Abstract: A multifunctional illuminated lighting pad is an apparatus that enables a user to write with one hand, rather than requiring a hand to hold a clipboard or writing surface and another hand to write down information. The apparatus provides a mechanism by which to secure to a user, thus preventing difficulty or danger resulting from a loose clipboard. An illumination source provides ample light, allowing the user to read and write in otherwise poorly-lit areas. A portion of the opaque backing may be secured to a user's pocket and molded to the rough curvature of a leg. An exposed portion of a backing surface holds a writing surface, an LED, and a clip. A thumb-pull cut allows the user to insert or remove a reference sheet from between the plexiglass front plate and the backing, thus allowing the user to refer to information behind the plexiglass front plate while writing.

Abstract: An erasable slate system includes a translucent layer adjacent a colored bottom layer, wherein application of a force to the translucent layer causes temporary adhesion of the translucent layer to the colored bottom layer in an area wherein the force is applied. The erasable slate system further includes an extending channel in fluid connection with the translucent layer and the colored bottom layer. The extending channel extends around at least 25% of the length of a perimeter of the bottom colored layer. The erasable slate system further includes an air pump in fluid connection with the extending channel via which pressurized air can be introduced into the extending channel to cause the translucent layer to be separated from adhesion to the colored bottom layer, thereby erasing markings, and via which air can exit the extending channel of the erasable slate system.

Abstract: An adaptive aid used for reading, writing and with a laptop computer for typing. The Slant Board is comprised of several components that when assembled work in synergy to provide the unique functions of the invention. The folding locking legs are utilized to set the dry erase/magnetic-working surface at a prescribed angle to perform a task. The Slant Board is compact for storage, multifunctional in its uses and lightweight for transportability.

Abstract: An e-book reader in which destruction of a driver circuit at the time when a flexible panel is handled is inhibited. In addition, an e-book reader having a simplified structure. A plurality of flexible display panels each including a display portion in which display control is performed by a scan line driver circuit and a signal line driver circuit, and a binding portion fastening the plurality of display panels together are included. The signal line driver circuit is provided inside the binding portion, and the scan line driver circuit is provided at the edge of the display panel in a direction perpendicular to the binding portion.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention may relate to a container and/or a self-erasing memorandum system. Embodiments may include a low-tack adhesive layer adapted to be adhered to a substrate and a polymer film adapted to contact and substantially cover the low-tack adhesive layer. According to some embodiments the polymer film may be adapted to reversibly adhere to the low-tack adhesive layer while maintaining a translucent layer of air therebetween. Furthermore, the polymer film and low-tack adhesive layer may be adapted to displace at least a portion of the translucent air layer in response to pressure applied to selected portions of the polymer film.

Abstract: A game system including cards with computer-readable information is provided. The computer-readable information may be in the form of a code embodied on the cards. The cards may be selectively chosen and compiled in a card compiling device that is configured to remove singly a series of cards from one location and to deliver the removed cards to a new location.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive light-extracting drawing surface including a light guide operable to receive a light source, wherein light is extracted from a light guide when pressure is applied to the drawing surface by a marking instrument. A resultant light-emitting drawing can be erased or can be made permanent. An optional multi-layered film disposed on the light guide allows drawings to be created in fluorescent, luminescent, phosphorescent, or photochromic colors. A background sheet containing designs may be inserted behind the light guide. The drawing surface can be embodied as a pressure-sensitive light-extracting “paper.” The invention may be embodied as a drawing tablet, a drawing tablet add-on to a modular graphic display device, or a toy drawing tablet for tracing alphabets, numerals, and characters from comic books, cartoons, and movies.

Abstract: A method and system for treating a dielectric film on a plurality of substrates includes disposing the plurality of substrates in a batch processing system, the dielectric film on the plurality of substrates having a dielectric constant value less than the dielectric constant of SiO2. The plurality of substrates are heated, and a treating compound comprising a CxHy containing compound, wherein x and y represent integers greater than or equal to unity is introduced to the process system. A plasma is formed and at least one surface of the dielectric film on said plurality of substrates is exposed to the plasma.

