-shaped edge and its spine disposed toward the apex portion of the V-shaped edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventor: Je'Ron Lewis Page
  • Patent number: 6619479
    Abstract: Distinctive, promotional bag dispensing apparatus are provided that include a clamp and a clip configured to retain a plurality of plastic (or other) bags in stacked adjacent relationship. Each clamp includes a base member and a retaining member that is movably secured to the base member via hinges for pivotal movement about an axis thereof. A plurality of spaced-apart posts extend from the front surface adjacent the forward edge portion. Each clip has a U-shaped configuration with adjacent, spaced-apart first and second panels that are configured to receive and retain header portions of a plurality of bags in stacked adjacent relationship positioned therebetween. The first and second panels each comprise a plurality of spaced-apart apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Adstracts, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Jones, Jason S. Holland, Brenda S. Jones
  • Publication number: 20030111581
    Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus and method for holding paper when using a laptop computer having a paper tray with a means to hold paper. A first rail extends from a tops side of the paper tray and second rail extends from a bottom side of the paper tray. A first track slideably engages the first rail and a second track slideably engages the second track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: Darnell A.. Drewery, Steve Anderson
  • Patent number: 6481687
    Abstract: A paper holder (100) comprising a base (10), a pair of front and rear jaws (21 & 22) provided on the base (10) for gripping a sheet of document by its lower end to holder generally upright. A hinge (30) connects the front jaw (21) to the base (10) for pivotal movement relative to the rear jaw (22) for opening and closing the jaws (21 & 22). A spring (35) resiliently biasses the front jaw (21) towards the rear jaw (22). The front jaw (21) has an upper surface (23A) extending over and above the base (10) for pressing by a user to pivot the front jaw (21) away from the rear jaw (22) against the action of the spring (35). The jaws (21 & 22) have respective inner surfaces (25A & 26A) for gripping, which are of comparable size as each other and are curved in a complementary manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: BHS International, Inc.
    Inventor: Boman K Najmi
  • Patent number: 6439534
    Abstract: A recipe holder system for supporting a recipe document at eye level for a user during cooking. The recipe holder system includes a main body having a lower surface and an upper surface, a clip member attached to the main body, a vertical member extending upwardly from an upper end of the main body, and a horizontal member extending orthogonally from the vertical member. The vertical member and the horizontal member are formed for being received between the front lip and the lower edge of a door of a cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: Ronald F. Hensel
  • Patent number: 6425567
    Abstract: A device for holding reading or writing material or a laptop in a laying or seated position includes two board-like, trapezoidal side panels [112, 114] made of wood product, a cross-beam [16, 115] made of wood product holding the side panels together and preventing one panel moving with respect to the other, a support plate [20, 120] made of plywood, the position of which can be adjusted in relation to the side panels, and a device [22, 24; 122, 124] for setting the different positions of the support plate in relation to the side panels one of which contains a row of holes [24, 124] into which a pin [22, 122] can be inserted to hold the support plate in the desired position whereby insertion of the pin (122) in a hole [124a] and the stopper [127] allow for the support plate to be horizontally positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Inventor: Christian Schütze
  • Patent number: 6412744
    Abstract: Adjustable display board for attachment to a monitor housing so that items such as notes, calendars, nameplates, pads, mirrors, writing implements, and keys can be mounted adjacent to a monitor screen. The display board can be constructed from molded parts which can flex and/or be molded to fit the contours of various monitor housings. The display board includes a left side frame, a right side frame and a top holder panel that interconnects upper horizontal legs of the left and right side frames. The top holder panel slides along the upper horizontal legs of both the left and right side frames providing the ability to adapt to different monitor sizes and shapes. The top holder panel has retaining edges molded for the purpose of holding various objects such as photographs, messages and other indicia on both of its sides. The left and right side panels provide a surface that functions as a decorative message board and provides a means to attach various other objects temporarily or permanently to it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Dream Find, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Wollam, Mushtaq Ali Kalwar
  • Patent number: 6367760
    Abstract: A convertible book holder for holding and positioning books and documents. The book holder includes a document support surface with a removable support and engagement clip interengaged with a portion of said document support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Samuel Pagano
  • Patent number: 6338216
    Abstract: An improved artist and display easel that is secured from the top by use of a crossbar that interlocks with the easel to firmly hold a standard canvas or display up to twenty-four inches in height. The easel is preferably made of a flexible material so that it can be repeatedly bent down the centerline of weakness. The centerline fold creates tension on both side panels causing outward pressure. The top crossbar holds the easel body securely in place by interlocking notches. The top crossbar also holds the top of a display or canvas securely to the easel body. There are seven different height settings that correspond to standard canvas sizes. In addition, a bottom crossbar can be interlocked to the easel body to raise the base height of a display or canvas. The use of flexible material gives the easel portability, low cost and disposability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventor: Susan L. Young
