Apparatus for display/memo board
An apparatus and system for a memo/display board includes a frame having a top, a bottom, a first side and an opposite second side. There is an elongated slot within the top of the frame for inserting a surface into the frame such that the frame encloses the surface. Writing surfaces include paper, dry erase, wet erase, and chalkboard surfaces for use with various writing utensils.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/491,001, entitled Write-On Wipe-Off Apparatus, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to an apparatus and system for display/memo board. The terms “display board”, “memo board” and “display/memo board” can be used interchangeably herein. More particularly, although not exclusively, the present invention relates to a framed display board or memo board that can use various writing surfaces or display interchangeable backgrounds.
Memo boards, display boards, message boards, chalk boards, white boards, and similar devices are generally well-known. A primary object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to improve over the state of the art.
Another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide a slotted frame that allows different images or backgrounds to be used in a display/memo board.
Yet another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide a product that can be customized by the consumer.
A further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide a display/memo board that can accept standard sized paper.
Yet another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide a frame for a display/memo board that can be used with a variety of writing surfaces.
A still further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide a display/memo board that can be easily attached to different surfaces.
Another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide a system for a display/memo board that accommodates various types of writing utensils.
One or more of these and/or other objects, features, or advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the Specification and claims that follow.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAccording to one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for framing a surface is provided. The frame includes a top, a bottom, a first side, and an opposite second side. There is an elongated slot within the top of the frame for inserting a surface into the frame such that the frame encloses the surface. A magnetic backing is operatively connected to the frame for removably connecting the frame to a refrigerator surface or other metallic surface. There is also a rigid body associated with the frame that inserts into the frame to substantially fill the frame in order to provide stability. The present invention allows for there to be many different types of writing surfaces inserted into the frame. These writing surfaces can include a paper surface, a chalk board surface, a dry eraser surface, a wet erase surface, or other surfaces. The rigid body can be made of a transparent material, such as a transparent acrylic for covering and protecting a paper insert.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a system is provided. The system includes a frame having a top, a bottom, a first side and an opposite second side, and an elongated slot within the frame for inserting a surface into the frame such that the frame encloses the surface. There is a magnetic backing operatively connected to the frame for removeably connecting the frame to a metallic body. A rigid body disposed within the frame to substantially fill the frame. A writing surface is also positioned within the frame and there is at least one writing utensil associated with the writing surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention provides for an apparatus and system for a display/memo board. A number of embodiments are described herein, however, the present invention is not to be limited to these specific embodiments.
There is a transparent material 30, such as an acrylic or hard plastic to provide a plastic writing window. Preferably the material is lucite with a smooth surface on one side and a matte finish on the other. The smooth surface is the writing surface.
Also, there is a picture pocket or pocket or sleeve 32. The pocket or sleeve slides down and through the open slot in the frame. The pocket holds a background image or other image (which can be either a thematic image or a calendar or other) and be viewed through the front of the frame. Once inserted, the pocket can be removed through the same slot for background changes. There is a leading edge or fold on the pocket which is directed down the slot first. The open ends of the pocket or folder trail behind.
The hard plastic window 30 slides down into the frame. It superimposes or overlays itself against the pocket 32 which is directly behind it. Since both are clear, the image or graphics inside the frame are viewable from the outside looking in. The window has a defused characteristic. The back features a textured, matte surface, while the front is smooth. Any image inside the pocket 32 results in a softer visual look because of the texture.
The present invention contemplates that users can take their own personal photographs or images and use them within the device of the present invention. Alternatively, photo backgrounds or other images can be supplied to the customer at the time of purchase or at another time. This allows the memo board to be customized to a particular customer, for a particular occasion, or otherwise. Thus the memo board allows for the display of an image. The present invention, however, contemplates that instead of having the hard plastic window 30 as the outside surface, a writing surface can be placed on the outside with the hard plastic window 30 being internal to the frame 16.
The present invention contemplates numerous variations which need not be specifically set forth herein. The present invention contemplates variations in the shape and configuration of various elements, the materials used, the properties of materials used, or the structure or type of structure used. For example, the present invention contemplates that various writing surfaces can be used, various images can be placed within the frame, various writing utensils can be used, and various writing utensils can be connected to the frame. These and other variations are contemplated and the present invention should in no way be limited by the present disclosure including the claims that follow.
Claims
1. An apparatus for framing a surface, comprising:
- a frame having a top, a bottom, a first side and an opposite second side;
- an elongated slot within said top of the frame for inserting a surface into the frame such that the frame encloses the surface.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a magnetic backing operatively connected to the frame for removably connecting the apparatus.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least one retaining member extending into the slot.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a rigid body for insertion into the frame to substantially fill the frame.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the rigid body is a transparent plastic.
6. The apparatus of claim 4 further comprising a mirrored writing surface for insertion into the frame.
7. The apparatus of claim 4 further comprising a chalk board surface for insertion into the frame.
8. The apparatus of claim 4 further comprising a dry erase surface for insertion into the frame.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a wet erase surface for insertion into the frame.
10. A system for a memo board, comprising:
- a frame having a top, a bottom, a first side and an opposite second side, an elongated slot within the frame for inserting a surface into the frame such that the frame encloses the surface;
- a magnetic backing operatively connected to the frame for removably connecting the frame to a metallic body;
- a rigid body disposed within the frame to substantially fill the frame;
- a writing surface for positioning within the frame;
- at least one writing utensil associated with the writing surface.
11. The system of claim 10 wherein the writing surface is selected from a set consisting of a paper surface, a mirrored surface, a chalk board surface, a dry erase surface, and a wet erase surface.
12. The system of claim 10 further comprising a second magnetic backing attached to each of the at least one writing utensil.
13. The system of claim 10 further comprising a clip operatively connected to the frame and one of the at least one writing utensil.
14. The system of claim 10 wherein the rigid body is a transparent acrylic.
15. The system of claim 10 wherein the writing surface is a paper insert.
16. The system of claim 15 wherein the paper insert is preprinted with a calendar.
17. The system of claim 10 further comprising an insert for inserting into the frame and extending above the top side of the frame when completely inserted into the frame.
18. The system of claim 10 wherein each of the at least one writing utensil is selected from a set consisting of a pencil, a crayon, a dry erase marker, a wet erase marker, a piece of chalk.
19. The system of claim 10 further comprising a clip for holding one of the at least one writing utensils.
20. The system of claim 19 further comprising an eraser attached directly to the clip.
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 29, 2004
Publication Date: Feb 3, 2005
Inventor: Gregory Crump (Des Moines, IA)
Application Number: 10/902,216