GB2515404A

GB2515404A - Clipboard

Info

Publication number: GB2515404A
Application number: GB1411208.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paula Allen; Franceys Allen
Original assignee: VIP WEATHERWRITER Ltd
Current assignee: VIP WEATHERWRITER Ltd
Priority date: 2014-06-24
Filing date: 2014-06-24
Publication date: 2014-12-24
Anticipated expiration: 2034-06-24
Also published as: GB2515404B8; GB2515404B; GB201411208D0

Abstract

A clipboard includes to a lifter device 1 configured to engage with the clip 70 of a clipboard and aid a user in lifting the clip. The lifter device 1 comprises an arm member 2 having a first end (4, Fig.1) and a second end (6, Fig.1). The first end (4, Fig.1) includes a hook portion 10 for engagement with a clip 70 of a clipboard. An actuation member 8 is configured to receive the second end (6, Fig.1) of the arm member 2. The actuation member 8 being separable from and engagable with the arm member 2; wherein, in use, when the actuation member 8 is engaged with said second end (6, Fig.1), a part of the actuation member 8 is arranged to apply a force to the arm member 2 so as to pivot the arm member 2 about a point (18, Fig.1) between said first and second ends (4, 6, Fig.1).

Description

Clipboard

BACKGROUND

a. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to clipboards and in particular to a lifter device configured to engage with the clip of a clipboard and aid a user in lifting the clip. This invention is of particular relevance to clipboards having covers that restrict access to the clip in use.

b. Related Art It is known to provide lifters for clipboards that consist of a rod of metal or length of wire that is shaped into a hook at a first end. The hook portion of the lifter is passed through a hole at the back of the clipboard and is manipulated to engage with the clip of the clipboard. The opposing second end of the lifter extends from the rear side of the clipboard through a hole that is deliberately small to prevent water penetration.

In order to lift the clip of the clipboard, to allow paper to be placed under or removed from the clip, a user presses down on the second end of the lifter. This causes the lifter to pivot about the point where it passes though the hole in the clipboard such that the hook portion lifts a part of the clip. These lifters are of particular advantage when the clipboard includes a cover that shelters the paper from the weather but also restricts a user's access to the clip.

One of the disadvantages of existing lifters, however, is that they are prone to become disengaged with the clip and fall out of the clipboard over time. One proposed solution to this problem is to curl the hook portion of the lifter more tightly around the clip of the clipboard. In practice, however, this solution is not possible because during manufacture it is the lifter that is the last piece of the clipboard to be assembled. Accordingly, if the hook portion is curled sufficiently to prevent it disengaging from the clip, it is also curled sufficiently to prevent it being attached to the hook portion during manufacture.

A further disadvantage with existing lifters occurs when they are used in combination with clipboards having more than one clip. A single lifter must be attached to each clip independently, which means that a user cannot lift both or all of the clips simultaneously. Currently, therefore, a user must lift a first one of the clips and then insert or remove part of the paper from that first clip, and then lift a second one of the clips and insert or remove the remaining part of the paper from that second clip.

Existing lifters also have the disadvantage that the second end of the lifter protrudes significantly from the clipboard and may cause damage to another item.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide an improved lifter device for a clipboard that overcomes at least some of the disadvantages described above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a lifter device for a clipboard, the lifter device comprising: -an arm member having a first end and a second end, the first end including a hook portion for engagement with a clip of a clipboard; and -an actuation member configured to receive the second end of the arm member, the actuation member being separable from and engagable with the arm member, wherein, in use, when the actuation member is engaged with said second end, a part of the actuation member is arranged to apply a force to the arm member so as to pivot the arm member about a point between said first and second ends.

The lifter device is designed to extend through a hole in the clipboard such that the hook portion is attached to the clip on a front side of the clipboard and the actuation member is attached to the arm member on a rear side of the clipboard.

Importantly the lifter device is configured such that the arm member can only be inserted through or removed from the hole when the actuation member is detached from the second end. Engaging the actuation member with the arm member prevents the arm member being pulled fully through the hole in either direction. In this way the lifter device remains attached to the clipboard and cannot drop out during use.

In preferred embodiments the arm member includes a shaft extending between the first and second ends, the shaft including two dogleg bends such that a central portion of the shaft is substantially perpendicular to end portions of the shaft.

Preferably the second end of the arm portion comprises a spindle portion extending perpendicular to the shaft. The actuation member preferably comprises a bore configured to receive the spindle portion of the arm member.

In preferred embodiments the actuation member is rotatable about the second end of the arm member at least in a first direction.

Typically the lifter device further comprises locking means for retaining the arm member in engagement with the actuation member. Preferably the locking means comprises a clip, which is separable from and securable to the actuation member, the clip being configured to prevent removal of the arm member from engagement with the actuation member when the clip is secured to the actuation member.

