CA1213637A - Writing board - Google Patents
Writing boardInfo
- Publication number
- CA1213637A CA1213637A CA000450309A CA450309A CA1213637A CA 1213637 A CA1213637 A CA 1213637A CA 000450309 A CA000450309 A CA 000450309A CA 450309 A CA450309 A CA 450309A CA 1213637 A CA1213637 A CA 1213637A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- platform
- steering wheel
- board
- retaining collar
- writing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
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- Vehicle Step Arrangements And Article Storage (AREA)
Abstract
WRITING BOARD
Abstract of the Disclosure A portable writing board mountable for use on a steering wheel of a vehicle and also entirely stable for writing use when rested upon any flat surface. The board has a platform member which has substantially parallel side edges, a lower edge, and a curved upper edge approximating the curvature of the outer diameter of a vehicle steering wheel. A retaining collar depends from said curved upper edge and is unified thereto. The retaining collar consists essentially of a depending skirt portion and a flange-like portion directed radially inwardly from the bottom edge of said skirt portion to thereby form a recess capable of accommodating the rim of a vehicle steering wheel. Said depending retaining collar is further characterized by the fact that its most depending portions form a bottom surface which extends continuously along the entire curvature of said retaining collar, which bottom surfaces lies in an imaginary plane intersecting said platform at an axis line perpendicular to said side edges of said platform and located at the lowermost bottom edge of said platform, whereby said bottom surface of said retaining collar provides continuous contact for underlying stable support of the entire curved upper edge of said writing board when the same is used on a flat surface.
Abstract of the Disclosure A portable writing board mountable for use on a steering wheel of a vehicle and also entirely stable for writing use when rested upon any flat surface. The board has a platform member which has substantially parallel side edges, a lower edge, and a curved upper edge approximating the curvature of the outer diameter of a vehicle steering wheel. A retaining collar depends from said curved upper edge and is unified thereto. The retaining collar consists essentially of a depending skirt portion and a flange-like portion directed radially inwardly from the bottom edge of said skirt portion to thereby form a recess capable of accommodating the rim of a vehicle steering wheel. Said depending retaining collar is further characterized by the fact that its most depending portions form a bottom surface which extends continuously along the entire curvature of said retaining collar, which bottom surfaces lies in an imaginary plane intersecting said platform at an axis line perpendicular to said side edges of said platform and located at the lowermost bottom edge of said platform, whereby said bottom surface of said retaining collar provides continuous contact for underlying stable support of the entire curved upper edge of said writing board when the same is used on a flat surface.
Description
12~3637 WRITING BOARD
Specification This invention relates to a portable writing board mountable for use on a steering wheel of a vehicle and also entirely stable for writing use when rested upon any flat surface. The invention also relates to the writing board in combination with the stecring wheel of the vehicle.
All heretofore known portable writing boards for the steering wheels of vehicles have suffered from instability and a tendency to scratch when attempted to be used as a writing hoard on a substantially fl,at surface apart from a steering wheel. The under surface of those heretofore known has been equipped with projecting elements useful in the mountiny of the writiny board to a vehicle steer,ing wheel but highly objectionable when empluying the board in any other environment.
Additionally, the mounting techniques heretofore employed for holding the writing board on a steering wheel have been relatively complex with none approaching the utter simplicity of .structure made possible by this invention.
Summary of the Invention . . _, The writing board of this invention is designed for multi-puxpose use, not just on the steering wheel of a vehicle.
It is quickly attachable to and detachable from t,he steering wheel of a vehicle. This point is especially significant inasmuch as it permits the user to avoid wasted time and efort in seeking proper adjustments in the placement of ~he writing board of this invention on the steering wheel of a vehicle while at the same time allowing the user quick portability and use of the writing board in a multitude of environments without risk of scratching or damaging surfaces on which the writing board may be placed temporarily to accomplish any task.
An important feature of my writing board is its curved upper edge and associated retaining collar. A flange-like portion of the retaining collar, which may be considered a backing plate, is another feature allowing for versatility of u~e and standardization of manufacture without the necessity for designing the writing board to fit a particular diameter of steeriny wheel. In effect, this special structure for my writing board allows mounting of it on steering wheels of smaller as well as larger diameter than the curved upper edge of my writing board, In all instances of steering wheel mounting, my collar structure serves to offset dislodgement from the steering wheel as may be occasioned by the application of downward pressures in writing; and this is accomplished with extraordinary sirnplicity of design as compared to anything heretofore known.