  • Patent number: 6302366
    Abstract: An office accessory arrangement including a stationary support rail and a grip clip removably supported thereon. The grip clip includes a pair of opposed grip members joined to one another by a hinge arrangement for enabling relative pivoting of the grip members about a hinge axis. The grip clip has a biasing structure which relatively pivotably biases the grip members in opposite directions towards a closed position in which opposed inner gripping services of the respective grip members engage one another or engage a document therebetween. The support rail has a channel-like part which defines an outwardly opening narrow slot, with one side of the slot being defined by a cantilevered wall of the channel-like part. The grip clip, when engaged with the support rail, is disposed so that the cantilevered wall of the channel-like part projects into a slot defined within the support rail to securely position the grip clip thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Saylor, Sheldon Phillips, Edward Mitchell
  • Patent number: 6302362
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding a piece of paper, poster board or the like on a relatively flat vertical surface. The apparatus can be used on existing map rails or on an easel-like structure. The apparatus has a housing with a longitudinal axis, a front wall, a back wall, a top wall, a top portion and a bottom portion. The front wall has an upper end connected to the top wall and a lower end that is generally C-shaped and is angled toward the back wall to form a chamber to loosely hold a rod. The housing further defines an opening between the lower end and the back wall. The also defines an attachment means that extends from the back wall so that the apparatus can be attached to a surface. A method for positioning a piece of paper on a substantially vertical surface is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Best-Rite Manufacturing
    Inventor: Gregory C. Moore
  • Patent number: 6216996
    Abstract: A live hinge for clipboard clip box (10) having a cover (12) which comprises a cover rear (12A), cover front (12F), cover left side (12L), cover right side (12R), cover top (12T), and cover bottom (12B). The live hinge for clipboard clip box (10) has a box (14) which comprises a box rear (14A), box front (14F), box bottom (14B), box left (14L), and box right (14R), the cover top (12T) is hingeably connected along a front to a top distal end of the box front (14F). The live hinge for clipboard clip box (10) and abase (18) connected to the box bottom (14B) by a hinge (20).The live hinge for clipboard clip box (10) has a board (24) securely attached at a top to the base (18), a user lifts box front (14F) pivoting the box (14) upwardly on the hinge (20) inserting paper (26) from a frontward direction between a top of the base (18). and the box bottom (14B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Ellis N. Shamoon
  • Patent number: 6217075
    Abstract: A collapsible clipboard includes a bottom case, a cap board and an upper board formed respectively integral of plastic, and all of them are pivotally connected with each other, enabling the upper board and the cap board respectively liftable from the bottom case easily and quickly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Ching Tsung Tsai
  • Patent number: 6095477
    Abstract: A work-order clipboard is shown which can be suspended or mounted on the door window of a vehicle such as an automobile door window. The clipboard has a writing surface and an oppositely arranged, weather resistant pouch. Once mounted on a vehicle window, the writing surface of the clipboard is located within the vehicle interior and thus protected from the elements. The oppositely arranged pouch is positioned on the exterior of the vehicle window and can be used to store car keys or other objects in a convenient fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: Jeff Pohlman
  • Patent number: 6024384
    Abstract: A clipboard includes a planar panel suitable for writing and holding documents and a retaining member pivotally secured thereto that is configured to have Rolodex.RTM.-style cards releasably secured to a front surface thereof. A pair of adjacent, spaced-apart card retaining rails are secured to the retaining member front face. One or more cards are releasably secured to the card retaining rails via a pair of complementary shaped notches. Each card includes opposite first and second faces with printed indicia on at least one of the first and second faces. Each card is also movable along the retaining rails from a first position wherein the first face is exposed to a second position wherein the second face is exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Adstracts, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Jones, Jeneen Preciose
  • Patent number: 6003259
    Abstract: A rigid panel has projecting from the planar face thereof an elongate, transparent housing open at opposite ends and having an elongate slot in the underside thereof. Mounted in the housing is an elongate, transparent, flexible retainer comprising a strip of flexible, transparent acetate material which is generally U-shaped in cross section, and which has a portion thereof urged resiliently and removably against the face of the panel. The upper edge of a document may be inserted through the slot in the housing and between the panel face and the overlying portion of the retainer strip which retains the document removably and permits all information thereon to be observed through the transparent housing and retainer strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: W. A. Krapf, Inc.