Furthermore, the clip preferably comprises retaining means for securing the clip to the actuation member and the retaining means is preferably configured to allow the clip to be repeatedly secured to and removed from the actuation member.

In preferred embodiments the actuation member comprises a main body and a plate, the main body being configured to receive the second end of the arm member and the plate being arranged such that, in use, a user applies a force to a part of the plate to cause the arm member to pivot.

In some embodiments the lifter device comprises two arm members, each arm member having a first end and a second end, the first end of each arm member including a hook portion for engagement with a clip of a clipboard, and the second end of each arm member being engagable with the actuation member such that the arm members are spaced apart along the actuation member in a first direction and the arm members extend from the actuation member parallel to each other in a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a clipboard assembly comprising: -a clipboard including a spring biased clip; and -a lifter device comprising an arm member having a first end and a second end, the first end including a hook portion for engagement with a clip of a clipboard and an actuation member configured to receive the second end of the arm member, the actuation member being separable from and engagable with the arm member, wherein, in use, when the actuation member is engaged with said second end, a part of the actuation member is arranged to apply a force to the arm member so as to pivot the arm member about a point between said first and second ends, and wherein, the hook portion is engaged with said clip.

In preferred embodiments the clipboard includes a front surface and a rear surface and a hole proximate said clip, the hole extending through the clipboard from the front surface to the rear surface, and preferably the arm member of the lifter device extends through said hole.

In some embodiments of the clipboard assembly the clipboard includes two spring biased clips and the lifter device comprises two arm members, each arm member having a first end and a second end, the first end of each arm member including a hook portion and the second end of each arm member being engagable with a single actuation member such that the arm members are spaced apart along the actuation member in a first direction and the arm members extend from the actuation member parallel to each other in a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction. In these embodiments the hook portion of each of the arm members is engaged with a respective one of said clips.

The clipboard preferably comprises a cover configured to provide, in use, a canopy over a support surface of the clipboard.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of assembling a clipboard assembly, the assembly comprising a clipboard and a lifter device, the clipboard comprising a front side and a rear side, a clip and a hole through the clipboard from the front side to the rear side, the lifter device comprising an arm member having a first end and a second end, the first end including a hook portion and an actuation member configured to receive the second end of the arm member, the actuation member being separable from and engagable with the arm member, wherein, in use, when the actuation member is engaged with said second end, a part of the actuation member is arranged to apply a force to the arm member so as to pivot the arm member about a point between said first and second ends, and the method comprising: -inserting the arm member through said hole; -engaging the hook portion around a part of said clip; and -attaching the actuation member to the second end of the arm member such that the arm member cannot be pulled through the hole.

In this way, engagement of the actuation member with the arm member prevents the arm member being pulled fully through the hole in either direction. As such, the lifter device remains attached to the clipboard and cannot drop out during use.

In some embodiments the clipboard includes two spring biased clips and two holes, and the lifter device comprises two arm members, each arm member having a first end and a second end, the first end of each arm member including a hook portion and the second end of each arm member being engagable with a single actuation member such that the arm members are spaced apart along the actuation member in a first direction and the arm members extend from the actuation member parallel to each other in a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction. In these embodiments the method comprises: -inserting each of the arm members through a respective one of said holes; -engaging the hook portion of each arm member around a part of a respective one of said clips; and -attaching the actuation member to the second end of both of the arm members such that the arm members cannot be pulled through the holes.

In preferred embodiments the or each arm member includes a shaft extending between the first and second ends, the shaft including two dogleg bends such that a central portion of the shaft is substantially perpendicular to end portions of the shaft, and the method preferably comprises inserting the or each arm member through the hole until the central portion of the shaft extends through the hole.

Preferably the second end of the arm portion comprises a spindle portion extending perpendicular to the shaft and the actuation member comprises at least one bore, and the method comprises inserting the spindle portion of the or each arm member into a respective one of said bores to attach the actuation member to the or both arm members.

