Forearm clipboard

Abstract

A forearm worn support sleeve comprising of small polygon pockets containing several embedded thin neodymium magnet(s). When one of two quasi rectangular apparatuses is combined with said sleeve, together . . . an integral writing structure takes shape. Importantly, the invention (in-part) is one that is steeped in human factors and ergonomic design. The benefits are many, but most notably is the utility provided to pilots. Specifically, the reduction of error by minimizing line-of-sight transition i.e. outward to downward focus, then upward again . . . coupled with an ability to quickly note ATC (air traffic control) departure and approach instructions. In general terms, both the primary (upper) and secondary (lower) apparatuses are planar in nature with rounded dis-similar corners. Ideally, materials may include card stock (chipboard) or plastic. In the latter case, various synthetic thermoplastic resins may include polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, and polystyrene. What's more, the upper and lower apparatuses have a magnetic back surface which enables simple lift away and re-positioning. Both are contoured in form with a somewhat rigid curvature pliable enough to bend. Moreover, a smart watch and/or other electronic devises like an iPod Touch can be integrated for optimum utility and functionality. For example, in one instance is a pilot assist system. There are of course many other like a golf (putting) assist system, doctors-dentist assist system, and/or a military (service-person) assist system. Importantly, these are just a few likely industry applications. In the first example, a tailored mobile software application can be utilized like ForeFlight Mobile or JeppCharts. In the second, Clinometer. The third . . . MyChart for doctors. Lastly, ClipBoard Manager for military individuals.

Description

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TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a clipboard capable of carrying an electronic device. More particularly, the invention involves several embodiment(s); one of notable interest is a magnetic forearm sleeve and corresponding accessories for magnifying, grouping, writing as well as illuminating with minimal effort. All, with easy accessibility, positionable on a planar writing surface that is re-usable assisting pilots, doctors, dentists, military servicemen, and golfing enthusiast alike.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Inventions for writing one's knee are known. What's missing from related art, however, is an apparatus that is placed on one's forearm and used as a writing platform. More importantly, one that is capable of reusable. What's more, the invention is intended to be used in conjunction with a smart watch, iPod Touch, and 2 way communication device. Each, with specific software applications used by industry professionals.

A prior design that is attached to a person's wrist is shown in U.S. Design Patent No. 377,913 which is a platform capsule component for carrying a compass or thermometer.

Additionally, U.S. Pat. No. 4,903,250 illustrates a case for holding writing supplies or similar instruments as well as discloses a wrist watch having a memo case with a foldable lid.

Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 6,530,509 B1 is a small body mounted (non-obstructive) with lidd, pad, pencil, and carrying case.

The following patents disclose some devices for holding small articles (including writing instruments) about a person's wrist or neck. U.S. Pat. No. 5,625,606 has an enhanced case, strap or bracelet worn upon the wrist and contains in separate cavities (i) a watch, calculator, telephone, radio or like device that, among other functions, keeps time, a writing, probing and/or pointing instrument. At the same time, U.S. Pat. No. 5,531,481 provides a memo pad assembly that is worn around a person's wrist, or other body parts.

Nevertheless, none of the above patents (taken either singularly or in combination thereof) describes a forearm clipboard as claimed. In contrast to prior art, the present invention provides a design which is more versatile in several ways. In another manner of speaking, the invention relates more or less to a note taking system comprising of at least one devise and software application used by various professionals. While the prior patents are generally useful with limited purposes; collectively, they do not provide an apparatus allowing convenient access to a clipboard, electronic devices, and information2 way communication between medical provider and patient.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The forearm clipboard apparatus in its basic embodiment includes a clipboard and writing platform.

The invention includes an upper (primary) clipboard apparatus that provides a reusable writing surface. One preferred embodiment shows various useful attachments like a magnifying glass, flashlight, LED, note clasp, chart clamp, and Smart Watch.

What's more, the apparatus provides an ability to quickly move between an iPod Touch display and a smart watch. Each such display contains a subset of information that may be needed by an industry practioner such as a doctor, dentist, pilot, military servicemen and golfer. Specifically, a doctor or dentist may wish to use an application like MyChart, a pilot may wish to display ForeFlight Mobile or Jepp Charts, while a golfer may want to view Clinometer, and military servicemen might use MyChart. Each, in their own right, are modern softward applications used on electronic devises like a iPod Touch.

