U.S. patent application number 10/783182 was filed with the patent office on 2005-08-25 for mirrored document holder with support stand and advertising vehicle.
Invention is credited to Bhavnani, Dilip.
Application Number | 20050184212 10/783182 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34861170 |
Filed Date | 2005-08-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050184212 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bhavnani, Dilip |
August 25, 2005 |
Mirrored document holder with support stand and advertising
vehicle
Abstract
The present invention relates to a mirrored document holder
including a support stand, whereby the invention functions as a
document holder, a mounted mirror, and an advertising vehicle. The
document holder includes a copyholder with spring biased plates and
a mirror included on at least one of the plates. A plate may be
sized to allow placement of advertising indicia in addition to
supporting the document in place in a breezy environment. The
present invention further includes a flexible support stand with
joints that while flexible are capable of firmly supporting heavy
documents. The document holder of the present invention may, for
example, be mounted on a computer monitor or a dashboard.
Inventors: |
Bhavnani, Dilip; (Beverly
Hills, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE SONI LAW FIRM
55 S. LAKE AVE SUITE 720
PASADENA
CA
91101
US
|
Family ID: |
34861170 |
Appl. No.: |
10/783182 |
Filed: |
February 19, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/451 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09F 1/103 20130101;
G09F 1/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/451 |
International
Class: |
A47B 019/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A document holder comprising: a. a first plate and a second
plate pivotally connected with each other, and biased against each
other by at least one spring; b. a reflective surface on an
exterior surface of at least one of said plates; and; c. a means of
attachment of the document holder to an object comprising an arm
and a pivoting attachment capable of rotating and locking the arm
in one or more predetermined arcuate rotational positions with
respect to said object; and, d. an attachment of said arm to the
outer surface one of said plates such that the connected plates may
fully rotate about the axis of said arm.
2. A document holder as in claim 1 wherein said reflective surface
is a mirror.
3. A document holder as in claim 1 wherein said reflective surface
is a parabolic mirror.
4. A document holder as in claim 1 wherein the means for attachment
of the document holder to the object is chosen from the group
consisting of clips, screws, rivets, snap fit connectors, magnets,
or a base with an adhesive surface.
5. A document holder as in claim 1 wherein the spring is a coiled
spring.
6. A document holder as in claim 1 wherein said second plate is
larger than said first plate and there is advertising indicia upon
at least one of said plates.
7. (canceled)
8. (canceled)
9. (canceled)
10. (canceled)
11. (canceled)
12. A document holder comprising: a. a first plate and a second
plate biased against each other; b. a mirrored surface on an
exterior surface of at least one of the plates; c. a first joint
connecting a stand to a base and capable of rotating and locking
the stand in one or more predetermined arcuate rotational positions
with respect to said base, the base having means of attachment to
an object; and d. a second joint connecting at least one of said
plates to said stand such that the biased plates may fully rotate
about the axis of said stand.
13. A document holder as in claim 12 wherein one of said plates is
larger than other plate and there is advertising indicia upon at
least one of said plates.
14. A document holder as in claim 12 wherein: a. said first plate
and said second plate are pivotally connected by flanges and a
hinge pin; and b. said first and second plates are biased against
each other utilizing at least one spring;
15. A document holder as in claim 12 wherein the means of
attachment to a desktop object is chosen from the group consisting
of clips, screws, rivets, snap fit connectors, magnets, or a base
with an adhesive surface.
16. A document holder as in claim 12 wherein the rotation of at
least one of said first plate or said second plate around the
central axis of said stand is frictionally restricted by said
second joint.
17. A document holder as in claim 12 wherein said first joint is
capable of limiting the motion of said stand to only a horizontal
plane in relationship to said means of attachment to an object,
wherein said stand will not move within said first joint with
application of downward directed gravitational forces.
18. A document holder as in claim 12 wherein said first joint is
capable of limiting the motion of said stand to only a horizontal
plane in relationship to said means of attachment to an object,
thereby restricting the movement of said stand within said first
joint with application of downward gravity forces and wherein the
rotation of at least one of said first plate or said second plate
around the central axis of said stand is frictionally restricted by
said second joint.
