Chalkboard Or Equivalent Means Having Easily Erasable Surface Patents (Class 434/408)
  • Patent number: 5492476
    Abstract: A fold out display is particularly adapted to support a wide variety of different types of group work activities, team projects, and the like, and includes a free standing base which fixedly supports a primary panel having an exterior display surface. At least one foldable panel is hingedly supported on the primary panel for movement between a closed folded position overlying the primary panel, and an open unfolded position protruding outwardly coplanar with the primary panel. The foldable panel includes at least an interior display surface which overlies the display surface of the primary panel when in the closed folded position. A one-piece living hinge has opposite side portions connected with the side edges of the primary and foldable panels, and is shaped such that when the foldable panel is shifted into the open unfolded position, the two display surfaces are juxtaposed in a substantially contiguous relationship to collectively provide an enlarged generally continuous and uninterrupted display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas C. Ball, Lon D. Scheerhorn
  • Patent number: 5482295
    Abstract: A drawing game board comprising a cover board which is fastened to a drawing board by mating hook and loop pile fastener material. The surface of the drawing board which is hidden by the cover board is made of erasable marker board. The cover board has six doors, which, when opened, reveal portions of the erasable marker board underneath. Drawing game boards are distributed to each of six players. Each player draws part of a body on his drawing board and then passes his board on to the next participant who will then draw the next body part without being able to see what the first participant drew. Thus in round robin fashion the participants will draw an entire body, and, at the end of the game, the drawings will be displayed in full for a few laughs. This game is designed to instruct young children in drawing the parts of the human body while amusing them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Inventor: John J. Phelan
  • Patent number: 5441418
    Abstract: A thermochromic drawing device is disclosed which can be marked and erased by selectively changing the temperature of its drawing surface. The drawing surface of the drawing device consists of a flexible substrate printed with thermochromic inks having at least two color states. The flexible substrate has low thermal mass thereby enabling it to readily assimilate temperatures induced by a user and, consequently, facilitating the transition of the thermochromic inks from one color state to another. The drawing surface is further provided with an insulating layer which isolates the flexible substrate from unwanted heat sinks and heat sources thereby preventing unwanted color transitions of the thermochromic inks. Thus, a user can selectively change the color state of portions of the drawing surface to create distinctive markings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: Binney & Smith Inc.
    Inventors: William E. Brown, Charles W. Dietterich, Richard M. Mandle
  • Patent number: 5409383
    Abstract: A writing device is disclosed wherein a clear overlay is pivotally attached to an underlying enclosure. A support surface is formed on the enclosure beneath the clear overlay. Paper forms may be placed on the support surface such that one may write on the clear overlay, using the written guide to trace. In another feature, the support surface is provided by a secondary writing surface that may be selectively positioned on the overlay. The secondary writing surface upon removal is dimensioned to be accepted within a well-like enclosure formed by the frame for the clear overlay. The secondary writing surface is erasable, may be formed of a porcelainized wallboard, and additionally may be magnetized. Alternatively, a chalkboard may be utilized for the secondary writing surface. The overlay is preferably formed of a non-porous coated plexiglass to make it being easily erasable. In addition, the overlay may be attached to the enclosure through a removable hinge such that it may be removed for cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Inventor: Thomas C. Mannino
  • Patent number: 5367350
    Abstract: The overhead projector dry-erase accessory of this invention comprises a transparent, rigid, multi-layered body (12) into which overhead transparencies can be placed and utilized. The multiple layers of the device are created by either folding a single piece of transparent substrate in half, or by attaching two separate transparent plates at a single peripheral seam, with an adhesive strip 22. A transparent, dry-erase overlay (16) covers the top surface of the device, with the overlay being attached to the device at two opposing edges. A plurality of overlay spacer and attaching strips (18) both join the overlay (16) to the top plate of the device (14) and raise the overlay off of the top plate so as to create an air pocket for placement of tabbed or untabbed inserts therebetween. The attached edges of the overlay and the top plate of the device are protected, and the peripheral seams are further reinforced by a protective cap (20) placed over and further reinforcing them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Inventor: David M. Winfrey
  • Patent number: 5284445
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to portable drawing surfaces and more particularly to a base structure with interchangeable components. The invention permits the manufacture of a base structure that can be combined with an accessory unit and a working surface to create either a lighted drawing surface or a drawing surface with a utensil accessory tray. This results in substantial savings in manufacturing costs as tooling requirements are substantially lowered. The lighted drawing surface includes a working surface, a lighting accessory unit and a base structure to provide a backlit surface for tracing and drawing. The portable drawing surface replaces the lighting accessory unit with a utensil accessory unit and thereby provides a drawing surface with a tray for displaying and organizing utensils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Assignee: Binney & Smith Inc.