    Inventors: Wallace A. Krapf, Dean A. Pilsbury
  • Patent number: 5979858
    Abstract: A copyholder stand having an L-shaped freestanding copy rest with an upright support panel. The inner face of the panel is provided for engaging and supporting upright copy for study or review. A slide clip is slidably receivable over an upper or side edge of the panel for adjustably engaging copy against the inner face of the panel with applied pressure. The legs of the clip are biased to apply pressure toward each other for engaging copy against the support panel. The front arm or arms of the clip provide one or more reference lines for indexing copy indicia. The base of the clip is also provided with an L-shaped overhang that extends over the inner face of the copyholder panel with a distal portion of the overhang extending inwardly for engagement of outer edges of copy resting on the copyholder stand so that the clip overhang will adjustably retain copy on the copy rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: Myron Bronson
  • Patent number: 5971344
    Abstract: A platform assembly is provided with a raised edge at the bottom against which a bottom edge of the open book rests. A securing device is provided with a bar with a hook at each end of the bar, first and second prongs extending downwardly from the lower side of the bar, first and second shafts mounted to the front side of the bar, and first and second restraining wheels secured to a corresponding one of the shafts by opposing springs mounted to each of the shafts. The securing device is installed on the platform by sliding the hooks over the upper side edges of the platform. The prongs of the securing device are positioned over inner sides of the front and back covers of an open book to secure the book to the platform assembly. The open book is positioned such that rounded tabs of the platform assembly and the restraining wheels of the securing device maintain the pages of the book in an open orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: David V. Ainsworth
  • Patent number: 5927672
    Abstract: A card holder having a spring biased, card-holding clamp and a support with first and second side members that are attached to each other at the top of the support. Each side member extends downwardly and outwardly with respect to each other, defining an angle therebetween. Ends of the clamp are mountable on the side members below a first stop and between second stops disposed on at least one of the side members. The spring-biased clamp and outwardly extending side members cooperatively bias the clamp upwardly. The first stop prevents upwardly movement of the clamp beyond a predetermined vertical position, and the second stops prevent movement of the clamp beyond preselected horizontal locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Jim Beam Brands Co.
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Ruff
  • Patent number: 5897934
    Abstract: A writing reading/panel with hidden indication bar, including a panel body having a resilient paper clip pivotally disposed on upper side and a slide channel longitudinally disposed on a lateral side, an indication bar snugly fitted in the slide channel at normal time and a connecting member vertically slidably disposed on two sides of the slide channel to embrace the same. The connecting member is disposed with at least one resilient locating plate for abutting against lateral walls of the slide channel so as to locate the connecting member at a desired position on the panel body. In the case that the indication bar is hidden in the slide channel, a paper can be clipped on the panel body for a user to directly write thereon. Alternatively, the indication bar can be taken out of the slide channel and connected with the connecting member, whereby the indication bar can be moved along with the connecting member along the slide channel to indicate the content of the paper clipped on the panel body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventor: Morgen Yeh
  • Patent number: 5893546
    Abstract: An adjustable book holder that includes a stand support member; an angularly adjustable book support assembly pivotally mounted to the stand support member; an X-Y positionable, transparent copy arm slidably mounted on a vertically oriented track member that itself is slidable along a horizontal positioning rod; a locking mechanism between the transparent copy arm and the vertically oriented track member; a page holding mechanism including a pivot block in connection with the book support assembly and a page holder including first and second lengths of wire, each length of wire being pivotally connected to the pivot block and having a ball secured at a far end thereof; and a angular positioning assembly including an angular positioning rod affixed to a back surface of the book support assembly and a stand off member slidably mounted on the angular positioning rod and extending away from the angular positioning rod at a right angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Inventor: Curtis Renfroe
  • Patent number: 5887839
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotatable clipboard assembly comprising a substantially rectangular base component having a planar bottom surface and four sides depending therefrom. The area between the four sides and the planar bottom surface defines a paper holding bin. A lid component is attached to a side of the base component using a hinge means allowing the paper holding bin to be selectively enclosed. A glove component is attached to the bottom surface of the clipboard using a rotating bearing assembly allowing a user to insert his or her hand into the glove component and rotate the clipboard to a desired position. Alternatively, an arm component is attached to the bearing assembly allowing the device to be attached to and rotated about a person's arm or wrist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventors: Marvin Ray Smith, Elmora Smith
  • Patent number: 5855329
