US3916547A

US3916547A - Visual reminder device

Info

Publication number: US3916547A
Application number: US507042A
Authority: US
Inventors: Francis E Ryder
Original assignee: MEMO CHEK Inc
Current assignee: MEMO CHEK Inc
Priority date: 1973-04-04
Filing date: 1974-09-18
Publication date: 1975-11-04
Anticipated expiration: 1992-11-04

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention disclosed herein is directed to a visual reminder device for producing a visual display of tasks to be performed which are checked after their performance. The device comprises an elongated or base member having a plurality of spaced apart raised bosses extending therefrom and channels passing through the bosses. The central axis of the channels is spaced a predetermined distance from the surface of the elongated member. A toggle member or device has a tab portion extending from the space between the bosses and a cam portion extending into the space between the bosses. Resilient arms constituting integrally formed biasing and mounting means extend transversely of the cam portion preferably on both sides thereof and are captured within the channels of the spaced apart bosses such that manipulation of the tab causes the cam portion to engage the surface of the elongated member defining cam element engaging means in order to apply a biasing force to the resilient arms which, in turn, urge the toggle member or device over center to hold it in position on one side or the other of the raised bosses.

Description

4 United States Patent Nov. 4, 1975 VISUAL REMINDER DEVICE Primary Examiner-John H. Wolff Attorney, Agent, or FirmMichael Kovac [75] Inventor: Francis E. Ryder, Barrington, 111.

[73] Assignee: Memo-Chek, Inc., St. Louis, Mo. [57] ABSTRACT [22] Flled: Sept- 1974 The embodiment of the invention disclosed herein is [211 App] NO; 507,042 directed to a visual reminder device for producing a visual display of tasks to be performed which are Related pp Data checked after their performance. The device com- [63] Continuation of Ser. No. 347,797, April 4, 1973, prises an elongated or base member having a plurality abandoned of spaced apart raised bosses extending therefrom and channels passing through the bosses. The central axis US 134 of the channels is spaced a predetermined distance [51] Int. Cl. G09F 11/06 from the surface of the elongated member. A toggle [58] Field of Search 40/102, 104.02, 61, 64, member or device has a tab portion extending from /6 1995; 31 31 35 8 the space between the bosses and a cam portion ex- 9 134 tending into the space between the bosses. Resilient arms constituting integrally formed biasing and References Cited mounting means extend transversely of the cam por- UNITED STATES PATENTS tion preferably on both sides thereof and are captured 452,728 /1891 Parkinson 40 195 x Within h chafmels of the Spaced apart bosses. Such 618,198 1,1899 Brodt ct alum 35/32 X that man1pulat1on of the tab causes the cam portion to 936,201 10/1909 Weaver 40 19.5 x engage the Surface of the elongated member defining 1,683,358 9/1928 Kingman.... 116/134 cam element engaging means in order to apply a bias- 2,500,495 3/ 1950 Mutch 116/134 X ing force to the resilient arms which, in turn, urge the 9 1 7/ 1963 Goldschmidt R toggle member or device over center to hold it in posi- 329O796 12/1966 Gufda 35/23 X tion on one side or the other of the raised bosses. 3,693,580 9/1972 Thlerer /67 X 7 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures /K /fl. anusu car I p H BAT E 1 1 01.1511 1. TURN our TEETH H PA PER ll] M 511055 is 1.1c ms U.S. Patent Nov. 4, 1975 LIGHTS l 1 TURN SHOES PO 1 I 5 H n d I [III/1111111 VISUAL REMINDER DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This is a continuation of patent application Ser. No. 347,797 filed Apr. 4, 1973, now abandoned.

This invention relates generally to a visual reminder device, and more particularly to a device which gives visual indication of tasks to be performed by persons such as pilots, housewives, mechanics, children, etc. who must perform a plurality of tasks.

Heretofore, many visual reminder devices have been used for purposes of reminding persons to perform certain tasks or to perform tasks in a particular sequence. Also, such devices have been devised to facilitate the memory of shoppers so that a shopping list could be created by the actuation of a tab or the like which would correspond to a particular item. However, the devices of the prior art, in general, are relatively large and complex, thereby being expensive to manufacture.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a new and improved visual reminder device which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture while maintaining a high degree of efficiency and reliability in use.

Briefly, the visual reminder device of this invention includes an elongated or base member, formed of a split molded plastic housing, which has a plurality of spaced apart raised bosses formed along the longitudinal axis thereof. Passing through each of the raised bosses are channels in alignment one with the other and with their central axes thereof spaced a predetermined distance from the surface of the elongated member. A toggle member or device has a tab extending from one end and a cam surface portion extending from the other end. The toggle member or device includes a pair of resilient arm members extending transversely of the cam surface portion. The resilient arm members are captured and firmly held in the channels of the bosses so that the cam surface can cooperate with the elongated or base member thus providing a resilient pressure against the arms so that the toggle member or device is firmly held in one of two positions on either side of the bosses. To provide interchangeable indicia plaques an alternate form of the invention may include slots formed along the elongated or base member and extending transversely thereof so that indicia bearing plaques can be inserted and removed easily thus allowing one to change the infonnation assoicated with a particular toggle. The resilient arms may be square, round, or rectangular in configuration. When they are rectangular the major dimension of the rectangle extending transversely of the cam portion while the minimum dimension thereof extends longitudinally thereof. This rectangular cross-section of the arms will provide uniform resilient pressure to the cam surface. The cam surface has a varying radius of curvature from a relatively large radius of curvature at diametrically opposed sides to a relatively small radius of curvature at the end thereof. The small radius of curvature is spaced further away from the resilient arms than are the large radius of curvatures to provide a lever or spring cam action.