    Inventors: Charles W. Dietterich, Richard A. Tarozzi
  • Patent number: 5263866
    Abstract: A portable game board structure is arranged to provide for coaches and the like to illustrate various plays and examples relative to a game playing situation. The game board includes a rigid perimeter having a central opening, with one of a plurality of game boards mounted to the perimeter centrally oriented relative to the opening. Clip structure mounted relative to the opening is arranged to selectively secure the game boards thereto, with magnetic tokens utilized to indicate opposing teams in illustrative strategy play. The tokens, as well as a white writing instrument, are magnetically adhered to a perimeter frame portion of the game board apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Inventor: Gregory S. Campbell
  • Patent number: 5213504
    Abstract: A liquid non-poisonous, non-metallic, edible, water soluble coloring fluid fills a felt-tipped marker. A plastic box houses the marker or a plurality of the markers. A surface on the box receives the marks from the felt-tipped marker. In one embodiment, the box is in the form of a toy vehicle. In other embodiments, there may be a plurality of stencils which can be arranged in a scene or a scroll which may be rolled to display a selected scene. Then a tracing of the scene may be made on an overlaying sheet of transparent plastic. An eraser in the form of a sponge with a plastic handle may be made wet to wash away the marks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: C. J. Associates, Ltd.
    Inventors: James S. W. Lee, Chen K. Nan, Chiu K. Wan
  • Patent number: 5207582
    Abstract: A device for facilitating breast self-examinations in order to speed up detection of breast cancer. The device includes an information panel, preferably manufactured from a waterproof acrylic material. Instructions for conducting self-examinations and diagrams for recording the results thereof are included on the information panel. Recording means, such as a grease pencil, are also included, as is a calendar for tracking the dates of the self-examinations. Alternatively, transparent overlays may be employed for recording the results of each self-examination separately and comparing the results of subsequent examinations to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: B.S.E.-1.2.3., Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Michelson
  • Patent number: 5203702
    Abstract: A kit is arranged to provide a housing having a light-sensitive self-illuminating web receiving templates thereon, wherein a flashlight member is directed onto the templates, and more specifically to the template openings to provide for patterns to be illuminated by the self-illuminating web when the templates are removed. The kit structure is arranged to include a plurality of such templates stored within a housing cavity, and may optionally be provided with a lid arranged to secure the templates within the housing cavity, as well as a template mounted upon the web during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Inventor: Robert T. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5186631
    Abstract: A magnetic display device having a case in which a magnetic display panel is fixedly mounted. To erase the magnetic display on the display panel, an eraser magnet mounted on a vertically elongated eraser mounting member is moved horizontally along the rear surface of the display panel, by means of a knob projecting forwardly from the mounting member. The case has a rear frame on the forward side of which are provided a pair of parallel horizontal racks. The eraser mounting member has on the rear surface thereof a pair of rotatable pinions which mesh with the racks, respectively. As the mounting member is manipulated horizontally by means of the knob, the pinions rotate along the respective racks and the mounting member is moved smoothly in the horizontal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Pilot
    Inventor: Hiroyasu Okutsu
  • Patent number: 5176522
    Abstract: A display device upon which erasable indicia may be written comprises a rigid frame encompassing a planar marking surface and corners joining elements of the frame. The frame comprises an elongated top spaced apart from a parallel, elongated bottom, and a pair of spaced apart sides extending perpendicularly between the top and the bottom. The sides and top are formed from a single continuous piece of aluminum extrusion having a generally J-shaped cross section. A similar extrusion forming the bottom comprises an added outwardly extending tray. The planar marking surface is preferably fiberboard, spray coated with polyurethane. Crimps defined in the frame secure the board. Each upper corner of the device is reinforced by a resilient, snap fit hanging bracket which is offset from the back of the board to engage a fastener. A pair of L-shaped modular corners join the frame sides to the bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Inventor: Charles D. Robertson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5163846
    Abstract: A toy has a frame with a display area for receiving a water reactive paper. The paper has a brightly colored substrate covered by a surface layer of silica and resin which becomes transparent when wet and opaque when dry so that the bright color does or does not show through depending upon whether the surface is wet or dry. Thus, the paper appears to have disappearing ink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: C. J. Associated, Ltd.
