U.S. patent application number 12/098319 was filed with the patent office on 2009-01-15 for reversible wall-mounted message board apparatus.
Invention is credited to George Angell, Ray Jake, Curtis Krazer, III, Thomas B. Logue, Jason Swartley.
Application Number | 20090013576 12/098319 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40251947 |
Filed Date | 2009-01-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090013576 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jake; Ray ; et al. |
January 15, 2009 |
Reversible Wall-Mounted Message Board Apparatus
Abstract
The Invention is a wall-mounted message board. A frame is
rotatable about a first axis of rotation. The first axis of
rotation is rotatable about a second axis of rotation that is
parallel to the first axis of rotation. The second axis of rotation
is fixed generally parallel to a wall. The frame thereby may move
from a first position in which a first side of the frame is
displayed and a second position in which a second side of the frame
is displayed. The second side of the frame may display an artwork
and the first side may display a working surface.
Inventors: |
Jake; Ray; (Hummelstown,
PA) ; Krazer, III; Curtis; (Easton, PA) ;
Swartley; Jason; (Mechanicsburg, PA) ; Logue; Thomas
B.; (Jacksonville, FL) ; Angell; George;
(Camas, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ROBERT J. YARBROUGH, ATTORNEY AT LAW
201 NORTH JACKSON STREET
MEDIA
PA
19063
US
|
Family ID: |
40251947 |
Appl. No.: |
12/098319 |
Filed: |
April 4, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60922514 |
Apr 9, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
40/725 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 97/001 20130101;
B43L 1/00 20130101; A47G 1/065 20130101; A47B 97/04 20130101; G09F
1/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
40/725 |
International
Class: |
A47G 1/06 20060101
A47G001/06 |
Claims
1. A reversible message board for mounting on a wall, the message
board comprising: a. A frame, said frame having a front side and a
back side; b. A first axis of rotation defined by said frame, said
frame being configured to rotate about said first axis or rotation
between a first frame position and a second frame position. c. A
second axis of rotation, said second axis of rotation being
configured to be fixed in a position generally parallel to the
wall, said first axis of rotation being generally parallel to said
second axis of rotation, said first axis of rotation being
rotatable about said second axis of rotation d. Said frame being
configured to display said first side when said second axis of
rotation is fixed in said position generally parallel to the wall
and said frame is in said first position, said frame being
configured to display said second side when said frame is mounted
to the wall and said frame is in said second position.
2. The reversible message board of claim 1, the message board
further comprising: a. A first link and a second link, each of said
first and said second links being elongated, each of said first and
said second links defining a first end and a second end, each said
first end of each said first and second links being rotatably
attached to opposite sides of said frame in a spaced apart
relation, each of said first ends of said first and second links
being rotatable about said first axis of rotation; b. Each of said
second ends of each of said first link and said second link being
rotatable about said second axis of rotation.
3. The reversible message board of claim 2, the message board
further comprising: a. Said front side of said frame being
configured to display an artwork when said frame is in said second
position; b. Said back side of said frame being configured to
display a working surface when said frame is in said first
position.
4. The reversible message board of claim 2, the message board
further comprising: a bracket, said bracket being configured to be
fixedly mounted to the wall, said bracket defining said second axis
of rotation.
5. The reversible message board of claim 4, the message board
further comprising: a. A first open channel, said first open
channel being defined by said back side of said frame, said open
channel being generally normal to said first axis of rotation, said
open channel being configured to receive said first link when said
frame is in said first position; b. A second open channel, said
second open channel being defined by said back side of said frame,
said second open channel being generally normal to said first axis
of rotation in a spaced apart relation to said first open channel,
said second open channel being configured to receive said second
link when said frame is in said first position.
6. The reversible message board of claim 5, the message board
further comprising: a first slot and a second slot communicating
through said frame, said first link passing through said first slot
when said frame is in said first position, said second link passing
through said second slot when said frame is in said first
position.
7. The reversible message board of claim 6 wherein said first link
does not pass through said first slot and said second link does not
pass through said second slot when said frame is in said second
position.
8. The reversible message board of claim 6, the message board
further comprising: a. A first frame bearing and a second frame
bearing, each of said first frame bearing and said second frame
bearing engaging said frame and a one of first link and said second
link, said first frame bearing and said second frame bearing in
combination defining said first axis of rotation. b. A first
bracket bearing and a second bracket bearing, said first bracket
bearing engaging said bracket and said first link, said second
bracket bearing engaging said bracket and said second link, said
first and said second bracket bearings in combination defining said
second axis of rotation.
9. The reversible message board of claim 3 wherein said working
surface is selected from the list consisting of a whiteboard, a
corkboard, a blackboard and a piece of paper.
