Apparatus For Holding And Illuminating Graphic Materials

Abstract

An illuminated apparatus for holding and illuminating graphic materials, such as maps, charts, data sheets, and the like, and provided with novel means for securing the apparatus in a convenient support position during use thereof. The apparatus comprises a substantially flat support plate having a flat transparent clamping plate hingedly secured thereto for holding the graphic material on the support plate and for dispersing light evenly over the surface thereof for facilitating view of the material.

Description

This invention relates to devices for holding and illuminating graphic materials, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a clipboard holding device for efficiently illuminating the graphic materials and securing the materials in a convenient position during use thereof.

There are many instances wherein it is desirable to clamp or hold charts, maps, data sheets, and the like securely during use thereof, and provide an illumination of the material while holding thereof. For example, an aircraft pilot uses a chartboard extensively during his operation of the aircraft and it is important that he have the material readily available for viewing when the data is required. However, during much of his time, the pilot's hands are quite busy with manipulating the adjusting controls, and the like. There is normally not much spare space on the instrument panel of the aircraft, and as a consequence, the chart board is frequently secured to the knee or leg of the pilot during use. During nighttime operations of the aircraft it is usually desirable to keep the cockpit as dark as possible, and as a result the illumination of the chart board may create a problem. As a consequence small lights or electric bulbs may be provided for the chartboard as shown in the Malcom, Jr. U.S. Pat. No. 3,215,453, issued Nov. 2, 1965, and entitled "Flight Log and Approach Chart Presentation Apparatus." Alternatively, the charts may be illuminated by means of a transparent face plate having one face thereof frosted for evenly distributing light across the face of the graph, as shown in my co-pending application Ser. No. 869,448, filed Oct. 17, 1969, and entitled "Method and Apparatus for Illuminating Graphic Material." Of course, there are other instances wherein it is desirable to hold and illuminate data sheets, and the like, such as in computer use, microsystems, radio, and the like, It will be apparent that in many of these instances, and including aircraft use, it may be more convenient to secure the chart board to a support member rather than to the body of the person using the data sheets, and the like.

The present invention contemplates a novel chart board generally similar to that disclosed in my aforementioned co-pending application, but incorporating certain improvements and advantages thereover in that means has been particularly designed and constructed for facilitating installation of the chart board on substantially any desired support structure, for example, the steering wheel of an aircraft, or the windowsill of an aircraft, or a flat surface such as a table top, or the like. A plurality of clamping elements are provided, each adapted for securing the chart board to a particular support structure, and each readily attachable to the chart board for converting the chart board for attachment to the desired support structure. For example, when it is desired to clamp or secure the chart board to the knee or leg of the user, the knee clamp device may be quickly and easily secured to the rear face of the chartboard. When it is desired to secure the chart board to the to the steering wheel of the aircraft, the knee clamp device may be quickly and easily removed from the chart board and replaced with the wheel clamp device. In addition, one embodiment of the chart holding apparatus is designed for facilitating the holding and illuminating of a plurality of data sheets such as charts and the like provided in booklet or pad form. The pad of charts may be easily held and illuminated in the apparatus or device in a manner providing full vision of the desired chart and without damage of any of the other charts included in the pad. The graphic material disposed within the device is illuminated in a manner precluding interference with the normal lighting in the area wherein the device is in use and in a manner to preclude the reflecting of the light into the eyes of the user.

It is an important object of this invention to provide a novel holding and illuminating apparatus for facilitating the use of graphic materials.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel chart holding and illuminating device which may be readily converted for being secured to substantially any desired support structure.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a novel chart holding and illuminating device wherein the material disposed therein is illuminated in a manner substantially precluding disturbance of the normal lighting in the area wherein the device is used.

A further object of this invention is to provide a novel chart holding and illuminating device wherein the material disposed therein is illuminated in a manner substantially precluding reflecting of the light into the eyes of the user.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a novel chart holding and illuminating apparatus which is simple and efficient in operation and economical and durable in construction.

