Supports – Easel; book – copy or music score holder
Reexamination Certificate
1998-12-23
2001-01-09
King, Anita M. (Department: 3632)
Supports
Easel; book, copy or music score holder
C211S041100, C281S045000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06170791
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates in general to a paper management system, and in particular, to a system for holding papers of varying size in a convenient manner about a desk.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A variety of different types of paper holders have been designed over time. Typically these holders are designed to fit a specific need of the targeted user. For example, a variety of holders have been designed to hold papers in a substantially vertical fashion near a computer or typewriter, thereby allowing the user access to the information on the papers while freeing up both hands for typing. A second variety of paper holders have been designed to hold papers in an orderly fashion on a desk. A third variety of paper holders have been designed to hold personal note cards of varying size, such as Post-it™ notes.
In the first type of paper holder, often referred to as a copy stand, a flat surface is coupled to a base unit. Typically the base unit or stand is designed to rest on a flat surface, e.g., a desk surface, while providing a means of adjusting the angle of the flat surface with respect to the user. The flat surface may include a tray along the bottom edge, thus preventing papers from sliding off of the surface. The tray can also be used to allow multiple papers to be stacked. The flat surface may include some form of clip attached to the surface, thus providing a means of clipping papers to the surface. The flat surface may also include a ruler slideably attached along one side, the ruler providing a means for the user to mark or highlight an area of interest on the paper.
In the second type of paper holder, often referred to as a paper tray, one or more trays are provided for holding papers in an orderly fashion, for example on a user's desk. Each tray is typically designed for stacking papers, thus including three sides to hold the papers in place, with a lower forward facing side. The lower side allows the user easy access to the contents of the tray. Often each tray includes a means of fixing the tray to an additional tray in a stacking fashion, thus providing the user a means of segregating different types of papers by placing the papers in different trays.
In the third type of paper holder, personal notes or notepads are held in place. For example, one type of holder designed to be placed on a desk is weighted and includes non-slip feet. Once a notepad is attached to the writing surface of the holder, for example with the use of an adhesive, a user can write a note without the pad slipping. In an alternate configuration, a notepad holder is designed to be mounted within a car, thus providing the user with an easy writing surface to jot down notes while driving or while using a mobile/cellular phone. This type of notepad holder typically uses a suction cup to mount to the inside surface of the windshield.
From the foregoing, it is apparent that what is needed is a compact, multifunctional paper holding system. The present invention provides such a system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a paper management system for use in a typical office environment. The system includes multiple components that can be used individually, or in conjunction with other components of the system.
In one aspect of the invention, a copy stand is provided that is designed to accommodate a variety of paper sizes. The copy stand includes a base stand and a copy holder. The copy holder can be removed from the base stand, thus allowing it to be used independently as a clip board. The copy holder can be attached to the base stand along either of at least two edges, allowing the copy holder to be used in either a portrait or a landscape configuration. When attached, the copy holder can be rotated about the base stand, thus allowing the relative angle between the user and the copy holder to be varied.
In another aspect of the invention, the copy holder includes at least one clip, and preferably at least two different types of clips. The clips are used to hold papers and documents against the copy holder as well as provide a means of highlighting or marking regions of particular interest on a document page. The clips can be mounted to any edge of the copy holder and, through the use of a series of guides, easily repositioned along a given edge.
In yet another aspect of the invention, a paper organizer is provided. The paper organizer is designed to fit within an opening in the base stand of the copy holder. The organizer can either be used in a stand-alone mode or while it is held within the base stand, assuming that the copy holder is not attached to the base stand and that the copy holder support is retracted (i.e., fully rotated backwards). The paper organizer includes a plurality of curved document support members, the combination of curvature and support member spacing insuring that the documents within the organizer remain in an upright position. Additionally, due to the incline of the upper surface of the organizer base, the upper edges of the documents held within the organizer are at varying heights, thus allowing the documents to be easily identified and withdrawn from the organizer.
In yet another aspect of the invention, a copy holder is provided that can be attached to either upper corner of a computer monitor. The copy holder is attached to the monitor via a combination of a mounting bracket and a support member which allows the position of the copy holder relative to the monitor to be varied. The copy holder includes a clip, thus providing a means of holding a document to the holder. Additionally, the copy holder includes a cavity designed to accommodate a small notepad.
A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the drawings.
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Angel Don
Pitcher David
ACCO Brands Inc.
King Anita M.
McCutchen Doyle Brown & Enersen LLP
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