U.S. patent application number 10/217796 was filed with the patent office on 2004-02-19 for device for holding an object.
Invention is credited to Coe, Matthew T., Costa, Richard, Eldridge, D. Martin.
Application Number | 20040031899 10/217796 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 30443764 |
Filed Date | 2004-02-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040031899 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Costa, Richard ; et
al. |
February 19, 2004 |
Device for holding an object
Abstract
A device for holding an object which is secured to a substrate
such as a computer monitor, the device is secured to the substrate
through a mounting assembly and includes a clip assembly which is
pivotal about at least one axis to enable the viewing of an
information carrying device on opposed sides of the clip assembly.
The clip assembly also being pivotal about another axis to enable
adjustments to the line of sight of the user.
Inventors: |
Costa, Richard; (Bedminster,
NJ) ; Eldridge, D. Martin; (Asbury, NJ) ; Coe,
Matthew T.; (Annandale, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WATOV & KIPNES, P.C.
P.O. Box 247
Princeton Junction
NJ
08550
US
|
Family ID: |
30443764 |
Appl. No.: |
10/217796 |
Filed: |
August 13, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/442.2 ;
248/205.3; 248/918 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16M 13/02 20130101;
F16M 11/2014 20130101; G06F 1/1611 20130101; F16M 11/08 20130101;
F16M 11/041 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/442.2 ;
248/205.3; 248/918 |
International
Class: |
A47G 001/17 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A device for holding an object, comprising: a) a mounting
assembly for securing the device to a substrate; and b) a clip
assembly pivotally connected to the mounting assembly and having a
first side and a second side which when operatively positioned
together enable the clip assembly to hold said object, a first
information-carrying device on the first side, and a second
information-carrying device on the second side, the clip assembly
being movable about at least one axis to enable the first side and
the second side to face a user of the device.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the clip assembly is movable
about a plurality of axes.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the clip assembly is movable
about at least one axis in either direction up to 360.degree..
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the mounting assembly comprises a
mounting arm having a first end, the clip assembly being pivotally
connected to the mounting arm at the first end.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and
second information-carrying devices comprises a mirror.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the first information-carrying
device comprises a slot for carrying an information containing
vehicle.
7. The device of claim 6, wherein the first side has an opening
therein and the slot comprises a pair of tabs disposed with respect
to the opening so as to display information contained on the
information containing vehicle held in the slot.
8. The device of claim 6, wherein the first side has an opening
therein and a see through protective sheet over the at least a
portion of the opening to protect the information containing
vehicle held in the slot.
9. The device of claim 4, wherein the mounting arm comprises a
second end and the mounting assembly includes a mounting base
hingedly connected to the second end of the mounting arm.
10. The device of claim 9, wherein the mounting base has a mounting
surface for attaching to a surface of a computer monitor.
11. The device of claim 9 further comprising a pivotal connection
assembly pivotally connecting the mounting arm to the clip
assembly.
12. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first side
and the second side has a curvilinear shape.
13. A device for holding an object comprising: a) a mounting
assembly for securing the device to a substrate; and b) a clip
assembly pivotally connected to the mounting assembly and having a
first side and a second side, said sides when operatively
positioned together enable the clip assembly to hold said object,
the clip assembly being pivotable in relationship to said mounting
assembly about a plurality of axes, to enable the first side or
second side to face a user of the device by moving the clip
assembly about one of said axes and to be adjustable to the line of
sight of the user by moving the clip assembly about another of said
axes.
14. The device of claim 13 wherein the clip assembly is movable
about said another axis from a first position in which the clip is
aligned with a vertical axis of the clip assembly to a second
position in which the clip assembly is moved toward the user at an
angle with respect to said vertical axis.
