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  Writing surface rotatably attached to a steering wheelUSPTO Application #: 20060054759Title: Writing surface rotatably attached to a steering wheel Abstract: A rotating writing surface attached to a steering wheel by a rotating means and off center weight such that the writing surface remains in the plumb position. (end of abstract)
Agent: Russ D. Pollman - Fullerton, CA, US Inventor: Russ D. Pollman USPTO Applicaton #: 20060054759 - Class: 248231610 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Supports, Brackets, Specially Mounted Or Attached, Bracket Clamped To Mount (i.e., Single Clamp), By Separable Jaw The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060054759. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] Writing on a typical clipboard attached to a steering wheel while steering has its inherent problems due the fact that the clipboard rotates with the steering wheel. [0002] Golf cart clipboards are a typical example of a clipboard rigidly fixed to a steering wheel. The difficulties associated with a golf cart clipboard that rotates with the steering wheel are players need score quickly to advance to the next avoiding delay and possible injury from incoming balls from players that follow. Since the clipboard needs to be in the vertical orientation in order for a player to score easily it is necessary to make sure that the steering wheel is rotated in such a way that the clipboard is in the vertical position. This allows for viewing and scoring on the scorecard immediately which is desired. [0003] Players traveling to the next hole often need to refer to the clipboard with the score card located on it in order to evaluate their score, look for yardage and view the layout of the golf course. Since the golf cart rarely travels in a straight-line and scoring on the current clipboard that is rotating on the same plane as the steering wheel, it is difficult or impossible and often dangerous to try and look at the score card while the golf cart is in motion. Even the passenger, who is not driving, would find looking at the golf score card attached to a fixed clipboard impossible to read while the golf cart is in motion. [0004] Further, the scorecard often becomes bent after flipping back and forth in the wind as the clipboard rotates with the steering wheel. This rotation of the clipboard and the scorecard attached to it results the scorecard being prone to dislodging itself from the clip on the clipboard. [0005] Another problem of existing golf cart clipboards is the golf pencil used for scoring is placed in a horizontal aperture within the golf cart clipboard itself. However, the aperture is only horizontal as long as the golf cartwheels are positioned straight ahead. Once the driver rotates the golf cart's steering wheel the pencil holder rotates with it. As the aperture rotates to a position where it is facing straight down or less than horizontal it is very common for the golf pencil to fall out. This makes it difficult and frustrating to keep score. Since most golfers are aware of the tendency for the golf pencil to fall out they often bring several pencils with them in case one falls out causing many pencils to be wasted and an added expense to the golf course owners. Pencils and scorecards are easily lost, ran over or depending on the weather, damaged due to the rotation of the clipboard causing inaccurate scoring and frustration SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] Directed to remedying the problems in and limitations of the prior art, and meets the foregoing needs, disclosed herein are improved methods and assemblies for rotatable clipboards attached to a steering wheel. [0007] The rotatable clipboard could be available on new cart as an integrated part of the steering wheel or retrofitted to existing golf cart's steering wheels by attaching it The rotatable clipboard could be easily removed and attached with proper detailed instructions. [0008] The method for creating a rotatable clipboard attached to a steering wheel is by attaching the clipboard to a the steering wheel with a bearing. The clipboard is preferably made by injection molding a plastic clipboard with the appropriate dimensions and then attaching a clip mechanism to hold the material to be written or viewed. Standard clips for the clipboard are constructed with a tension mechanism to hold the material for viewing or writing on the clipboard. The tension mechanism allows the paper to be releasable held onto the clipboard. Releasing the material from the clip is accomplished by applying pressure to the clip to release the material from the clip on the clipboard. [0009] A rotatable clipboard would be thin enough as not to hinder steering and safety. The design would be fiat and rigid. The clipboard could be made from metal and/or plastic materials fabricated using standard molding design practices incorporating ribs for durability and rigidity. [0010] In order for the clipboard to rotate independently of the steering wheel an inexpensive sealed bearing is attached between the clipboard and the steering wheel. A bolt and nut are then used to secure the bearing between the clipboard and steering wheel base plant by placing the bolt through a aperture in the center of the clipboard, through the center of the bearing located between the clipboard steering wheel base plate and finally through a aperture in the center of the steering wheel base plate. A nut is then attached and tightened to the bolt in order to secure the clipboard, bearing and base plate together. [0011] Further, a weight is the secured to the bottom of the clipboard in order to orient the rotatable clipboard in a plumb or vertical position at all times. As a result, the clipboard maintains a vertical or plumb position independent of the position of the steering wheel. [0012] Further, the rotatable surface of the present invention can also be utilized as a writing surface or for any other conceivable function that would prove to be convenient to a user [0013] Embodiments of the present invention include 6 inch diameter clipboards attached with a rotating means to a golf cart steering wheel for writing on detailed 24 page golf scoring booklet. [0014] Embodiments of the present invention also include methods for attaching a board to a steering wheel with a rotating mechanism. [0015] Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description and the accompanying figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0016] FIG. 1 depicts a steering wheel with a clipboard attached to the steering wheel. [0017] FIG. 2 is a elevated view showing a fixed clipboard attached to the steering wheel in a rotated position. [0018] FIG. 3 is an elevated view of a rotatable clipboard in the vertical position relative to a steering wheel which has been rotated approximately 45 degrees. [0019] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the pieces of a rotatable clipboard base plate and steering wheel. [0020] FIG. 5 is a detailed cross section of the rotating means for attaching a rotatable clipboard to a steering wheel. [0021] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a golf cart. Continue reading... Full patent description for Writing surface rotatably attached to a steering wheel Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Writing surface rotatably attached to a steering wheel patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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