WO2007071972A1

WO2007071972A1 - Writing board

Info

Publication number: WO2007071972A1
Application number: PCT/GB2006/004771
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jonathan Stollery; Kim Marie Jones
Original assignee: Jonathan Stollery; Kim Marie Jones
Priority date: 2005-12-22
Filing date: 2006-12-19
Publication date: 2007-06-28

Abstract

Provision of sterilisable writing boards is important in order to avoid contamination and cross infection. By providing a flared edge (2) and a clip (7) which is reciprocally shaped to engage the flared edge (2) and incorporates typically a detent (5) to engage a reciprocal part of the edge (2), a writing board assembly (1) is provided which has sufficient strength to be hung upon a bar such as at the end of a bed whilst also retaining papers in use. The clip (7) can be removed and either disposed of or sterilised and the board similarly sterilised once the clip (7) is removed.

Description

Writing Board

This invention relates to writing boards and more particularly to a detachable/disposable clip associated with a writing board to form a so-called clipboard.

Clipboards are well known items in regular use throughout the world. There is a clip which is permanently fitted to the board to hold papers and documents in place. Alternatively a simple removable clip such as a bulldog clip can be used to hold papers and documents onto a flat board.

Known board and clip combinations that allow the board and clip assembly to be hung up, such as on the end of a hospital bed, require the clip to be permanently fixed to the board. Due to the nature of this fixing it is difficult or impossible to cleanse or sterilise the assembly properly so that it can harbour harmful micro organisms and act as a source of infection and or cross infection. Alternatively a simple removable clip is also problematical as the clip cannot itself be used to hang the board and clip assembly. The clip will be pulled off the top of the board due to the weight of the hanging board. Furthermore, if the hook is formed as part of the board this also causes problems as again it is difficult or impossible to cleanse or sterilise the assembly properly thereby allowing for the harbouring of harmful micro organisms and acting as a source of infection and or cross infection.

It will be understood that other clipboard configurations with lugs or locking arrangements are possible but still may cause problems with cleaning, sterilisation and cross-contamination.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention there is provided a writing board having a flared edge and a clip, the clip having a channel of reciprocal shape to the flared edge to retain the clip upon the flared edge. Typically, the flared edge diverges either side of the board. Possibly, the flared edge is bulbous. Alternatively, the flared edge has a T cross section. Advantageously, the flared edge has a location detent or spigot to engage the clip.

Typically, the board has a smooth surface to avoid recesses which may harbour contaminants.

Generally, the clip has a return hook on a first side. Advantageously the clip has a retainer arm. Typically, the retainer arm has a shaped memory bias against the board when assembled. Typically, the bias is to retain sheet materials in association with the board. Alternatively, or advantageously, the bias is to facilitate interference engagement of the clip upon the board.

Possibly, the clip has a location part to enter a recess in the board to retain location of the clip upon the board. Possibly, the location part is part of the retainer arm.

Potentially, the clip has a structural weakness to cause fracture of the clip if removed from the board once assembled.

Generally, the flared edge and the channel are specifically paired for correct and limited assembly combinations.

Generally, the clip is made from a plastics material. Possibly, the clip is made from a sterilisable material.

Generally, the clip and/or the board are coloured for co-ordination.

Possibly, the clip and/or the board upon assembly provide a tell-tale feature. Possibly, the tell-tale feature is a mark applied from one to the other indicating previous assembly once detached from each other. Alternatively, the feature is detachment of a portion of the clip and/or the board.

Possibly, the flared edge incorporates a grip surface.

Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a board;

Fig. 2 is plan view of a board with clip fitted;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of a clip and the board through A-A (Fig. 2);

Fig. 4 is a sectional view of a clip retaining flare;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the clip;

Fig. 6 is a sectional view of the clip fitted to a board;

Fig. 7 is a part cross section of a flared edge and clip channel in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

Fig. 8 is a plan view of a clip and board in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

Fig. 9 is a side view in the direction A-A of the clip and board depicted in Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is a plan view of the clip and board depicted in Figs. 8 and 9; and,

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a board in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