10. The reversible message board of claim 9 wherein said working
surface is a whiteboard, said whiteboard being composed of a steel,
the apparatus further comprising: a magnetic tape, said magnetic
tape being adhesively connected to said second side of said frame,
said white board being magnetically connected to said magnetic
tape.
11. A reversible message board for mounting on a wall, the message
board comprising: a. A frame, said frame having a front side and a
back side; b. A first axis of rotation defined by said frame, said
frame being configured to rotate about said first axis or rotation
between a first frame position and a second frame position. c. A
second axis of rotation, said second axis of rotation being
configured to be fixed in a position generally parallel to the
wall, said first axis of rotation being generally parallel to said
second axis of rotation, said first axis of rotation being
rotatable about said second axis of rotation d. Said frame being
configured to display said first side when said second axis of
rotation is fixed in said position generally parallel to the wall
and said frame is in said first position, said frame being
configured to display said second side when said frame is mounted
to the wall and said frame is in said second position; e. A first
link and a second link, each of said first and said second links
being elongated, each of said first and said second links defining
a first end and a second end, each said first end of each said
first and second links being rotatably attached to opposite sides
of said frame in a spaced apart relation, each of said first ends
of said first and second links being rotatable about said first
axis of rotation; f. Each of said second ends of each of said first
link and said second link being rotatable about said second axis of
rotation. g. A bracket, said bracket being configured to be fixedly
mounted to the wall, said bracket defining said second axis of
rotation.
12. The reversible message board of claim 4, the message board
further comprising: a. A first open channel, said first open
channel being defined by said back side of said frame, said open
channel being generally normal to said first axis of rotation, said
open channel being configured to receive said first link when said
frame is in said second position; b. A second open channel, said
second open channel being defined by said back side of said frame,
said second open channel being generally normal to said first axis
of rotation in a spaced apart relation to said first open channel,
said second open channel being configured to receive said second
link when said frame is in said second position; c. A third open
channel, said third open channel being defined by said back side of
said frame, said third open channel being located normal to said
first and said second open channels, said frame and said third open
channel being configured to cover said bracket when said frame is
in said second position.
13. The reversible message board of claim 5, the message board
further comprising: a first slot and a second slot communicating
through said frame, said first link passing through said first slot
when said frame is in said first position, said second link passing
through said second slot when said frame is in said first
position.
14. The reversible message board of claim 6 wherein said first link
does not pass through said first slot and said second link does not
pass through said second slot when said frame is in said second
position.
15. The reversible message board of claim 3 wherein said working
surface is a whiteboard.
Description
I. RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. provisional
application No. 60/922,514 filed Apr. 9, 2007.
II. FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A. Background of the Invention
[0003] The Invention is a reversible, wall-mounted apparatus
providing for the alternate display of a working surface such as a
whiteboard or a corkboard and a decorative object such as a
photograph or artwork. When the apparatus is in a first position, a
user has access to the working surface. When the apparatus is in a
second position, the working surface is hidden and the user will
see only the framed decorative object. The difference in the area
of a wall occupied by the apparatus when in the first position and
when in the second position is small, allowing a relatively large
working surface to occupy a relatively small amount of wall space
and to be disguised as a framed artwork when the working surface is
not in use.
[0004] B. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Message boards have been developed that disguise all or a
part of the message board. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,817,124 B1
to Ko issued Nov. 16, 2004 teaches a fabric or web mounted between
two rollers to disguise a blackboard or a whiteboard.
[0006] Japanese patent number JP410234542A to Mieko Sakai,
publication date Sep. 8, 1998, teaches a frame holding a
photograph. A hinged panel is attached to the rear of the frame.
When in the closed position, the panel is flush with the back of
the frame. When in the open position, the panel may display a
message. The panel also acts as a prop to support the frame in the
upright position, as on a desktop.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,828,502 to Leahy issued May 9, 1989 teaches
a whiteboard having two frames. One frame is attached to the wall.
The second frame is attached to the first frame by a hinge. The
second frame rotates about the hinge to reveal the whiteboard. When
closed, the second frame becomes a picture frame displaying a
picture and disguising the white board.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 2,971,277 to Vaillancourt issued Nov. 16, 1959
teaches a wall-mounted blackboard having a slot to receive a panel
to disguise the blackboard.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 2,092,323 to Myers issued Sep. 7, 1937 teaches
a blackboard having a movable panel. When the movable panel is
attached, a portion of the blackboard is covered.
[0010] The prior art does not teach the elements of the present
Invention.
III. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The Invention features a frame having a front and a back.
The back of the frame is configured to support and to display a
working surface. As used in this application, the term "working
surface" means without limitation a whiteboard, a corkboard, a
blackboard, a piece of paper, or the like. The term "whiteboard"
means an erasable writing surface suitable for use with
conventional `dry erase` or `dry wipe` markers. A `dry erase` or
`dry wipe` marker deposits an ink film on the surface of the
whiteboard. The ink film dries to a powder that may be erased from
the whiteboard by wiping with a cloth or felt eraser.
[0012] The front of the frame is similar in appearance to a
conventional frame for an artwork. The front of the frame is
configured to display the artwork. As used in this application, the
term "artwork" means without limitation any decorative object that
a person may wish to use to disguise the apparatus, including a
photograph, a print, a painting, a decorative fabric, an electronic
display such as an LCD or plasma display, or any other decorative
object.
[0013] The frame is rotatable about a first axis between a first
position and a second position. The first axis is defined by two
frame bearings that are in turn defined by two opposite sides of
the frame. In the first position, the back of the frame and the
working surface are displayed. In the second position, the front of
the frame and the decorative object are displayed.
[0014] A wall bracket is configured to be attached to a wall. The
wall bracket defines two wall-bracket bearings. The two
wall-bracket bearings define a second axis of rotation that is
fixed with respect to the wall. The second axis of rotation is
generally parallel to the first axis of rotation. Two links
rotatably connect the frame bearings and the wall-bracket bearings.
Each of the two links is configured to be rotatable about the
second axis of rotation. The first axis of rotation therefore is
rotatable about the second axis of rotation.
[0015] To move the apparatus between the first and second
positions, the first axis of rotation (and hence the frame) is
rotated about the second axis of rotation and away from the wall to
which the wall bracket is mounted, the frame, whiteboard, and
artwork also are rotated away from the wall. Once the frame,
whiteboard and artwork are sufficiently separated from the wall to
avoid interference with the wall, the frame may be rotated
approximately 180.degree. about the first axis of rotation. The
direction of rotation of the first axis of rotation about the
second axis of rotation is then reversed, moving the frame
approximately into contact with the wall. The movement between the
first and second positions now is complete.
[0016] When the apparatus is in the second position, the artwork is
visible, the working surface is hidden and the frame appears to be
a conventional picture frame. The perimeter of the back of the
frame defines an open channel. The open channel, the frame
bearings, the two links and the wall bracket are configured so that
the two links and the wall bracket are concealed within the open
channel when the apparatus is in the second position.
[0017] When the apparatus is in the first position, the working
surface is revealed and the artwork is hidden. In the first
position of the apparatus, the wall bracket is not concealed within
the open channel, but a portion of the two links is located within
the open channel. Interference between the two links and the frame
is avoided when the apparatus is in the first position by a pair of
slots defined by the top side of the frame.
IV. SUMMARY OF THE FIGURES
[0018] FIG. 1 is a partial cutaway of the apparatus when in the
first position with the working surface displayed.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus when the
apparatus is being moved between the first and second
positions.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a partial cutaway view of the apparatus when in
the second position.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the apparatus in the second
position, with the artwork displayed.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a detail cross section of the frame.
[0023] FIG. 6 is a detail cross section of the apparatus.
V. DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT
[0024] FIG. 1 is a partial cutaway perspective view of the
apparatus 2 in the first position and as mounted on a wall 4. In
the first position, a whiteboard 6 is displayed ready for use and
is supported by frame 8. A first frame bearing 10 and a
corresponding second frame bearing 12 are defined by frame 8 and
appear on opposite sides of the frame 8. First frame bearing and
second frame bearing 10, 12 together define a first axis of
rotation 14.
[0025] A wall bracket 16 is configured to be rigidly mounted to
wall 4 by conventional means. Wall bracket 16 defines a first wall
bracket bearing 18 and a second wall bracket bearing 20. First and
second wall bracket bearings 18, 20 together define second axis of
rotation 22.
[0026] First and second links 24, 26 each has a first end 28 and a
second end 30. The first end 28 of each of first and second links
24, 26 is rotatably connected to one of first and second frame
bearings 10, 12. The second end 30 of each of first and second
links 24, 26 is rotatably connected to one of first and second wall
bracket bearings 18, 20.
[0027] Because of the rotatable connection of the first and second
links 24, 26 to the first and second wall bracket bearings 18, 20,
the first axis of rotation 14 can rotate about the second axis of
rotation 22. Because of the rotatable connection of the first and
second links 24, 26 to the first and second frame bearings 10, 12,
the frame 8 can rotate about the first axis of rotation 14.
[0028] Two slots appear 32 in frame 8 and prevent the first and
second links 24, 26 from interfering with the frame 8 when the
frame 8 is in the first position illustrated by FIG. 1.
[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates the apparatus 2 in transition between the
first and the second positions. To move the apparatus from the
first to the second position, first and second links 24, 26 are
rotated about second axis 22, as indicated by the arrow marked 34
on FIG. 2. Rotating first and second links 24, 26 as shown by arrow
34 moves frame 8 away from wall 4.
[0030] Once frame 8 is sufficiently separated from wall 4 to avoid
interference with wall 4, frame 8 may be rotated approximately
180.degree. about the first axis of rotation 14. Rotating frame 8
approximately 180.degree. about the first axis of rotation 14 as
shown by the arrow 36 will turn the whiteboard 6 and the back side
38 of frame 8 toward the wall 4, exposing front side 40 of frame
8.
[0031] Motion of the first and second links 24, 26 around the
second axis of rotation 22 then is reversed until back side 38 of
frame 8 is substantially parallel to wall 4. Back side 38 is
proximal to wall 4 and front side 40 is distal to wall 4 and
movement of the apparatus 2 from the first position to the second
position is complete.
[0032] To move the apparatus from the second position to the first
position, the first and second links 24, 26 are rotated about
second axis 22 in the direction illustrated by arrow 34 on FIG. 2.
Once frame 8 is adequately separated from wall 4 to avoid
interference with wall 4, frame 8 is rotated approximately
180.degree. about axis of rotation 14 in a direction opposite to
that shown by the arrow marked as item 36 on FIG. 2. Motion of the
first and second links 24, 26 around the second axis of rotation 22
then is reversed until front side 40 of frame 8 is substantially
parallel and proximal to wall 4. The front side 40 of frame 8 is
then proximal to wall 4 and back side 38 is then distal to wall 4
and movement of the apparatus 2 from the second position to the
first position is complete.
[0033] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the apparatus 2 when the apparatus
is in the second position. In the second position, back side 38 of
frame 8 is proximal to wall 4 and whiteboard 6 is hidden from view.
Front side 40 of frame 8 is distal to wall 4 and is visible to an
observer. Frame 8 is configured to frame an artwork 42, such as a
print, painting or photograph. The artwork 42 is displayed when the
apparatus is in the second position.
[0034] From the partial cutaway view of FIG. 3, the back side 38 of
frame 8 defines an open channel 44. The open channel 44, wall
bracket 16, first and second links 24, 26 and frame bearings 10, 12
are configured so that the wall bracket 16 and first and second
links 24, 26 are concealed within the open channel 44 when the
apparatus 2 is in the second position.
[0035] In the illustrated embodiment where the shape of the frame 8
in plan is a regular rectangle, first axis of rotation 14 must be
offset from the midline of the frame 8 to achieve hiding of bracket
16 within open channel 44 when the apparatus 2 is in the second
position. If first axis of rotation 14 is not offset, bracket 16
will interfere with the front side 40 of frame 8 when the apparatus
is in the second position. The offset must be in the direction of
slots 32, shown by FIGS. 1 and 2. As a result, the apparatus 2
occupies somewhat more space on wall 4 when in the first position
than when in the second position.
[0036] Because the frame 8 rotates around the first axis of
rotation 14 when the apparatus 2 is transitioning between the first
and second positions, and because first axis of rotation 14 is
generally parallel to wall 4, clearance at least equal to the
height of the frame 8 must be provided between the apparatus 2 and
any object in front of the apparatus, such as another wall or an
item of furniture. If adequate clearance is not provided, the
apparatus 2 may not be rotated between the first and second
positions.
[0037] FIG. 5 is a detail cross section of frame 8, showing front
side 40, back side 38 and open channel 44.
[0038] FIG. 6 is a detail cross section of the frame 8 assembly.
Front side 40, back side 38 and open channel 44 of frame 8 are
shown. Artwork 42 is retained in frame 8 under clear protective
sheet 46, which may be glass, acrylic or any other suitable
material. Glass channel 48 holds the clear protective sheet 46 in
place. Artwork 42 may be observed through the clear protective
sheet 46.
[0039] Whiteboard 6 appears on back side 38 of frame 8. Whiteboard
6 is of conventional construction and may be of coated steel or of
any suitable material. Whiteboard 6 reinforcing panel 50 is
attached to whiteboard 6 and prevents excessive deformation of
whiteboard 6 during use. Steel whiteboard 6 is releasably attached
to frame 8 by magnetic tape 52. Magnetic tape 52 is attached to
frame 8 by adhesive. Of course, any suitable whiteboard 6 material
may be used, such as a polymer, and any suitable means may be used
for connecting whiteboard 6 to frame 8, such as channels similar to
glass channel 48. Other suitable means to connect whiteboard 6 to
frame 8 include use of adhesives such as glue or adhesive tape, or
fasteners such a rivets, screws or staples.
[0040] In describing the above embodiments of the invention,
specific terminology was selected for the sake of clarity. However,
the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms
so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term
includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner
to accomplish a similar purpose.
* * * * *