With Article Gripping Means Patents (Class 248/451)
  • Publication number: 20100320355
    Abstract: A clipboard includes a main plate having top and bottom faces and lateral sides, and a clip plate of triangular cross section and including a mid-portion provided at one of the lateral sides, top and bottom plate portions extending convergingly from two opposite ends of the mid-portion and having converging distal press ends abutting respectively against the top and bottom faces of the main plate, and two press levers connected pivotally and respectively to the distal press ends of the top and bottom plate portions. A fixing plate has two opposite ends fixed to the bottom face of the main plate, and a middle section between the ends of the fixing plate and pressing the bottom plate portion against the bottom face of the main plate, thereby fixing the bottom plate portion to the main plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventor: Cheng-Sung Chen
  • Patent number: 7845611
    Abstract: Door/lid operated page turner devices, systems and methods for reading materials such as books is provided for hands-free reading for the able-bodied and disabled reader. A platform supports a book that is covered by a bottomless box having an open top, with left and right transparent lids slidably attached to cover the open top with a small space between the lids when closed. A single protruding member with a tip is adapted to slide the right transparent lid to the right exposing a page of the stacked reading pages, the tip is also used to lift up an outer edge of the page to be above the right transparent lid, followed by the tip of the protruding member pushing against and sliding the right transparent lid to the left until the right transparent lid abuts against the spacer, wherein the tip of the protruding member pushes both the closed left and right transparent lids to the left until the raised first page is turned and overlaying the left portion of the supporting platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Inventor: Alfred M. Sholander
  • Patent number: 7841574
    Abstract: An organizer that attaches to a computer monitor or other display monitor and has a transparent dust, glare, and/or UV radiation shield and at least one lateral storage panel with pockets that hold various documents and materials and maintain them in a convenient location for easy access or viewing while working on the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Inventor: Duane J. Harris
  • Publication number: 20100294908
    Abstract: A bookstand for an eReader including a center support and a plurality of manipulatable supports coupled to the center support. The plurality of manipulable supports being moveable between at least a first storage position and a second open position for supporting the eReader in a reading position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: Patrick Mish, Jim Ward, Adam Ashley
  • Patent number: 7793909
    Abstract: The canvas bridge is an easel accessory made of any material which is sturdy, durable and still retains some flexibility. It can be made of materials with a wide variety of properties. The design fits all easels. It is a long rectangular piece of material with a variety of lengths. Each end is elongated on the bottom side, creating the visual image of a bridge, from which a sharpened metal nail, or nail-like material extending approximately ¼ inch which is pushed into the canvas stretcher bars (stretcher bars are the wooden frame upon which the canvas is stretched).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventor: Stephen Shelby Sawyer
  • Publication number: 20100213343
    Abstract: The disclosed book rest is a bean filled bag (G), having insert (1), for which a book will rest on, with its front and back leaning against inserts (H), with page holder (B), held in position by toggle (A), threaded onto elastic (C), which is attached at point (D), enabling page holder (B) to slide up the elastic (C), pressing firmly against the book enabling sections (E), to slide under the edges of the book, thus ensuring sections (B1) and (B2), press firmly against the book pages, therefore keeping the book open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventor: Cindy Jane Opresnik
  • Patent number: 7743541
    Abstract: An elongated sign holding extrusion for supporting a sign from an overhead member, comprising an elongated unitarily extruded frame assembly having an upper edge and a lower edge, with a first side portion and a second side portion extending therebetween. An elongated upper receiving-channel is arranged at the upper edge of the frame assembly. An hollow elongated, upper channel is arranged in a spaced-apart, adjacent and parallel manner to the elongated upper receiving channel in said frame assembly. An elongated middle channel contains a pair of elongated biasing members therein for pinchably supporting a poster therebetween. An elongated central channel is spaced adjacent the lower edge of the frame assembly for capture of slidable sign supporting hangers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Rose Displays Ltd
    Inventors: Rebecca C. Suciu, David E. Pitcher, Thomas P. Burrous, Alan L. Stenfors, Sidney Rose
  • Patent number: 7731147