15. The device of claim 13 wherein the clip assembly is movable
about one of said axes from a first position wherein the clip
assembly and object held therein may be readily viewed by the user
to a second position wherein the clip assembly is adjacent to the
substrate.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a device for holding an
object such as a document that is mountable on a substrate, such as
the side of a computer monitor. The device includes a clip assembly
having a pair of sides that are movable to allow each side to move
to an adjustable position facing the user and one or both of the
sides may be fitted with a mirror and/or an information displaying
device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Computers and computer monitors are in common use. While
using a computer, the user may face in a direction away from an
area the user would like to view. For instance, a shopkeeper may
utilize a computer that faces in a direction away from the entry of
the store which is not desirable from a security standpoint.
[0003] It is often desirable to type documents on a computer. While
typing documents on a computer, the user may wish to refer to
another document such as a handwritten document the content of
which may need to be entered into the computer. Since computers are
frequently disposed on desks, where the user may wish to refer to
notes, business cards and similar information, it is desirable to
have a place for keeping and/or displaying such notes and other
information.
[0004] It has been proposed to mount a clip onto a computer monitor
to hold documents therein for displaying the same in a line of
sight of the user. Furthermore, it has also been proposed to mount
a mirror to a computer monitor. In this way, the user may view the
region behind the user while working on a computer to thereby
provide a measure of security. While these functions have been
provided in separate devices, it would be a significant advantage
in the art to provide both of said functions with a single device
that has a unique structure to perform these functions.
[0005] It would be a further advance in the art to provide a device
in which the clip is adjustable to provide a desirable and
adjustable line of sight for the user.
[0006] It would be a further advance in the art to provide a device
with the aforementioned attributes which can be mounted to a wide
variety of substrates in addition to a computer monitor.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention is generally directed to a device for
holding an object such as a document which is mounted to a wide
variety of substrates such as, for example, a computer monitor. The
device may be moved to reveal different sides which may be provided
with an information displaying region and/or a mirror to provide a
view of an area behind the user while at the same time having the
ability to hold an object such as, for example, a document. The
multifunctional device is constructed in a manner which provides
the above-described benefits in a cost efficient and effective
manner.
[0008] In one aspect of the present invention, there is
provided:
[0009] A device for holding an object comprising:
[0010] a) a mounting assembly for securing the device to a
substrate; and
[0011] b) a clip assembly pivotally connected to the mounting
assembly and having a first side and a second side which when
operatively positioned together enable the clip assembly to hold
said object, a first information-carrying device formed on the
first side, and a second information-carrying device formed on the
second side, the clip assembly being movable about at least one
axis to enable the first side and the second side to face the user
of the device.
[0012] In a preferred form of the invention, the clip assembly is
pivotal about a plurality of axes and more preferably about at
least one of said axis in either direction for up to
360.degree..
[0013] In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided:
[0014] A device for holding an object comprising:
[0015] a) a mounting assembly for securing the device to a
substrate; and
[0016] b) a clip assembly pivotally connected to the mounting
assembly and having a first side and a second side, said sides when
operatively positioned together enable the clip assembly to hold
said object, the clip assembly being in pivotable relationship to
said mounting assembly about a plurality of axes, to enable the
first side or second side to face a user of the device by moving
the clip assembly about one of said axes and to be adjustable to
the line of sight of the user by moving the clip assembly about
another of said axes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The following drawings in which like reference characters
illustrate like parts are illustrative of embodiments of the
invention and are not intended to narrow the scope of the invention
as encompassed by the claims forming part of the application.
[0018] FIG. 1 is a top right perspective view of a clip assembly in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the clip assembly in
accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the clip assembly in
accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a right side elevational view of a clip assembly
in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a left side elevation al view of a clip assembly
in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the clip assembly in accordance
with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a clip assembly in accordance
with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6;
[0025] FIG. 8A is an exploded front view of a mounting for the clip
assembly in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7;
[0026] FIG. 8B is an exploded front view of a mounting for a clip
assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0027] FIG. 9 is a partial side elevational view of a clip assembly
in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-8A;
[0028] FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of a clip assembly, partially
disassembled, in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-8A and
9;
[0029] FIG. 11A is a partial exploded view of a pivotal connection
assembly for the clip assembly in accordance with the embodiment of
FIGS. 1-8A and 9-10;
[0030] FIG. 11B is a partial cross-sectional view of a pivotal
connection assembly for the clip assembly in accordance with the
embodiment of FIGS. 1-8A and 9-1 1A;
[0031] FIG. 12 is a front right perspective view of a clip assembly
in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-8A and 9-11B mounted
on a computer monitor in a first position with one of the sides of
the clip assembly facing the user;
[0032] FIG. 13 is the front right perspective view of FIG. 12
showing the clip assembly in a second position with the other of
the sides of the clip assembly facing the user;
[0033] FIG. 14 is a top right perspective view of a clip assembly
in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 15 is a partial top plan view of the clip assembly in
accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 14;
[0035] FIG. 16 is a sectional view, taken along line 16-16 in FIG.