Fig. 1 illustrates a board 1 formed of any rigid or semi rigid material such as cardboard or metal but preferably of a polymer such as ABS₁ HIPS or Polypropylene. The board 1 will ideally incorporate some form of anti microbial additive such as silver. An end 2 of the board 1 is flared to accommodate a clip 3 as shown in Fig. 2 and the clip 3 can be formed of any flexible or semi flexible material but ideally of polypropylene. The flared end 2 is to prevent the clips being pulled off the top edge of the board 1 when pulled at a 90 degree angle to the top edge of the board 1 , such as when the assembly is hung up by hooking a return hook 7 over a retaining bar. This flaring to the end 2 can be any shape which increases the thickness of the top edge of the board 1 enough to prevent the clip 3 from being pulled off the top edge of the board 1 , although it is preferred to be of a smooth flowing shape such as shown in Fig. 4. Such a smooth shape has no sharp angles, orifices or crevasses to harbour micro organisms. The flared end 2 will ideally incorporate an indent 5 (Fig. 1) in the centre of the edge of the board 1 to locate a corresponding spigot 6 in the clip 3 (Fig. 3). The spigot 6 when mated to the indent 5 (Fig. 1) locates the clip 3 (Fig. 2) in a central position on the flared edge 2 of the board 1. This arrangement allows the clip 3 to be fitted to the board 1 by sliding onto the board 1 from either end, or the board 1 to be used to present two writing surfaces.

The clip 3 should also incorporate an area 8 (Fig. 2) in/on which can be written for instance a patients name - dictating the changing of the clip 3 between patients to reduce the risk of cross infection.

Referring to Fig. 5 providing an alternative embodiment of a clip 11 formed of a flexible material such as a polymer like nylon or polypropylene. However, the clip 11 could be manufactured from any flexible material including thin section metal. The clip 11 could also use independent spring mechanisms to clamp the clip 11 to a board 16 and with a document 12 also

^• secured to the board 6. Sections 13 and 14 of the clip 11 as shown in Fig. 2 are manufactured to be in close proximity at a point 18. The clip 11 is fitted to the board 16 by pushing the clip 11 against an edge of the board 16 forcing the sections 13 and 14 apart. Alternatively, the clip 11 can be fitted to the board 16 by forcing the clip 11 sideways onto the top corner of the board 16 then sliding it ^' sideways into position. The pressure applied to the board 16 by the memory of sections 13 and 14 of the clip 11 cause clamping of the clip 11 to the board 16.

Papers or documents are held onto the board 16 by the pressure from the memory action of the section 15 pressing against the board 16 at point 18. Documents can be released or added by lifting part 15 of the clip 11 using finger pressure on point 19 in the direction of the arrow 10.

Section 15 is manufactured to be in close proximity to section 13 at point 21. The sections 12, 13 and 14 of the clip 11 are considerably thicker than the section of part 15. Therefore when part 15 is flexed to facilitate the insertion or removal of documents 22 sections 12, 13 and 14 remain unflexed keeping the clip 11 firmly fitted to the board 16.

The clip 11 can be removed from the board 16 by applying firm pressure in the direction of arrow 23.

Figs. 7 to 11 illustrate various aspects of a further alternative clip and board in accordance with aspects of the present invention. Thus, the clip 101 is associated with the board 102 through a flared edge 103. In accordance with aspects of the present invention this association is sufficiently robust that a return hook 104 can be secured upon a bar 105 to allow the board and clip to hang in a situation typical with respect to a patient's bed in a hospital environment. As indicated previously, it is important that the clip and board remain associated despite the significant weight of the board 102 and any paperwork or other sheet materials secured to the board hanging from the return hook 104 on the bar 105.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention the flared edge 103 has a significant perpendicular or laterally extending aspect relative to the plane of the board 102. This can be particularly seen in Fig. 7 taken in the cross section A-A depicted in Fig. 8. As can be seen, the flared edge 103 has a substantially T shaped cross section to be engaged by a reciprocally shaped channel 106 of the clip 101. In such circumstances robust association is provided between the flared edge 103 and the clip 101 through the channel 106. Such association will prevent release under the significant weight of the board 102 and any associated paperwork retained by a retention arm 107 of the clip 101. This robust association is provided in the area marked X in Fig. 9 which is consistent with the orientation of the flared edge 103 to the clip 101 association depicted in Fig. 7. It will be understood that the clip 101 and board 102 are generally formed from plastics material or a material which can be readily sterilised so that these clips may not have high structural strength and therefore the engagement between the channel 106 and the flared edge 103 may be weak. In such circumstances to avoid these parts, that is to say channel 106 and flared edge 103, being weakened by the necessity of providing a compressive clip embracement, it will be understood that the clip 101 is generally slid along the edge 103 into an appropriate position where through a detent or spigot or locating ribs, position of the clip 101 can be retained. It will also be understood that a location part 108 of the retainer arm may enter a recess or hole on the board or force partial entry of captured papers into that recess or hole to further facilitate clip 108 location on the board 102.

The slide movement along the edge 103 may be facilitated by providing differing sections whereby the flared edge 103 in shoulder parts 103a allows the clip to easily slide, whilst in central areas where the clip should be retained, there is a roughened grip surface to engage the clip and therefore hold location. As indicated in Fig. 7 a roughened surface 108 can be provided or this surface 108 simply comprises a compressible or elastomeric surface which causes interference association between the clip and in particular the channel 106 and the flared edge 103 to retain position.