    Abstract: A universal bookholder which receives a book therein in a folder type, and which is portable and usable anywhere at any time to allow a user to read a book thereon is disclosed. The universal bookholder includes a pair of cover members for forming an inner space to receive a book therein when being folded and for supporting both sides of the book when being opened, a supporting unit combined between the pair of cover members so as to be folded with the cover members, a string installed in the supporting unit to traverse papers of the book for fixing the received book, at least one guide member mounted in the pair of cover members, and a clamp movably combined to the guide member for fixing a paper of the received book.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Sang-Hoon Rha
  • Patent number: 7717393
    Abstract: A field easel with an integrated sketch box is provided. The sketch box comprises cavities for art supplies, allowing art supplies to be stored inside the cavity and secured with plates covered in memory foam. An easel is hinged to the rear wall of the box such that the easel can display painting support in a multitude of angles, and the easel provides adjustable support clamps that accept different sizes of painting support and can raise and lower the height of the painting support with respect to the box. Optionally, the field easel can be secured to a standardized tripod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Inventors: Susan Anette Edgmon, Billy Joe Edgmon
  • Patent number: 7685751
    Abstract: Generally speaking, this is a card positioning device which maintains a card such as a greeting card or a postcard in a standing position. The card experiences a destabilizing moment. The card positioning device has a moment resisting section to resist the destabilizing moment and maintain the card in a standing position. The moment resisting section connects to the origin end of the longitudinal fold of the card and extends along the card edges from the origin to reinforce the card edges. The moment resisting section has a foot which has a heel and toe to resist the destabilizing moment. An ornament such as a flag, character or emblem can be attached to the base of the moment resisting section. The ornament, moment resisting section and card, may be inserted into an envelope and mailed to a recipient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: Keith Knoernschild
  • Patent number: 7673410
    Abstract: This disclosure provides a portable shopping aid used to mount a shopping list, coupons, or other documents. Contrary to conventional wisdom, the aid is configured to sacrifice a writing surface in favor of portability, by providing a small body that may be easily inserted into a pocket or handbag. The body includes a clamp for mounting the aid onto a push bar of a shopping cart, for hands free viewing during shopping, as well as a document clip mechanism that clips documents by their ends closest to the push bar. In order to provide structural rigidity to retained documents, and notwithstanding the absence of a writing surface or clipboard, the clip mechanism is configured to crease documents. The shopping aid also includes feet for standing the aid upright, on a flat surface, and means for mounting the aid magnetically on a refrigerator wall, in all cases such that retained documents are presented in a convenient reading orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: CM Concepts, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Buerchner, Christopher N. Pericles, Michael J. Strasser, William G. Tammen
  • Publication number: 20100051777
    Abstract: A folding and collapsing easel that includes one or more retainer devices or attachments that can be coupled to the top of the display material. The easel includes a top portion and a bottom portion, each portion having three legs that are coupled together to form a stand. The top portion of the easel includes two elongated members that are pivotally coupled to two of the legs and further coupled to each other at adjacent ends, such that the elongated members may form a “V” shape when extended. The easel further includes one or more chart holding pins with retainer springs to secure display materials to the easel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: Office Images, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Eckhardt
  • Publication number: 20100006735
    Abstract: A multipurpose platform suitable for use as a desk and an easel is disclosed. The multipurpose platform includes a tablet with a flat front surface and items attached to the tablet, including at least one retractable hook, a retractable primary shaft, and a retractable shaft locking mechanism that can fix the position of the primary shaft relative to the platform. The retractable hook is deployable as a hook when the tablet is configured as a desk, and as a leg when the tablet is configured as an easel. The retractable primary shaft is deployable against a vertical surface, when the tablet is configured as a desk, and against a horizontal surface when the tablet is configured as an easel. Embodiments include a base and stand pole that can support the platform as a lectern or podium, a light, electronic accessories, and storage compartments. Some embodiments can be folded in half.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Rish Reinen
  • Publication number: 20090200446
    Abstract: The disclosed book rest is a bean filled bag (G), having insert (1), for which a book will rest on, with its front and back leaning against inserts (H), with page holder (B), held in position by toggle (A), threaded onto elastic (C), which is attached at point (D), enabling page holder (B) to slide up the elastic (C), pressing firmly against the book enabling sections (E), to slide under the edges of the book, thus ensuring sections (B1) and (B2), press firmly against the book pages, therefore keeping the book open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventor: Cindy Jane Opresnik