19. A document holder comprising: a. a first plate and a second
plate biased against each other; b. a first joint connecting a
stand to a base, wherein said first joint restricts the motion of
said stand to only a horizontal plane in relationship to said means
of attachment to an object, thereby restricting the movement of
said stand within said first joint with application of downward
gravity forces; and; c. said base having means of attachment to an
object, and; d. a second joint connecting at least one of said
plates to said stand, wherein the motion of at least one of said
first plate or said second plate is limited to rotation around the
central axis of said stand and whereby said rotation is
frictionally restricted by said second joint.
20. A document holder as in claim 19 wherein one of said plates is
larger than other plate, thereby providing extra support to a
document.
21. A document holder as in claim 19 wherein one of said plates is
larger than other plate and there is advertising indicia upon at
least one of said plates.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to document holders. More
specifically, the present invention relates to the type of document
holders that may be attached to a desktop computer monitor. More
specifically yet, the present invention relates to a mirrored
document holder including a support stand, whereby the invention
functions as both a document holder, a mounted mirror, and an
advertising vehicle.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Document holders that attach to a desktop computer monitor
are well known in the prior art. These document holders are useful
to support documents and papers in front of a user of a personal
computer, for example a secretary or transcriptionist. These
document holders are also used by students, attorneys, and
accountants to place information up in front of the eyes of the
person working on a keyboard.
[0005] Mirrors attachable by an adhesive backing, or mounted on a
stand or arm, are also well known. Such mirrors are typically
designed for use in a bathroom, to attach to tile or a vanity, for
example to aid in application of cosmetic products. Another type of
attachable mirror is that designed for mounting on bicycles,
motorcycles, or trucks, permitting the user to view objects behind
or to the side.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,385,327 to Hegarty discloses a document
support monitor stand that may be positioned to one side of a
monitor to support documents. The Hegarty device is bulky,
unattractive, and likely expensive to produce, thus unlikely to be
useful to a person looking to hold only a few pages at a time. The
device is intending to accommodate heavy articles such as loose
leaf binders. Finally, Hegarty does not disclose a mirror
associated with the document holder.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,881,986 to Hegarty discloses a document
support monitor stand. Mortises in the front side of the monitor
accept a copyholder support arm adjacent to the monitor screen. A
dual ball and socket assembly allows the copyholder to move to
various angles in relation to the monitor. Hegarty does not
describe a mirror associated with the document holder.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,902,078 to Judd discloses a document holder
clip which comprises a right angle support bracket secured to the
side of a monitor and a pivoting extending arm that has a spring
biased document holder clip. Judd does not disclose a mirror
integrated with the document holder. Furthermore, although the Judd
device may serve the function of a copyholder, the device has no
other function and is not particularly attractive to a female
consumer.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,988,582 to Olivo discloses a device for
organizing office paraphernalia, which uses a PC as a mounting
surface. The device is comprised of a large shroud mountable around
a PC monitor. A plurality of accessories may be mounted on the
outer edges of the shroud members for holding office paraphernalia
such as documents, business cards, pens, mirrors, and diskettes.
This device is extremely large and bulky in appearance, and
therefore not aesthetically pleasing.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 6,412,744 to Wollam discloses another display
board for attachment around a monitor housing so that items such as
notes, calendars, nameplates, pads, mirrors, writing implements,
and keys can be mounted adjacent to a monitor screen. The disclosed
device although an improvement over Olivo is still large, bulky,
and unattractive. Furthermore, Wollam does not disclose any hinges
or joints that would allow a copyholder to be adjusted to various
angles in order to position a document for convenient and ergonomic
viewing.
[0011] None of the above references disclose or encourage the use
of a document holder as an advertising vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] It is accordingly an object of the present invention to
provide a combination document holder, mirror, and advertising
vehicle.
[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
document holder that is aesthetically pleasing and occupies a
minimum amount of work space when not in use. The device provides a
convenient mirror while not taking up any additional space. Such a
document holder would allow the user to apply cosmetics and would
appeal to the female buyer.
[0014] Still another object of this invention is to provide a
document holder that additionally functions as a rear view mirror,
enabling the user to see behind them. A worker may desire such a
document holder to see if someone, for example the employer or
supervisor, is watching from behind the worker.