    Abstract: A book holder for holding and positioning books and documents. The book holder includes a document support and display surface with oppositely disposed (page) engagement clips extending from the support surface. An adjustable line guide is removably positioned on the support surface for selective vertical transgression thereover. An extensible document engagement clip extends from the top of the display surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Inventor: Samuel Pagano
  • Patent number: 5829176
    Abstract: A card holder useable, for example, to sit on a table in a restaurant and display the menu, drink lists, advertising, and the like. The holder has a base, an upstanding portion, and a card receiving head portion. An opening permits cards to be inserted or removed, the geometry of the card receiving head portion making it easier to insert cards than to remove them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventor: Albert H. Gruneisen, III
  • Patent number: 5823500
    Abstract: A clipboard system for utilization in outdoor environments, wherein there is provided a first, upper section clip for grasping the upper end of a tablet or the like, and a second lower section clip for grasping the lower end of the tablet, a vertically adjustable, linear edge or ruler, a compartment for storing a triangle, pen, or the like, and a strap for supporting the upper end of the clipboard via the neck of the user, the lower end resting upon the hip of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Inventor: Lee La Coste
  • Patent number: 5746410
    Abstract: The keying of a document is facilitated by securing the document in a holding panel and causing a ruler to be indexed downwardly across the document by pressing a depression bar which is operatively connected to the ruler by a toothed rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Inventor: Teng-Shun Hung
  • Patent number: 5732925
    Abstract: A combination of a clipboard and art supply container is provided. The clipboard includes a board and a clip attached to the board. The clip is specially constructed and adapted to removably hold the art supply container. Multiple art supply containers may be furnished containing different art supply media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Inventor: Ellis N. Shamoon
  • Patent number: 5697595
    Abstract: The flip chart has a panel (2) which is held on a vertical guide and can smoothly slide vertically and serves as a clipboard for single or multiple pages or as a writing board. The vertical guide is constituted by a central column (4) supported on a rolling base (3) which can be detached from the rolling base (3) along with the panel (2), and can be suspended on a wall rail (6) by means of rollers (5), can be slid laterally with the panel (2), and which additionally holds the panel (2) so that it can slide vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: P & i Produkform und Industrietechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Georg Sperber
  • Patent number: 5671901
    Abstract: A holder apparatus for propping and holding a printed item for viewing includes a printed item support member having a support member forward edge, a support member rearward edge and a support member upper face; a hinge; a base member having a base member forward edge, for resting on an apparatus support surface, where the base member forward edge is connected by the hinge to the support member forward edge; a biasing structure extending between the support member and the base member for elevating the support member rearward edge to tilt the support member upper face toward a user of the apparatus; a post member secured to the base member and extending upwardly behind the support member; and an anchor arm member slidably mounted on the post member for pressing downwardly against and thereby holding a page of the printed item. Methods of apparatus disassembly, assembly and use are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Inventor: Robert L. Jacober
  • Patent number: 5655651
    Abstract: An easel is pivotally attached to a palette about an axis by at least one hinge. According to a first embodiment an extensible member is detachably attached to the palette and includes a first retracted position and a second extended position wherein the extensible member substantially extends to the rear of the palette in the second position. A brace having a slot is detachably attached at one end thereof to an end of the extensible member disposed furthest to the rear of the palette and is detachably attached at a remaining end thereof to said easel. A pair of thumbscrews pass through the slot at opposite ends thereof and are used to tighten the brace to the extensible member and to the easel, thereby securing the easel in a desired position with respect to the palette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Inventor: Michael Lynn Maier
  • Patent number: 5634623
    Abstract: A device for holding a publication such as a book or a magazine, comprising two L-shaped supports slidable relative to each other and adapted to accommodate a publication between them. The supports having confronting surfaces between which the publication is held, these surfaces being covered with a flat brush secured to each of those surfaces. Each brush has a plurality of upstanding hairs adapted to engage between pages of a publication to be held. The hairs are inclined relative to the surfaces from which they upstand, in a direction opposite to the direction in which a page is initially turned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Inventor: Albertus J. Hoijtink
  • Patent number: 5622349
    Abstract: A holder for supporting a section of canvas in an inclined orientation for performance of needlework on the canvas. The inventive device includes a base plate positionable on a support surface. A wire support assembly extends upwardly at an oblique angle from the base plate. A pair of clamps are provided to couple the canvas to the wire support assembly such that needlework can be performed on the canvas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Lorraine K. Rider