When ~sed on a flat surface or a substantially flat surface, even on a hood of a car, the tapered character of the bottommost surface of my collar structure provides continuous contact for stable support of the entir~ extent o the upper curved èdge of my writing board for writing use, without danger of scratching or denting the underlying support surface. My wheel board when placed on a flat surface provides a stable inclined plane for writing without the problem of t,ilting as left and right motions take place in writing.
Preferred features of my writing board are: the platform member has substantially parallel side edges, a lower edge, and a curved upper edge which suitably approximates the curvature of the outer diameter of a vehicle steering wheel but need not conform thereto. A retaining collar depends downwardly from the curved upper edge of the platform member and is unified thereto. There is no other structure extending downwardly from the platform member, the pla'tform being otherwise flat on its under side. The retaining collar consists essentially of a depending skirt portion and a flange-like portion directed radially inward from the bottom edge of the skirt portion to thereby form a recess for accommodation of the rim of a vehicle steering wheel. The depending retaining collar structure is further characterized by the fact that its most depending portions form a bottom surface which extends continuously along .
~2~37 the entire retaining collar; and in addition, the bottom surface of the retaini~g collar lies in an imaginary plane which intersects the platform of the writing board at an axis line perpendicular to the side edges of the platform and located at the lowermost bottom edge of the platform, whereby the bottom surface of the retaining collar provides continuous contact for underlying stable support of the entire curved upper edge of my writi~g board when it is used on a flat surface.
Writlng boards of the invention are formed preferably out of organic plastics material and preferably molded as a unitary structure. At least the platform member and collar are in effect a unified structure.
l~n especially useful writing board of the invention is one formed in a unified manner and possessing sufficient elasticity or ~ieldability in the flange-like portion of the col]ar structure to allow a sliyht spread or distension of the collar structure for a tight fit or clamping effect on a steering wheel.
The Drawing Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the under side of a basic writing board of the invention;
Fiyure 2 is a cross-sectional view cf Figure 1 taken at line 2-2 of Figure l;
Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the upper surface of a writiny board of the invention incorporating optional elements.
Figure 4 is a schematic end view of a clip structure of the invention;
Figure 5 is a schematic side view of a mounting base for the clip;
Figure 6 is a schematic side view of a writing board of the inven~ion having a storage compartment and a hinged cover which provides the upper flat writing surface; and Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of a basic writing board of the invention wherein the collar structure is contouxed.
I
~2~3~i3~' Description of Pre~e~red Embodiments ~ _ . . . . _ Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the writing board has a platform member lO which in this embodirnent presents a flat upper surface for writing (not shown) and a flat underside surface except for the collar structure ll. This platform member has substantially parallel side edges 12 and 13, a lower edge 14 which in this instance is curved, and a curved upper edge 15. The curvature of the upper edge suitably approximates the curvature of the outer diameter of a vehicle steering wheel, but that radius of curvature for the upper edge suitably may ~e more or less than the outer diameter curvature of a steering wheel without detracting from the utility of the writing board.
The retaining collar 11 depends downwardly from the curved upper edge 15 and is unified thereto. The collar structure has a depending portion which suitably may be characterized as a skirt section or portion 16 and a flanye-like portion 17 which is direc-ted radially inwardly from the bottom edge of the skirt portion. In this manner a recess is formed for accommqdating the rim of a vehicle steering wheel. It does not matter that the vehicle steering wheel may have an outer diameter smaller than or greater than the inner diameter of the recess. In either event, the flange-like portion or backing plate part of the collar structure will hold the writing board on the steering wheel when the writing ~oard is temporarily placed thereon by a salesman or the like; and nevertheless, the writing board is quickly removed from the steering wheel with one hand and then readily placed upon a flat surface without danger of scratching the surface and immediately useful for any further writing.
The nature of the depending collar structure is especially important. The most depending portions form a bottom surface which extends continuously along the entire curvature of the retaining collar. This bottom surface is tapered from the center point 18 of the curvature to the terminus or ends (both marked 17) on each side of the writing board. A
more accurate way of putting that point is as follows: the bottom surface lies in an imaginary plane which intersects the ~2~
platform at an axis line 19 perpendicular to the side edges of the platform. The axis line of intersection is located at the lowermost bottom edge of the platfor~. In this manner, the bottom surface of the collar structure provides continuous contact or flush contact to a flat surface and thus provides an underlying stable support of the entire upper edge oE the writi.ng boarcl (and in effect stability for the entire board) when it is used on a flat surface.