  • Patent number: 7566041
    Abstract: An improved page holder comprising a clamp (10R) attached to a self-retracting reel (14), the latter being set at a predetermined tension to retain pages without prohibiting page turning, and having a tension adjustment dial (16) at its lower end. The reel (14) dispenses a monofilament (18) which extends across the reading matter (19) and attaches to a second clamp (10L). Thus the page holder can be applied in a variety of settings, and retains various reading matter (19) against wind, drafts, and the closing tendency of bound books, while enabling manual page turning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Inventors: Steven Stewart Ibara, Crystal Gwen Steinke, Joel Harian Jones, Vicky Greenbaum, David A. Woodley M. Packard, Elisa Marie Jones
  • Patent number: 7559522
    Abstract: A multilayer tray system especially for a hospital bed having side rails includes a first rectangular structure having hooks along each lateral edge for being supported on the top edge of the side rails, the first rectangular structure has cavities formed in the upper surface for disposition of such items as a tissue box, drinking glass or miscellaneous items. A second rectangular tray is selectively connected to the first rectangular support. The second tray has a planar upper surface for providing a writing surface thereon. The tray is aligned relative to the rectangular structure and slidably maintained on the rectangular structure by means of a pair of parallel brackets extending from the lower surface of the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Inventor: John D. Hlatky
  • Patent number: 7546996
    Abstract: A device is provided for securing a writing tablet to a frame member. The tablet defines first and second opposing lateral edges. The device comprises an elongate bar, a clamp member, and first and second support elements. The elongate bar defines a distal end. The clamp member is attached to the distal end of the bar and is fastenable to the frame member. The first and second support elements are attached to the bar and are positionable along a length of the bar. The support elements each include an engagement surface configured to engage the first and second lateral edges of the tablet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Inventor: Mohamed Iqbal Somji
  • Patent number: 7540464
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved book holder. In particular, the present invention is directed to a book holder with easy loading and unloading of reading material, a page turning mechanism, book centering mechanism and/or a foldable book holder stand. The book holder preferably has a book support plate with a central gear with a plurality of teeth. A book is held by the invention by first and second book clamps having page-turning fingers pivotally connected to clamps. The fingers have flexible silicone rubber pads. The clamps are further adjustably attached to toothed arms engaged to the teeth of the central gear. Each clamp is held in place on the book on a pin by a bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Inventor: Badiollah R. Samari
  • Patent number: 7530543
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a central support shaft that has an elongated shape provided with axially opposed ends. Rectilinear legs have opposed ends conjoined to the bottom support shaft end and extending outwardly therefrom at an oblique angle. The legs are pivotal between compressed and expanded positions. Auxiliary support shafts have elongated shapes provided with opposed medial and lateral ends. The auxiliary shafts are pivotally conjoined to the brackets and pivotal about the medial ends, such that the auxiliary shafts can be independently biased between vertical and horizontal positions. Brackets are attached to the central support shaft and spaced along a longitudinal length thereof. Clamps are positional along the auxiliary shafts. Each clamp is adaptable between open and closed positions for releasing and gripping the window blind. The window blind is centrally registered between the auxiliary support shafts during cleaning operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Inventor: Carl M. Kremzar
  • Patent number: 7527235
    Abstract: The current invention provides a card holder for displaying a card on a flat horizontal surface. The card holder is substantially adhesive free and can be mailed in a flat configuration with a greeting card in a greeting card envelope. The card holder comprises a panel having tabs that are extendable outwardly from the panel and arranged in a pattern to secure the edges of the card, thus allowing the card to be displayed in a stable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Inventor: Timothy B. Hummel
  • Patent number: 7510215
    Abstract: A book grip comprises a lower grip body formed with a first support projection, and defined with an upper grip body insertion opening; a upper grip body formed with a second support projection, having a lower end slidably inserted into the upper grip body insertion opening of the lower grip body, and defined with a page fastening clip installation hole; a handle installed on a rear surface of the lower grip body; a fastening string having one end supported by the second support projection and the other end extending over a distal end surface of the first support projection and supported by a length adjustment screw; and a page fastening clip having an elastic support part which supports a wide area of a page and a coupling part which is coupled into the page fastening clip installation hole of the upper grip body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventor: Cheol Jae Lee