15;
[0036] FIG. 17 is a partial top plan view of a clip assembly in
accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 18 is a partial side view of an embodiment of a pivotal
connection assembly for providing front and back movement to the
clip assembly to provide line of sight adjustment;
[0038] FIG. 19 is a partial side view of another embodiment of the
pivotal connection assembly shown in FIG. 18; and
[0039] FIG. 20 is a top view of another embodiment of the invention
with the pivotal connection assembly enabling the device to be
rotated to a position where it is adjacent the substrate.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0040] An embodiment of a device for holding an object in
accordance with the invention is shown in FIGS. 1-13. The device
comprises a clip assembly 11 operatively attached to a mounting arm
12 which in turn has a surface for mounting to a substrate such as
a computer monitor as shown in FIGS. 2 and 13 and as hereinafter
described. It will be understood that the device may be mounted on
a wide variety of substrates having a sufficient sized mounting
surface.
[0041] The clip assembly 11 is mounted to a first end 16 of the
mounting arm 12. A mounting base 14 is attached to a second opposed
end 18 of the mounting arm 12. The mounting base 14 includes an
outside mounting surface 20 for mounting to the surface of a
substrate such as a computer monitor. The shape of the mounting
base 14 and the mounting surface 20 may vary depending on the
desired object of attachment. The mounting surface 20 will
typically be sufficiently complimentary to the shape of the
substrate that an acceptable secure attachment will be made. For
example, the mounting surface may be oriented along a vertical or
horizontal axis. The mounting base 14 of the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 1-13 has a flange 19 with the mounting surface 20 (e.g. a
vertical surface) for attachment to a corresponding surface of a
computer monitor, wall, door, or the like. While mounting to a
computer monitor will be described herein the object to which the
present device is attached is in no way critical to the present
invention.
[0042] The mounting base 14 may be attached to the computer monitor
or other surface using a suitable attachment device including, but
not limited to, adhesives, or mechanical fixtures, such as screws,
bolts and the like. For example, the mounting base 14 may carry
adhesive foam tape on the mounting surface 20.
[0043] The flange 19 has an inner surface 22 opposed to the
mounting surface 20 which faces in a direction opposite from the
mounting surface 20 (i.e. toward the clip assembly 11). The
mounting base 14 also includes a web 24 that extends from the inner
surface 22 of the flange 19, toward a first pivotal connection
assembly 26 that enables the mounting arm to pivotally engage the
mounting base 14 when the same is affixed to the computer
monitor.
[0044] The first pivotal connection assembly 26 enables the device
to be rotated toward and away from the user as shown by a
comparison of FIG. 13 wherein the clip assembly is in a position to
support a document in full view of the user to a position shown in
FIG. 20 where the clip assembly is stored flush against the
substrate. Preferably, rotation may be made about the axis of
rotation in either direction up to 360.degree.. The first pivotal
connection assembly 26 comprises a hinge-like connection between
the flange 19 and the second end 18 of the mounting arm 12. In a
preferred embodiment, the mounting arm 12 comprises a plate 28
defining the upper end of the mounting arm 12. There is also
provided as best shown in FIG. 2, a plate 30 extending downwardly
from the plate 28 operatively connecting the mounting arm 12 to the
clip assembly in pivotal relationship via pivotal connecting
assembly 36 as hereinafter described in connection with FIGS. 11A
and 11B.