[0015] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a document holder with a mirror that permits a worker, while
working on a computer monitor to see behind them. For example, a
receptionist would find such a device useful to see when a client
enters the office or is waiting at the front desk while the
receptionist's back is turned to them. In addition, store clerks
could watch customers behind them to see if a customer was waiting
for assistance and to discourage shoplifters.
[0016] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
document holder with sufficient surface area to allow advertising
indicia to be placed upon the document holder. Furthermore, a
support plate or a second plate is sized to support the document in
place and prevent it from flapping in the breeze when subjected to
a fan or air conditioning stream.
[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
flexible support stand for a document holder. The stand would allow
positioning a document into an easily visible and ergonomic
location. The stand would also have joints that while flexible are
capable of firmly supporting heavy documents.
[0018] The objects of this invention are accomplished by providing
a document holder comprising a copyholder with spring biased plates
and a mirror included on at least one of the plates. The copyholder
and mirror assembly is connected with an adjustable arm that allows
the assembly to be moved into various positions and at various
angles. The arm may be attached to a computer monitor or other
object either by means of a base with an adhesive or by means of a
clip. The adjustable arm preferably has at least two joints that
cooperate to permit rotation and translation of the assembly
throughout all planes of motion, therefore always keeping the
document visible to the user. One joint, preferably the joint
closest to the base, allows motion only in a horizontal plane. By
permitting motion only in the horizontal plane, the joint
stabilizes heavy documents from vertical movements. The other
joint, preferably the joint closest to the document, allows for
rotation around the stand.
[0019] The document holder of the present invention comprises a
first plate and a second plate pivotally connected by flanges and a
hinge pin; said first and second plates biased against each other
by at least one spring; a mirrored surface on an exterior surface
of at least one of the plates; a joint connecting at least one of
said plates to a stand; another joint connecting the stand to a
base having a means of attachment to an object. Furthermore, in at
least one embodiment, the first joint restricts movement of the
stand to a horizontal plane, whereas the second joint restricts
motion of the document when grasped between the first plate and the
second plate to rotation around the stand.
[0020] An advantage of the present invention is that the spring
biased plates accommodate and hold various notes, papers, and
documents between them, while the mirror allows the user to see
behind or to look at themselves, for example to apply cosmetics.
The combination should particularly appeal to a female consumer who
desires to have a convenient mirror on the desktop while not
occupying any additional work space. The combination device of the
present invention also allows an employee to work on a computer,
with their back facing a door or sales area, and to still be able
to see customers or discourage shoplifters. The document holder of
the present invention could even be mounted on the dash board of a
car, providing a handy way to hold maps, directions, coupons, or
other papers and providing a mirror that allows the driver to keep
an eye on the occupant of the back seat, for example a child or
infant. In at least one embodiment, one plate is larger than the
other and provides a large surface for the placement of advertising
indicia.
[0021] Still other objects and advantages of the present invention
will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the
following detailed description, wherein only the preferred
embodiment of the invention is shown and described, simply by way
of illustration of the best mode contemplated of carrying out the
invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other
and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of
modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing
from the invention. Accordingly, the drawing and description are to
be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The accompanying Figures depict embodiments of the present
invention, and features and components thereof. Any references to
front and back, right and left, top and bottom, superior and
inferior, upper and lower, inner and outer, medial and lateral, and
horizontal and vertical are intended for convenience of
description, not to limit the present invention or its components
to any one positional or spacial orientation.