  • Patent number: 5620162
    Abstract: An adjustable paper holder including an elongate support member adapted to be attached along either side of a computer monitor with the support member extending generally parallel to its front surface; and a sheet support plate that is mounted on the support member for pivotal movement around both a normally horizontal pivot axis that is generally normal to the length of said support member and parallel to the front surface of the computer monitor and a second pivot axis parallel to the edges of the sheet support plate and adjacent one of its edges, and also mounted for movement of its normally horizontal pivot axis longitudinally of the support member. A paper clamp assembly is mounted on the sheet support plate with a surface on the clamp plate against which paper is clamped generally co-planar with the front surface of the sheet support plate, and is moveable to accommodate different length papers to be held on the sheet support plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Tanya L. Beckwith, Wayne K. Darvell, Lawrence J. Fenske, Kenneth J. Kirchhoff, Lynette M. Miles, Steven C. Suchanek, Warren J. Wasescha
  • Patent number: 5615856
    Abstract: A book-holder assembly (45) has a first-side book-support plate (1) and a second-side book-support plate (2) that are oppositely disposed at a desired angle on a plate-connecting member (3) that is attachable to a connector bracket (4) with which universality of positioning is provided by stand means (56, 78) that are designedly foldable or optionally mobile. A first-side page holder (5) that is adjustable separately to thickness of page bunches and a first-side book holder (6) that is adjustable separately to book thicknesses are attachable to the first-side book-support plate. A second-side page holder (7) that is adjustable separately to thickness of page bunches and a second-side book holder (8) that is adjustable separately to book thicknesses are attachable to the second-side book-support plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Inventor: George H. Simington
  • Patent number: 5535976
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a card holder. The holder is useable, for example, to sit on a table in a restaurant and display the menu, drink lists, advertising, and the like. The holder has a stand which detachably receives a clip holding cards. The holder has a tamper resistant appearance but the clip is easily removable from the stand to replace or change the cards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Inventor: Albert H. Gruneisen, III
  • Patent number: 5518217
    Abstract: A novel presentation board has a body of molded plastic which forms a strong, hollow, lightweight unit with a projecting tray and grip on a front surface and a corresponding recesses on a rear surface so the units can be conveniently stacked. The front surface of the body bears an extruded track for insertion and replacement of a whiteboard or other writing surface. The whiteboard is secured at a top edge of the body by two metal pegs, sized and spaced apart to accept a prepunched pad of flip chart paper, that pass through the whiteboard into threaded inserts in the plastic body. The grip protrudes from a top edge of the whiteboard and is slidably mounted on the pegs. When slid into a lower position, the grip hides the pegs and locks the pad in position. A pair of U-shaped tubular metal legs can be slid into channels in a rear surface of the body. The channels are covered, at all but part of their lower ends, by cover plates. Grasping the lower leg ends allows one to slide the legs from the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Pierce Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Deutsch, Jeffrey S. Brower, Lindsay A. Brown
  • Patent number: 5516151
    Abstract: A clipboard, which may include an easel support, includes a pair of spaced apart and parallel raised side ridges adapted to confine paper so that it does not move during use of the product. In one embodiment, in which an easel support is built into the back of the clipboard, the product may be used to display information provided on sheets of paper or a pad or a tablet thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Sterling Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Mund, Cari Burns, Robert Chieda, Leon C. Clouser, Jr., Robert A. O'Neil
  • Patent number: 5478040
    Abstract: A portable flipchart plastic blow molded easel having a display portion telescopically arranged on a pedestal base portion having legs pivotally secured to and foldable away from the base portion for holding the easel upright, the legs and portions having cooperating interconnected means for securing the easel in selected extended or collapsed condition, for table top or floor use and having nesting structure for holding like collapsed easels stacked together during transport and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Quartet Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Michael Rellinger, Richard R. Gilbert, Sara E. Green, John Jepsen
  • Patent number: 5467958
    Abstract: An adjustable multipurpose document holder stand that is capable of holding small and large documents, drawings, blueprints, or rigid displays. The holder having three elongated arm sections pivotally connected together via hinges. The hinges allowing the two end arms to extend outward horizontally to approximately forty-eight inches, enabling it to hold larger sized documents. Each of the three elongated sections having a clamp spanning the length of the elongated sections to which it is attached for holding documents such as computer printouts. A telescoping elongated tubular structure having a base at one end while the opposite end is secured to the middle arm section for height adjustability. A clip extending outwardly from the middle arm section for cooperating with an adjustable ledge disposed on the telescoping elongated tubular structure for holding rigid displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Inventor: John J. Selvaggio
  • Patent number: 5451025