The writing board of Figure 3 is comparahle to that illustrated in Fk~ure 1 except that the lower edge instead of being curved as preferred is provicled with a. straight edge perpendicular to the side edges of the platform and equipped with an upstanding ledge 20 which is optional. Other optional features illustrated in Figure 3 are one or more clip members 21 for holdi.ng papers on the upper surface of the platform, which upper surface forms a flat writing surface, plus one or more grooves 22 or depressions or slots (which may vary in size) into the upper surface of the platform and located near the upper edge thereof for rece:Lviny or holding physical objects such as a writing instrument, or a plastic carcl such as a driver's license or credit card, or even a thin calculator.
In Figure 4, there is illustrated a novel design for a clip member 21 such as schematically illustra~ed also in Figure 3. Illustrati.vely, the clip member may be formed entirely of organic plastics material, as indeed the entire writing board preferabJ.y is. Fi.yures 4 and 5 should be referred to for a compl.ete understanding of the clip and its mounting. The mounting posts for the clip member 21 may consist of stub shafts 23, 24 molclecl unitarily as part of a base structure which itself is molded unitarily upon the platform member 26. The clip member itself suitabl~ is provided with ear-like flanged elements 27 at each end. Each such element carries a bore which snaps in position on the stub shafts 23, 24. Deformable but resilient plastic, in the forrn of a strip 28, may be employed as the spring means to mai.ntain the clip member normally in a clamping or clipping condition (e.g., not~ the showing in Figure 4 where the strip or band 28 extendinc~ upward from the base 25 is distended backward and puts pressure on the clip to hold it in cLipping position.) The arrangemerlt allows opening or elevation o-f the clip edge 29 by depression of the thumb element 30 against the resilient plastic 28. If desired, the stub shafts for mountiny the clip member may be incorporated as part of the clip member per se at the location of the bores in the flange-like ears of the clip member; and in that event, the base mounting structure 25 unified with the platform should be equipped with recesses instead of the outwardl;
projecting stub shafts illustra~ted. Optionally, other forms of plastic clip and spring structures may be employed, or even metal springs and clips, if desired, preferably keeping all edges smooth and free of scratching tendency.
The writing board illustrated in Fiyure 6 incorporates a compartment (not shown) for the storage of writing supplies or papers. The underlying structure of this writing board includes a platform member 31 with the collar 32 aforedescribed as a part thereof. ~dditionally, the platform member is provided with a low upstanding wall extending within the interior of a cover mem~er 33 which provides the flat writing surface and is hinged for pivotal opening about hinge 34. A clip 35 is schematically illustrated. Clip 35 is suitably of the type aforedescribed. It is contoured to perform the dual function of holding the cover member 33 down upon the platfc~rm member 31 as well as for clamping paper upon the top surface of the cover member for writing purposes The writing board of Figure 7 is comparable to that illustratecl in Figure l except that the very upper edge 36 of the p]atEorm member 37, and the entire depending retaining collar structure 38, are gracefully contoured more or less merging the skirt section or portion 39 and the radiall~ inward flange-like portion 40. The result gives a visually attractive and graceful appearance but yet a functional relationship having all the features illustrated in the writing board of Figures 1 and 2, plu5 even more advantageous functional features. Ideally, the writing board of Figure 7 is molded out of organic plastics material. The particular material selected may vary. Where a relatively flexible organic plastics material is employed (such as some forms of polyethylene), the thickness of the platform portion of the # _ i~3637 st~ucture suitably is increased to cause the platform portion to be relatively rigid and exhibit a stable flat top surface (as snown) for writing. The retaining collar portion may be relatively decreased in thickness although still relatively thick in the case of employing an organic plastic of relative flexibility. Organic plastics which exhibit greater stiffness even when relatively thin, such as some forms of polystyrene and acrylates suçh as polymethylmethacrylate, are likewise useful in the formation of the writing board illustrated in Figure 7.
Use of these may permit an even thinner wall at the collar structure with retention of strength and yet realization of distendability feature discussed below.
