APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CLIPBOARD

Abstract

The present invention is directed generally to apparatus and method for facilitating improved efficiency, convenience, and device organization and protection for data acquisition with improved efficiency and organization, for example, while on the run or in the field. For example, in various embodiments the invention may include one or more quick locking and quick opening means for storage compartment(s), for example, one or more spring actuated and locking drawers may be included in a clipboard with one or more storage compartment(s). The quick locking and quick opening means may be spring operated to as to push the storage compartment open when actuated and/or to lock the storage compartment into place when the storage compartment is closed. The clipboard and storage apparatus may also be designed to be lightweight, durable and versatile by including a rubber over molded base, a contoured base, and/or may have a smudge resistant clear coat finish.

Description

This application claims foreign priority to previously filed China patent application no. 201020508432.0, filed in the China IPO on Aug. 25, 2010, entitled Clipboard.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for storing items such as writing materials in an efficient manner and for facilitating writing on, for example, paper or documents in the form of a clipboard. More particularly, the present invention relates to the field of clipboards and portable organizers for data acquisition, such as to a hand-held clipboard organizer or portable writing board organizer for acquisition and processing of data related to, for example, real estate appraising, inventory management, medical professional data acquisition and organization, general field use, etc.

BACKGROUND

In the areas of, for example, real estate, appraising, surveying, construction, engineering, medical data acquisition, etc., it is often necessary for professionals, specialists, criminal investigators, data collection personnel or clerical people in these professions to gather and analyze data while on the run or in the field. A hand-held writing board, such as a clipboard, is usually useful to take notes and record data. In addition, various items and devices may be needed or useful for field use such as form documents, pads of paper, miniature or hand-held computers, laser distance measuring units, global positioning system (GPS) units, and cameras. There may also be some need for storage capability and ensuring that what is stored is quickly accessible while protected from accidental loss, dropping and/or damage. It is difficult to carry all these items around or into the field and to have rapid access to each as may be needed. Clipboards with internal storage are known, and organizers with internal storage are known, but none of these are constructed to be as useful in the field as possible where several items or devices may need to be stored and/or access quickly or in rapid succession for data acquisition and processing. What is needed is a clipboard-like container or writing board that can be carried, which may help organize a plurality of hand-operated devices, tools, or forms for data acquisition and processing in the field within a short period of time and which locks or snaps into place quickly and easily.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed generally to an apparatus and method for facilitating improved efficiency, convenience, and device organization and protection for data acquisition with improved efficiency, organization, handling, and durability that is more useful, for example, while working on the run or in the field. In, for example, the areas of real estate, appraising, surveying, construction, engineering, criminal investigations, medical data collection, insurance estimates, surveys, etc., it is often necessary for specialists in these professions to gather and analyze data on the run, on site, or in the field away from the office. A hand-held writing board, such as a clip board, is often useful to take notes, record data, compile documents, etc. In addition several tools or devices may be needed to do the work of these specialists on site, such as various pens and pencils, documents, scratch pads, miniature or hand-held calculators or computers, laser distance measuring units, global positioning system (GPS) units, cameras, etc. There may also be some need for storage capability for these and other items, such as document or items obtained in the field. It is difficult to carry all these devices into the field and/or back and to have rapid access to each as needed. It is also difficult to stay organized and safely store important items and/or documents drafted, compiled and/or obtained on site. The present invention is directed to a clipboard-like or clipboard equipped container or writing board that can be carried by hand, which allows the user to organize a plurality of and hand-held or hand-operated devices for analysis, data or item acquisition, and/or processing in the field, which may be done more efficiently and safely in the field or on-site because of the present invention. Various embodiments of the invention are provided below.

For example, in various embodiments the invention may include one or more quick locking and quick opening means for storage compartment(s), for example, one or more spring actuated and locking drawers may be included in a clipboard with one or more storage compartment(s). The quick locking and quick opening means may be spring operated to as to push the storage compartment open when actuated and/or to lock the storage compartment into place when the storage compartment is closed. The clipboard may also be designed to be lightweight, durable and versatile. For example, the clipboard and storage compartment apparatus may have a rubber over molded base that may prevent scratching and sliding, may have a contoured base to improved holding and more secure placement on tables, seats, dashboards, car or truck hoods, etc., and may have a smudge resistant clear coat finish for improved appearance and durability.