  • Publication number: 20090045314
    Abstract: A wall mount clip for sheet like materials includes a sheet base and a sheet retainer, wherein the upper end of the sheet retainer is mounted together with the upper end of the sheet base, and the sheet retainer is extended downwardly to the curled lower end which provides resilient force due to deformation of the sheet retainer. The contact point between the curled lower end and the sheet base extends continuously and latitudinally along the elongated lower end to form a contact line to exert said resilient force to hold the sheet like materials. The user can easily slide the sheet materials from the contact point from various angles upwardly to the empty space created by the sheet base and sheet retainer. The wall mount clip will not damage the sheet materials because the resilient is smaller than that generated by conventional clips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Chin-Hsiung Lien
  • Patent number: 7465057
    Abstract: A clipboard has a light assembly built into a clip on the board. The light assembly includes a light head adapted to fit into a recess on the clip. The light head may have a curved top surface matching a curved top surface of the clip head. When in the stored position, the light assembly sits generally flush with the clip. Accordingly, when the light is not needed, it can fold compactly out of the way, and the clipboard can have the shape and size of a conventional clipboard. The light head may be attached to the clip by a link or arm having pivot joints at each end, to allow the light head to be aimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Dard Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Bonni Sandy
  • Patent number: 7445246
    Abstract: A clipboard may be assembled from a backboard and a clip assembly by sliding the clip assembly onto the top edge of the backboard. The clip assembly and the backboard are shaped so that the clipboard assembly has a substantially continuous contour along its top edge. Specifically, the top edge of the backboard is spaced away from the remainder of the top edge in the area where the clip assembly is attached. The amount of spacing away corresponds to the thickness of a lip that depends from the clip assembly and engages the top edge or the backboard in the area where the clip assembly is attached. The clip assembly is retained on the backboard by flanged rails that engage slots in the backboard and by ramped projections that engage detents and the backboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Gary Plastic Packaging Corp.
    Inventors: Edward A. Wagschal, R. Christopher Kidd, Gary L. Hellinger
  • Publication number: 20080191113
    Abstract: A field easel with an integrated sketch box is provided. The sketch box comprises cavities for art supplies, allowing art supplies to be stored inside the cavity and secured with plates covered in memory foam. An easel is hinged to the rear wall of the box such that the easel can display painting support in a multitude of angles, and the easel provides adjustable support clamps that accept different sizes of painting support and can raise and lower the height of the painting support with respect to the box. Optionally, the field easel can be secured to a standardized tripod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Susan Annette Edgmon, Billy Joe Edgmon
  • Publication number: 20080179484
    Abstract: A system is provided that includes an electronic device and a stand for the electronic device. The electronic device comprises multiple sets of contact points compatible with the stand, each set of contact points being associated with a different orientation for the electronic device. The stand selectively interfaces with one of the multiple sets of contact points to stabilize the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: David Quijano
  • Publication number: 20080142668
    Abstract: A device for facilitating the reading of a book by holding its pages in an open position, includes an elongate member formed of telescopically-engaged inner and outer elements 107 and 108. The outer element 108 has a projecting platform 14 to support the cover of an open book B, and respective inwardly-directed end-pieces 101 and 102 are pivotally connected to the respective elements 107 and 108, with inwardly-directed finger portions 30 that hold the pages of the book by means of coil springs 203. A support leg 40 is slidably engaged with the outer element 108 to support the rear of the book while resting on its lower edge. The support leg can be angularly adjusted about an axis which is substantially parallel to the outer element 108 and can be rotated about an axis which is substantially perpendicular to the outer element. The leg 40 may have an inner core which is telescopically engaged within a non-slip outer cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Robert Francis Rickards
  • Patent number: 7380765