Abstract: A drawing apparatus includes a rigid base surface, a flexible drawing surface, and a viscous, sticky medium disposed between the rigid base surface and the flexible drawing surface. Drawings can be formed by applying localized pressure, for example using a finger, fingernail, or stylus, to the flexible drawing surface thereby displacing a portion of the medium to place the drawing surface in near and persistent contact with the rigid base surface. Various color combinations for the medium, rigid base surface, and flexible drawing surface can be used.

Abstract: A device for forming erasable images on a reusable medium, comprising: an erasing portion; and a writing portion; wherein the erasing portion comprises a separator for separating at least two layers of the reusable medium; and wherein the writing portion comprises automatic machine-driven pressure applicators for applying pressure but no ink to the reusable medium, thereby forming an image on the reusable medium.

Abstract: A message board system (10) for a vehicle (14) may include a message board (30) that is configured to be coupled to a vehicle structure (32). The message board (30) has a first layer (70) and a second layer (72). The second layer (72) resides adjacent the first layer (70) and is configured such that a portion of the first layer (70) adheres to the second layer (72) to form an image in response to applied pressure on that portion. The message board system (10) may, as an alternative, include a message board housing (98) also configured to couple a vehicle structure (22). The housing (98) includes multiple cells, each of which having a suspension liquid (108) and magnetic particles (110). The particles (110) are pulled through the suspension liquid (108) in response to an applied magnetic field to form an image.

Abstract: An erasable graphic panel includes a substrate having a dark surface, a translucent film overlying the substrate and adapted upon application of pressure from a pointed implement to adhere locally to the substrate and thereby produced a visible trace of movement of the pointed implement upon the film. The panel also includes a slider positioned over the substrate and having a lifting blade extending under the film and being movable across the substrate to lift the film and thereby erase the visible trace.

Abstract: An underwater writing tablet/instrument apparatus comprising a writing tablet having a perimeter edge. A resilient protective border is secured to the perimeter edge of the writing tablet for protecting perimeter edge. A resilient elongate member has opposed first and second ends with the first end attached to the protective border while the second end has a writing instrument receiving component for retaining a desired writing instrument. The elongate member has an normal, unexpanded state and an expanded state in which the coil member is resiliently expanded to facilitate a diver writing on the writing tablet with the writing instrument.

Abstract: The cover of a binder is provided with a coating which is receptive to inks which are water based, solvent based or gel based, and which is substantially water-fast after the ink has dried. A coated transparent sheet may be provided on the front cover of the binder to form a pocket so that visual material inserted in the pocket may be traced, and so that the cover may be personalized. The coating may include porous pigment and a binder which includes as a component a water soluble polymer.

Abstract: A digitizing tablet (190) for use in handwriting analysis is described. The tablet includes a digitizing layer (1920) translating pressure from a stylus (1930) into digital information, a display layer (1910) for providing visible output that corresponds to a student's use of the stylus (1930) on the tablet, and an overlay layer (1900) for protecting the display layer (1910) and providing an electro-mechanical mechanism for erasing the displayed contents.

Abstract: An erasable graphic panel includes a substrate having a dark surface, a translucent film overlying the substrate and adapted upon application of pressure from a pointed implement to adhere locally to the substrate and thereby produced a visible trace of movement of the pointed implement upon the film. The panel also includes a slider positioned over the substrate and having a lifting blade extending under the film and being movable across the substrate to lift the film and thereby erase the visible trace.

Abstract: The cover of a binder or album is provided with a coating which is receptive to inks which are water based, solvent based or gel based, and which is substantially water-fast after the ink has dried. A coated transparent or translucent sheet may be provided on the front cover of the binder to form a pocket so that visual material inserted in the pocket may be traced, and so that the cover may be personalized. The coating may include finely divided porous particulates and a binder which includes as a component a water soluble polymer. The coating may be applied to backpacks, zippered binders, and pencil pouches, and to the transparent sheet material overlying photographs mounted in a photo album. Personalized writing or designs may be written or drawn onto the coated products using ink pens of virtually any type.

Abstract: A device for forming erasable images on a reusable medium, comprising: an erasing portion; and a writing portion; wherein the erasing portion comprises a separator for separating at least two layers of the reusable medium; and wherein the writing portion comprises automatic machine-driven pressure applicators for applying pressure but no ink to the reusable medium, thereby forming an image on the reusable medium.

Abstract: A writing surface, such as they be used for white board, is produced by vapor deposition of a thin ceramic film on a substrate.