In some embodiments the lifter device comprises at least one locking member and the method comprises securing the or each locking member to the actuation member in a position so as to prevent removal of the or each arm member from engagement with the actuation member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a lifter device for a clipboard according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, in a disassembled configuration; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the lifter device of Figure 1 in a partially assembled configuration; Figure 3 is a cross sectional view of the lifter device of Figure 2 taken along the line Ill-Ill; Figure 4 is a perspective view from a first side of the lifter device of Figure 1 in an assembled configuration; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the lifter device of Figure 4 showing a second side; Figure 6 is a cross sectional view of the lifter device of Figure 5 taken along the line VI-VI; Figure 7 is a perspective view of part of a clipboard showing the lifter device of Figure 4 engaged with the clipboard clip and the clip in a lowered position; Figure 8 is a perspective view the clipboard of Figure 7 with the lifter device engaged with the clipboard clip and the clip in a raised or lifted position; Figure 9 is a perspective view of the clipboard of Figure 8 with the lifter device engaged with the clipboard clip and the lifter device in a storage position; Figure 10 is a perspective view, from a first side, of a lifter device for a clipboard according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lifter device being in a disassembled configuration; Figure 11 is a perspective view from a second side of the lifter device of Figure 10, the lifter device being in an assembled configuration; Figure 12 is a perspective view of part of a clipboard showing the lifter device of Figure 11 engaged with the clipboard clips and the clips in a lowered position; Figure 13 is a perspective view the clipboard of Figure 12 with the lifter device engaged with the clipboard clips and the clips in a raised or lifted position; Figure 14 is a perspective view of the clipboard of Figure 12 with the lifter device engaged with the clipboard clips and the lifter device in a storage position; Figure 15 is a perspective view of a clipboard including a cover, with the cover in an open configuration; Figure 16 illustrates the lifter device of Figure 4 engaged with a clipboard including a cover, the cover being in a closed configuration; and Figure 17 illustrates the lifter device of Figure 11 engaged with a clipboard including a cover, the cover being in a closed configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figures 1 to 6 show a lifter device 1 according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. The lifter device 1 comprises an arm member 2 having a first end 4 that is shaped to engage with a clip of a clipboard (not shown in Figures 1 to 6). A second end 6 of the arm member 2 is received and retained by an actuation member 8. In use, a user of the lifter device 1 presses on a part of the actuation member 8 thereby causing the first end 4 of the arm member 2 to raise the clipboard clip, as will be explained in more detail below with reference to Figures 7 to 9.

Referring now in particular to Figure 1, the arm member 2 has, at its first end 4, a hook portion 10. In this embodiment the hook portion 10 is continuously curved through at least 180° such that a first free end 12 of the arm member 2 faces substantially towards the second end 6 of the arm member 2.

A shaft 14 of the arm member 2 extends between the first and second ends 4, 6 and includes two dogleg bends 16, 18. In this example the dogleg bends 16, 18 are both substantially 90° such that a central portion 20 of the shaft 14 extends substantially perpendicular to both a first portion 22 of the shaft 14 between the hook portion 10 and the central portion 20 and a second portion 24 of the shaft 14 between the central portion 20 and the second end 6. In preferred embodiments the first, second and central portions 22, 24, 20 of the shaft 14 all lie in the same plane. Additionally, in preferred embodiments the hook portion 10 lies in the same plane as the shaft 14.

The second end 6 of the arm member 2 comprises a spindle portion 26 in the form of a rod 26 that projects substantially perpendicularly from the second portion 24 of the shaft 14.

In this example, the arm member 2 is made from a single, unitary length of wire or elongate rod which is bent to form the shape described above. In preferred embodiments the arm member 2 is made of metal.

The actuation member B of the lifter device 1 comprises a main body 28 having a longitudinal axis 30 (Figure 2) extending between first and second ends 32, 34. A lobe or plate 36 extends from the main body 28 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis 30. In this example a width dimension of the plate 36 extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 30 and is equal to a length of the main body 28.

The plate 36 is curved such that a first side or surface 38 of the plate 36 has a concave curvature and a second side or surface 40 of the plate 36 has a convex curvature.

The main body 28 comprises a longitudinal recess 42 proximate the first end 32.

The recess 42 does not extend for the full length of the main body 28, and in preferred embodiments the length of the recess 42, parallel to the longitudinal axis 30, is typically between 0.4 and 0.6 times the length of the main body 28. In this way, a first side wall 44 of the recess 42 is located proximate the first end 32 of the main body 28 and an opposing, second side wall 46 of the recess 42 is located substantially centrally along the length of the main body 28. A base 47 of the recess 42 includes a longitudinally extending free edge 48 on a side of the main body 28 generally opposite, and preferably furthest from, the plate 36.

Additionally, an aperture 49 extends through the main body 28 from the recess 42 to the second side 40 of the plate 36. The aperture 49 is located on an opposite side of the recess 42 to the free edge 48.

A channel or bore 50 extends longitudinally through the main body 28 from the second side wall 46 of the recess 42 towards the second end 34 of the main body 28. Referring now in particular to Figure 2, the bore 50 is sized to receive the spindle portion 26 of the arm member 2 such that the spindle portion 26 is free to rotate in the bore 50 about an axis 52 parallel to the longitudinal axis 30.

In this embodiment, the lifter device 1 further comprises a locking member in the form of a clip 54 that engages with the actuation member 8 to retain the second end 6 of the arm member 2 in the bore 50. The clip 54 has a substantially rectangular main body 55 having opposing first and second end edges 56, 58 and opposing first and second side edges 60, 62. The clip 54 is sized and shaped to be at least partially received within the recess 42 and includes retaining means for securing the clip 54 to the actuation member 8. A width of the clip 54, i.e. a distance between the first and second side edges 60, 62, is less than the length of the recess 42 in the main body 28. In particular the width of the clip 54 is substantially equal to the length of the recess 42 minus the diameter of the second portion 24 of the shaft 14 of the arm member 2.