    Abstract: An easel (20) includes a base (24), a support (28) extending upwardly from the base (24), and first and second arms (38, 40) rotatably attached to the support (28) via a pivot assembly (48). Brackets (54) are positioned on the first and second arms (38, 40) and are slidably moveable relative to a longitudinal axis (58) of the first and second arms (38, 40). The brackets (54) selectively abut edges (68) at each of four corners (70) of a workpiece (22) to retain the workpiece (22). The pivot assembly (48) functions to concurrently rotate the first and second arms (38, 40) and, consequently, the workpiece (22) relative to the support (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Inventor: Harold H. Shiff
  • Patent number: 7374143
    Abstract: A removable cover for use with a clipboard, the cover comprising a transparent dome, the dome having two ends and two sides, each side of the dome meeting opposite sides of the clipboard, a closure at the spring-biased end of the clipboard, an aperture in the closure, a coverlet affixed to the aperture, the coverlet covering the spring-biased clip, an opening in a bottom of the coverlet, battery powered LED's illuminating the clipboard via low light sensors, a track around the sides and closure end of the cover providing slideably removable attachment to the clipboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Victor Wittke
  • Patent number: 7325343
    Abstract: An apparatus configured to allow the retention of at least one display board with a mounting structure is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a retaining system. A portion of the retaining system is deformable to retain at least one display board in a press-in, interference engagement. The apparatus may also include a mounting structure such as an easel. An apparatus for use with one or more display boards is also disclosed. The apparatus comprises a mounting structure including a base and a first panel coupled to the base. The first panel is configured to support the one or more display boards and to be selectively movable between a first position and a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Anthony Seiber, Scott Michael Miller, Alan Fredrick Mauer, Peter Scott Macdonald, Robert Peter Arko, Alan Michael Vale, Steven Ryutaro Takayama
  • Patent number: 7325779
    Abstract: A clip having a main member with a first side, a second side, a first end, and a second end. A first substantially planar member has a first end connected to a first end of a second substantially planar member. The outside of the vertex formed by the substantially planar members is connected to the first side of the main member intermediate the ends of the main member. In use, the substantially planar members contact the rear and outside edge of a frame for a canvas. A short hook is connected to the first end of the main member and, in use, presses against the front of the frame. And a long hook is attached to a second end of the main member and, in use, presses against the inside edge of the frame. A variety of attachments may be made to the second side of the main member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Inventor: Kevin D. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7240887
    Abstract: A book holder for supporting and protecting an article of reading material is provided. The book holder includes a spine, a pair of cover panels, each of the cover panels is hingidly to the spine permitting the pair of cover panels to be rotated into an open position and to be rotated into a closed position. The book holder is adapted to receive and support an article of reading material in an open position when the book holder is open and for enclosing and protecting the reading material when the book holder is closed. A page holder assembly is provided to hold the reading material open and for marking a page. The page holder assembly can also include a line marker for marking a line of text in the reading material. In additional embodiments, an illumination means for illuminating the reading material and a magnify sheet for magnify the reading material may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: Brian Buote
  • Patent number: 7237756
    Abstract: A removably attachable manual support for a binder, folder or book and adaptable for outwardly extending, one-hand support of a binder and its contents when in use by soloists, choir members or lecturers. The manual support further includes an articulated rest structure for supporting the lower marginal edges of the spine and of each of the laterally extending cover panels of the binder or folder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Inventor: Theodore A. Isenberg
  • Patent number: 7195213
    Abstract: An adjustable stand is described. The adjustable stand includes a support, at least one upper bracket engaged with and adjustable along the support, at least one lower bracket engaged with and adjustable along the support, an upper clamp member operatively connected to the at least one upper bracket, and a lower clamp member operatively connected to the at least one lower bracket, the upper and lower clamp members being adjustable relative to the corresponding at least one upper and lower brackets and cooperating to hold an apparatus therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: O'Sullivan Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Weatherly
  • Patent number: 7083155