A key feature of the most preferred writing board mo]ded out of plastic in acc~rdance with the showing in Figure 7 is that of an expandable or distendable retaining collar, that is a retaining collar which can be distended or expanded as it is pressed over a rim of a steering wheel 41, with the result that it effectively clamps the steering wheel 41 or pinches against the under side of the steering wheel, as schematically illustrated in Figure 7. Even so, the characteristics of the bottommost surface ol the flange-like portion 40 which is radially inwardly directed are such that the benefits of tapering from the medial section toward the lateral edges, as discussed for the board of Figures 1 and 2, are retained Here also, the bottom surface along the flange-like portion provides continuous contact with a flat surface when the writing board is employed apart from a steering wheel. In this respect, the retaining collar structure, even when formed of organic plastics material having some distendability or yield~bility and elasticity as aforediscussed, is nevertheless sufficiently stiEf to perform the support function as described for flat surface use of the writing board.
For purposes of illustration, it should be noted that most automobile steering wheels have a rim which is approximately one inch up to about one and one-fourth inch in thickness. Where an expandable or distendable retaining collar is to be employed as in the case particularly illustrated in Eigure 7, the .
3~
distance between the inner surface of the flange-like radially inward directed portion of the collar and the opposing under side of the platform member at the collar location should not exceed about one inch and suitably is fractionally less than one inch.
However, where the retaining collar structure employed is such that it does not have the expanding capability just discussed, it is,preferable to employ a larger space between the inside surface of the flange-like portion and the opposing under surface of the platform member, say a space on the order of at least one and one-eighth inches or about one and one-fourth inches or slightly more in thickness or width.
The illustrated specific embodiments are to be taken as il].ustrative and not limitative of my invention, the principles of which are set forth in the appended claims.
Specification This invention relates to a portable writing board mountable for use on a steering wheel of a vehicle and also entirely stable for writing use when rested upon any flat surface. The invention also relates to the writing board in combination with the stecring wheel of the vehicle.
All heretofore known portable writing boards for the steering wheels of vehicles have suffered from instability and a tendency to scratch when attempted to be used as a writing hoard on a substantially fl,at surface apart from a steering wheel. The under surface of those heretofore known has been equipped with projecting elements useful in the mountiny of the writiny board to a vehicle steer,ing wheel but highly objectionable when empluying the board in any other environment.
Additionally, the mounting techniques heretofore employed for holding the writing board on a steering wheel have been relatively complex with none approaching the utter simplicity of .structure made possible by this invention.
Summary of the Invention . . _, The writing board of this invention is designed for multi-puxpose use, not just on the steering wheel of a vehicle.
It is quickly attachable to and detachable from t,he steering wheel of a vehicle. This point is especially significant inasmuch as it permits the user to avoid wasted time and efort in seeking proper adjustments in the placement of ~he writing board of this invention on the steering wheel of a vehicle while at the same time allowing the user quick portability and use of the writing board in a multitude of environments without risk of scratching or damaging surfaces on which the writing board may be placed temporarily to accomplish any task.
An important feature of my writing board is its curved upper edge and associated retaining collar. A flange-like portion of the retaining collar, which may be considered a backing plate, is another feature allowing for versatility of u~e and standardization of manufacture without the necessity for designing the writing board to fit a particular diameter of steeriny wheel. In effect, this special structure for my writing board allows mounting of it on steering wheels of smaller as well as larger diameter than the curved upper edge of my writing board, In all instances of steering wheel mounting, my collar structure serves to offset dislodgement from the steering wheel as may be occasioned by the application of downward pressures in writing; and this is accomplished with extraordinary sirnplicity of design as compared to anything heretofore known.
When ~sed on a flat surface or a substantially flat surface, even on a hood of a car, the tapered character of the bottommost surface of my collar structure provides continuous contact for stable support of the entir~ extent o the upper curved èdge of my writing board for writing use, without danger of scratching or denting the underlying support surface. My wheel board when placed on a flat surface provides a stable inclined plane for writing without the problem of t,ilting as left and right motions take place in writing.
Preferred features of my writing board are: the platform member has substantially parallel side edges, a lower edge, and a curved upper edge which suitably approximates the curvature of the outer diameter of a vehicle steering wheel but need not conform thereto. A retaining collar depends downwardly from the curved upper edge of the platform member and is unified thereto. There is no other structure extending downwardly from the platform member, the pla'tform being otherwise flat on its under side. The retaining collar consists essentially of a depending skirt portion and a flange-like portion directed radially inward from the bottom edge of the skirt portion to thereby form a recess for accommodation of the rim of a vehicle steering wheel. The depending retaining collar structure is further characterized by the fact that its most depending portions form a bottom surface which extends continuously along .