Many other objects, features, and advantages of this invention will be more fully realized and understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals throughout the various views 2 of the drawings are intended to designate similar elements or components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a plan view of a visual reminder device constructed in accordance with the principles of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary exploded perspective view of the visual reminder device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the visual reminder device taken substantially along line 33 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view showing the reminder toggle in an extended condition as it passes over center from one side to the other side of the elongated body associated therewith;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary view showing the resilient arms extending along the channels formed in the bosses and captured therein as shown along line 55 of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawings a visual reminder device is constructed in accordance with the principles of this invention and is designated generally by reference numeral 10. The visual reminder device 10 comprises an elongated body or base member 12 having a plurality of spaced apart bosses 14 arranged so that the flat surface portions 15 of the elongated member 12 are exposed therebetween. A plurality of aligned channels 16 are formed through the bosses and have their central axes in alignment and spaced a predetermined distance from the surface 15, as best seen in FIG. 3.

A plurality of shiftable toggles 18 are provided along the member 12 and include hand manipulated tab portions 19 extending from one end thereof and cam surface portions 20 extending from the other end thereof. In the preferred embodiment the cam surface 20 includes a pair of dismetrically opposed cam segments having a relatively large radius of curvature 21 converging toward a cam surface portion having a relatively small radius of curvature 22 at the free end or extremity thereof. The general configuration of the cam surface shown on the drawings can vary without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of this invention.

A pair of

resilient arms

24 and 26 constituting integrally formed biasing and mounting means extend transversely of the cam surface portion 20 and have enlarged

diameter end portions

24a and 26a, respectively captured within the channel 16. Most advantageously, the channels 16 are provided with reduced diameter portions 16a firmly to capture and hold the enlarged diameter ends of the resilient arms. It will be appreciated that while a pair of

resilient arms

24 and 26 are preferable, a single resilient arm could also be provided so as to extend from one side of the cam surface portion 20 with the balance and design necessary to function in the manner desired. It will also be appreciated that the distance from the flexible or

resilient arms

24, 26 to the extremity of the cam portion 20 is greater than the distance from the central axis of the channels 16 to the flat surface portion 15 of the elongated or base member 12 in order to provide the over center toggle movement that is desired.

bosses, as shown by the broken line of FIG. 3. As the cam portion 20 passes through the extended position, as shown in FIG. 4, the reduced diameter portion 22 at the end or extremity of the cam urges the center of the

resilient arms

24 and 26 away from the surface which defines cam element engaging means thereby providing a spring bias action upon the toggle to urge it firmly against the elongated or base member as it rolls or slides along the enlarged radius of curvature of the cam. This causes flexture of the

resilient arms

24 and 26, as shown in FIG. 6, to produce the spring bias necessary for urging the toggle firmly to one side or the other of the aligned bosses 14.

The illustrated embodiment is formed of molded

plastic half sections

30 and 31, FIG. 2 which have boss parts in confronting relation with one another as shown. In assembly the toggles 18 are placed with the cam portions 20 between the bosses and the enlarged

diameter portions

24a and 26a in registry'with the reduced diameter portions 16a of the channels 16. The

half sections

30 and 31 are provided with alignment apertures 33 and pins 34 which engage one another for aligning the spaced apart boss sections therealong. The two

half sections

30 and 31 are held together by two or more screws 36, it being understood that any other suitable fastening means can be utilized. In the illustrated embodiment the visual reminder device can be mounted to a wall surface 37 either by means of an ad hesive backing 38 or by a pair of spaced apart screw heads receiving notches 39, as best seen in the broken away view of FIG. 2.

When a chore has been completed the toggle member 18, which is associated with the indicia identifying that particular chore, is shifted to a position so as to cover the indicia. The indicia can be either printed matter or a series of pictures. Also the particular configuration of the toggles 18 may vary from one to the other so as to identify a particular task by its general configuration. For example, the toggles may be round or square as well as triangular as shown in the drawings.

An alternate embodiment of the resilient arms 'is shown in FIG. 3. Here the resilient arms 40 are rectangular in configuration in contrast to being square or round. The rectangular resilient arms 40 have their major dimension extending transversely of the cam section 20 and their minimum dimension extending longitudinally thereof. This provides a variable force mechanism such that minimum flexture along the enlarged radius of curvature portions 21 are subject to the thicker portion of the arms while maximum flexture along the minimum radius of curvature portion 22 is subject to the thinner section. Therefore, uniform pressure applied to the toggles 18 will cause the toggle to smoothly shift from one side to the other side of the bosses 14 without undue interference as a result of uneven pressure requirements. 1

Another modification of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1, wherein the elongated member 12 may include a plurality of slot forming portions 50 between which are inserted plaques 51 upon which is formed particular information. If it is desired to change.

Accordingly, rnany other variations and modifications may be'e'ff'ectedwithou t departingfrom the spirit and scope of the novel concepts disclosed and claimed herein.

I claim: i 1. In a visual reminder device, or the like, of the type having indicia thereon and a toggle mechanism associated with said indicia for movement between first and second indicating positions, the combination comprising: a base member, at least one boss formed on said base member and defining a channel having a central axis, cam element engaging means formed on said base member and being spaced from said central axis of said channel by a predetermined distance; a toggle member mounted to said base member for movement between first and second'positions relative to said boss, said toggle member including a tab portion at one extremity for manual engagement and a cam portion formed integrally thereon at an opposite extremity including opposed tapering cam segment means with a reduced diameter portion at the free end thereof; and integrally formed biasing and mounting means in the form of at least one resilient arm member extending transversely of said cam and tab portion, said arm member being received in said channel'for maintaining said toggle member in assembly with said base member and being spaced from the free extremity of said cam portion a distance greater than said predetermined distance, such that upon manipulation of said toggle member for movement between said first and secondpos itions, said cam portion will be brought'into engagement with said cam element engaging means, with continued movement urging said cam portion against said cam element engagement means and producing flexure of said resilient arm member thereby permitting said toggle member to move from said first position to said second position with a snap action, with said resilient arm member being retained in either said first or second position and prevented from inadvertent repositioning thereof.

2. A visual reminder device, or the like", as defined in claim 1 wherein there is provided a pair of bosses, spaced one from the other and defining co-axial channels and said toggle member includes a pair of oppositely extending resilient arm members, said arm members being received in said respective channels.

3. A visual reminder device, or the like, as defined in claim 2, wherein said toggle member and said resilient arm members are formed of a molded plastic material.

4. A visual reminder device, as defined in claim 2, wherein said channels include reduced diameter portions for receiving the ends of said resilient arm members for holding said ends firmly in a fixed position.

5. A visual reminder device, as defined in claim 4, wherein the ends of said resilient arms are defined by increased'diameter portions sized to fit into said reduced diameter portion of said channels.

6. A visual reminder device, as defined in claim 1, wherein said arm member is rectangular in cross section with the major dimension thereof extending transversely of the cam segment.

7. A visual reminder device, or the like, as defined in claim 1, wherein said base member is formed of two molded plastic half sections having a parting line passing through said central axis, said boss being formed by opposing mating half circular portions cooperating to form said channel, said resilient arm member having an ing and firmly holding said enlarged diameter portion when said two molded half sections are secured together.

Claims

1. In a visual reminder device, or the like, of the type having indicia thereon and a toggle mechanism associated with said indicia for movement between first and second indicating positions, the combination comprising: a base member, at least one boss formed on said base member and defining a channel having a central axis, cam element engaging means formed on said base member and being spaced from said central axis of said channel by a predetermined distance; a toggle member mounted to said base member for movement between first and second positions relative to said boss, said toggle member including a tab portion at one extremity for manual engagement and a cam portion formed integrally thereon at an opposite extremity including opposed tapering cam segment means with a reduced diameter portion at the free end thereof; and integrally formed biasing and mounting means in the form of at least one resilient arm member extending transversely of said cam and tab portion, said arm member being received in said channel for maintaining said toggle member in assembly with said base member and being spaced from the free extremity of said cam portion a distance greater than said predetermined distance, such that upon manipulation of said toggle member for movement between said first and second positions, said cam portion will be brought into engagement with said cam element engaging means, with continued movement urging said cam portion against said cam element engagement means and producing flexure of said resilient arm member thereby permitting said toggle member to move from said first position to said second position with a snap action, with said resilient arm member being retained in either said first or second position and prevented from inadvertent repositioning thereof.

2. A visual reminder device, or the like, as defined in claim 1 wherein there is provided a pair of bosses, spaced one from the other and defining co-axial channels and said toggle member includes a pair of oppositely extending resilient arm members, said arm members being received in said respective channels.

5. A visual reminder device, as defined in claim 4, wherein the ends of said resilient arms are defined by increased diameter portions sized to fit into said reduced diameter portion of said channels.

7. A visual reminder device, or the like, as defined in claim 1, wherein said base member is formed of two molded plastic half sections having a parting line passing through said central axis, said boss being formed by opposing mating half circular portions cooperating to form said channel, said resilient arm member having an enlarged diameter portion at the end thereof, and said channel having a reduced diameter portion for receiving and firmly holding said enlarged diameter portion when said two molded half sections are secured together.