    Abstract: A bookstand has a pivotally adjustable book holder having a frame with upper and lower book supporting plates slidable across each other to provide a book supporting surface of variable size for supporting spines and rear covers of open books of different sizes. The upper plate has a clasp for a central upper edge of an open book and the lower plate has a lower ledge supporting a lower edge of the book and formed with differently spaced sockets receiving plugs to trap open stacks of pages on both sides of an open book by engaging outermost pages exposed for reading, even when a reader is supine. Removing and transferring plugs between sockets releases trapped pages for turning and transfer of plugs between sockets accommodates progressive changes in cumulative total thickness of the stacks of pages on respective opposite sides of the book as the pages are turned during reading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Inventor: Loyce Smartt
  • Patent number: 7066494
    Abstract: The present invention consists of a magnetic page marker comprised by a pair of laminar walls which form a clip applicable to the edge of the page that is intended to mark. Into the clip, there is a pair of magnetic means which clasp said page, whose admission into the clip is facilitated by an inner cover. The bookmark has a signalling tab which jutts out notoriously respect the edges of the pages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventor: Nicolaś Javier Di Prinzio
  • Patent number: 7051463
    Abstract: A device for displaying and exchanging a plurality of documents of various shapes and sizes and for organizing the same. The device of the present invention comprises at least two layers of pliable sheet material. If multiple sheets are used, the sheets may be nested together. The sheets may then be inserted into a binder mechanism where the binder mechanism compressibly engages the layers to create a pressure region adjacent thereto. The frictional force between the sheet material and the inserted document retains a document inserted into the pressure region formed between two adjacent layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Corbitz, Ltd.
    Inventors: Howard M. Bing, Richard A. Bennett
  • Patent number: 6941691
    Abstract: A mounting structure for display of at least one display board wherein the structure includes at least a pair of spaced apart retaining members where the display board may be pressed into secure engagement between the retaining members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Peter Arko, Steven Ryutaro Takayama
  • Patent number: 6938870
    Abstract: A book support apparatus includes a base and a post that has a bottom end and a top end. The bottom end is removably coupled to the base. A rod has first end and a second end. The first end is attached to the top end of the post. The rod is adapted for being selectively bendable into a shape such that the rod retains the shape. A panel has a first side edge, a second side edge, a front side and a back side. The second end of the rod is attached to the back side. Slots extend into the first and second side edges. Each of a pair of plates is removably extended into one of the slots. The plates each have an outer edge. Each of a pair of securing members is attached to one of the outer edges for attaching a book to the plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventor: Donna San Salvador
  • Patent number: 6913116
    Abstract: The present invention provides a roll-edge stamped metal drip tray with a wire retaining bar hinged at one end and secured at another end by a locking slot. The wire retaining bar holds an absorbent material in the drip pan. The wire retaining bar may be provided at a distance away from the edge of the drip pan to as to prevent the absorbent material from blowing out of the pan. The wire retaining bar may be released from its locking slot an one end, and the bar hinged upwards to a substantially vertical position, where the wire retaining bar is prevented from falling backwards by bends in the retaining bar hinge portion. Once an absorbent material is inserted into the pan, the wire retaining bar may be lowered into position and locked into place using one or more locking slots which accept a suitably formed wire portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Inventor: Elliot W. Lee
  • Patent number: 6883769
    Abstract: A clipboard has a clip with upper and lower parts joined by a hinge. The lower part includes a locking wall and spaced-apart hold-down edges. The board has at least one upstanding lock element engaged with the locking wall on the lower part of the clip. The board includes grips engaged with the hold-down edges of the lower part of the clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventor: Ellis N. Shamoon
  • Patent number: 6860458
    Abstract: A convertible book holder for holding and positioning books and documents. The book holder includes a freestanding document display and support portion with an integral resilient clip and independent paper engagement clip. An adaptive enlarged L-shaped document support is removably secured over the freestanding support portion to enhance the holding capabilities for larger and oversize text of instructional type books.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Inventor: Samuel Pagano
  • Patent number: 6802486