[0023] The foregoing objects, features, advantages and preferred
embodiments of the present invention will be better understood from
the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0024] FIG. 1 is a front/right perspective view of an embodiment of
this invention illustrating the mirrored surface of one of the
plates;
[0025] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of this
invention illustrating the spring biasing mechanism;
[0026] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of this
invention illustrating how the plates of the copyholder meet in
proximity to grasp onto documents and also showing the two joints
that are included in the stand;
[0027] FIG. 4 is a right side elevational view of an embodiment of
this invention;
[0028] FIG. 5 is a left side elevational view of an embodiment of
this invention illustrating an adhesive base;
[0029] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of this
invention showing the stand and joints connecting to the base and
one of the plates;
[0030] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of an embodiment of this
invention showing the joint connected to one of the plates in more
detail; and;
[0031] FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view through the joint connected
to one of the plates
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] The accompanying Figures depict embodiments of the present
invention, and features and components thereof. With regard to
means for fastening, mounting, attaching or connecting the
components of the present invention to form the apparatus as a
whole, unless specifically described otherwise, such means are
intended to at least encompass conventional fasteners such as
machine screws, machine threads, snap rings, hose clamps such as
screw clamps and the like, rivets, nuts and bolts, toggles, pins
and the like. Components may also be connected by friction fitting,
snap fitting, adhesives, or by welding or deformation, if
appropriate. Unless specifically otherwise disclosed or taught,
materials for making components of the present invention are
selected from appropriate materials such as metal, metallic alloys,
natural or synthetic fibers, glass, plastics and the like, and
appropriate manufacturing or production methods including casting,
extruding, molding and machining may be used.
[0033] Any references to front and back, right and left, top and
bottom, upper and lower, and horizontal and vertical are intended
for convenience of description, not to limit the present invention
or its components to any one positional or spacial orientation.
[0034] Referring more specifically to the drawings, there is shown
in FIG. 1 an embodiment of the document holder of the present
invention. As illustrated, the preferred embodiment comprises a
first plate 100 and a second plate 110 pivotally connected to each
other, and biased against each other, together forming a copy
holder. This embodiment as illustrated further comprises a stand
200 with a double bend, a first pivoting joint 300, and a base 500
with an adhesive surface 510 for attachment of the present
invention to objects such as a computer monitor, a wall, or
furniture.
[0035] On at least a portion of an exterior surface of the first
plate 100 is a reflective surface 120. In the preferred embodiment,
the reflective surface is a glass mirror 120, although in
alternative embodiments other reflective materials may be
substituted, for example a reflective metal. A parabolic mirror may
be utilized on some embodiments.
[0036] The means of attachment of the document holder to objects,
in this preferred embodiment, is a base 500 with an adhesive
surface 510. Other means of attachment or connection that are well
known in the art may be substituted for the base 500 with an
adhesive surface 510. Various clips and clamps, screws or rivets,
snap fit connections, or magnets are examples of some other means
of attachment that are well known in the art. This list is not
meant to be exhaustive nor restrictive, but by example only.
[0037] The first joint 300, in the preferred embodiment, is located
proximal the base 500, and may be hinged with rachet stops. The
base 500 can have two extensions 310 with serrated medial surfaces
which rotatably engage a cylinder 320, with corresponding lateral
serrations, on one end of the stand 200. This allows the stand 200
to rotate in only one plane, preferably a horizontal plane,
relative to the base 500. By restricting motion to the horizontal
plane, the stand will not move within said first joint with
application of downward directed forces. This is very advantages
when heavy documents are being supported by the document holder.
However, movement will be permitted in the horizontal plane,
allowing the held documents to be positioned so that indicia on the
documents can be easily viewed by the user. Those skilled in the
art will recognize this type of joint and it need not be described
in further detail herein. In alternative embodiments, the first
joint 300 may not restrict rotation within one plane only and, for
example, a multi-planar joint such as a ball and socket joint could
be utilized. Those skill in the art will recognize a wide variety
of other joints that could be utilized.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 2, the first plate 100 and a second
plate 110 are illustrated as they pivotally connect with each
other. On the rear surface of each of the plates are a double pair
of flanges 120 with axially aligned holes. A hinge pin 140 passes
through the axially aligned holes in the flanges 120, pivotally
connecting the first plate 100 to the second plate 110. A pair of
helical coiled springs 130 surrounding the hinge pin 140, and
between each set of flanges 120, forcibly bias the first plate 100
against the second plate 110. The biasing force is sufficient to
securely hold documents and papers, even heavy one, yet capable of
being overcome with finger pressure in order to separate the plates
when intentionally inserting or removing documents. Alternative and
equally effective methods of biasing one object against another may
be substituted. For example, first plate 100 and second plate 110
may be biased against each other by a leaf spring. Alternatively, a
single piece of metal or plastic may be fashioned so that one side
is biased against the other side by intrinsic forces.