[0045] The first pivotal connection assembly 26 for providing
pivotal movement between the mounting base 12 and the mounting arm
14 is best seen in FIGS. 8A and 8B. In certain embodiments, the
first pivotal connection assembly 26 comprises a hinge-like
connection between the mounting base 14 and the mounting arm 12
which includes a first connector part 27 at an upper end of the web
24. The mounting arm 12 has a second complementary connector part
31. As hereinafter described, the first and second connector parts
27 and 31 are engaged to each other to form a shaft for seating a
post which provides for the desirable pivotal movement. In
particular, the first connector part 27 comprises an upper end
which has a shaft 29 having an open lower end 35. The second
connector part 31 is located at a lower end of the mounting arm 12
and comprises a recess 38 having an open upper end 37 thereby
forming a cavity for seating a post 33. The post 33 is insertable
into the shaft 29 through the open end 35 and is insertable into
the recess 38 through the open upper end 37, thereby completing a
pivotal connection between the mounting arm 12 and the mounting
base 14. The post 33 may have a surface profiling or texture (e.g.
raised ridges) for frictionally engaging the inner surfaces of the
shaft 29 and recess 38 to provide a secure seating therein.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 8B, another embodiment of the first pivotal
connection assembly 26 employs a tube 39 extending from the plate
30 of the mounting arm 12 which has sufficient space to rotatably
engage the post 33. Other variations of the first pivotal
connection assembly 26 would be apparent to these skilled in the
art. For example, the mounting arm and mounting base may be
connected via a ball and socket joint. In addition, the mounting
arm 12 and mounting base 14 may be integral with each other with
one clip assembly 11 attached to the one-piece mounting that is in
turn mountable on a surface, such as the side of a computer
monitor.
[0047] When the mounting base 14 and mounting arm 12 are
operatively connected to one another, the mounting arm 12 is
movable with respect to the mounting base 14 to allow the clip
assembly to be moved toward and away form the user. The web 24 is
shaped to allow the second connector part 31 to rest on the first
connector part 27. The plate 30 is also shaped so as to avoid
interfering with the first connector part 27.
[0048] The clip assembly 11 is adapted to hold an object such as a
document and may be movable to expose opposed sides one of which
may house a mirror for rearward viewing. In particular, the clip
assembly 11 as shown in FIG. 1 comprises a first side 38 having a
top end 40 and a bottom end 42. The first side 38 has a front
surface 44 and a rear surface 46 as shown best in FIGS. 4 and 5. A
first hinge part 48, as best seen in FIGS. 7 and 10, extends
rearwardly from the rear surface 46 of the first side 38, near the
top end 40 thereof. A second hinge part 58 also extends rearwardly
from the rear surface 46 of the first side 38, near the tope end 40
thereof and in spaced apart relationship with first hinge part 48.
The first hinge part 48 and second hinge part 58 are laterally
spaced form one another as they extend from the rear surface 46 of
the front side 38 of the clip assembly 11. The clip assembly 11
also has a second side 52 with a top end 54 and a bottom end 56.
The first side 38 and the second side 52 are positioned with
respect to each other to enable the clip assembly 11 to retain an
object such as a document between the respective sides.
[0049] Referring again to FIGS. 7 and 10 a third hinge part 59
extends forwardly from the front surface 60 of the second side 52
and a fourth hinge part 62 extends forwardly from the front surface
60 as well. Both the third hinge part 59 and fourth hinge part 62
are located adjacent the top end 54 of the second side 52 of the
clip assembly 11.
[0050] The first hinge part 48 and second hinge part 58 form a part
of a hinge assembly that is operatively engaged to the third hinge
part 59 and fourth hinge part 62. As best seen in FIG. 10, the
first hinge part 48 and second hinge part 58 include a first lug 65
and a second lug 67, respectively. The lugs 65 and 67 extend
outwardly away form the space between the first hinge part 48 and
second hinge part 58. The third hinge part 59 has a first recess 61
and the fourth hinge part 62 has a second recess 63. The first and
second hinged parts are spaced apart on the first side 38 and the
third and fourth hinged parts are spaced apart on the second side
52 so that the first and second hinged parts are received in the
space between the third and fourth hinged parts, 48 and 58,
respectively. The lugs 65 and 67 extend outwardly away form the
space between the first hinge part 48 and second hinge part 58. At
least one of the hinge parts is somewhat flexible so that the lugs
65 and 67 are received in the recesses 61 and 63 and the first and
second hinge parts snap into a position flush with the third and
fourth hinge parts upon assembly of the first side 38 with the
second side 52 via the hinge parts.
[0051] The manner in which the clip assembly 11 is in position to
hold an object is best seen in FIG. 9, wherein a resilient member
49 is mounted between the rear surface 46 and the forward surface
60 so that the top end 40 and top end 54 are resiliently held apart
while the first side 38 and second side 52 are hingedly connected
to one another. The resilient member 49 resiliently holds the
bottom end 42 and bottom end 56 of the respective sides 38 and 52
together, via the pivoting action of the hinge parts, preferably at
a location above the hinge parts. The hinge parts 48, 58, 59, and
62 are spaced apart from the top ends 40 and 54 so that when the
top ends are pressed towards one another, the first side 38 and
second side 52 pivot with respect to one another about the hinged
parts. The forces applied to the top ends are illustrated by arrows
50 in FIG. 9. When the first side 38 and second side 52 pivot with
respect to one another, the bottom end 42 and bottom end 56 move
away from one another so that the clip is opened and ready to
receive a document, note or other information. When the top ends 40
and 54 are not depressed, the bottom ends 42 and 56 are spring
biased into one another and engaged so that the clip assembly 11
can hold an object such as a document. Other means of constructing
the clip assembly to releasably engage an object would be apparent
to those skilled in the art.
[0052] The clip assembly 11 is mounted on the mounting arm 12 at a
second pivotal connection 36 as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B by a
tube 68 attached to either the first side 38 or the second side 52
of the clip assembly 11. For example, in the embodiment shown, the
tube 68 comprises two parts attached to the inside surface 60 of
the second side 52. The two parts of the tube 68 are disposed at
the top end 54 of the second side, so that each part of the tube is
spaced from another part of the tube, forming a slot 51. The tube
68 is arranged so as to receive the pin 34 to support the clip
assembly 11, while allowing the clip assembly 11 to rotate and/or
to engage in other movements to modify the position of the clip
assembly 11 so as to alter the line of sight between the clip
assembly 11 and the user as explained hereinafter.
[0053] The pin 34, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B,
may have a step 35 protruding outwardly from the surface thereof.
The tube 68 is mounted on the second side 52 to define a bore 69
for receiving the pin 34. The bore 69 also defines a slot 51 for
receiving the step 35. The parts of the tube 68 are mounted on the
second side 52 so that the pin 34 is received in the bore 69 and
the step 35 is received in the slot 51. However, other methods of
attaching the clip assembly 11 to the mounting so that the clip
assembly 11 is movable with respect to the mounting may be
used.
[0054] As previously indicated, the clip assembly is movable about
the second pivotal connection 36 to enable, for example, the clip
assembly to be rotated so that one of the sides 38, 52 can be
positioned in front of the user (e.g. side 38 as shown in FIG. 12).
Further rotation can result in the other of the sides (e.g. side
52) being placed in front of the user (see FIG. 13). In a preferred
form of the invention, the clip assembly 11 is rotatable about the
second pivotal connection in either direction for up to
360.degree..
[0055] In another embodiment of the invention, the position of the
clip assembly may be adjusted to provide a desirable line of sight
with the user. In this regard, the clip assembly may be provided
with the ability to move relative to the mounting arm along at
least one axis different from the axis of movement involved in
changing the side of the clip assembly facing the user.
[0056] Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, there are shown two
embodiments of the invention whereby the clip assembly may be moved
toward or away from the user to adjust the line of sight. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 18, the second pivot connection 36 and
particularly the pin 34 is movably seated within a socket 90 in a
manner sufficient to provide a desirable degree of forward and/or
backward movement of the pin 34 and thereby the clip assembly 11. A
standard ball and socket arrangement can be used for this
purpose.
[0057] In the embodiment of FIG. 19, forward and/or backward
movement can be achieved by providing the pin 34 with a mid region
91 which can flex so that the pin 34 is reversibly bendable, much
like a drinking straw which has a similar type of bendable
region.
[0058] In the embodiments of FIGS. 18 and 19, the line of sight
between the user and the clip assembly 11 can readily be adjusted
through the flexible movement provided by the socket 90 and/or the
mid region 71 to make it easier for the user, for example, to view
the object (e.g. document) held by the clip assembly 11 and/or the
mirror which may be provided on one side thereof.
[0059] Various materials may be used to form the clip assembly
including wood, metals, alloys thereof and plastics. Preferably,
the clip assembly is formed from a resilient plastic material.
Certain parts may be relatively rigid or relatively flexible. For
example, the parts described herein that desirably flex in order to
accomplish assembly are preferably made from resilient plastic.
Such plastics are well known in the art. The parts may be formed by
injection molding, or otherwise molding plastic or resin material.
Certain of the parts may be molded together or adhered to one
another, such as the pin 34 and the plate 30. Although some
connections may be formed differently using different materials, a
person of ordinary skill in the art is well versed in forming such
connections.
[0060] The clip assembly includes a first information-carrying
device on a first side thereof the term "information-carrying"
means any information including written information (e.g. a written
document) and/or visual (e.g. a mirror), that can be provided as
part of the information carrying device. In a preferred embodiment,
the clip assembly 11 includes a slot 70 which may be employed to
hold a slip of paper or a card. The slot 70 is best seen in FIGS. 4
and 5 and may be constructed in a routine manner such as by the
employment of a first tab 72 attached to the rear surface 46 at the
bottom end 42 of the first side 38. The first tab 72 extends
rearwardly and cooperates with a spaced apart second tab 74
attached to the rear surface 46 of the first side 38, just beneath
the first hinge part 48 and second hinge part 58 to define a
display area for receiving a slip of paper or a card, such as a
business card.
[0061] The first side 38 has a centrally positioned opening 77. As
shown in FIG. 1, the opening 77 is centrally located in a portion
of the first side 38 so as not to interfere with the first hinge
part 48 and second hinge part 58. Thus, a business card or slip of
paper inserted in the slot 70 is visible through the opening 77 in
the first side. Alternatively, it will be understood that the front
face 44 of the first side 38 may be provided with a see through
protective sheet (e.g. a transparent plastic sheet) over the
opening to prevent damage to the card or note placed through the
opening 77.
[0062] In other preferred embodiments, the slot 70 comprises a
small clip (not shown) mounted on the rear surface 46 of the first
side 38. The small clip may comprise a thin, resilient member
having a first end folded over and in engagement with a second end
thereof. A surface of the small clip may be adhered or otherwise
mounted to the rear surface 46. The first end and second end
resiliently engage one another so that when a slip of paper or card
is inserted therebetween, the clip holds the slip of paper or card
to the rear surface 46 of the first side 38. Any means for holding
information on the clip may be used, as would be known by those of
ordinary skill in the art.
[0063] The clip assembly includes a second information-carrying
device on a second side thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the
rear surface 75 of the second side 52 carries something of interest
for the user. For example, the rear surface 75 may include another
slot for holding a slip of paper or card on the rear surface as
described above in connection with the first information-carrying
device. In a preferred embodiment, as best seen in FIG. 3, the rear
surface 64 carries a mirror 76. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-13,
the mirror 76 is mounted near the bottom end 56 of the second side
52 so that the top end 54 is free to be contacted by the user to
operate the clip assembly 11 to hold and release an object.
[0064] The clip assembly 11 preferably includes a region that is
free to carry a logo or other information and which is in plain
view of the user. One or more such surfaces may be provided on the
first side 38 or second side 52 of the clip assembly. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a region designated by the numeral 79
is located on the first side 38 and may carry a label printed with
a logo for a product or other advertising or promotional
information. In other embodiments, the information may be printed
directly on surface 79.
[0065] In another embodiment, the second side 52 comprises first
and second portions (not shown) adhered to one another which
together form a space for receiving a mirror. In a further
embodiment, the second side 52 comprises a single portion and the
mirror 76 operatively engaged to the surface 75 such as through the
use of an adhesive.
[0066] A further embodiment of the invention is shown in connection
with FIGS. 14-16. The clip assembly 111 comprises a first side 138
and a second side 152 hingedly mounted and spring-biased in a
closed position with respect to one another, substantially as
described above in connection with the embodiments of FIGS. 1-13.
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14-16, the first side 138 has a
curvilinear shape so that the top end 140 of the first side 138 is
biased outwardly from the substantially planar top end 154 of the
second side 152. Although FIGS. 14-16 show parts having a
particular shape, the parts may have various shapes apart from the
shapes specifically shown.
[0067] In operation, the bottom end 142 of the first side 138 of
the clip assembly 111 engages the bottom end 156 of the second side
152. The first side 138 comprises a slot 170. The slot 170 is
formed between the front surface 144 of first side 138 and an
insert 139 mounted thereon. The first side 138 has a plurality of
cavities formed therein for receiving corresponding tabs 145 (three
are shown) formed on the insert 139. However, in other embodiments,
a fewer or greater number of tabs may be used. In addition, the
insert 139 may be held onto the first side 138 by other means, so
as to form a slot for holding notes, memos, and other information.
In addition, the slot may be formed by other means, such as a clip
attached to the front side 138.
[0068] The insert 139 also has a hole 141, preferably centrally
located in the insert 139. When the insert 139 is mounted on the
first side 138 via the tabs 145, the slip of paper or card may be
grasped between the inert 139 and the first side 138. Preferably,
the hole 141 is shaped so as to reveal the slip of paper or card
engaged by the slot 170, while preventing the slip of paper or card
from falling out of the slot.
[0069] In the embodiment specifically shown in FIG. 14, the insert
139 has corner portions 143 so that the hole 141 is shaped in the
form of a business card, except for the corner portions 143 which
engage the corners of the business card. The hole 141 is shown
substantially rectangular in shape and has four corner portions. In
other embodiments, the hole 141 may have various shapes and may or
may not have corner portions.
[0070] The insert 139 may be comprised of a transparent material,
such as a transparent plastic. In certain embodiments, a
transparent insert 139 is used, without a hole, and the material of
the insert 139 is transparent enough to allow the note or card in
the slot 170 to be viewed. The second side 152 has as rear surface
for mounting something of interest to the user, such as a mirror
176. In other embodiments, a mirror may be mounted on the front
side and a clip or other means of displaying information may be
mounted on the rear side.
[0071] The clip assembly 111 is connected to a second end 118 (see
FIG. 15) of a mounting arm 112. A first end 116 of the mounting arm
112 is connected to a mounting base 114, as shown in FIG. 14. The
mounting base 114 and mounting arm 112 are operatively connected by
a first pivotal connection 125 and the mounting arm 112 and second
side 152 of the clip assembly 111 form a second pivotal connection
136. The mounting base 114 has a pair of fingers extending from a
surface 120 thereof. The first pair of fingers 115 has free ends
117 that are spaced apart from one another so as to receive the
first end 116 of the mounting arm 112. The first end 116 of the
mounting arm 112 has an aperture 113 formed therein so that the
first end 116 of the mounting arm 112 may be inserted between the
free ends 117 of the first fingers 115 which are received in the
aperture 113 as the mounting arm 112 and the mounting base 114
rotate with respect to one another. The first fingers 115 are
spaced apart from one another so that the first end 116 of the
mounting arm 112 snaps into place between the first fingers 115 and
can rotate about the mounting base 114. At an opposite end 118 of
the mounting arm, the mounting arm 112 has a second pair of fingers
121 for forming a pivotal 136 connection with the second side 152
of the clip 111 (see FIG. 15). The second side 152 has an aperture
123 formed therein so that an end of the second side 152 may be
inserted between the free ends of the second fingers 121.
[0072] Referring to FIG. 16, the clip assembly 111 is preferably
spring-loaded in the closed position by a resilient member 127 that
engages the first side 138 at the top end 140 and the second side
152 at the top end 154. The resilient member 127 resiliently holds
the top end 140 and top end 154 away form each other while allowing
the top end 140 and top end 154 to be brought together when
pressure is applied to the top end 140 and top end 154. Hinge
members 148 and 158 on first side 138 are attached to hinge members
159 and 162 on second side 152. Through pivoting action around the
hinge members 138, 148, 158 and 162, the lower end 142 and lower
end 156 are moved away from each other.
[0073] The resilient member 127 may comprise a spring made of
curled wire, a leaf spring, a resilient piece of metal or the like
or a spongy material disposed between the first side 138 and second
side 152, near the top ends, a living hinge, a plastic spring, flat
or preformed, or preferably attached to the first side 138, the
second side, or both. For example, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the
resilient member 127 may have a hole at each of ends 131a and 131b.
The first side may have a knob 133a and the second side may have a
corresponding knob 133b. When the resilient member 127 is mounted
on the clip assembly 111, knob 133a and knob 133b are received in a
respective hole to hold the resilient member 127 in place. The
resilient member could be glued, attached by molding an end of
resilient member into the plastic, or using various methods known
in the art.
[0074] In a further embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG.
17, the clip assembly has a mounting base, a mounting arm 212 and a
pair of sides 238 and 252, as discussed above for holding an
object. The clip assembly 211 has a first side 238 hingedly
attached to a second side 252 and spring loaded in a closed
position and a slot in the first side 238, as discussed above in
connection with FIGS. 14-16. The second side 252 of the clip
assembly 211 carries a pair of fingers 215 that have free ends 217
that extend rearwardly from the second side 252, adjacent a top end
254 of the second side 252. The mounting arm 212 has a second end
218 having an aperture 213 formed therein for receiving the free
ends 217 of the pair of fingers 215 and hingedly mounting the clip
assembly 211 to the mounting arm 212. The second side 252 has a
rear surface 275 for carrying something of interest to the user.
For example, the rear surface 275 in the embodiment of FIG. 17
carries a mirror 276. The clip assembly 211 is otherwise
substantially as described in connection with FIGS. 14-16.
[0075] Although the invention herein has been described with
reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that
these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and
applications of the present invention. For example, one or more
photo-frames or photo-carrying structures may be used. In another
example, a LCD or digital display may be included. A number of
structures may be utilized as a slot in the first side of the clip
assembly, as known in the art. In addition, the clip assembly may
be spring-mounted in a closed position utilizing a leaf spring, a
spring wire, or other resilient member. In addition, the mounting
base, mounting arm and clip assembly may be pivotally connected to
one another utilizing various structures known in the art. These
pivotal connections may be arranged to facilitate movement through
a 360.degree. rotation, a 180.degree. rotation or other angle. The
clip may carry a slot on the first side of the clip and another
slot on the second side. In other embodiments, a mirror is mounted
on both the first side and second side. In some embodiments with
two mirrors, each mirror has different degrees of magnification or
different degrees of wide-angle viewing. In other embodiments, one
or more flat or concave or convex mirrors are included. In other
embodiments, a slot is located on a rearward facing side and a
mirror is located on a forward-facing side. Other information may
be carried directly on a surface of the clip device, such as the
logo of a product or company. For example, such information may be
carried on the mounting base or mounting arm. Furthermore, the clip
assembly may be disposed so that the openable ends of the clip
assembly are located on the side, rather than lower end of the clip
assembly.
[0076] It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications
may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other
arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present invention as encompassed by the claims forming
part of the application.
* * * * *