    Abstract: An ergonomic reading stand for holding books, catalogs, etc. consists of a right and left support, a bracket, a pivoting shaft with knurled screws and a base. The slant of the book can be variably adjusted by releasing the knurled screws (on both ends of the pivoting shaft) and by displacing the shaft forwards or backwards, in relation to the base. Threaded pins for adjusting the sliding resistance that is generated when the pivoting shaft is displaced are provided on the underside of the pivoting shaft, below the right and left slide bearing. The bracket is used to hold down the book pages and can be adjusted to the thickness of the book by a displacement parallel to the lower bearing surface. The bracket can be pressed down to enable the pages to be turned rapidly. After the bracket has been released, it springs back into its original position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Peter Weingartner
  • Patent number: 6793188
    Abstract: A book retention device comprises a sleeve for accommodating a book with a binder hole extending therethrough. The sleeve includes a first side cover, a second side cover, and a back cover. The sleeve defines a hole for being placed in registration with the binder hole of the book. A suspending member has a first end for being secured to an external mounting surface, and a second end defining a hole for being placed in registration with the hole defined by the sleeve. The hole of the sleeve and the hole of the suspending member cooperate to permit a fastener to be received through the holes of the suspending member, the sleeve, and the book for securing the book to the external mounting surface and for permitting the sleeve and book accommodated therein to pivot relative to the suspending member in order to adjust the position of the book.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Crew Design Incorporated
    Inventors: Glenn Carlin, Gilbert Aviles
  • Patent number: 6764055
    Abstract: A book holder for releasably retaining a book or document thereon including a base having a vertical support arm extending from the base. The vertical support arm includes a channel extending substantially along a length thereof. A pivoting support arm pivotally connected to said vertical support arm. The pivoting support arm includes a channel extending substantially along a length thereof. The book holder further includes a locking wheel for releasably securing the pivoting support arm to the vertical support arm. A book platform is moveably connected to an end of the pivoting support arm for selectively retaining the book or document thereon in a position able to be easily viewed by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventor: David S Lee
  • Publication number: 20040135051
    Abstract: A book page holder device for holding open the pages of a book, the book page holder device having a substantially flat and rigid support member that is sized wider than either a standard sized hard cover book in an open state or a standard sized paperback book in an open state. The support member is formed with two passages spaced apart across its width at a distance that is approximately a width of the open hard cover or paperback book. The book page holder also has an elongated resilient elastic retainer having first and second anchors provided adjacent to respective first and second opposite ends thereof. The elastic retainer is structured to pass through the two spaced-apart passages in the support member, while the anchors are structured to be unable to pass through the same two passages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: Edward J. Rupnick
  • Patent number: 6691442
    Abstract: A clipboard apparatus includes a compact integrated slide viewer. The clipboard section comprises a top layer, a middle layer and a bottom layer plus a document holding, spring loaded clip attached to the upper edge of the multilayered board. According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the middle layer includes a cavity for receiving a rotatable wheel. Indicia on the rim of the wheel are viewable through a transparent window in the top layer of the multilayered clipboard. The wheel extends through an aperture in the side of the board so that the wheel can be rotated and information read off of the indicia through the transparent viewing window. According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the cavity is square and receives a rectangular slide that moves into and out of the cavity through a side aperture. Transparent windows on the top and bottom layers make it possible to view indicia on the slide from both sides of the multilayered clipboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: MDDM, Inc.
    Inventor: Janice Gross
  • Patent number: 6678977
    Abstract: A document holder is provided which can be mounted to a vertical or horizontal surface. The document holder, which is substantially smaller than a regular 8½″×11″ sheet of paper frictionally holds the paper in place for reading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: Alan Sherman
  • 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: 6672557
    Abstract: A laptop computer support board with lamp for supporting a laptop computer and providing light over the computer. The device has a support board on which the keyboard bottom surface rests, a lamp assembly, and a vent portion for allowing dispersion of the heat emitted from the computer. The support board has stoppers secured to the board top surface for wedging the computer in place. The vent portion is positioned between the stoppers, having venting holes extending through the board, and a raised platform extending upward from the board top surface. The lamp assembly is secured to the board top surface and is adjustable and collapsible. Once collapsed, a lamp cover may be placed over the lamp assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Edward Jackson