~2~37 the entire retaining collar; and in addition, the bottom surface of the retaini~g collar lies in an imaginary plane which intersects the platform of the writing board at an axis line perpendicular to the side edges of the platform and located at the lowermost bottom edge of the platform, whereby the bottom surface of the retaining collar provides continuous contact for underlying stable support of the entire curved upper edge of my writi~g board when it is used on a flat surface.
Writlng boards of the invention are formed preferably out of organic plastics material and preferably molded as a unitary structure. At least the platform member and collar are in effect a unified structure.
l~n especially useful writing board of the invention is one formed in a unified manner and possessing sufficient elasticity or ~ieldability in the flange-like portion of the col]ar structure to allow a sliyht spread or distension of the collar structure for a tight fit or clamping effect on a steering wheel.
The Drawing Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the under side of a basic writing board of the invention;
Fiyure 2 is a cross-sectional view cf Figure 1 taken at line 2-2 of Figure l;
Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the upper surface of a writiny board of the invention incorporating optional elements.
Figure 4 is a schematic end view of a clip structure of the invention;
Figure 5 is a schematic side view of a mounting base for the clip;
Figure 6 is a schematic side view of a writing board of the inven~ion having a storage compartment and a hinged cover which provides the upper flat writing surface; and Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of a basic writing board of the invention wherein the collar structure is contouxed.
I
~2~3~i3~' Description of Pre~e~red Embodiments ~ _ . . . . _ Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the writing board has a platform member lO which in this embodirnent presents a flat upper surface for writing (not shown) and a flat underside surface except for the collar structure ll. This platform member has substantially parallel side edges 12 and 13, a lower edge 14 which in this instance is curved, and a curved upper edge 15. The curvature of the upper edge suitably approximates the curvature of the outer diameter of a vehicle steering wheel, but that radius of curvature for the upper edge suitably may ~e more or less than the outer diameter curvature of a steering wheel without detracting from the utility of the writing board.
The retaining collar 11 depends downwardly from the curved upper edge 15 and is unified thereto. The collar structure has a depending portion which suitably may be characterized as a skirt section or portion 16 and a flanye-like portion 17 which is direc-ted radially inwardly from the bottom edge of the skirt portion. In this manner a recess is formed for accommqdating the rim of a vehicle steering wheel. It does not matter that the vehicle steering wheel may have an outer diameter smaller than or greater than the inner diameter of the recess. In either event, the flange-like portion or backing plate part of the collar structure will hold the writing board on the steering wheel when the writing ~oard is temporarily placed thereon by a salesman or the like; and nevertheless, the writing board is quickly removed from the steering wheel with one hand and then readily placed upon a flat surface without danger of scratching the surface and immediately useful for any further writing.
The nature of the depending collar structure is especially important. The most depending portions form a bottom surface which extends continuously along the entire curvature of the retaining collar. This bottom surface is tapered from the center point 18 of the curvature to the terminus or ends (both marked 17) on each side of the writing board. A
more accurate way of putting that point is as follows: the bottom surface lies in an imaginary plane which intersects the ~2~
platform at an axis line 19 perpendicular to the side edges of the platform. The axis line of intersection is located at the lowermost bottom edge of the platfor~. In this manner, the bottom surface of the collar structure provides continuous contact or flush contact to a flat surface and thus provides an underlying stable support of the entire upper edge oE the writi.ng boarcl (and in effect stability for the entire board) when it is used on a flat surface.
The writing board of Figure 3 is comparahle to that illustrated in Fk~ure 1 except that the lower edge instead of being curved as preferred is provicled with a. straight edge perpendicular to the side edges of the platform and equipped with an upstanding ledge 20 which is optional. Other optional features illustrated in Figure 3 are one or more clip members 21 for holdi.ng papers on the upper surface of the platform, which upper surface forms a flat writing surface, plus one or more grooves 22 or depressions or slots (which may vary in size) into the upper surface of the platform and located near the upper edge thereof for rece:Lviny or holding physical objects such as a writing instrument, or a plastic carcl such as a driver's license or credit card, or even a thin calculator.