Abstract: An interactive print media apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, it comprises a platform comprising a surface, an electronic position location system, and a print medium including a prescribed location. A user can write in the prescribed location.

Abstract: A binder, such as a three ring binder, is provided with a magnetizable panel on the front cover of the binder and with a stylus and a permanent magnet erasing device mounted onto the binder. The magnetizable panel may be inset into the cover of the binder, or it may constitute substantially the entire front cover of the binder, or it may be inserted into a transparent pocket on the front cover of the binder. The eraser may be of a broad area permanent magnet type which may be brought into engagement with the entire magnetizable panel; or a smaller linear permanently magnetized eraser may be employed. In one embodiment the magnetizable panel may be pivotally mounted on the front cover of the binder, so that it may be folded over to expose the back of the binder for accessible erasing.

Abstract: A device for forming erasable images on a reusable medium, comprising: an erasing portion; and a writing portion; wherein the erasing portion comprises a separator for separating at least two layers of the reusable medium; and wherein the writing portion comprises automatic machine-driven pressure applicators for applying pressure but no ink to the reusable medium, thereby forming an image on the reusable medium.

Abstract: A sign comprises a base layer and a transparent or translucent upper sheet over the base layer. An icon or indicia of the sign is associated with the base layer or is printed on the upper sheet. The upper sheet and base layer are releasably adhered together under pressure applied on the upper sheet which causes the icon or indicia to be displayed. When the upper sheet is released from the base layer, the icon or indicia is erased. In another embodiment, the icon or indicia is displayed when the upper sheet is released from the base layer, and is erased when the upper sheet is pressed to adhere to the base layer.

Abstract: An erasable product such as an erasable and rewritable label or an erasable sign comprises a base layer and a transparent or translucent upper sheet over the base layer which provides a smooth and wrinkle-free top surface to the product. The upper sheet and base layer are releasably adhesive together under pressure applied manually on the upper sheet such as writing pressure with a blunt stylus, to cause the upper sheet and the base layer to adhere in the localized region of pressure to display the writing in the case of a label. The upper sheet can be moved sufficiently to separate it from the base layer when a user's finger or thumb is wiped across the top surface of the upper sheet. The upper sheet also extends over a wipe-start region where the upper sheet and the base layer are not adhesive together, over which wipe-start region a user's finger or thumb may be placed from which to begin the movement to separate the upper sheet from the base layer.

Abstract: An erasable product such as an erasable and rewritable label or an erasable sign comprises a base layer (2) and a transparent or translucent upper sheet (3) over the base layer which provides a smooth and wrinkle-free top surface to the product. The upper sheet and base layer are releasably adhesive together under pressure applied manually on the upper sheet such as writing pressure with a blunt stylus, to cause the upper sheet and the base layer to adhere in the localized region of pressure to display the writing in the case of a label. The upper sheet can be, moved sufficiently to separate it from the base layer when a user's finger or thumb is wiped across the top surface of the upper sheet. The upper sheet also extends over a wipe-start region (2a) where the upper sheet and the base layer are not adhesive together, over which wipe-start region a user's finger or thumb may be placed from which to begin said movement to separate the upper sheet from the base layer.

Abstract: A magnetic drawing board for color drawing used for children, it is comprised mainly of an encircled seat in the shape of a plate, plural set of iron powder of various colors and coarseness, a scraping plate and a magnetic pen. Wherein the nib of the magnetic pen can be changed with any of various shapes of nibs, the nib has therein a magnetic seat capable of changing orientations, attraction and repellent of magnetic poles thereon. The encircled seat is provided therein with a magnetic pad, magnetic force of the magnetic pad is smaller than that of the nib. The scraping plate is provided in the encircled seat which is provided at one edge thereof with a plurality of powder grooves, and a movable stop plate is pivotably provided above the powder grooves. And iron powder with various colors and coarseness is received in the powder grooves respectively.

Abstract: An erasable product such as a rewritable label, sign or the like includes a base layer and an upper sheet extending over the base layer. The upper sheet and the base layer are releasably adhesive together under pressure manually applied on the upper sheet to cause the base layer and upper sheet to adhere in a localized region of pressure in order to display writing, an indicia, or the like. A wipe-start region is provided where the base layer and the upper sheet are not adhesive together and in which a user may place a finger or thumb to wipe across the top surface of the upper sheet in order to separate the upper sheet from the base layer and erase the indicia.