It will be understood that most conveniently the flared edge 103 diverges either side of the board 102 to further facilitate robust engagement between the clip 103 and the board 102. Although depicted as substantially symmetrical, it will also be understood that these parts of the flared edge 103 may be of different lengths or angles dependent upon expected loading of the board 102 in use. The flared edge, as depicted, is typically T shaped in cross section, but it will also be understood that bulbous or other flared edge configurations may be used.

The purpose of the clip 101 as indicated is to provide a secure location on the board through the flared edge 103 to allow that board to be hung on a bar 105. However, it will also be understood that the clip 101 through its retainer arm 107 should provide sufficient robust engagement against the board 102 to retain sheet materials such as paper. In such circumstances the retainer arm 107 will generally have a shape memory bias whereby the arm 107 can be fluted to clip a sheet of paper to the board 102 and then through the shaped memory bias, the end 108 of that arm 107 forced into engagement with the board to retain the papers in position. As indicated previously, this end 108 may also facilitate interference location of the clip upon the board 102.

As indicated above, a possible use of a clip and board in accordance with aspects of the present invention is in situations where the dangers of cross contamination must be avoided. In such circumstances generally the clip 101 and/or the board 102 will either be disposable or readily sterilisable in use. If the clip 101 or board 102 is designed to be disposable or recyclable, then it is important once assembled there is at least an indication of prior assembly and use. Such indication may take the form of a tell-tale witness feature such as when the clip 101 is slid along the board, and in particular the edge 103, a mark is applied to the board indicating use. This mark may comprise an ink stain or depression of a crease in the board indicating use and assembly. In such circumstances, should the clip be removed and an attempt made to re-use the board, an indication will be provided that the board has been previously used. Similarly, the board may mark or otherwise indicate the clip has been assembled to a board previously. The tell-tale witness feature may be removed by sterilising such as expansion due to heat in an autoclave.

In order to further prevent repeated use of clips in particular it will be understood that a clip may incorporate a structural weakness such that once assembled the clip will fracture if removed from the board. Similarly, the flared edge 103 may be designed such that after assembly removal of the clip will destroy the flared edge in terms of allowing a further clip to be slid along the edge 103 and located appropriately.

It will also be understood that particular flared edges and channels may be specifically paired for correct and limited assembly combinations. By such a facility easier repeated use of clips or boards in accordance with aspects of the present invention may be inhibited by a necessity for providing the necessary matched pair. Such specific paired matching may also be further specified and limited by providing boards and clips in particular colours having correctly matched flared edge and channel pairs, but in a number of colour types. In such circumstances, if there are five specifically matched flared edge and clip channel pairs, and five colours so that an individual could pick a matched pair comprising a clip and board of different colours, this will be noticeable inhibiting transfer of used clips to new boards etc.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1θ 'Claims

1. A writing board having a flared edge and a clip, the clip having a channel of reciprocal shape to the flared edge to retain the clip upon the flared edge.

2. A board as claimed in claim 1 wherein the flared edge diverges either side of the board.

3. A board as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the flared edge is bulbous.

4. A board as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the flared edge has a T cross section.

5. A board as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the flared edge has a location detent or spigot to engage the clip.

6. A board as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the board has a smooth surface to avoid recesses which may harbour contaminants.

7. A board as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the clip has a return hook on a first side.

8. A board as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the clip has a retainer arm.

9. A board as claimed in claim 8 wherein the retainer arm has a shaped memory bias against the board when assembled.

10. A board as claimed in claim 9 wherein the bias is to retain sheet materials in association with the board.

11. A board as claimed in claim 9 wherein the bias is to facilitate interference engagement of the clip upon the board.

12. A board as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the clip has a location part to enter a recess in the board to retain location of the clip upon the board.

13. A board as claimed in claim 12 wherein the location part is part of the retainer arm.

14. A board as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the clip has a structural weakness to cause fracture of the clip once assembled if removed from the board.

15. A board as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the flared edge and the channel are specifically paired for correct and limited assembly combinations.

16. A board as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the clip is made from a plastics material.

17. A board as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the clip is made from a sterilisable material.

18. A board as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the clip and/or the board are coloured for co-ordination.

19. A board as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the clip and/or the board upon assembly provide a tell-tale feature.

20. A board as claimed in claim 19 wherein the tell-tale feature is a mark applied from one to the other indicating previous assembly once detached from each other.

21. A board as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20 wherein the feature is detachment of a portion of the clip and/or the board.

22. A board as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the flared edge incorporates a grip surface.

23. A writing board substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

24. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.