In Figure 4, there is illustrated a novel design for a clip member 21 such as schematically illustra~ed also in Figure 3. Illustrati.vely, the clip member may be formed entirely of organic plastics material, as indeed the entire writing board preferabJ.y is. Fi.yures 4 and 5 should be referred to for a compl.ete understanding of the clip and its mounting. The mounting posts for the clip member 21 may consist of stub shafts 23, 24 molclecl unitarily as part of a base structure which itself is molded unitarily upon the platform member 26. The clip member itself suitabl~ is provided with ear-like flanged elements 27 at each end. Each such element carries a bore which snaps in position on the stub shafts 23, 24. Deformable but resilient plastic, in the forrn of a strip 28, may be employed as the spring means to mai.ntain the clip member normally in a clamping or clipping condition (e.g., not~ the showing in Figure 4 where the strip or band 28 extendinc~ upward from the base 25 is distended backward and puts pressure on the clip to hold it in cLipping position.) The arrangemerlt allows opening or elevation o-f the clip edge 29 by depression of the thumb element 30 against the resilient plastic 28. If desired, the stub shafts for mountiny the clip member may be incorporated as part of the clip member per se at the location of the bores in the flange-like ears of the clip member; and in that event, the base mounting structure 25 unified with the platform should be equipped with recesses instead of the outwardl;
projecting stub shafts illustra~ted. Optionally, other forms of plastic clip and spring structures may be employed, or even metal springs and clips, if desired, preferably keeping all edges smooth and free of scratching tendency.
The writing board illustrated in Fiyure 6 incorporates a compartment (not shown) for the storage of writing supplies or papers. The underlying structure of this writing board includes a platform member 31 with the collar 32 aforedescribed as a part thereof. ~dditionally, the platform member is provided with a low upstanding wall extending within the interior of a cover mem~er 33 which provides the flat writing surface and is hinged for pivotal opening about hinge 34. A clip 35 is schematically illustrated. Clip 35 is suitably of the type aforedescribed. It is contoured to perform the dual function of holding the cover member 33 down upon the platfc~rm member 31 as well as for clamping paper upon the top surface of the cover member for writing purposes The writing board of Figure 7 is comparable to that illustratecl in Figure l except that the very upper edge 36 of the p]atEorm member 37, and the entire depending retaining collar structure 38, are gracefully contoured more or less merging the skirt section or portion 39 and the radiall~ inward flange-like portion 40. The result gives a visually attractive and graceful appearance but yet a functional relationship having all the features illustrated in the writing board of Figures 1 and 2, plu5 even more advantageous functional features. Ideally, the writing board of Figure 7 is molded out of organic plastics material. The particular material selected may vary. Where a relatively flexible organic plastics material is employed (such as some forms of polyethylene), the thickness of the platform portion of the # _ i~3637 st~ucture suitably is increased to cause the platform portion to be relatively rigid and exhibit a stable flat top surface (as snown) for writing. The retaining collar portion may be relatively decreased in thickness although still relatively thick in the case of employing an organic plastic of relative flexibility. Organic plastics which exhibit greater stiffness even when relatively thin, such as some forms of polystyrene and acrylates suçh as polymethylmethacrylate, are likewise useful in the formation of the writing board illustrated in Figure 7.
Use of these may permit an even thinner wall at the collar structure with retention of strength and yet realization of distendability feature discussed below.
A key feature of the most preferred writing board mo]ded out of plastic in acc~rdance with the showing in Figure 7 is that of an expandable or distendable retaining collar, that is a retaining collar which can be distended or expanded as it is pressed over a rim of a steering wheel 41, with the result that it effectively clamps the steering wheel 41 or pinches against the under side of the steering wheel, as schematically illustrated in Figure 7. Even so, the characteristics of the bottommost surface ol the flange-like portion 40 which is radially inwardly directed are such that the benefits of tapering from the medial section toward the lateral edges, as discussed for the board of Figures 1 and 2, are retained Here also, the bottom surface along the flange-like portion provides continuous contact with a flat surface when the writing board is employed apart from a steering wheel. In this respect, the retaining collar structure, even when formed of organic plastics material having some distendability or yield~bility and elasticity as aforediscussed, is nevertheless sufficiently stiEf to perform the support function as described for flat surface use of the writing board.
For purposes of illustration, it should be noted that most automobile steering wheels have a rim which is approximately one inch up to about one and one-fourth inch in thickness. Where an expandable or distendable retaining collar is to be employed as in the case particularly illustrated in Eigure 7, the .