The retaining means of the clip 54 includes a detent 64 in the form of a biased tab 64 that protrudes and extends from the first end edge 56 in a direction substantially towards the second end edge 58. The tab 64 is biased into a position in which the tab 64 extends at an angle to the main body 55, such that there is a tapered gap between the tab 64 and the main body 55. The retaining means further includes a lip or hook portion 66 along the second end edge 58. Preferably the retaining means are such that the clip 54 can be detached from the actuation memberS when a user wishes to remove the lifter device 1 from a clipboard.

In this embodiment the actuation member 8 and clip 54 are both made of a plastics material. In other embodiments one or both of the actuation member 8 and clip 54 may be made from any other suitable material.

An exemplary clipboard 68 to which the lifter device 1 is attached is illustrated in Figures 7 to 9. The clipboard 68 includes a clip 70 for holding papers and the like proximate a top edge 72 of the clipboard 68. The clip 70 includes a substantially U-shaped member 71 that is spring biased such that at least a part of the U-shaped member 71 contacts a support surface 74 of the clipboard 68. In use, papers and the like are clamped between the U-shaped member 71 and the support surface 74. In order to remove papers from the clip 70 or to place papers under the clip 70, the U-shaped member 71 is lifted or raised away from the support surface 74 against the force of the spring (not shown).

The clipboard 68 further comprises a hole 76 located between the clip 70 and the top edge 72. The hole 76 extends fully through the clipboard 68 from the front support surface 74 to a rear surface.

Assembly of the lifter device 1 will now be described with particular reference to Figures 2, 4, 6 and 7.

In a first step the second end 6 of the arm member 2 is pushed through the hole 76 in the clipboard 68 from the front side 74 to the rear side. The shaft 14 of the arm member 2 is threaded through the hole 76 and, in a second step, the hook portion 10 is engaged with a part of the U-shaped member 71 of the clip 70. Once the arm member 2 is fully inserted, the central portion 20 of the shaft 14 extends though the hole 76, the first portion 22 of the shaft 14 is positioned on the front side 74 of the clipboard 68, and the second portion 24 of the shaft 14 is positioned on the rear side of the clipboard 68.

In a third step in the method of assembly the spindle portion 26 of the arm member 2 is inserted into the bore 50 of the actuation member 8, such that the second portion 24 of the shaft 14 lies adjacent the second side wall 46 of the recess 42.

In this way, the arm member 2 extends from the actuation member 8 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 30. Furthermore, the orientation of the actuation member 8 with respect to the arm member 2 is such that the first surface 38 of the plate 36 faces in substantially the same direction as the support surface 74 of the clipboard 68, i.e. the first surface 38 of the plate 36 is uppermost when the clipboard 68 is in use. Furthermore, when the actuation member 8 is secured to the second end 6 of the arm member 2, the plate 36 protrudes beyond the top edge 72 of the clipboard 68, as shown in Figure 7.

In a subsequent step the clip 54 is secured to the actuation member 8 to retain the actuation member 8 on the second end 6 of the arm member 2. To secure the clip 54 firstly the first end edge 56 is inserted into the aperture 49. During insertion, the dimensions of the aperture 49 are such that the tab 64 is pressed towards the main body 55 against the biasing force. Once the tab 64 has been fully inserted, the tab 64 is urged away from the main body 55 by the biasing force such that the first end edge 56 of the clip 54 cannot be withdrawn from the aperture 49 without manually depressing the tab 64 towards the main body 55. The clip 54 is further secured to the actuation member 8 by snapping the hook portion 66 along the second end edge 58 of the clip 54 over the free edge 48 of the recess 42.

With the clip 54 secured to the actuation member 8 the second portion 24 of the shaft 14 of the arm member 2 is located between the second side wall 46 of the recess 42 and the first side edge 60 of the clip 54. In this way, the second end 6 of the arm member 2 cannot be removed from the bore 50. Furthermore, with the actuation member 8 secured to the arm member 2, the second end 6 of the arm member 2 cannot be pulled back through the hole 76 in the clipboard 68. This means that the hook portion of the arm member 2 remains engaged with the clip of the clipboard 68 and the lifter device 1 is unable to detach from the clipboard 68.

Although in the preceding description the arm member 2 was pushed through the hole 76 in the clipboard 68 from the front side 74 to the rear side, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments the arm member 2 may be inserted in a direction from the rear side to the front side 74 of the clipboard 68. In these embodiments the arm member 2 is manipulated to insert the hook portion 10 through the hole 76 and then to subsequently connect the hook portion 10 to the clip 70 of the clipboard 68.

Operation of the lifter device 1 is illustrated in Figures 7 to 9. When a user wishes to lift the clip 70 of the clipboard 68, they press on the first surface 38 of the plate 36 of the actuation member 8. This causes the actuation member 8 to rotate about the spindle portion 26 of the arm member 2 in a first direction until part of the free edge 48 of the recess 42 contacts the second portion 24 of the shaft 14, as shown most clearly in Figure 2. Further rotation of the actuation member 8 is then prevented and the main body 28 of the actuation member 8 applies a force to the arm member 2 which causes the arm member 2 to pivot about the central portion 20 of the shaft 14 that extends through the hole 76 in the clipboard 68.

The pivoting movement causes the hook portion 10 of the arm member 2 to move in a direction away from the support surface 74 of the clipboard 68, thereby lifting the clip 70, as shown in Figure 8.

When a user releases the pressing force from the first side 38 of the plate 36, the spring urges the clip 70 towards the support surface 74 of the clipboard 68. This causes the hook portion 10 of the arm member 2 to move in a direction towards the support surface 74 and the arm member 2 to pivot in the opposite direction about the central portion 20. The actuation member 8, therefore, returns to its initial or rest position, as shown in Figure 7.

As described above, in use, the actuation member 8, and in particular the plate 36, protrudes beyond the top edge 72 of the clipboard 68. Advantageously, in this embodiment, the actuation member 8 may be moved into a storage position in which the protrusion of the plate 36 beyond the top edge 72 is minimised, thereby decreasing the likelihood of damage to the lifter device 1 itself or to other objects that may come into contact with the protruding lifter device 1. This storage position is illustrated in Figure 9.

To move the actuation member 8 into the storage position, the actuation member 8 is rotated about the spindle portion 26 of the arm member 2 in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, such that the plate 36 moves in a direction towards the first end 4 of the arm member 2. Preferably, configuration of the actuation member 8 is such that it can be rotated about the second end 6 of the arm member 2 until the first surface 38 of the plate 36 contacts or lies above and faces towards a part of the first portion 22 of the shaft 14. In this position, the second surface 40 of the plate 36 faces in substantially the same direction as the support surface 74, i.e. the second surface 40 is uppermost.

Figures 10 to 14 illustrate a lifter device 101 according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. Many of the features of this lifter device 101 are the same as or equivalent to features of the lifter device 1 of the first embodiment and like features have been indicated by reference numbers incremented by 100.

The lifter device 101 is configured to be used with a clipboard 168 having two clips as shown in Figures 12 to 14. The two clips 170 are in the same orientation as each other and are spaced apart along and proximate a top edge 172 of the clipboard 168. Each of the clips 170 operates in the same way as the single clip of the clipboard 68 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the clips 170 operate independently of each other, with each clip 170 being connected to a separate spring (not shown).

The lifter device 101 comprises two identical arm members 102 and an actuation member 108. Each of the arm members 102 is identical to the arm member 2 of the first embodiment. The actuation member 108 is elongate in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis 130. Preferably a length of the actuation member 108, between first and second ends 132, 134, is greater than the distance between the centres of each of the clips 170.

The actuation member 108 comprises a main body 128 and a plate 136. The plate 136 extends along the full length of the main body 128. The main body 128 includes a recess 142 formed proximate each of the first and second ends 132, 134. Each recess 142 is substantially identical to the recess 42 of the actuation member 8 of the first embodiment and will not be described further here. The recesses 142 are in the same orientation as each other such that the bores (not shown) each extend towards the second end 134 of the main body 128.

The lifter device 101 further includes a pair of clips 154, each one of the clips 154 being received and retained in one of the recesses 142, as shown in Figure 11.

Each of the clips 154 is identical to the clip 54 of the first embodiment.

Assembly of the lifter device 101 is substantially the same as that of the lifter device 1 of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the shaft 114 of each arm member 102 is inserted through a hole 176 above a respective clip 170 and each hook portion 110 is engaged with the respective clip 170. The actuation member 108 is then engaged with the arm members 102 such that the spindle portion 126 of each arm member 102 is inserted into a respective recess 142 and bore (not shown). Both clips 154 are then secured to the actuation member 108 as described above in relation to the clips 54 of the first embodiment. With the arm members 102 secured to the actuation member 108 the spacing between the arm members 102 is substantially equal to the spacing between the clips 170.

Operation of the lifter device 101 to raise the clips 170 is also substantially the same as described above in relation to the lifter device 1 of the first embodiment.

Importantly, however, the lifter device 101 and in particular the single actuation member 108 permits the user to raise each of the clips 170 individually or to raise both clips 170 simultaneously. To raise both clips 170 together, as shown in Figure 13, a user presses on a centre region 80 of the first side 138 of the plate 136, which applies a force to both of the arm members 102 causing them to pivot as described above, thereby raising both clips 170. If a user wishes to raise only one of the clips 170 they press on an end region 82a, 82b of the first side 138 of the plate 136 closest to the clip 170 to be raised.

Figure 14 illustrates the lifter device 101 in a storage position. Rotation of the actuation member 108 into this configuration has been described above in relation to the lifter device 1 of the first embodiment and will, therefore, not be described further in relation to this embodiment.

The lifter devices 1, 101 of the present invention provide the greatest advantages when used in conjunction with a covered clipboard 84 such as that shown in Figure 15. In these examples, a cover 86 protects a support surface 74 of the clipboard 68 from the rain and wind by providing a waterproof and windproof canopy over the support surface 74. When not in use, the cover 86 folds and collapses over the support surface 74 and is secured in this closed position by means of a flap 88 that folds over and secures to a bottom edge 90 of the cover 86.

The cover 86, however, limits access to the clip 70 of the clipboard 84 making it difficult for a user to lift the clip 70 to remove paper, for example. The lifter devices 1, 101 of the present invention provide a solution to this problem by providing an arm member 2, 102 that connects to the clip 70 under the cover 86 and an actuation member 8, 108 that can be operated by a user external to the cover 86.

Furthermore, because the arm member 2, 102 extends through a hole in the support surface 74 of the clipboard 68, the cover 86 remains intact and there is no loss or reduction in the protection afforded by the cover 86.

Figures 16 and 17 illustrate covered clipboards 84 in which the cover 86 is in a closed position and the lifter device 1, 101 is in its storage position as described above.

In the preceding embodiments the locking member of the lifter devices 1, 101 comprised a separate clip 54, 154 securable to the actuation member 8, 108 by suitable retaining means. It will be appreciated, however, that in other embodiments the locking member may be integrally formed with the actuation member or may be permanently attached to the actuation member. Importantly, the locking member is able to be moved from a first position in which the second end of the arm member can be inserted into and removed from the actuation member and a second position in which the second end is retained in the actuation member. In some embodiments the locking member may be hingedly attached to the actuation member.

In yet further embodiments the lifter device may not include a locking member and the actuation member may be secured to the second end of the arm member by some other means. For example a spindle portion of the arm member may push fit into a bore of the actuation member and be retained by means of friction alone, or the actuation member may include a channel into which the second end of the arm member can snap fit.

The present invention, therefore, provides an improved lifter device for a clipboard that is prevented from detaching from a clipboard, and in particular a clip of the clipboard, during use.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A lifter device for a clipboard, the lifter device comprising: -an arm member having a first end and a second end, the first end including a hook portion for engagement with a clip of a clipboard; and -an actuation member configured to receive the second end of the arm member, the actuation member being separable from and engagable with the arm member, wherein, in use, when the actuation member is engaged with said second end, a pad of the actuation member is arranged to apply a force to the arm member so as to pivot the arm member about a point between said first and second ends.
2. A lifter device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the arm member includes a shaft extending between the first and second ends, the shaft including two dogleg bends such that a central portion of the shaft is substantially perpendicular to end portions of the shaft.
3. A lifter device as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the second end of the arm portion comprises a spindle portion extending perpendicular to the shaft.
4. A lifter device as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the actuation member comprises a bore configured to receive the spindle portion of the arm member.
5. A lifter device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the actuation member is rotatable about the second end of the arm member at least in a first direction.
6. A lifter device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the lifter device further comprises locking means for retaining the arm member in engagement with the actuation member.
7. A lifter device as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the locking means comprises a clip which is separable from and securable to the actuation member, the clip being configured to prevent removal of the arm member from engagement with the actuation member when the clip is secured to the actuation member.
8. A lifter device as claimed in Claim 7, wherein the clip comprises retaining means for securing the clip to the actuation member and wherein the retaining means is configured to allow the clip to be repeatedly secured to and removed from the actuation member.
9. A lifter device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the actuation member comprises a main body and a plate, the main body being configured to receive the second end of the arm member and the plate being arranged such that, in use, a user applies a force to a part of the plate to cause the arm member to pivot.
10. A lifter device as claimed in any preceding claim comprising two arm members, each arm member having a first end and a second end, the first end of each arm member including a hook portion for engagement with a clip of a clipboard, and the second end of each arm member being engagable with the actuation member such that the arm members are spaced apart along the actuation member in a first direction and the arm members extend from the actuation member parallel to each other in a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction.
11. A clipboard assembly comprising: -a clipboard including a spring biased clip; and -a lifter device comprising an arm member having a first end and a second end, the first end including a hook portion for engagement with a clip of a clipboard and an actuation member configured to receive the second end of the arm member, the actuation member being separable from and engagable with the arm member, wherein, in use, when the actuation member is engaged with said second end, a pad of the actuation member is arranged to apply a force to the arm member so as to pivot the arm member about a point between said first and second ends, and wherein the hook portion is engaged with said clip.
12. A clipboard assembly as claimed in Claim 11, wherein the clipboard includes a front surface and a rear surface and a hole proximate said clip, the hole extending through the clipboard from the front surface to the rear surface, and wherein the arm member of the lifter device extends through said hole.
13. A clipboard assembly as claimed in Claim 11 or Claim 12, wherein the clipboard includes two spring biased clips and the lifter device comprises two arm members, each arm member having a first end and a second end, the first end of each arm member including a hook portion and the second end of each arm member being engagable with a single actuation member such that the arm members are spaced apart along the actuation member in a first direction and the arm members extend from the actuation member parallel to each other in a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction, and wherein the hook portion of each of the arm members is engaged with a respective one of said clips.
14. A clipboard assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 11 to 13, wherein the clipboard comprises a cover configured to provide, in use, a canopy over a support surface of the clipboard.
15. A method of assembling a clipboard assembly, the assembly comprising a clipboard and a lifter device, the clipboard comprising a front side and a rear side, a clip and a hole through the clipboard from the front side to the rear side, the lifter device comprising an arm member having a first end and a second end, the first end including a hook portion and an actuation member configured to receive the second end of the arm member, the actuation member being separable from and engagable with the arm member, wherein, in use, when the actuation member is engaged with said second end, a pad of the actuation member is arranged to apply a force to the arm member so as to pivot the arm member about a point between said first and second ends, and the method comprising: -inserting the arm member through said hole; -engaging the hook portion around a part of said clip; and -attaching the actuation member to the second end of the arm member such that the arm member cannot be pulled through the hole.
16. A method as claimed in Claim 15, wherein the clipboard includes two spring biased clips and two holes, and the lifter device comprises two arm members, each arm member having a first end and a second end, the first end of each arm member including a hook portion and the second end of each arm member being engagable with a single actuation member such that the arm members are spaced apart along the actuation member in a first direction and the arm members extend from the actuation member parallel to each other in a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction, and wherein the method comprises: -inserting each of the arm members through a respective one of said holes; -engaging the hook portion of each arm member around a part of a respective one of said clips; and -attaching the actuation member to the second end of both of the arm members such that the arm members cannot be pulled through the holes.
17. A method as claimed in Claim 15 or Claim 16, wherein the or each arm member includes a shaft extending between the first and second ends, the shaft including two dogleg bends such that a central portion of the shaft is substantially perpendicular to end portions of the shaft, and wherein the method comprises inserting the or each arm member through said hole until the central portion of the shaft extends through the hole.
18. A method as claimed in Claim 17, wherein the second end of the arm portion comprises a spindle portion extending perpendicular to the shaft and the actuation member comprises at least one bore, and the method comprises inserting the spindle portion of the or each arm member into a respective one of said bores to attach the actuation member to the or both arm members.
19. A method as claimed in any one of Claims 15 to 18, wherein the lifter device comprises at least one locking member, and wherein the method comprises securing the or each locking member to the actuation member in a position so as to prevent removal of the or each arm member from engagement with the actuation member.
20. A lifter device for a clipboard substantially as herein described with reference to or as shown in Figures 1 to 9.
21. A lifter device for a clipboard substantially as herein described with reference to or as shown in Figures 10 to 14.
22. A clipboard assembly substantially as herein described with reference to or as shown in Figures 7 to 9.
23. A clipboard assembly substantially as herein described with reference to or as shown in Figures 12 to 14.
24. A method of assembling a clipboard assembly substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.Amendments to the claims have been filed as followsCLAIMS1. A lifter device for a clipboard, the lifter device comprising: -an arm member having a first end and a second end] the first end including a hook portion for engagement with a clip of a clipboard; and -an actuation member configured to receive the second end of the arm member, the actuation member being separable from and engagable with the arm member, and the actuation member being rotatable about the second end of the arm member at least in a first direction, wherein, in use, when the actuation member is engaged with said second end, a part of the actuation member is arranged to apply a force to the arm member so as to pivot the arm member about a point between said first and second ends.-15 2. A lifter device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the arm member includes a o shaft extending between the first and second ends, the shaft including two dogleg bends such that a central portion of the shaft is substantially perpendicular to end 04 portions of the shaft.3. A lifter device as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the second end of the arm portion comprises a spindle portion extending perpendicular to the shaft.4. A lifter device as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the actuation member comprises a bore configured to receive the spindle portion of the arm member.5. A lifter device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the lifter device further comprises locking means for retaining the arm member in engagement with the actuation member.6. A lifter device as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the locking means comprises a clip which is separable from and securable to the actuation member, the clip being configured to prevent removal of the arm member from engagement with the actuation member when the clip is secured to the actuation member.7. A lifter device as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the clip comprises retaining means for securing the clip to the actuation member and wherein the retaining means is configured to allow the clip to be repeatedly secured to and removed from the actuation member.8. A lifter device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the actuation member comprises a main body and a plate, the main body being configured to receive the second end of the arm member and the plate being arranged such that, in use, a user applies a force to a part of the plate to cause the arm member to pivot.9. A lifter device as claimed in any preceding claim comprising two arm -15 members, each arm member having a first end and a second end, the first end of o each arm member including a hook portion for engagement with a clip of a clipboard, and the second end of each arm member being engagable with the (\J actuation member such that the arm members are spaced apart along the actuation member in a first direction and the arm members extend from the actuation member parallel to each other in a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction.10. A clipboard assembly comprising: -a clipboard including a spring biased clip; and -a lifter device comprising an arm member having a first end and a second end, the first end including a hook portion for engagement with a clip of a clipboard and an actuation member configured to receive the second end of the arm member, the actuation member being separable from and engagable with the arm member and the actuation member being rotatable about the second end of the arm member at least in a first direction, wherein, in use, when the actuation member is engaged with said second end, a part of the actuation member is arranged to apply a force to the arm member so as to pivot the arm member about a point between said first and second ends, and wherein the hook portion is engaged with said clip.11. A clipboard assembly as claimed in Claim 10, wherein the clipboard includes a front surface and a rear surface and a hole proximate said clip, the hole extending through the clipboard from the front surface to the rear surface, and wherein the arm member of the lifter device extends through said hole.12. A clipboard assembly as claimed in Claim 10 or Claim 11, wherein the clipboard includes two spring biased clips and the lifter device comprises two arm members, each arm member having a first end and a second end, the first end of each arm member including a hook portion and the second end of each arm member being engagable with a single actuation member such that the arm -15 members are spaced apart along the actuation member in a first direction and the o arm members extend from the actuation member parallel to each other in a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction, (\J and wherein the hook portion of each of the arm members is engaged with a C'J respective one of said clips.13. A clipboard assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 10 to 12, wherein the clipboard comprises a cover configured to provide, in use, a canopy over a support surface of the clipboard.14. A method of assembling a clipboard assembly, the assembly comprising a clipboard and a lifter device, the clipboard comprising a front side and a rear side, a clip and a hole through the clipboard from the front side to the rear side, the lifter device comprising an arm member having a first end and a second end, the first end including a hook portion and an actuation member configured to receive the second end of the arm member, the actuation member being separable from and engagable with the arm member and the actuation member being rotatable about the second end of the arm member at least in a first direction, wherein, in use, when the actuation member is engaged with said second end, a part of the actuation member is arranged to apply a force to the arm member so as to pivot the arm member about a point between said first and second ends, and the method comprising: -inserting the arm member through said hole; -engaging the hook portion around a part of said clip; and -attaching the actuation member to the second end of the arm member such that the arm member cannot be pulled through the hole.15. A method as claimed in Claim 14, wherein the clipboard includes two spring biased clips and two holes, and the lifter device comprises two arm members, each arm member having a first end and a second end, the first end of each arm member including a hook portion and the second end of each arm member being engagable with a single actuation member such that the arm members are spaced -15 apart along the actuation member in a first direction and the arm members extend o from the actuation member parallel to each other in a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction, and wherein the method (\J comprises: -inserting each of the arm members through a respective one of said holes; -engaging the hook portion of each arm member around a part of a respective one of said clips; and -attaching the actuation member to the second end of both of the arm members such that the arm members cannot be pulled through the holes.16. A method as claimed in Claim 14 or Claim 15, wherein the or each arm member includes a shaft extending between the first and second ends, the shaft including two dogleg bends such that a central portion of the shaft is substantially perpendicular to end portions of the shaft, and wherein the method comprises inserting the or each arm member through said hole until the central portion of the shaft extends through the hole.17. A method as claimed in Claim 16, wherein the second end of the arm portion comprises a spindle portion extending perpendicular to the shaft and the actuation member comprises at least one bore, and the method comprises inserting the spindle portion of the or each arm member into a respective one of said bores to attach the actuation member to the or both arm members.18. A method as claimed in any one of Claims 14 to 17, wherein the lifter device comprises at least one locking member, and wherein the method comprises securing the or each locking member to the actuation member in a position so as to prevent removal of the or each arm member from engagement with the actuation member.19. A lifter device for a clipboard substantially as herein described with reference to or as shown in Figures 1 to 9.-15 20. A lifter device for a clipboard substantially as herein described with o reference to or as shown in Figures 10 to 14. r(\J 21. A clipboard assembly substantially as herein described with reference to or as shown in Figures 7 to 9.22. A clipboard assembly substantially as herein described with reference to or as shown in Figures 12 to 14.23. A method of assembling a clipboard assembly substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.