Abstract: A sign comprises a base layer and a transparent or translucent upper sheet over the base layer. An icon or indicia of the sign is associated with the base layer or is printed on the upper sheet. The upper sheet and base layer are releasably adhered together under pressure applied on the upper sheet which causes the icon or indicia to be displayed. When the upper sheet is released from the base layer the icon or indicia is erased. In another embodiment the icon or indicia is displayed when the upper sheet is released from the base layer, and is erased when the upper sheet is pressed to adhere to the base layer.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive reusable writing board is provided which includes a backing layer printed with a background color and coated with wax and a single polyester sheet attached to a wax-free strip of the backing and which overlies the wax layer. Pressure applied to a front surface of the polyester sheet causes the sheet to cling to the wax layer thereby showing the writing as a dark color (i.e., the color of the wax) on a white or light background. The white or light background is provided by printing on the undersurface of the polyester sheet with a white opaque finish. Graphics, such as lines, maps or other educational or functional graphics may be disposed on the undersurface of the sheet. The backing may also be mounted onto a larger panel which may include additional informational or decorative graphic presentations.

Abstract: Toy painting apparatuses which provide means for finger painting a substrate without the user coming into direct contact with the paint. The painting apparatus has paint dispensing means and also provides a relatively thin, flexible, transparent, protective barrier between liquid paints that are dispensed onto the surface of a substrate and a user's fingers. The apparatus allows a user to apply paint to a substrate, such as paper, and manipulate the paint by smearing it with fingers, trowels, rollers and other similar implements which are moved across the surface of the barrier.

Abstract: First and second switches, which are to be operated by a user, are provided on a pen-shaped housing. A first heat generating head for writing an image on a rewritable heat sensitive sheet is arranged at an end of a tapered end portion of the pen-shaped housing, and a second heat generating head, for generating heat at a temperature which is different from a temperature of heat generated from the writing head, is arranged at flat another end of the pen-shaped housing. The writing head generates heat only when the first switch is turned on, and the erasing head generates heat only when the second switch is turned on, so that the erasing head erases the image which have been written on the heat sensitive sheet from the sheet.

Abstract: A magic drawing board comprises a base, an opaque sheet mounted on the base, a flexible transparent sheet anchored along one edge thereof to the base, and a coupling mechanism comprising a coupling element on the base and a mating coupling element on the opposite edge of the transparent sheet for locating the transparent sheet in superposed position on the opaque sheet under uniform tension over the area of superposition, resulting in a higher quality image.

Abstract: A luminescent writing or display device and method of manufacturing the same which includes a transparent vinyl sheet containing a fluorescent or neon dye and an opaque sheet made from coated paperboard stock. An acrylic resin varnish is provided on a portion of the paperboard stock for forming a contact surface with the vinyl on which an image may be created by applying pressure thereto. The image is readily erased by separating the sheets. Another portion of the paperboard stock receives printing inks for providing a permanent ink display on a header portion of the device. The device may be manufactured in a continuous process at a reduced cost.

Abstract: A stylus for marking an arrangement of the type in which a first foil layer can be releasably attached to a second layer at any desired point, points of attachment therebetween being visually distinctive and constituting indicia, including a shaft having a blunt point at one end and engagement structure disposed transversely with respect to the axis of said shaft, the engagement structure being adapted to co-operate with a cursor mounted over the first layer to convey the cursor in contact with the engagement means along the first layer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a luminescent display by applying pressure to a transparent planar sheet containing a luminescent dye or pigment where such pressure is sufficient to cause one smooth surface of the transparent sheet to contact a facing smooth surface of an opaque planar sheet, the smooth surfaces of the transparent and opaque sheets tending to adhere together at the area of contact, thereby creating a luminescent image at the area of contact which can be selectively erased by separating the smooth surfaces of the transparent and opaque sheets at the area of contact, and for allowing copying of the image by positioning a sheet of carbon paper between the opaque sheet and a sheet of plain paper so that the application of pressure to the transparent sheet causes pressure to be applied through the carbon paper to the sheet of plain paper, thereby copying the image displayed on the transparent sheet onto the sheet of plain paper, the carbon paper being selectively movable to allow segments of