In one instance, for example . . . the forearm clipboard allows pilots an efficient means for scribing information being provided by ATC just prior to take-off. This includes: ATTIS, ground and tower frequencies, approach/departure frequencies, IFR instruction altitudes and assigned victor airways etc. Importantly, prior patents and corresponding marketplace products currently being used in the flying community have been noted as stating the following shortcomings: adverse visual and spatial adjustments, uncomfortable-obtrusive straps, and inaccessible note paper and method for storing thereof coupled with quick retrieval.

Moreover, these and other aspects and attributes of the present invention will become increasingly clear upon reference to the following drawings and accompanying specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a right arm view of said forearm sleeve, a magnetic clamp as well as a Smart Watch. The bottom illustration depicts a left arm where a lower (2nd) apparatus would be placed.

FIG. 2 is a left forearm (2nd) apparatus view depicting a smartwatch, wet-erase pen attachment, iPod Toch with Clinometer, 2 way communication device on both apparatus as well as thumb position/momentary push-button toggle switch.

FIG. 3 is a view of the upper apparatus (primary) depicting aperature(s) magnifying glass, flashlight attachments including nighttime LED and leash, clamp, clasp, smart watch, and an external lanyard.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a right forearm upper (primary) clipboard depicting printed indicia on said apparatus. The example shown is use of an upper apparatus . . . score card that could be used while playing golf.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the lower (2nd) apparatus;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the upper (primary) apparatus writing surface.

FIG. 7 is a right arm, front view of both upper (primary) and lower (2nd) apparatus, depicting how they fit together in accordance with the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Forearm Clipboard The present invention is well suited as a forearm clipboard and will be described in connection with a limited number of electronic devices.

As shown in FIG. 1, a forearm sleeve consisting of sweat-wicking fabrics like polyester, spandex, elastane, and nylon are shown 1 where ventilated zones provide for a dry fit. Furthermore, part of the sleeve 2 (in-part) is made of a rubber-like hibrid compound. A forearm sleeve illustrated 3 depicts small polygon pockets that are somewhat seamless and contain preferably commercial magnets on both the upper and inner portions. In a first embodiment, a neodymium magnet 4 (that may or may not include a clamp) is used for attaching paper or charts and can be positioned any where on said sleeve where a magnetic pocket is provided. A smart watch is seen 5 while an alternative band style 6 shows a smart watch that is easily releasable from a arm by simply opening the pliable bracelet. A number of smart watches are provided by several manufactures; nevertheless, there are two most noteable i.e. Garmin and Apple.

Now turning to FIG. 2, the grouping of the inner forearm (2nd apparatus lower) 21 is made of a polymeric material (preferably formed of a thermoplastic) in order to provide a re-usable feature when combined with a non-permanent marker 25. The marker is attached to the forearm clipboard by velcro 22. Likewise, an electronic device 26 (example: iPod Touch) utilizing a given software application (example: Clinometer) is positioned on the forearm clipboard as a result of velcro being adhered on its back surface. Also illustrated in FIG. 2, a velcro strip 24 is attached to the forearm clipboard to secure a two-way communication device 27 . . . Continuing with the description, a velcro “strap”28 is provided as an alternate option when using a left or right hand mount on a given “thumb” A push button device 29 is depicted in order to show a communication device that could be toggled thereby instantly giving a doctor or dentist the message to “Stop”.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the forearm upper (primary) clipboard 30 has a wet-erase writing surface and two half circle cuts (180 degrees) on the edge portion 31 are closest to the elbow area. Specifically, these indentations are for securing a flashlight. As illustrated 32, there is also an aperature used to secure a leash for said flashlight attachment 35 as well as a night-time LED 36. A leash 311, can be made of several different type of material. However, one that is elastic in allows for a quick release. An alternate to this attachment option is accomplished by using a lanyard 312. Likewise, To quickly access a magnifying glass attachment 37, a circular thin velcor strip is provided on the apparatus 33 as well as on the outer edge surface of said attachment. The aperatures 34 and 38 are for clamps 38 and clasp 39.

Along with the upper primary apparatus and lower (2nd) forearm clipboards are capable of retaining attachments, and one or both surfaces may have have“permanent” indicia on them. As an example, FIG. 4 shows right forearm upper (primary) clipboard therefrom a golf scorecard 41 is displayed.

Continuing with the description, FIG. 5 shows the lower (2nd) apparatus which has a distinctive ergonomic shape 51; different sizes are warranted to accommodate small-medium-large forearms.

With reference now to FIG. 6, a right forearm primary apparatus is referenced 61. In these examples, the apparatuses displayed are used simply as a reference and are in no way limiting in sizes being offered. Noteably, the left arm design is inversely a mirror image of the right.

FIG. 7 illustrates a right arm (upper) primary apparatus combined with the lower (2nd) apparatus, together . . . depicting how both are designed to fit together.

Accordingly, it should be understood that the description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration, and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations within the spirit and scope beyond those discussed herein, may occur. The disclosed embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical applications suited to the particular uses contemplated.

Claims

1. An arm clipboard; wherein a forearm sleeve facilitates the mounting of an overlying writing platform and smart watch thereon, comprising:

A sheathing that has a compression form fit, light-weight and is fabricated from various material providing a somewhat moisture free environment; and

Small polygon pockets containing magnetic material with a high uniaxial attraction; and

An electronic device that can be secured around the wrist section of said forearm sleeve... capable of a link to the Internet as a high-sensitivity receiver; and

an upper clipboard (primary) has a planar apparatus that is ergonomically designed as a writing surface, made of a polymeric material and coupled with a non-permanent marker for reusability, said device back surface has a covalent bond (magnetic) capable of fixedly securing to said sleeve.

3. A forearm clipboard of claim 1; wherein said planar apparatus is designed with 2 half-moon cut outs on the outer most edge for fixedly securing a first attachment, a portable flashlight.

4. A forearm clipboard of claim 3; wherein a flashlight is provided with a leash that is attached to the back of said lighting device on one end and the other end through a small aperature in the apparatus.

5. A forearm clipboard as recited in claim 4; wherein a micro LED is attached to a string-like material (leash) and provides an appropriate illumination in a given enviornment (example: red illumination) which generally corresponds with a specific operation(s) during p.m. hours.

6. A forearm clipboard as recited in claim 5; wherein a lanyard provides an alternate attachment means for said flashlight and LED.

7. The forearm clipboard of claim 1; wherein a magnifying glass attachment is adapted in the upper primary apparatus and attached to the writing surface by means of velcro.

8. The forearm clipboard of claim 1; wherein, a clamp attachment can be secured on the device by means of an aperature.

9. The forearm clipboard of claim 2; wherein, a clasp is provided for securing a plurality of blank paper-note(s), said attachment is capable of adhering to apparatus surface and is adapted by means of an aperature.

10. The arm clipboard of claim 2; wherein the apparatus can be configured and adapted for displaying indicia thereon related to a specific task routinely experienced by pilots, doctors, military servicemen, and golfers.

11. A lower forearm clipboard (2nd apparatus) wherein a planar writing surface is ergonomically designed for the inner portion of an arm and is made of a material conducive for re-use when a “non permanent” and/or wet erase marker is used.

12. The forearm clipboard of claim 11; wherein a forearm clipboard is coupled with a non-permanent marker by means of an external attachment material like velcro that is placed on both the marker as well as said apparatus surface.

13. The forearm clipboard as recited in claim 11; wherein a quasi-rectangular electronic device (example: iPod Touch) is disclosed as an attachment capable of providing an electronic software application specific to an industry function, proximity of the electronic device spans from one's elbow area (longitudinally-outward), and is attached to the lower forearm clipboard by means of velcro.

14. The forearm clipboard of claim 11; wherein a 2 way communication light acts as a non-verbal alarm mechanism, secured to said apparatus writing platform by a velcro gripping material; said device back surface may also have a magnetic covalent bond to achieve the same purpose.

15. The forearm clipboard of claim 14; wherein an alternate and/or additional 2 way communication light is secured to a medical providers thumb by using a velcro strap... i.e. quadrant closest to the base of the hand below the flexing motion of the upper nail portion of said finger.

16. The forearm clipboard of claim 14; wherein a momentary push button switch is provided to a patient as a signaling mechanism... transmitting a 2 way communication light which alerts a provider with explicit “non-verbal” instructions to “STOP” all patient procedure(s) being performed; hence, improving the interaction and communication between medical or dental provider and patient.

17. The forearm clipboard of claim 16; wherein a transmitter is used to control a receiver circuit.

18. The forearm clipboard of claim 17; wherein a transmitter circuit uses a transistor component providing an oscillator... where“on or off”feedback is received from a voltage divider.

19. The forearm clipboard of claim 18; wherein an inductor (small “chip-on-board”) forms a frequency determining component(s) while a transmitter generates a carrier frequency that can be used directly to activate or deactivate said receiver by alternately toggling a transmitter.

20. The forearm clipboard of claim 19; wherein a modulating transmitter(s) is provided as an external frequency in order to double transmitting range.