Other and further objects and advantageous features of the present invention will hereinafter more fully appear in connection with a detailed description of the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a chart board embodying the invention.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the chart board depicted in FIG. 1 as installed on a steering wheel of an aircraft.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the chart board depicted in FIG. 1 as installed on a steering wheel of an aircraft.

FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of the chart board depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of the steering wheel clamping means depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another form of clamping means installed on steering wheel of an aircraft.

FIG. 7 is a view taken on line 7--7 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the rear portion only of a chart holding device depicting one form of securing means therefor.

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 depicting another form of securing means.

FIG 10 is a view similar to FIG. 8 depicting still another form of securing means.

FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of a modified chart board embodying the invention.

FIG. 12 is an end elevational view of the chart board depicted in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a view taken on line 13--13 of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a view taken on line 14--14 of FIG. 11.

Referring to the drawings in detail, and particularly FIGS. 1 through 5, reference character 10 generally indicates a data sheet holder apparatus comprising an upper substantially flat cover plate member 12 hingedly secured at 14 to one edge of an open box or tray member 16. The cover plate 12 is constructed from a suitable transparent material, such as plexiglas, lucite, clear plastic, glass, or the like, and is frosted on the lower surface 12a (FIG. 1) thereof in the manner and for the purpose set forth in my aforementioned co-pending application. An angularly disposed upstanding bracket or support member 18 is secured to the outer surface 12b (FIG. 2) of the plate 12 and is spaced forwardly from the hinge 14 whereby a preponderance of weight is provided for urging the plate 12 into a normal position adjacent the tray 16 for a purpose as will be hereinafter set forth. The bracket 18 is preferably provided with a centrally disposed recess portion 20 for receiving a suitable stop watch 22 therein for convenience of the user of the apparatus 10. The watch 22 may be secured within the recess 20 in any well known manner, such as by glue, or the like, if desired.

The box or tray 16 is preferably a relatively shallow tray having a solid bottom plate member 24 having upstanding sidewalls 26 around the outer periphery thereof for receiving and supporting the graphic material (not shown) therein. In addition, the size and configuration of the tray 16 is complementary with the size and configuration of the upper plate 12 whereby the plate 12 may be disposed adjacent the bottom plate 24 and within the walls 26 for securely clamping or holding the graphic material in position in the tray 16. As shown herein, a recess 28 is provided in the sidewalls 26 of the tray 16 for receiving a complementary outwardly extending tap or flange 30 provided in the plate 12. The tab 30 is preferably extended slightly behond the recess 28 in the closed position of the plate 12 against the bottom 24 of the tray 16, as shown in FIG. 2, for facilitating manual grasping of the plate 12 for pivoting thereof toward the open position shown in FIG. 1.

The box 16 is further pivoted with a chamber of housing 32 extending transversely thereacross one end thereof for housing suitable battery support bracket means (not shown), bulb receiving socket means (not shown), and usual on and off switch (not shown) as is well known or an electrical plug member and socket whereby a suitable extension cord type member (not shown) may be utilized for supplying power from a source of electricity to a relatively small electric bulb 34, all as is well known. A suitable cover member 36 (FIG. 1) is removably secured over the open upper end of the chamber or housing 32 for protection of the electrical components, and is substantially flush with the plane of the bottom plate 24 for cooperating therewith to provide efficient support for the graphic material disposed within the tray 16. The cover member 36 is provided with a suitable recess or cut-away portion 38 for clearance of the bulb 34. The bulb 34 extends upwardly beyond the upper face of the plate 24 as clearly shown in FIG. 1, and the plate 12 is provided with a bore 40 for receiving the bulb 34 therein when the plate 12 is in the closed position adjacent the bottom plate 24.