Abstract: A book is provided to teach and encourage writing skills which includes a picture printed on each leaf of a multi-leaved tear-off pad of identical leaves in each bundle of pages. The picture page is without words but has space in which the learner, typically a child, will generate writing to form a story which the learner imagines from viewing the picture. The multiple leaves, each having an identical picture, provide for the learner to tear off the top picture when a story has been written by the learner. Having a pad of identical pictures in each bundle of leaves provides the learner with a plurality of opportunities to re-formulate his or her written story, or to write a variety of different stories based upon the same picture. The sheets which have been written upon and then torn off from the picture pad will comprise a portfolio of the learner's educational progress. The teaching book is comprised of a number of such picture pads bound together to form a larger aggregate tear-off pad.

Abstract: A luminescent writing or display device and method of manufacturing the same which includes a transparent vinyl sheet containing a fluorescent or neon dye and an opaque sheet made from coated paperboard stock. An acrylic resin varnish is provided on a portion of the paperboard stock for forming a contact surface with the vinyl on which an image may be created by applying pressure thereto. The image is readily erased by separating the sheets. Another portion of the paperboard stock receives printing inks for providing a permanent ink display on a header portion of the device. The device may be manufactured in a continuous process at a reduced cost.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a writing and drawing surface composed of a printed background color or design, a plastic adhesive media, an overlay film, an adhesive for affixing the perimeter of the film to the carton, and a lift tab pattern which allows the overlay film to be released from the packaging surface. The technique for manufacturing consists of applying the background color and film overlay adhesive to the packaging material concurrently with the desired graphics follows by the application of the plastic adhesive and overlay film.

Abstract: A copying apparatus is provided in which a transparent soft sheet is mounted to an upper face of an opaque sheet so as to be in contact with and out of contact with the opaque sheet. The copying apparatus comprises a closure frame, a box-like body having a smooth upper face, the closure frame being mounted to the box-like body in an openable and closeable manner, a carbon-paper press frame superimposed upon a rear face of the closure frame in an openable and closeable manner, and a pair of roller means mounted respectively to one side of the box-like body and to one side of the closure frame in facing relation to each other and a buzzer. The opaque sheet is made of a soft material and is stretched upon the closure frame. At least one of the pair of roller means is connected to a roller rotating unit and the buzzer and the roller rotating unit are connected to an electric power source through a switch.

Abstract: A learning aid book has a plurality of pages and includes a book binder which binds the plurality of pages. Each page has a bottom portion and a top portion. The bottom portion includes an opaque foil, a rigid base and a first frame. The opaque foil is formed from a polymeric compound and has a top surface. The rigid base is detachably coupled to the book binder. The first frame mechanically couples the opaque foil to the rigid base. The top portion includes a transparent foil and a second frame. The transparent foil has a top surface and a bottom surface. The second frame tautly frames the transparent foil and is detachably coupled to the book binder. The opaque foil has a plurality of images each of which is derived from a group of figures and characters printed on its top surface. The bottom surface of the transparent foil is disposed adjacent to the top surface of the opaque foil. Each of the respective areas of the opaque and transparent foils are releasably pressure-adhered to each other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for placing identifying information on video cassettes, computer floppy disks, containers, file folders, and the like, whereby the identifying information is erasable. The apparatus comprises a kit with vinyl coated labels and a marking pen containing water soluble ink. When applied to the labels, the ink is smear-resistant, smudge-resistant, and highly resistant to erasure under normal handling. The ink is removed from the label by wiping the label with a damp cloth or similar material, thereby making the label reusable.

Abstract: A writing and display device for producing luminescent images upon application of pressure includes an opaque backing member which is coated to render the backing member with a smooth surface at least on one side thereof. The smooth surface of the backing member is laminated with a flexible plastic sheeting. A translucent or transparent sheet which contains a luminescent dye or pigment is disposed adjacent to and coextensive with the backing member. Upon application of pressure onto the sheet, the interfacing surfaces adhere to each other to thereby produce a luminescent image.

Abstract: An early-life educational device comprised of a waxed-surface writing pad with hook and loop fastening means on a translucent sheet for pull-away erasing of practice writing and drawing with templates. The templates are stored in a foldable storage container which is held in an up-right position. Its objectives are effective, low-cost, clean, convenient and interesting educational use for young children.