    Inventor: James S. W. Lee
  • Patent number: 5163845
    Abstract: A portable, free-standing visual aid designed to be used by coaches, teachers and other group leaders. The invention incorporates a large chalkboard, a chalk tray, sliding, two-sided inserts, a storage pocket for the inserts, and a smaller storage pocket for other items. It has a handle for portability. Some models use releasable fasteners to hold a chalk holder and eraser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Inventor: Carol L. Blassingame
  • Patent number: 5146345
    Abstract: A foldable electronic print board copies or records, on recording paper, various patterns of information, including letters, numerals, images, etc., which have been handwritten on a writing sheet. The foldable electronic print board has a pair of hinged cases housing the writing sheet, and a printer for printing the handwritten information on the recording paper. The printer is detachably mounted on the cases across the axis about which the print board is foldable, to keep the print board unfolded. Since the printer itself is used to hold the print board unfolded, no dedicated holder or holders are required to be fixed to the cases. The printer is located at the geometric center of the print board for thereby making the print board stable in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Yamashita, Takeshi Nakayama
  • Patent number: 5137453
    Abstract: A product comprising a waterproof note pad having a surface which may be written upon when wet and which may be erased by the use of a wet, soapy sponge or cloth. A pocket removably attached to the front surface of the pad for holding an appropriate grease pencil or other instrument, and suction cup fasteners mounted on the rear surface of the note pad to hold the product in the shower or on the bathroom wall adjacent to the bathtub. The pocket may be in the form of a sponge and which may be removably attached to the front surface so that the sponge may be used for erasing the writings from the note pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Inventor: Robert L. Hudson
  • Patent number: 5131849
    Abstract: A board apparatus is arranged for educational presentation of inter-relationship relative to atomic particles and their associated energy levels relative to interaction of such particles, wherein the board structure includes a central ferrous metallic base plate formed with a perimeter framework accommodating a plurality of ferrous metallic discs to simulate atomic particles such as electrons and their interaction relative to one another. A modification of the invention includes a dispenser housing mounted to a first side of the framework and a container housing mounted to a second side of the framework to provide for the respective dispensing of the discs and the storage of writing instruments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Inventor: John J. Perrero
  • Patent number: 5067287
    Abstract: In accordance with the invention a wall assembly for displaying visual messages, has a front portion, a display area in the front portion, the display area providing an opening through the wall assembly, a projection screen for covering the opening, and a display panel movable from behind part of the front portion into the display area. The wall assembly can be placed before an audience and used to display visual messages which may be shown for example by projection onto a screen, or by writing on a display panel, with a facility for covering the display area when that area is not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Inventor: Kenneth T. Lewis
  • Patent number: 5035626
    Abstract: A markerboard which includes a rectangular substrate having first and second side edges, top and bottom edges, and front and rear major flat surfaces. A plastic sheet having an erasable surface is fixed to the front surface of the substrate and wrapped over the entire upper edge and at least partially over the remaining edges. A bottom rail is supported by the bottom edge of the substrate, with the bottom rail having first and second ends and a longitudinal groove which extends between the ends having a lip for supporting accessories. First and second stiles cover and conceal the sidewardly facing first and second edges of the substrate and the first and second ends of the bottom rail. The first and second stiles and bottom rail all have having front-facing surfaces which are substantially co-planar with the erasable surface, without overlap over the erasable surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventor: Brian J. Persing
  • Patent number: 5024332
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for placing identifying information on video cassettes, computer floppy disks, containers, file folders, and the like, whereby the identifying information is erasable. The apparatus comprises a kit with vinyl coated labels and a marking pen containing water soluble ink. When applied to the labels, the ink is smear-resistant, smudge-resistant, and highly resistant to erasure under normal handling. The ink is removed from the label by wiping the label with a damp cloth or similar material, thereby making the label reusable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Inventor: Richard J. Stachler
  • Patent number: 4996110
    Abstract: A white board comprises a front surface layer composed of a polyester film having undergone a hard coat treatment and a rear surface layer composed of a sheet-like magnet. The white board can be easily attached to and detached from steel walls, glass plates, etc. and stored in a rolled state when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1991
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Itsuo Tanuma, Hiromi Otsuru, Toshio Honda
  • Patent number: 4978568
    Abstract: A flexible writing surface including a coated flexible substrate having a dust collecting cuff around the perimeter thereof to prevent the scattering of chalk dust during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Assignee: Hach Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Postma
  • Patent number: 4968258
    Abstract: A learning aid permitting the student to insert a worksheet into a rigid body having space between two planes. One of the plaens is clear permitting the instructor to mark on it, performing the work demanded by the underlying worksheet. The instructor's marking is erased and the student attempts the same task. The work sheet is secured in place either by (i) its natural mechanical tension with the two planes, or (ii) by an insert mechanism securing the paper either through electrical attraction or by a mechanical clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Inventor: Max O. Kees
  • Patent number: 4863113
