WO2000033286A1

WO2000033286A1 - Magnetic display board

Info

Publication number: WO2000033286A1
Application number: PCT/AU1999/001039
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gerard John Anastasio
Original assignee: Lgs Holdings Pty Ltd
Priority date: 1998-11-20
Filing date: 1999-11-22
Publication date: 2000-06-08
Also published as: AUPP721098A0

Abstract

A magnetic display board (1) is disclosed. The display board (1) comprises a magnetic display panel (2), an upper surface of the magnetic display panel (2) including two or more zones, at least one magnetic writing tool (4) to create indicia on the magnetic display panel (2), and for each of the zones, at least one magnetic eraser (8) located under the magnetic display panel (2) to selectively remove at least some of the indicia created in that zone without removing indicia created in other zones. A template (3) may be superimposed upon the upper surface of the magnetic display panel (2) to define the two or more zones upon the magnetic display panel (2). The magnetic display board (1) is particularly suited for use by coaches of various sports such as basketball, baseball, hockey, or a football game such as soccer, grid iron, rugby union, rugby league or Australian Rules football.

Description

MAGNETIC DISPLAY BOARD

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a magnetic display board, and more particularly to a magnetic display board for use by coaches of various sports.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Whilst the following discussion concerns the needs of coaches of sports, it is to be understood that the same principles apply to any area which requires the use of portable visual aids. When team coaches are trying to instruct team members on moves or strategy, it is much easier for the coach to have a visual aid so that team members know exactly what is required of them rather than rely on verbal descriptions alone.

Previous approaches have involved the use of whiteboards, chalk boards, or paper. Each of these previous methods have their own problems. If paper is used then the coach needs to have many pieces of paper readily available since it is not reusable. In particular it is not easy to alter used portions of the paper without potentially confusing the team members. Further, the coach must have either pens or pencils readily available. These pens run out and must be replaced and pencils blunt after a short time. Further, pens and pencils can be easily misplaced. The problems with pens also apply to whiteboards which require the use of a special white board pen to prevent the whiteboard being permanently marked. Further, although whiteboards can be reused they require a special eraser and periodic use of cleaning solutions. The ink from the white board also has a tendency to mark the user's hands and clothes. This can be a real problem in the professional arena where coaches are well dressed and often have public relations responsibilities. Similar problems with the chalk sticks and chalk dust apply to chalk boards.

Another approach to marker boards which permit images to be removed can be found in the children's arena. One typical example of this is a magnetic display board which includes a panel having an upper transparent or semi-transparent surface and a liquid containing space underneath. That space has a liquid which contains fine magnetic grains in a dispersing medium. A typical example of this magnetic display panel is described in Australian Patent No 506,215.

In this arrangement, the magnetic display panel enables indicia to be created on the display through the use of magnetic fields. The writing tool is a magnet which creates a magnetic field. The fine magnetic grains are attracted towards the area of the transparent surface being touched by the tool. Those grains form a visual display of the movement of the tool across the surface. Often the magnetic writing tool is provided in the shape of a pen but it may also be provided as a stamp which creates indicia of a specific shape in a single application. The indicia can be removed by the application of a magnetic field to the rear substrate of the display panel. As the magnet is moved across the panel the magnetic fine grains are attracted toward the lower magnet and therefore drawn away from the display substrate and the indicia image is removed. In conventional magnetic display boards, the eraser is built into the board as a magnet on an operating lever with a handle which is moved across the length of the display panel to remove all the indicia from the display substrate.

The specific magnetic display board described in Australian Patent No 506,215 suffers from certain disadvantages and does not specifically meet the needs of a team coach. In particular, that board has a single sliding erasure and it is not possible to selectively erase areas of the display. In this respect, often a coach will want to only change some of the indicia on the display when modifying an instruction to team members.

In the aforementioned Australian Patent No 506,215, another example of a magnetic display board is also disclosed which has a double sided display board. In a similar manner to using both sides of a sheet of paper, the board can be turned over and used on both sides. However, the same problem with erasing the entire image remains. In fact, the magnetic display board disclosed has been designed so that both sides of the board are erased simultaneously.

Further, the above visual aids are usually blank and therefore the coach also has to sketch out the playing field each time a new strategy is being explained. The present invention relates to improvements in these types of magnetic display boards.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a magnetic display board for use by coaches of sports which reduces or eliminates some or all of the above problems.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention accordingly provides in one embodiment a magnetic display board of the above type comprising

(a) a magnetic display panel; (b) an upper surface of the panel including two or more zones;

(c) at least one magnetic writing tool to create indicia on the panel; and

(d) for each of the zones, at least one magnetic eraser located under the panel to selectively remove at least some of the indicia created in that zone without removing any indicia created in any other of the zones. Preferably the board further comprises a template superimposed upon the upper surface of the panel to define the two or more zones upon the panel.

The present invention provides in a separate embodiment a magnetic display board comprising

(a) a magnetic display panel, (b) a template superimposed on a surface of the panel to define two or more zones on the surface, the arrangement being such that indicia may be created in the zones by at least one magnetic writing tool; and

(c) at least one magnetic eraser associated with each zone located under the panel to selectively remove at least some of the indicia created in that zone without removing indicia created in other zones. The present invention provides in another separate embodiment a magnetic display board comprising

(a) a magnetic display panel;

(b) a template superimposed on a surface of the panel to define two or more zones on the surface of the panel, the arrangement being such that indicia may be created in the zones by at least one magnetic writing tool; and

(c) at least one magnetic eraser associated with each of at least two of the zones located under the panel to selectively remove at least some of the indicia created in that zone without removing indicia created in other zones.

The present invention provides in another separate embodiment a magnetic display board of the above type comprising

(a) a magnetic display panel, the panel capable of receiving a template superimposed on a surface thereof to define two or more zones on the panel surface, the arrangement being such that indicia may be created in the zones by at least one magnetic writing tool; and

(b) at least one magnetic eraser associated with each of at least two of the zones located under the panel to selectively remove at least some of the indicia created in that zone without removing indicia created in other zones.

Preferably, the magnetic display panel is essentially the same as the magnetic display panel disclosed in Australian Patent No 506,215. In particular, as mentioned above, the panel preferably has a sealed area beneath the upper surface in which a viscous liquid is located. That liquid has magnetic particles in it. When a magnet is placed near to or on the upper surface, the magnetic particles are attracted towards that surface. Such particles appear as a dark mark on the upper surface and will follow the direction of movement of the magnet placed near it thereby forming the appearance of indicia on that upper surface. The liquid is sufficiently viscous to keep the magnetic particles in the attracted position notwithstanding the removal of the magnet. To remove the magnetic particles from adjacent the upper surface, a magnet is placed under the sealed area and the particles are attracted towards it which effectively removes the dark marks from the upper surface.

Preferably, the template is pre-printed upon a surface, typically the upper surface, of the magnetic display panel. Alternatively, the template may be a separate transparent or semi transparent sheet which may be affixed to that upper surface. In this latter arrangement, there may be a set of such sheets each illustrating different arrangements of zones. Whilst these separate sheets may be affixed upon the upper surface by any means, conveniently, each may be inserted through a slot extending generally parallel to the upper surface which will retain the edges of each sheet. In a more preferred form of the invention, the template and upper surface are sealed and waterproofed to allow the magnetic display board to be used in any conditions such as by coaches in inclement weather conditions.

Typically, the template will be of a playing field of a sport such as basketball, baseball, hockey, or football games such as soccer, grid iron, rugby union, rugby league and Australian Rules football. Further, templates could be provided for other activities which require an area to be divided into zones with selective erasure of indicia such as scoring of events.

A zone according to the invention may take any suitable form. Typically a zone is an area of a sports field in the case where the template is that of a playing field of a sport. In that embodiment the zone may be an offensive zone or a defensive zone. The offensive zone may be subdivided into attacking, goal or scoring zones. The defensive zone may be subdivided into a goal zone or a counterattack zone. Other zones on the playing field may be designated, such as wing zones, marking zones, manning-up zones or stop-play zones. Other types of zones are envisaged within the scope of the present invention.

Preferably, the magnetic writing tool is a magnet encased within a pen shaped piece of plastic. However, if a particular indicia was used often then it may be preferable to provide a magnetic stamp which enables the indicia to be created quickly.

Preferably, the eraser is an elongated band of magnetic material of a length sufficient to traverse across an associated zone. Alternatively, a number of erasers may be used for each zone to allow indicia located in discrete sub areas in that zone to be erased without erasing other sub areas in another sub area.

Typically, the eraser is held in guides which permit it to slide across the associated zone. For easy use, a handle may be attached to the eraser and be accessible to a user.

The guide arrangement is preferably such that a magnetic eraser associated with one zone is not able to traverse another zone, whereby to reduce the likelihood that indicia in another zone, such as an adjacent zone, is not inadvertently erased.

Typically, the magnetic display board includes a frame or other housing. The housing may comprise an outer housing which substantially envelops each of the components of the magnetic display board. That housing may be provided with a carry handle for easy transport and areas to store the magnetic writing tools when not in use.

The present invention provides in one particularly preferred embodiment a magnetic display board comprising: (a) a frame;

(b) a magnetic display panel held by the frame;

(c) a template of a playing field of a sport such as basketball, baseball, hockey, or a football game such as soccer, grid iron, rugby union, rugby league or Australian Rules football superimposed upon an upper surface of the panel to define two or more zones of the playing field upon the upper surface of the panel;

(d) the panel having a sealed area beneath the upper surface in which a viscous liquid having magnetic particles dispersed therein is located;

(e) at least one magnetic writing tool releasably held by the frame to create indicia in the zones upon the upper surface of the panel; and

(f) for each of the zones, at least one magnetic eraser located under the panel to selectively remove at least some of the indicia created in that zone without removing indicia created in other zones, the magnetic eraser comprising an elongated band of magnetic material held in guides and of a length sufficient to traverse an associated zone, the magnetic eraser including a handle attached thereto to permit movement of the eraser across its associated zone on the application of a force to the handle.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The present invention will now be further explained and illustrated by reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view of the top of a magnetic display board according to one form of the invention.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the magnetic display board. In Figure 1, the magnetic display board (1) has a magnetic display panel (2), template (3) divided into two zones by a centre line, writing tool (4) and handles for two erasers (5,6).

In Figure 2, the magnetic display panel (2) is mounted in a plastic rectangular frame (7) which forms a box. An erasing permanent magnet (8) is placed in the space defined between the rectangular frame (7) and the display panel (2) in such a manner that it confronts the rear substrate (9) of display panel (2). A handle (10) is attached to the end of magnet (8) which extends through a guide slit (1 1). By moving the handle (10), the magnet (8) is moved in the direction A-B as shown in Figure 1. Two guide rods (13, 14) are provided to enable the magnet (8) to slide smoothly across the space in the rectangular frame.

The front substrate employed as display section (12) is transparent or semi- transparent. The template (3) is either attached to the display section (12) permanently or else the rectangular frame (7) can allow for a template to slide into a slot (not shown) above the display section (12). The slot would hold the template (3) in place while the various indicia were being created.

In use, the magnetic writing tool (4) is used to create indicia on the display section (12). Should a coach desire to remove only the indicia on the left half of the display section (12) as indicated by the center line of the template (3) then the left eraser handle (5) is moved from A to B. The indicia on the right half of the display section (12) will not be removed. A similar operation is possible with the right side of the display section (12).

Accordingly, with this invention it is possible for a user of the magnetic display board to selectively remove indicia from predetermined areas of the display panel. For example, in sports such as hockey it is then possible to visually plan, present and readily alter an offensive strategy whilst maintaining a constant defensive strategy. There is no need to redraw the defensive strategy every time a change in the offensive strategy is being depicted.

The word 'comprising' and forms of the word 'comprising' as used in this description and in the claims does not limit the invention claimed to exclude any variants or additions.

Modifications and improvements to the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and improvements are intended to be within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A magnetic display board comprising:

(a) magnetic display panel;

(b) an upper surface of said panel including two or more zones; (c) at least one magnetic writing tool to create indicia on zones of said panel; and

(d) for each of said zones, at least one magnetic eraser located under said panel to selectively remove at least some of the indicia created in that zone without removing any indicia created in any other of said zones.

2. A magnetic display board according to claim 1, and further comprising a template superimposed upon said upper surface of said panel to define said two or more zones upon said panel.

3. A magnetic display board comprising

(a) a magnetic display panel; (b) a template superimposed on a surface of said panel to define two or more zones on said surface, the arrangement being such that indicia may be created in said zones by at least one magnetic writing tool; and

(c) at least one magnetic eraser associated with each zone located under said panel to selectively remove at least some of the indicia created in that zone without removing indicia created in other zones.

4. A magnetic display board comprising

(a) a magnetic display panel,

(b) a template superimposed on a surface of said panel to define two or more zones on said surface, the arrangement being such that indicia may be created in said zones by at least one magnetic writing tool; and

(c) at least one magnetic eraser associated with each of at least two of said zones located under said panel to selectively remove at least some of the indicia created in that zone without removing indicia created in other zones.

5. A magnetic display board comprising

(a) a magnetic display panel, said panel capable of receiving a template superimposed on a surface thereof to define two or more zones on said panel surface, the arrangement being such that indicia may be created in said zones by at least one magnetic writing tool; and

(b) at least one magnetic eraser associated with each of at least two of said zones located under said panel to selectively remove at least some of the indicia created in that zone without removing indicia created in other zones.

6. A magnetic display board according to claim 1, wherein said panel has a sealed area beneath said upper surface in which a viscous liquid having magnetic particles dispersed therein is located.

7. A magnetic display board according to claim 2, wherein said template is preprinted upon said upper surface of said panel.

8. A magnetic display board according to claim 7, wherein said template is of a playing field of a sport such as basketball, baseball, hockey, or a football game such as soccer, grid iron, rugby union, rugby league or Australian Rules football.

9. A magnetic display board according to claim 2, wherein said template comprises at least one transparent or semi-transparent sheet capable of being affixed to said upper surface.

10. A magnetic display board according to claim 9, wherein said sheet is affixed to said upper surface by insertion through a slot extending generally parallel to said upper surface, said slot retaining an edge of said sheet.

11. A magnetic display board according to claim 1, wherein said magnetic eraser comprises an elongated band of magnetic material of a length sufficient to traverse an associated zone.

12. A magnetic display board according to claim 11, wherein said eraser is held in guides which permit it to slide across an associated zone.

13. A magnetic display board according to claim 11, wherein said magnetic eraser includes a handle attached thereto to permit movement of the eraser across its associated zone on the application of a force to said handle.

14. A magnetic display board according to claim 13, wherein said guide arrangement is such that a magnetic eraser associated with one zone is not able to traverse another zone whereby to reduce the likelihood of indicia in another zone being inadvertently erased.

15. A magnetic display board comprising:

(a) a frame;

(b) a magnetic display panel held by said frame;

(c) a template of a playing field of a sport such as basketball, baseball, hockey, or a football game such as soccer, grid iron, rugby union, rugby league or Australian Rules football superimposed upon an upper surface of said panel to define two or more zones of said playing field upon said upper surface of said panel;

(d) said panel having a sealed area beneath said upper surface in which a viscous liquid having magnetic particles dispersed therein is located; (e) at least one magnetic writing tool releasably held by said frame to create indicia in said zones upon said upper surface of said magnetic display panel; and

(f) for each of said zones, at least one magnetic eraser located under said panel to selectively remove at least some of the indicia created in that zone without removing indicia created in other zones, said magnetic eraser comprising an elongated band of magnetic material held in guides and of a length sufficient to traverse an associated zone, said magnetic eraser including a handle attached thereto to permit movement of said eraser across its associated zone on the application of a force to said handle.