[0039] Referring now also to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the second joint
400 is illustrated connected with the second plate 110. In the
preferred embodiment, the second joint 400 frictionally restricts
the rotation of the plates around the central axis of the stand
200. Further details of the second joint 400 are discussed below.
An end of the stand 200 connects into the central axis of the
second joint 400, permitting the copy holder to rotatably pivot
around the stand 200. In alternative embodiments, the second joint
400 could permit movement of the copy holder in more than one
plane. Those skill in the art will readily recognize a wide variety
of alternative types of joints, for example hinges or ball and
socket joints, that could be utilized in other embodiments.
[0040] Together, the first joint 300 and the second joint 400,
cooperate to permit rotation and translation of the assembly
throughout all planes of motion, therefore always allowing contents
of a document to be visible to the user. The second joint 400, in
the preferred embodiment, allows motion only around the central
axis of the stand 200. The first joint 300, in the preferred
embodiment, permits motion only in a horizontal plane, permitting
the document to be moved forward and backward, while not allowing
downward motion of the stand when loaded under the weight of
heavier documents. The first joint 300 and the second joint 400
working together permit the first plate 100 and a second plate 110
to have a very flexible range of motion, while providing maximum
stability for support of heavy documents.
[0041] As illustrated in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the second joint 400
comprises a first part 410 and a second part 420. The first part
410 includes an essentially vertically bisected cylinder with an
axial channel 402 for engagement of the stand 200. The stand 200
has an expanded radius 210 where it interacts with the second joint
400. The rotation of the stand 200 within the second joint 400 is
frictionally restrained by a rubber semicircular ring 404 that
provides friction against the stand. Alternative materials and
frictional means are well known in the art and may be substituted.
The rubber ring 410, by frictionally engaging the stand 200,
encumbers the rotation of the second plate 110 around the central
axis of the stand 200. The second part 420 of the second joint 400
is preferably incorporated into the second plate 110. The second
part 420 has an axial channel 422 for engagement of the stand 200.
The first part 410 and the second part 420, when connected with
each other, capture the expanded radius 210 of the stand 200 within
the axial channels of the second joint 400. In the preferred
embodiment, the first part 410 and the second part 420 connect
together by means of tabs 406 on the first part 410 that insert
into slots 424 in the second part 420. Alternative means of
connecting these parts would be well known to those in the art.
[0042] The copy holder accommodates various notes, papers, and
documents while the mirror 120 allows the user to see behind them
or to look at themselves, for example to apply cosmetics. The
combination should particularly appeal to a female consumer who
desires to have a convenient and attractive mirror 120 on the
desktop while not occupying any additional desk top space. The
combination device of the present invention also allows an employee
to work on a computer, with their back facing a door or sales area,
and to still be able to see customers, improving service and
discouraging shoplifters.
[0043] In yet another embodiment of the invention, one of said
plates is larger than the other plate. For example the second plate
110 may be larger than the first plate 100. This provides a copy
holder similar to a well known clipboard. For example, the second
plate 110 may measure approximately 8 inches by 11 inches in size,
or other sizes that accommodate standard commercially produced
papers. The advantage of a larger plate is that a larger plate
allows for imprinting of more indicia. This would be very useful
for placing advertising upon at least one of the plates. The larger
plate also gives a document more support in a breezy location.
[0044] The document holder of the present invention may be attached
to the side of a monitor or any other object. For example, the
document holder may also be attached to a wall or file cabinet. The
document holder could also be mounted directly upon a desk top. The
document holder may be used outside of the work place, for example
in a bathroom or bedroom of a residence. The document holder of the
present invention could even be mounted on the dash board of a car,
providing a handy way to hold maps, directions, coupons, or other
papers while providing a mirror that allows the driver to keep an
eye on the occupant of the back seat, for example a child or
infant. A parabolic shaped mirror would be particularly suited for
such a use.
[0045] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from the essential spirit or attributes
thereof. It is desired that the embodiments described herein be
considered in all respects as illustrative, not restrictive, and
that reference be made to the appended claims for determining the
scope of the invention.
* * * * *