Abstract: A display or writing slate capable of producing luminescent images upon the application of pressure thereon which can be readily erased and repeatedly used that includes a pair of over-lying sheets, one of which is translucent or transparent, containing a luminescent dye or pigment and the other of which is opaque, and which sheets have a smooth surface at their interface. At least one of the sheets is formed of a pliable plastic with its interface surface tending to adhere to the interfacing surface of the other sheet when a pressure is applied thereto to produce the luminescent images. The improvement resides in the incorporation of a non-migrating dye or pigment in the translucent or transparent sheet so as to resist the migration of the luminescent dye or pigment from the translucent or transparent sheet to the interface surface of the other sheet.

Abstract: An information pad for checkbooks that comprises a checkbook cover having flexible material, and an information receiving pad that is flexibly fastened to an edge of the checkbook cover. The checkbook cover is a type that has a suitable slot for receiving checkbooks. The information receiving pad has a size less than the area of the checkbook cover. The information receiving pad includes an impression layer, a flexible translucent adhering sheet, a flexible transparent sheet, and a slip coating. The impression layer has a first planar surface and a second planar surface. The first planar surface has a black waxy coating for recording written information. The flexible translucent adhering sheet overlies the first planar surface of the impression layer. The flexible transparent sheet overlies the flexible translucent adhering sheet. This transparent sheet is in surface-to-surface contact with the adhering sheet during the receiving of written information.

Abstract: A process whereby an animal or child can create a unique impression print without coming into contact with the printing medium. A non-toxic acrylic paint 8 is applied to a plywood paint board 10. Next an artist canvass 14 is placed face down and supported upon the four supports 12 mounted on the paint board 10. The support system holds the artist canvass 14 in place and provides a means of maintaining a physical separation between the painted paint board 10 and the artist canvass 14. The animal or child is then allowed to walk, run, play, eat or whatever on the back-side of the artist canvass 14. The weight of the animal or child causes the artist canvass 14 to stretch and touch the painted paint board 10 thereby transferring a unique impression print to the artist canvass 14. The process can be repeated any number of times to add more colors or more prints. Thus the animal or child can create a unique impression print without coming into contact with the printing medium.

Abstract: An irridescent or luminescent drawing or sketching device that has a housing having a window therein, in which there is disposed a generally transparent imaging plate having an irridescent dye and disposed above an opaque pliable plastic sheet. Application of pressure will cause the opaque sheet to adhere to the imaging sheet at the points of applied pressure, causing an irridescent or luminescent image to appear at the imaging surface. Pressure is applied by a courser which is confined within intersecting slots of a pair of crossing courser arms whereby the movement of the individual courser arms along an X and Y axis causes the courser to translate accordingly. Included is an eraser disposed between the opaque sheet and imaging sheet to effect separation thereof to erase any image formed on the imaging sheet.

Abstract: A marker device suitable for attachment to a video cassette or the like is disclosed, which marker device comprises an elongate laminar device having first and second faces on opposite sides of the device, the first face of which is adapted to be secured to a surface of, for example, a video cassette; and the second face of which includes a window through which indicia marked upon the device may be viewed; and, between said first and second faces, an arrangement of the type in which a first foil layer can be releasably attached to a second layer, points of attachment therebetween being visually distinctive and constituting said indicia; and means for separating said first and second layers so as to release said points of attachment and thereby erase said indicia.

Abstract: A drawing board type amusement device, comprises a rigid board, a backing sheet overlying the board, and a masking member overlying the backing sheet and including a masking layer of opaque material which flows under the localized pressure of a stylus or finger to expose the underlying backing sheet along the areas in which the localized pressure is applied. The backing sheet is of longer length than the rigid board and is wound between a pair of rotatable spools at the ends of the board to permit different sections of the sheet to be aligned with the masking member.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a changeable labelling system wherein a readily changeable label is secured to an article to be labelled. In the first embodiment an impression surface having overlaying adhering translucent and protective transparent sheets provides a readily changeable label that can be secured to an article in a variety of ways. In addition, in an alternate embodiment a readily erasable surface is secured to the article to be labelled and a protective sheet overlays the surface to prevent inadvertent erasure.