    Abstract: An erasable writing tablet for notation of dimensions and other information. The erasable writing table is adapted to be attached to a tape measure or any other conforming receptive surface. The material composition of the erasable writing tablet is sold under the trade name "Corian". The abrasiveness of this material permits the effacement of the notations by sandpaper or an eraser while maintaining the desired surface properties of the erasable writing tablet. A storage pocket is adapted to receive the means for effacing writing on the erasable writing tablet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Inventor: Michael V. Dynan
  • Patent number: 4813711
    Abstract: A video tape index conveniently catalogs programs on a video tape cassette. The index comprises an indexing card laminate having a core ply printed with grids and headings suitable for organizing information pertinent to video tape programs. Clear films are bonded to the core ply. The outer surfaces of the clear films have matte finishes suitable for accepting a writing instrument. If the information is written in pencil, the entered information can be easily erased and replaced when the cassette programs are changed. The indexing card further comprises a calender for listing information pertinent to further programs to be recorded. The indexing card also contains a calibration chart for correlating equipment counter readouts with elapsed time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Inventor: Ronald J. Bohlman
  • Patent number: 4803564
    Abstract: An electronic blackboard system is composed of: angle irons fixed to an information writing board or to a wall surface above the information writing board; a guide rail which is secured to the angle irons and extends horizontally; a driving unit placed on the guide rail, the driving unit moving horizontally; a photoelectric conversion device for converting written information into electrical signals; a memory for storing image information of one picture; a hard-copy device for recording the image information; and a roller secured to the photoelectric conversion device, the roller rolling while in contact with the information writing board. In the thus constructed electronic blackboard system, it is possible to read information written on an existing information writing board which may even be attached to a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1989
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Katsuyoshi Sakai
  • Patent number: 4797106
    Abstract: An electronic blackboard system capable of using an existing white board or blackboard which may even be one that is already installed on a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Seiji Umehara, Katsuyoshi Sakai
  • Patent number: 4797107
    Abstract: A copyable blackboard has: a written member on which a picture including such as characters or figures is depicted a first carrier for carrying the written member, a light source for irradiating light to the picture on a portion of the written member located at a predetermined position on the written member to generate an optical signal corresponding to the picture, a photosensitive member which receives the optical signal from the written member and produces a latent image of the picture thereon. A second carrier is provided for carrying the photosensitive member, an image developing element for developing the latent image on the photosensitive member itself or on a copy paper to obtain a copy of the picture, and a control element for controlling the first and second carriers the photosensitive member and the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushikikaisha
    Inventors: Naoyuki Hatta, Hideo Yoshihara, Takeshi Izaki, Akihiro Sawada, Takemi Yamamoto, Kazuo Sangyoji
  • Patent number: 4786010
    Abstract: An erasable writing tablet for notation of dimensions and other information. The erasable writing table is adapted to be attached to a tape measure or any other conforming receptive surface. The material composition of the erasable writing tablet is sold under the trade name "Corian". The abrasiveness of this material permits the effacement of the notations by sandpaper or an eraser while maintaining the desired surface properties of the erasable writing tablet. A storage pocket is adapted to receive the means for effacing writing on the erasable writing tablet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Inventor: Michael V. Dynan
  • Patent number: 4777329
    Abstract: A graphic input system determining position coordinate data of a mobile element on a writing surface by measuring the transit times of ultrasonic signals and an electromagnetic signal. The mobile element may comprise either a writing instrument or an eraser. The electromagnetic signal contains information that represents the color of ink used in the writing instrument and identifies the portion of the eraser in contact with the writing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1988
    Assignee: Microfield Graphics, Inc.
    Inventor: Samuel W. Mallicoat
  • Patent number: 4722145
    Abstract: A reusable marking system comprising a high impact styrene plastic marking surface and a specially formulated water soluble marking ink. The ink is carried in a felt tip marker and can be removed from the marking surface using a damp wiper. The marking surface can be permanently marked using screen printing techniques to provide suitable permanent messages or to delineate areas for non-permanent markings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1988
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Prest
  • Patent number: 4487586
    Abstract: A board intended to be used as a writing surface is provided with a frame and with a complementary border constituting one inseparable entity. The frame is continuous all around the periphery with a cross-section comprising three flanges. One flange is external to the other two, a second flange is equipped with a rim positioned behind the board and bearing against a foot formed on the complementary border, and the third flange bears against the front face of the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1984
    Assignee: Alliance Europe S.A.
    Inventor: Jos Palmans
  • Patent number: 4427391
    Abstract: A convertible drawing article of furniture includes a support structure and a drawing board which can be mounted on the support structure in a prostrate position or in an upright position, so that the assembly can be used as a drawing desk or as an easel. The drawing board includes a mounting frame and a slate board which is supported on a circumferential recessed ledge of the frame and held thereon at its front corners by holding members. A compartmentalized tray is attached by compatible male and female connecting formations to the lateral section of the mounting frame in the prostrate position and to the front region of a support frame forming a part of the support structure in the upright position of the drawing board. The support structure further includes two front and two rear legs, of which the rear legs are telescopically extendable so that the drawing board can rest thereon in its upright position while its then lower section is engaged with rear projections of the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1984
    Assignee: Avalon Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Morton Berman