In various embodiments, the invention may include two separate housing that are attached together using attachment means such as screws. One of the two separate housing may include a clip board on the outside top surface of the housing, e.g. on a hinged lid or top that may be opened and may have a latch or clip to keep it closes. When opened, the lid may give access to one or more storage compartments that may have a solid back surface. The inside surface of the lid may be abutted by a spring to force the lid into an open position when the latch or clip is not fasten to the side of the housing, e.g. providing for a spring loaded sheet holder and lid of top lift. The other separate housing may include one or more retractable storage compartments or drawers, each of which may open to one of the four side walls of the second housing. As noted above, the drawers or storage compartment(s) may operate in cooperation with spring lock/unlock mechanism so as to spring out when depressed from a locked position or lock closed into place when closed from an open position. The draws or storage compartment(s) may be slidably affixed within the second housing and may have a stop to keep the drawer or storage compartment from falling all the way out when it is opened by the spring mechanism or by hand. In various embodiments the drawer or storage compartment(s) may have four side walls, one that conforms smoothly with the outside surfaces of the second housing. In various embodiments, the first housing may be coated with a clear coat finish for smudge resistance, the second housing may be rubber over molded to deter scratching of or slipping off surfaces the clipboard and storage device is set upon, and the second housing may be contoured in a shape that allows it to be easily held and to rest securely on a variety of surfaces.

Still further aspects included for various embodiments will be apparent to one skilled in the art based on the study of the following disclosure and the accompanying drawings thereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description, in conjunction with the appended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention looking at it from the top with the lid closed, drawers open, and the clip board available for clipping documents etc., according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the present invention looking at it from the top left side with the lid open exposing a storage area in a first (top) housing and drawers open, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the present invention looking at it from the bottom (flipped over) with the lid closed and drawers closed, showing the contour of the bottom surface of the second (bottom) housing and the demarcation between the first and second housing, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is an internal plan view of the present invention looking at the inside of structure and mechanization of the second (bottom) housing face up with the first (top) housing removed and the drawers or storage compartments open and spring release and locking mechanisms in their unlocked open positions, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is an internal plan view of the present invention looking at the inside of structure and mechanization of the second (bottom) housing face up with the first (top) housing removed as with FIG. 4, but with the drawers or storage compartments closed and spring release and locking mechanisms in their locked closed positions, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 6 is another internal plan view of the present invention looking at the inside of structure and mechanization of the second (bottom) housing face up with the first (top) housing removed and the drawers or storage compartments open and spring release and locking mechanisms in their unlocked open positions to explain the details of the invention more fully, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is directed generally to an apparatus and method providing an efficient mobile hand held document work and storage and device storage unit. This unit may include two separate bodies or housings, one a clipboard and storage unit and another storage unit with drawers or boxes, and may help a user who needs to work on the run or in the field (e.g., away from their office and/or desk) by facilitating improved efficiency, convenience, and device organization and protection. The user may use the invention for data acquisition with improved efficiency, organization, handling, and durability that is more useful, for example, while working on the run or in the field. In, for example, the areas of real estate, appraising, surveying, construction, engineering, criminal investigations, medical data collection, insurance estimates, surveys, etc., it is often necessary for specialists in these professions to gather and analyze data outside the normal office environment, e.g., on the run, on-site, or in the field, away from their office normal office and desk. A hand-held writing board, such as a clip board, is often useful to take notes, record data, compile documents, etc. In addition several tools or devices may be needed to do the work of these specialist on-site, such as various pens and pencils, work documents or forms, scratch pads, miniature or hand-held calculators or computers, laser distance measuring units, global positioning system (GPS) units, cameras, etc. There may also be some need for storage capability for these and other items, such as document or even items obtained in the field (e.g., thumb drive with data, photographs, etc.). It is often difficult to carry all these items or devices into the field and/or back from the field, and to have rapid access to each as needed. It is also often difficult to stay organized and safely store important items and/or documents drafted, compiled and/or obtained on-site or in the field. The present invention is directed to a means for overcoming these issues by providing a clipboard-like or clipboard equipped container or writing board that can be carried by hand, which allows the user to organize a plurality of items including, for example, written material, hand-held or hand-operated devices for analysis, data or item acquisition, and/or processing in the field; which as a result of the present invention may be done more efficiently, conveniently, and safely in the field or on-site because of the present invention by providing a writing surface with safe and secure storage, all in one lightweight, durable, mobile hand held apparatus. Various exemplary embodiments of the invention are provided and discussed below. However, one skilled in the art would recognize that the embodiments disclosed herein are merely exemplary, and variations thereof or there from may be made and still be in the purview of the present invention.

For example, in the various exemplary embodiments, the invention may include one or more quick locking and quick opening means for storage compartment(s), for example, one or more spring actuated and locking drawers or boxes may be included along with a clipboard and flip open top compartment with one or more storage compartment(s). The quick locking and quick opening means may be spring operated to as to push the storage compartment open when actuated inward from a locked position and/or to lock the storage compartment into place when the storage compartment is closed from an open position.

The present invention clipboard and storage apparatus may also be designed to be lightweight, durable and versatile. For example, the clipboard and storage compartment apparatus may have a rubber over molded base, lower housing or body portion, that may prevent scratching and sliding of or on/off a surface it is placed upon, as well as to cushion the apparatus if it is dropped accidentally. The present invention may also include various embodiments that have a contoured bottom of the base, lower housing or body portion, to improved holding and more secure placement on various surfaces such as tables, seats, dashboards, car or truck hoods, etc. Further, in various embodiments of the present invention a top surface of the clipboard and storage apparatus, which may be a writing surface for the clipboard portion, may have a smudge resistant clear coat finish for improved appearance and durability.

As discussed above, in various embodiments the present invention may include two separate housing that are attached together using attachment means such as screws, rivets, and/or adhesive. However, in a two housing construction it may be beneficial to use removable attachment means, such as screws, so that one or both of the two separate housings may be separated from one another and replaced if damaged. In any case, one of the two separate housing may include a clip board on the outside top surface of the housing, e.g. on a hinged lid or top that may be opened and may have a latch or clip to keep it closes. When opened, the lid may give access to one or more storage compartments that may have a solid back surface. The inside surface of the lid may be abutted by a spring to force the lid into an open position when the latch or clip is not fasten to the side of the housing, e.g. providing for a spring loaded sheet holder and lid of top lift.

The other separate housing may include one or more retractable storage compartments or drawers, each of which may open to one of the four side walls of the second housing. As noted above, the drawers or storage compartment(s) may operate in cooperation with spring lock/unlock mechanism so as to spring out when depressed from a locked position or lock closed into place when closed from an open position. The draws or storage compartment(s) may be slidably affixed within the second housing and may have a stop to keep the drawer or storage compartment from falling all the way out when it is opened by the spring mechanism or by hand. In various embodiments the drawer or storage compartment(s) may have four side walls, one that conforms smoothly with the outside surfaces of the second housing.

In various embodiments, as noted above, the first housing may be coated with a clear coat finish for smudge resistance, the second housing may be rubber over molded to deter scratching of or slipping off surfaces the clipboard and storage device is set upon, and the second housing may be contoured in a shape that allows it to be easily held and to rest securely on a variety of surfaces contours, angles or types.

Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 is an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and provides a perspective view of a clipboard and storage apparatus 100 looking at it from the top with the lid or top 115 closed, drawers or storage boxes 130 and 135 open, and the clip board style spring clip 120 available on the clip board surface for clipping documents etc. to the outside surface of the lid or top 115. The figure also shows that there may be two separate sections, an upper housing 110 section (having a storage compartment inside) and a lower housing 105 section that has the drawers or storage boxes 130 and 135 attached thereto, and when open, extending from the body of the lower housing 105. Although there is shown two drawers or storage boxes 130 and 135, respectively, in this embodiment that are locate on opposite sides of the apparatus, one skilled in the art would appreciate that there may be one, two three or four such drawers or storage boxes located on any one of the four lateral sides of the clipboard and storage apparatus. In addition, the lid or top 115 of the upper housing 110 section may include a way to hold the lid or top 115 shut, for example a spring clip 125.

The upper housing 110 may be made of, for example, a metal or plastic that is preferably light in weight and durable, for example aluminum or magnesium that may be rigid and hold a box shape. The lower housing 105 may be made of, for example, a metal or plastic that is preferably light in weight, durable and rigid, for example molded rigid plastic, aluminum or magnesium that may be sufficiently rigid to hold a box shape and may adequately provide as a support base for the upper housing 110. The drawers or storage boxes 130 and 135 may be made of, for example, a metal or plastic that is preferably light in weight, durable and rigid, for example molded rigid plastic, aluminum or magnesium that may be sufficiently rigid to hold a box shape and may adequately provide as a support base for the upper housing 110. Further, the lower housing 105 and/or the drawers or storage boxes 130 and 135 may be rubber over-molded on their outer surfaces and the upper housing 110, at lease the lid 115 or clip board writing surface may be treated with a protective coating, such as a smudge resistant clear coat finish.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a perspective view 200 of the present invention according to an exemplary embodiment looking at it from the top left side with the lid or top 115 open exposing a storage area 205 in a first (upper or top) housing 110 and drawers 130 and 135 open. (Note that the same reference numerals are used in FIGS. 1-5 where the items are the same structure.) In this embodiment the lid or top 115 has an inside surface 215 which is abutted by a biasing spring 220 so as to spring load the document holder or clip board to stay open when the spring clip 125 is released from the spring clip closing hole 230. Further, the lid or top 115 may be hinged to the lower housing 110 at one end by, for example, a hinge mechanism 225. The lower surface of the drawers 130 and/or 135 may include a finger hole 245 to allow a user to push up any paper or tool in the drawer of box 130 and/or 135, or to pull open it from the bottom. The inside of the upper housing may include a pencil/pen slot 210 for placing a pencil/pen and a main area for storing, for example, a folder, documents, work tools, etc. Further, the upper or top housing 110 may be securely attached to the lower or bottom housing 105 using, for example, screws or rivets 240.

Referring to FIG. 3, a perspective view 300 of one exemplary embodiment of the present invention is provided, looking at the clip board and storage apparatus from the bottom (flipped over) with the lid closed and drawers closed, showing a contoured of the bottom surface with a plateau 310, valley 315 and ridge 320 (e.g. a fold along the lateral length of the bottom surface) of the second (bottom) housing 105 and the demarcation (dark to light shading) between the first upper housing 115 and second lower housing 105 (noting that this view has the bottom up). The contoured or folded shaped of the second lower housing 105 may help in holding the clip board and storage apparatus because the valley area results in a thinner gripping area and the ridge 320 and edge of the plateau 310 at either side of the valley 315 act as a stop for a gripping hand(s). In addition, this contoured shape may enable the clip board and storage apparatus to rest more securely on many things in the field, for example, car or truck seats, dashboards, and/or hoods and trunk lids which may have slick and uneven surfaces themselves. In this exemplary embodiment, the lower housing 105 outer surface 305 is comprised of a rubber over mold (optional) which helps deter scratching of surfaces of anything the clip board and storage apparatus is placed upon, and helps deter the clip board and storage apparatus from slipping when being held or being set on such surfaces for support. As such, the present invention has greatly improved handling and gripping characteristics that hand held clip boards previously known.

FIG. 3 also shows more clearly a hinge pin 225 that may be used to pivotally secure the lid 115 to the side walls of the upper housing 110. This is one mechanism that may be used to enable a secured yet open lid configuration. Further, in FIG. 3 one of the drawers or storage boxes 130 is shown in its closed position and is held in that position by a spring lock-unlock mechanism that will be described in more detail below with respect to FIGS. 4-6.

In FIGS. 3-6, the following item key may be used; 401 and 601 represent the contoured or folded body or housing area; 402, 602 represent the lower housing 105 storage area that accommodates the storage boxes or drawers which are represented by 404, 504, and 604 along with the spring lock and unlock (e.g., release and latch) mechanisms represented by 403, 503, and 603. FIG. 4 illustrates an internal plan view 400 of the present invention looking at the inside of structure and mechanization of the second (bottom) housing 105 face up with the first (top) housing 110 removed and the drawers or storage compartments or storage boxes 130 and 135 (e.g., 404) open and spring release and locking mechanisms (e.g., 403) in their unlocked open positions, according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the invention. FIG. 5 shows an internal plan view 500 of the present invention looking at the inside of structure and mechanization of the second (bottom) housing 105 face up with the first (top) housing 110 removed, as with FIG. 4, but with the storage drawers, box, or compartments 130 and 135 (e.g., 504) closed and spring release and locking mechanisms (e.g., 503) in their locked closed positions, according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the invention.

As FIGS. 4 and 5 shows, a clipboard storage apparatus according to the present invention may include a storage body section 402, and a folded body section 401. The storage body section 402 may be equipped with at least one throw spring lock actuator 403, 503 to fix at least one box body 404, 504 when it is closed, when spring lock 403,503 is actuated from lock to unlock, the folder box 404, 504 is popped outside the storage body section 402 and is thus open. In this implementation or embodiment, there are two boxes 404 or 504 on the right and left sides of the storage body section 402. They are fixed in the storage body section 402 to couple to and be actuated by the throw spring lock mechanism 403, 503. When a user needs to use the storage box 404, 504, they only need to push the outside facing panel of storage box 404, 504, the storage box 404, 504 will move along the slide 405, 505 it is attached to and pop out of the storage body section 402. By the same token, when closing the storage box 404, 504, you only need to push the storage box 404, 504 inward, and then the spring lock 403,503 will lock so that the storage box 404, 504 can hide in the storage body section 402 of the clipboard storage apparatus. As noted above, the present invention is not limited to one or two storage boxes, but can include embodiments with, for example, one to four as required, and they may extend along with slide and move outside toward any of the top, down, left, right, in each direction of the storage box or different directions at the same time.

Thus, in order to solve the problems of the existing technology, the present invention presents a clip board including a folder type storage compartment along with one or more hidden storage boxes. The present invention may provide a solution to previous known problems by the following technical approach. A clipboard may include a folder body area in a clipboard body. There may also be a section equipped with at least one throw spring lock mechanism that connects to a storage box body via a clip, and when the spring lock mechanism is unlocked, the storage box is provided at least partially outside the storage body section area. The storage box may be attached to a slide mechanism to move along in and out of the storage body section area. The clipboard and storage device of the present application may include a storage box that moves outside toward the top, down, left, right in any direction of the box, or if there are multiple storage boxes, then they may move at different directions at the same time.

Due to the above technical scheme, the clipboard and storage device of the present invention may enable the placement of items such as stationery in the storage box. Then when you need to use the stationary in the storage box, you only need to push the outside face panel of storage box, and the box will by spring force move along a slide and pop out of the clipboard and storage device, where the stationary may be accessed. By the same token, when closing, you only need to push the face panel of the storage box face panel, and then the lock will lock the storage box so that the storage box may be hidden in the storage body section area of the clipboard and storage device. This approach is a brake from the traditional clipboard or folder with single function, increased the hidden store function, and provides more convenient when used.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a more detail description of the structure and operation of the storage area 602 and spring actuated locking/unlocking mechanisms 603A and 603B with the storage drawers, boxes, or compartments 604A and 604B will be provided. FIG. 6 is another internal plan view 600 of the present invention looking at the inside of structure and mechanization of the second (bottom) housing 105 face up with the first (top) housing 110 removed and the drawers, boxes or storage compartments 604A and 604B open and the spring release and locking mechanisms 603A and 603B in their unlocked open positions, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The storage drawers, boxes or compartments 604A and 604B may moveably slide along a pair of slides, like 605A and 605B via retaining tabs 609A and 609B. The storage drawers, boxes or compartments 604A and 604B may also have a clip or hook shaped mechanism 606A or 606B, respectively, attached to an inward facing wall or side of the storage drawers, boxes or compartments 604A and 604B. These clips or hook shaped mechanism may be grasped or held by an arm 608A and 608B of spring release and locking mechanisms 603A and 603B. When the spring release and locking mechanisms 603A and 603B are pushed from an open position to all the way in, then the free ends of arms 608A and 608B will interconnect with the semicircle area of the clip or hook shaped mechanism 606A or 606B (see FIG. 5) and the inner-workings of the mechanization of spring release and locking mechanisms 603A and 603B will toggle so as to stop the spring release and locking mechanisms 603A and 603B arms 608A and 608B from opening again until the storage drawers, boxes or compartments 604A and 604B is pushed inward a predetermined distance. At that point the inner-workings of the mechanization of spring release and locking mechanisms 603A and 603B will toggle and the arms 608A and 608B will spring open popping the storage drawers, boxes or compartments 604A and 604B open and releasing them so that they may be pulled open the entire length of the slides 605A, 605B and retaining tabs 609A and 609B allow them. In addition, the storage drawers, boxes or compartments 604A and 604B may include finger holes 607A and 607B, respectively, to allow for more easily opening them the entire way and to allow items stored therein to me removed more easily.

It is worth noting that FIG. 6 also illustrates the folded or contoured section area 601 with the transition 611 for the ridge and the transition 612 for the plateau. Further, six screw holes, e.g., 610A, are shown for attaching the top housing 110 to the lower housing 105. And, spring release and locking mechanisms 603A and 603B may be attached to the storage area section 602 housing bottom wall using, for example, screws or rivets 615.

Although a particular embodiment(s) of the present invention has been shown and described, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to the preferred embodiment(s) and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the cone and/or the plastic portion may be threaded so they may be screwed together. Thus, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

All publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

Claims

1. A portable writing board with storage unit, comprising:

a storage box;

a spring actuated locking and unlocking mechanism that locks the storage box into a closed position when the storage box is pushed in from an open position to a position interacting with the spring actuated locking and unlocking mechanism and unlocks to open the storage box when the storage box is push in again with the door is in the closed position.

2. The portable writing board with storage unit of claim 1, further comprising:

a storage housing that includes: a storage section housing the storage box; and a contoured section that has a valley that provides at least a partially thinner cross section to one area of the storage housing.

3. The portable writing board with storage unit of claim 2, further comprising:

a clipboard housing attached to the storage housing.

4. The portable writing board with storage unit of claim 3, further comprising;

a spring loaded document holder.

5. The portable writing board with storage unit of claim 3, further comprising;

a document holder having a clear coat finish that reduces smudging.

6. The portable writing board with storage unit of claim 2, wherein the storage section housing is rubber over molded that reduces scratching and sliding of the unit on a surface.

7. A portable clipboard and storage device, comprising:

a clipboard housing;

a storage housing;

a storage drawer attached to and movable in and out of the storage housing;

a spring actuated drawer locking and unlocking mechanism, wherein the storage drawer is locked inside the storage housing by the spring actuated drawer locking mechanism upon a first inward force of the storage drawer into the storage housing, and the storage drawer is unlocked and pops at least partially out of the storage housing by the spring actuated drawer locking mechanism upon a second inward force of the storage drawer.

8. The portable clipboard and storage device of claim 7, wherein the clipboard housing includes a moveable lid and an internal storage area that may be accessed by the lid.

9. The portable clipboard and storage device of claim 8, wherein the lid is spring loaded.

10. The portable clipboard and storage device of claim 9, wherein the lid is hinged to one vertical side of the clipboard housing.

11. The portable clipboard and storage device of claim 7, wherein the storage housing has a plurality of storage drawers attached to and movable in and out of the storage housing and a plurality of spring actuated drawer locking and unlocking mechanisms, wherein the storage drawers are locked inside the storage housing by the spring actuated drawer locking mechanisms upon a first inward force of the storage drawer into the storage housing, and the storage drawers are unlocked and pops at least partially out of the storage housing by the spring actuated drawer locking mechanism upon a second inward force of the storage drawer.

12. The portable clipboard and storage device of claim 11, wherein the storage housing has a contoured bottom surface to improve gripping and resting the portable clipboard on various surfaces, and the storage housing is rubber over molded that reduces scratching and sliding of the unit on a surface.

13. The portable clipboard and storage device of claim 7, wherein the clipboard housing and the storage housing are two separate housings that are removably attached to one another.

14. A clipboard, comprising:

a housing including at least two separate storage sections, a first section having a lid and a second section including a retractable storage box;

a spring actuated locking and/or unlocking mechanism that locks and/or unlocks the retractable storage box by depressing an outer wall of the retractable storage box.

15. The clipboard of claim 14, further comprising:

a hooking mechanism attached to the retractable storage box that works in conjunction with the spring actuated locking and/or unlocking mechanism to lock and/or unlock the retractable storage box.

16. The clipboard of claim 15, further comprising:

a slide rail included in the second section along which the retractable storage box will move.

17. The clipboard of claim 16, further comprising:

a retaining tab attached to the retractable storage box that works in conjunction with the slide rail to retain the retractable storage box within the housing.

18. The clipboard of claim 14, wherein the housing has a third section that has a lower surface formed in a folded body shape having that improves gripping of the clipboard and helps the clipboard rest more securely on various surfaces.

19. The clipboard of claim 18, wherein the folded body shape has at least one valley and two ridges on either side of the valley.

20. The clipboard of claim 18, wherein the housing is comprised of two separate housing, an upper housing and a lower housing that are attached to one another, the upper housing includes the first section having a lid and the lower housing includes the second section having the retractable storage box and the third section having a lower surface formed in a folded body shape.