As hereinbefore set forth, and as particularly described in my aforementioned co-pending application, the face 12a of the plate 12 is frosted in such a manner as to preclude interference with the visual inspection of the graphic material as viewed through the transparent plate 12. The bulb 34 emits light into the plate 12 thorugh the edges of the bore 40 and the light is dispersed evenly thorugh the plate 12 for distributing the light in a manner for efficiently illuminating the graphic material and precluding reflection of the light into the eyes of the user of the chart board 10.

The cover member 36 may be readily removed to permit access to the interior of the chamber 32 in order to facilitate installation or replacement of batteries, the bult 34, or the like. It is preferable to utilize two AA penlight batteries and one 222 penlight bulb, but not limited thereto. In addition, a strip of foam material, or the like (not shown) may be provided on the exposed upper surface of the cover member 36, if desired, to provide a slight cushioning for the graphic material in the tray 16, and for facilitating frictional holding of the material on the plate 24 when the plate 12 is in the open position. It is also anticipated that a substantially open slotted cylindrical or open sleeve member 42 may be provided along one side portion of the tray 16 for receiving and supporting a pencil, writing pen, or the like.

A suitable gripper element 44, such as that sold under the trade name Velcro is cemented, glued, or otherwise secured to the bottom or under surface 24b or the tray 16 as shown in FIG. 4. Velcro is a tape type connecting device which normally comprises complementary tape members which adhere to each other readily upon being pressed together manually, and which readily part or disconnect upon manual pressure urging the complementary tapes in opposite directions away from each other. The tape or connecting element 44 cooperates with complementary tape portions provided on clamping elements for securing the chart board 10 thereto as will be hereinafter set forth.

Referring more particularly to FIGS. 3 and 5, a clamping apparatus generally indicated at 46 is shown for clamping or securing the board 10 to the steering wheel 48 of an aircraft, or the like. The clamping apparatus 46 comprises a substantially flat supporting plate 50 having a pair of spaced strap members 52 and 54 provided on one face thereof. The straps 52 and 54 are substantially identical and are secured in substantially parallel relationship and spaced apart a sufficient distance for spanning the width of the usual steering column portion 56 immediately adjacent the wheel 48. The strap members 52 and 54 each have one end thereof rivited, bolted, or otherwise secured to the plate 50 and the opposite ends thereof free, as particularly shown in FIG. 3. The straps 52 and 54 are preferably constructed from a suitable plastic material or metal which is sufficiently flexible to provide a spring-like action for the strap members, and are preferably coated with a suitable rubber or plastic coating for precluding damage to the steering wheel 48. The spring action of the straps 52 and 54 permits the straps to flex for permitting insertion of the steering wheel 48 through the open ends of the straps for positioning the plate 50 adjacent the exposed or upper end of the wheel 48 as shown in FIG. 3, but sufficiently stiff to securely hold the plate 50 in position thereon.

A gripping element 58 of the Velcro type and complementary to the gripping element 44 is glued, cemented, or otherwise secured to the face of the plate 50 opposite the strap members 52 and 54. The gripping element 58 is exposed when the plate 50 is secured to the steering wheel 48, and the chart board 10 may be readily secured to the plate 50 by positioning the gripping element 44 against the gripping element 58 with sufficient pressure whereby the two elements engage each other, as is well known in the use of the Velcro type tape grippers. The clamping apparatus 46 is so constructed as to position the plate 50 on the steering wheel 48 at the most desirable angle for supporting the chart holder 10 at the most convenient angular position for viewing thereof and for precluding interference with the normal use or operation of the steering wheel 48, as will be readily apparent from FIGS. 2 and 3.

The graphic material (not shown) to be held and viewed by the chart holder 10 may be placed in the tray 16 by manually raising the front plate 12 to the position shown in FIG. 1. The plate 12 may then be lowered into the normal position thereof adjacent the upper face of the graphic material for clamping the material between the plates 12 and 24. As hereinbefore set forth, the preponderance of weight provided by the bracket 18 with respect to the position of the hinge 14 assures that the plate 12 will normally remain in position in the tray 16 until it is desired to lift the plate 12 for any reason. The chart holder 10 may then be secured to the clamping apparatus 46, or the holder 10 may be secured to the clamping apparatus 46 prior to placing the graphic material therein, as desired. In the self-contained battery operated embodiment, the on-off switch (not shown) may be manipulated in the usual manner for connecting the batteries with the bulb 34 to provide illumination of the graphic material by dispersing the light evenly through the plate 12 as hereinfefore set forth. In the embodiment of the apparatus 10 wherein electrical connections are provided for use with the usual extension cord, the cord may be utilized in the normal manner for connecting the power supply of the apparatus 10 with the power supply system of the aircraft or vehicle for illumination of the bulb 34.

When it is desired to remove the chart holder 10 from the steering wheel 48, sufficient manual pressure may be applied to the tray 16 for disengaging the connecting elements 44 and 58 whereby the holder 10 may be released from the support position thereof.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, another clamping apparatus is depicted at 60 for securing the chart board 10 to the steering wheel 48. The clamping device 60 comprises a pair of substantially identical elongated substantially V-shaped arm members 62 and 64 adapted for encircling the steering column 56 in a manner as will be hereinafter set forth. Outwardly extending flanges 66 and 68 extend along the greater portion of the length of the opposite sides of the arm 62 for mating with complementary outwardly extending flanges 70 and 72 provided along the opposite sides of the arm 64. The abutting faces of the flanges 66-70 and 68-72 are provided with the mating connecting elements or tapes of Velcro tape, as hereinbefore set forth, whereby the arms 62 and 64 may quickly and easily be disposed around the steering column 56 and secured therearound by applying manual pressure for locking the flanges 66-70 and 68-72 together.

In addition, the arm 62 is provided with a pair of oppositely disposed outwardly extending tabs 74 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 6) spaced from the flanges 66 and 68, respectively, for mating with complementary tabs 76 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 6) similarly provided on the arm 64. The tabs 74 and 76 are preferably not provided with the Velcro tape, but are removably secured together with suitable bolts 78, or the like, for precluding any accidental disengagement of the arms 62 and 64 from the steering column 56.

A flat plate 80 generally similar to the plate 50 is carried by at least one of the arms 62 and 64 and is disposed immediately in front of the steering wheel 48 and at an angle when the clamping apparatus 60 is secured to the wheel 48, as clearly shown in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 6, a pair of spaced strips of one element of Velcro tape 82 are glued, cemented, or otherwise secured to the exposed face 80a for cooperating with the Velcro tape provided on the rear surface of the chart board 10 for securing the chart board 10 to the clamping device in the manner as hereinbefore set forth in connection with the clamping device 46. It will be apparent that any suitable spacing or arrangement of the Velcro tape on the board 80 may be provided as required for cooperating with the tape 44 on the chart board 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, modifications of the connecting elements for the chart board 10 are depicted for versatility of use for the chart board. For example, the rear of the chart board 10 as shown in FIG. 8 is provided with a pair of substantially parallel, transversely extending spaced Velcro tape strips 84 for engaging similarly spaced complementary Velcro tape strips (not shown) providing on the clamping apparatus with which the chart board 10 is to be utilized. As shown in FIG. 9, the chart board 10 is provided with a pair of substantially parallel, longitudinally extending spaced Velcro tape strips 86 for engaging similarly spaced Velcro tape strips (not shown) provided on the clamping apparatus with which the chart board 10 is to be utilized.

With regard to FIG. 10, a modification of the chart board 10 for securing thereof to the windowsill (not shown) or the like, or an aircraft is shown wherein a pair of oppositely disposed arcuate slots 88 and 90 are provided on one face of a connection board 92, and a pair of substantially identical pivot connection points or bores 92 and 94 are also provided thereon and spaced from the arcuate slots 88 and 90 whereby the connection board 92 may be secured to either the right or left hand windowsill or an aircraft. The opposite face of the board 92 is provided with Velcro tape similar to that hereinbefore set forth for receiving the chart board 10 thereagainst. When the board 92 is secured to one of the windowsills, the pivot point 94 and the arcuate slot 88 will be used; whereas the pivot point 92 and arcuate slot 90 will be used for securing the board 92 to the opposite windowsill. The chart board 10 may be secured to the exposed side of the board 92 in the manner as hereinbefore set forth.

Referring now to FIGS. 11, 12, and 13, and 14, a further modification of the chart board is depicted generally at 96 which comprises a substantially flat back up plate 98 having the opposite ends thereof substantially cylindrical as shown at 100 and 102 for a purpose as will be hereinafter set forth. A housing 104 is provided along one edge of the flat plate 98 and is open at the top thereof adjacent the plate 98 whereby suitable electrical components (not shown) may be mounted therein. An upper transparent plate 106 is hingedly secured at 108 to the housing 104 and is adapted for normal disposition against the flat plate 98. The plate 106 is generally similar to the plate 12 and is provided for the same purpose. A plurality of electric light bulbs are embedded in the plate 106 along the side thereof in alignment with the housing 104 as shown at 110 and emit light which is dispersed through the plate 106 as hereinbefore set forth. Whereas the unit 96 may be self-contained through the use of batteries, as hereinbefore set forth, as shown in FIGS. 11 through 14 it is preferable to provide suitable electrical connections in the housing 104 and particularly a plug or socket 112 (FIGS. 13 and 14) for connecting an electrical cord (not shown) with the electrical connections, said electrical cord having a suitable plug (not shown) on the outer end thereof for connection with the wiring system of the aircraft, as is well known. In addition, the usual on-off switch 114 is provided and, if desired, a rheostat 116 may be provided for the usual actuation of the bulbs 110.

A substantially circular plate 118 having an arcuate cross-sectional configuration complementary to the thigh or leg of an individual, as is well known in knee boards of this type, is pivotally secured at 120 to the plate 98 in any suitable manner. A strap member 122 constructed from a Velcro tape is suitable secured to the knee support plate 118 in any well known manner and is sufficiently long to extend around the leg or thigh of the user, as is well known. One end of the strap 122 is provided with the usual buckle type member 124 for receiving the opposite end 126 of the strap 122 therethrough. The said opposite end 126 of the strap 122 is constructed of the matching or complementary Velcro tape with respect to the remainder of the strap 122 whereby the end 126 may be quickly and easily connected or locked around the extremity of the user, thus providing a substantially infinitely variable size for the strap for versatility of use of the device 96.

Of course, whereas the knee support plate 118 is depicted herein as being permanently mounted on the plate 98, it is to be understood that the Velcro type connection may be provided between the plate 118 and the plate 98 in the manner as hereinbefore set forth, if so desired.

The knee board 96 is particularly designed and constructed for facilitating the holding of graphic material which is in pad form, although it will be readily apparent that individual sheets of data may be utilized therewith, if desired. As particularly shown in FIG. 14, a pad 128 of charts, or other graphic materials or data sheets, may be disposed on the plate 98 when the plate 106 is pivoted about the hinge 108 into an open position (not shown). The pad 128 may be opened to expose the particular data sheet which is to be viewed or referred to, and the remaining portions or sheets may be folded to the back of the pad as shown at 130. These sheets may be disposed in one of the cylindrical members such as the member 102 whereby the sheets will be retained and protected during use of the pad. The plate 106 may be placed in the normal position thereof adjacent the uppermost or exposed sheet of the pad 128 as shown in the drawings. The plate 118 may be disposed adjacent the upper portion of the leg of the user in the proximity of the knee or at substantially any desired convenient position for the user, and the strap 122 may be quickly and easily disposed around the leg and quickly fastened securely in position by the complementary Velcro tape members from which the strap is constructed. The electrical connections may be connected with the power supply of the aircraft, as is well known, and the on-off switch 114 may be utilized for activating the bulbs 110 in order that the data secured on the device 96 may be efficiently viewed in a manner substantially precluding glare, and as hereinbefore set forth. Of course, the pad 128 may be removed and replaced while the device 96 is secured on the body of the user.