    Abstract: A document copy holder which comprises a copy holder panel stand, a document holder clip and a document line guide with .magnifying capabilities. The panel stand is a flat, generally rectangular surface with integral support legs and a hingeably secured support section cut out from the middle of the stand and extending outwardly to the back, with hingeably secured support legs connected by an inwardly extending ledge that is inserted into selected receiving holes at the back of the panel stand to provide for a desired inclined angle of use for the user. The document copy holder clip is positioned at the top of the panel stand to retain documents, and the document line guide is slidably secured to the panel stand at the sides to further retain documents and to provide for a line guide, and may also have magnification capabilities for easier reading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Curtis Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward L. Hames
  • Patent number: 5441229
    Abstract: For an assemblage of plural flight charts of which a selected flight chart is typically of interest to a pilot as, for example, in executing a landing at an airport of which the layout thereof is displayed on the selected flight chart, a holder for supporting the assemblage from beneath having, in a preferred embodiment, a spring clip at an upper end releasing the assemblage otherwise engaged by the spring clip for page-turning but under the control of ring binder means interconnecting the bottom edge of the assemblage pages to a cooperating bottom end of the support, such that the page-turning is unimpeded while the pages thereof always remain attached to the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Inventor: Remo Spagnoli
  • Patent number: 5393029
    Abstract: This invention aims to provide a portable and retractable book-reading stand which is easily carried, does not require spacious installing space, and is providable at low cost.This invention is characterized in having a case having a bottom plate and a covering body rotatably connected to the bottom plate which holds the bottom plate at a specified inclined angle by rotating the covering body, and a supporting assembly for holding a document which is expandable along the inclined bottom plate in expanded condition, and retractable up to the size being housed in the case in retracted position, and a clip installed on the upper portion of the supporting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: Project Center Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hajime Senko
  • Patent number: 5383643
    Abstract: A keyboard cover and copy holder includes a first plate member and a second plate member pivotally connected at one end to the first plate member. The second plate member pivots between a first position in which it and the first plate member have a flat configuration and a second position in which it and the first plate member lie at an acute angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: C-2, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard C. Koch
  • Patent number: 5383642
    Abstract: A device for retaining information sheets in close proximity to a display screen, including a frame member and a pair of leg members. A locking device releasably locks one of the leg members in discrete predetermined positions with respect to the frame member. A retention member is coupled to at least one of the leg members and the frame member for releasably retaining the information sheets. A clamp secures the device to the display screen, so that the information sheets are retained in close proximity to the display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Inventor: Gerson Strassberg
  • Patent number: 5375806
    Abstract: The holder includes a back plate with tabs thereon for capturing the front and back covers of an open book. Hingedly mounted on an upper region of the back plate are a pair of page holders which are spring-biased into contact with the exposed left and right hand pages, respectively, of the open book. The page holders are made of transparent material and have smooth surfaces in contact with the book pages so that the latter are easily slid beneath the holders. The right hand edge of the page contacting surface of the left hand holder is beveled to permit a page to be easily slid beneath that holder as it is turned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Larry L. Debus
    Inventors: Larry L. Debus, Ernest C. Garcia, Robert G. Loos
  • Patent number: 5366197
    Abstract: A two-way positionable copyholder is provided. A copy support member of the copyholder which receives a document to be transcribed is manually raiseable or lowerable and forwardly or rearwardly tiltable. To this end, the copyholder is provided with a slidable front support leg and a pivotable rear support leg. The front supporting leg engages a rear side of the copy support member, and the pivoting rear supporting leg mounts to the front support leg. A connecting member or tension bar connects the front and rear legs together. A forward end of the connecting member is pivotally mounted to the sliding support leg, whereas a rear or free end of the connecting member is detachably mounted at selected positions along the rear pivoting leg. The height of the copy support member is varied by sliding the front leg with respect to the support member. The angle or tilt of the copy support member is varied by repositioning the free end of the connecting member along the rear leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: Microcomputer Accessories, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald Westland
  • Patent number: 5312082
    Abstract: A clipboard includes a backing board on which a clip member is mounted pivotally, a torsional spring unit arranged between the backing board and the clip member so as to bias one end of the clip member to abut against the backing board, and a whistle formed integrally with the clip member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Inventor: Shih-Ho Chang