3~
distance between the inner surface of the flange-like radially inward directed portion of the collar and the opposing under side of the platform member at the collar location should not exceed about one inch and suitably is fractionally less than one inch.
However, where the retaining collar structure employed is such that it does not have the expanding capability just discussed, it is,preferable to employ a larger space between the inside surface of the flange-like portion and the opposing under surface of the platform member, say a space on the order of at least one and one-eighth inches or about one and one-fourth inches or slightly more in thickness or width.
The illustrated specific embodiments are to be taken as il].ustrative and not limitative of my invention, the principles of which are set forth in the appended claims.
Claims (11)
1. A portable writing board mountable for use on a steering wheel of a vehicle and also entirely stable for writing use when rested upon any flat surface, comprising a platform member having substantially parallel side edges, a lower edge, and a curved upper edge approximating the curvature of the outer diameter of a vehicle steering wheel, and a retaining collar depending from said curved upper edge and unified thereto, there being no other structure extending downwardly from said platform, said retaining collar consisting essentially of a depending skirt portion and a flange-like portion directed radially inwardly from the bottom edge of said skirt portion to thereby form a recess capable of accommodating the rim of a vehicle steering wheel, said depending retaining collar being further characterized by the fact that its most depending portions form a bottom surface which extends continuously along the entire curvature of said retaining collar, which bottom surface lies in an imaginary plane intersecting said platform at an axis line perpendicular to said side edges of said platform and located at the lowermost bottom edge of said platform, whereby said bottom surface of said retaining collar provides continuous contact for underlying stable support of the entire curved upper edge of said writing board when the same is used on a flat surface.
2. The board of Claim 1 wherein said platform itself provides a flat upper surface for support of writing material.
3. The board of Claim 1 wherein said platform member includes a compartment and wherein a cover over said compartment provides a flat top writing surface, said cover being hinged for pivotal opening to gain access to said compartment.
4. The board of Claim 1 additionally comprising clip means for holding paper thereupon.
5. The board of Claim 1 additionally comprising an organic plastics clip structure wherein an organic plastics member resiliently performs a spring function for retaining the clip in closed position.
6. The board of Claim 1 additionally comprising a grooved recess in its upper surface for receiving a physical object.
7. The board of Claim 1 characterized by being molded as a unitary piece consisting of organic plastics material.
8. The board of Claim 1 wherein said flange-like portion of said depending collar structure is formed of material sufficiently yieldable to be distendable for accommodating the rim of a steering wheel.
9. The combination of the rim of a steering wheel of a vehicle and a portable writing board mounted thereon for writing use but quickly demountable therefrom for writing use apart from said steering wheel, said board comprising a platform member having substantially parallel side edges, a lower edge, and a curved upper edge approximating the curvature of the outer diameter of said steering wheel, and a retaining collar depending from said curved upper edge and unified thereto, there being no other structure extending downwardly from said platform, said retaining collar consisting essentially of a depending skirt portion and a flange-like portion directed radially inwardly from the bottom edge of said skirt portion to thereby form a mounting recess occupied by a portion of said steering wheel rim.
10. The combination of Claim 9 wherein said retaining collar is further characterized by the fact that its most depending portions form a bottom surface which extends continuously along the entire curvature of said retaining collar, which bottom surface lies in an imaginary plane intersecting said platform at an axis line perpendicular to said side edges of said platform and located at the lowermost bottom edge of said platform, whereby said bottom surface of said retaining collar provides continuous contact for underlying stable support of the entire curved upper edge of said writing board when the same is used on a flat surface.
11. The combination of Claim 9, wherein the thickness of said steering wheel rim is greater than the width of the space between the flange-like portion of said collar and the opposing under side of said platform, and wherein said platform and said collar are molded as a unitary piece consisting of organic plastics material, with said flange-like portion of said collar sufficiently yieldable to permit distension in receiving said steering wheel rim, whereby said steering wheel rim is gripped between said flange-like portion and said opposing under side of said platform.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US48377483A | 1983-04-11 | 1983-04-11 | |
| US06/483,774 | 1983-04-11 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1213637A true CA1213637A (en) | 1986-11-04 |
Family
ID=23921475
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000450309A Expired CA1213637A (en) | 1983-04-11 | 1984-03-23 | Writing board |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1213637A (en) |
-
1984
- 1984-03-23 CA CA000450309A patent/CA1213637A/en not_active Expired
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |