U.S. patent number 3,808,415 [Application Number 05/121,752] was granted by the patent office on 1974-04-30 for apparatus for holding and illuminating graphic materials.
Invention is credited to James K. Hurst.
United States Patent |
3,808,415 |
Hurst |
April 30, 1974 |
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.
Inventors: |
Hurst; James K. (Tulsa,
OK) |
Family
ID: |
22398569 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/121,752 |
Filed: |
March 8, 1971 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
362/604; 362/99;
40/341; 362/103 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09B
29/00 (20130101); F21V 33/0048 (20130101); B42D
3/123 (20130101); B42F 9/004 (20130101); B43L
3/001 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
F21V
33/00 (20060101); G09B 29/00 (20060101); F21v
033/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;240/2D,2P,6.4R,2.1R,1EL,6.4B,2R
;40/10,11,341,348,106.1,352,13L,140,125A,1A ;116/135,124.1A
;24/DIG.18,204,87 ;108/43 ;132/53 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Capozi; Louis J.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Dorman; William S.
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.
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.
* * * * *