It will be apparent that many data sheets are of somewhat greater length than the usual type of charts or maps used by pilots, and the like. In this instance, the overall length of the support board, such as the tray 16, or a flat plate, may be constructed of a compatible length with the material for which the chart holder is to be used. It may be desirable to lay the chart holder on a table top, or the like, and as a result, it may be desirable to eliminate any clamping or gripping elements on the holder for this type of use.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that the present invention provides a novel holder for graphic materials which may be readily converted for being secured to substantially any desired type of support member. A plurality of clamping devices are provided for clamping to substantially any desired support member, and in turn for quickly and easily receiving the chart holder in a secured position thereon. The use of complementary Velcro tape members provides a versatility of use for the chart board, not only in adaptation thereof for securement to a variety of support members, but also in the quick and easy installation or removal of the chart board from the clamping members. The novel holder for graphic materials also provides an efficient illumination of the material disposed therein.

Whereas the present invention has been described in particular relation to the drawings attached hereto, it should be understood that other and further modifications, apart from those shown or suggested herein, may be made within the spirit and scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A device for holding and illuminating graphic materials for aircraft pilots and comprising support board means for receiving the materials thereon, transparent upper plate means hingedly secured to the support board for cooperating therewith to secure the material on the support board and permit viewing thereof, illuminating means carried by the transparent plate means for illumination of the materials, clamping means for securing the support board to a support member, and Velcro tape means provided on said clamping means for securing the support board to the

2. A device for holding and illuminating graphic materials as set forth in claim 1 wherein the clamping means comprises a substantially circular plate having an arcuate cross-sectional configuration conforming to a body portion of a person, and said Velcro tape means comprises a strap member carried by the circular plate for encircling the said body portion and

3. A device for holding and illuminating graphic materials as set forth in claim 1 wherein the clamping means comprises plate means, connecting means carried by the plate means for connection with the support member, and the Velcro tape means is provided on the clamping means and the support board

4. A device for holding and illuminating graphic materials as set forth in claim 1 wherein the illuminating means comprises electrical power source means, and electric bulb means extending into the transparent upper plate

5. A device for holding and illuminating graphic materials as set forth in claim 4 wherein the electric bulb means comprises a single bulb carried by the support board means, and said transparent upper plate means is provided with a bore for receiving the bulb therein when the upper plate means is disposed in the normal position thereof in the proximity of the

6. A device for holding and illuminating graphic materials as set forth in claim 4 wherein the electric bulb means comprises a plurality of bulbs carried by the transparent upper plate means and spaced along one side

7. A device for holding and illuminating graphic materials as set forth in claim 1 wherein the support board means comprises a shallow open tray member for receiving the graphic material and the transparent upper plate

8. A device for holding and illuminating graphic materials as set forth in claim 7 wherein the tray member is provided with recess means, and tab means is provided on the transparent upper plate means for disposition within the recess means in the normal position of the upper plate means in the tray member for facilitating lifting of the upper plate means to

9. A device for holding and illuminating graphic materials as set forth in claim 1 wherein the support board means comprises a substantially flat plate member for receiving the graphic materials thereon, substantially cylindrical sleeve members provided at the opposite ends of the flat plate member for facilitating holding of the graphic materials thereon, and said transparent upper plate means is hingedly secured to one side of the flat

10. A device for holding and illuminating graphic materials comprising substantially flat elongated support board means for receiving and supporting the graphic materials thereon, a substantially flat transparent plate hingedly secured to the support board means adapted for disposition adjacent the support board means for securing the graphic materials thereon while permitting visual inspection thereof, said transparent plate hingedly secured to the support board a short side of the support board, electrical power source, illuminating means operably connected with the power source for actuation thereby, said illuminating means cooperating with the transparent plate means for dispersing illumination evenly therethrough for efficient illumination of the graphic materials.