US20040031899A1

US20040031899A1 - Device for holding an object

Info

Publication number: US20040031899A1
Application number: US10/217,796
Authority: US
Inventors: Richard Costa; D. Eldridge; Matthew Coe
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: PHARMADESIGN Inc
Priority date: 2002-08-13
Filing date: 2002-08-13
Publication date: 2004-02-19
Also published as: CN2707506Y; HK1052825A2; TW582339U

Abstract

A device for holding an object which is secured to a substrate such as a computer monitor, the device is secured to the substrate through a mounting assembly and includes a clip assembly which is pivotal about at least one axis to enable the viewing of an information carrying device on opposed sides of the clip assembly. The clip assembly also being pivotal about another axis to enable adjustments to the line of sight of the user.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device for holding an object such as a document that is mountable on a substrate, such as the side of a computer monitor. The device includes a clip assembly having a pair of sides that are movable to allow each side to move to an adjustable position facing the user and one or both of the sides may be fitted with a mirror and/or an information displaying device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Computers and computer monitors are in common use. While using a computer, the user may face in a direction away from an area the user would like to view. For instance, a shopkeeper may utilize a computer that faces in a direction away from the entry of the store which is not desirable from a security standpoint.

It is often desirable to type documents on a computer. While typing documents on a computer, the user may wish to refer to another document such as a handwritten document the content of which may need to be entered into the computer. Since computers are frequently disposed on desks, where the user may wish to refer to notes, business cards and similar information, it is desirable to have a place for keeping and/or displaying such notes and other information.

It has been proposed to mount a clip onto a computer monitor to hold documents therein for displaying the same in a line of sight of the user. Furthermore, it has also been proposed to mount a mirror to a computer monitor. In this way, the user may view the region behind the user while working on a computer to thereby provide a measure of security. While these functions have been provided in separate devices, it would be a significant advantage in the art to provide both of said functions with a single device that has a unique structure to perform these functions.

It would be a further advance in the art to provide a device in which the clip is adjustable to provide a desirable and adjustable line of sight for the user.

It would be a further advance in the art to provide a device with the aforementioned attributes which can be mounted to a wide variety of substrates in addition to a computer monitor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed to a device for holding an object such as a document which is mounted to a wide variety of substrates such as, for example, a computer monitor. The device may be moved to reveal different sides which may be provided with an information displaying region and/or a mirror to provide a view of an area behind the user while at the same time having the ability to hold an object such as, for example, a document. The multifunctional device is constructed in a manner which provides the above-described benefits in a cost efficient and effective manner.

In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided:

A device for holding an object comprising:

a) a mounting assembly for securing the device to a substrate; and

b) a clip assembly pivotally connected to the mounting assembly and having a first side and a second side which when operatively positioned together enable the clip assembly to hold said object, a first information-carrying device formed on the first side, and a second information-carrying device formed on the second side, the clip assembly being movable about at least one axis to enable the first side and the second side to face the user of the device.

In a preferred form of the invention, the clip assembly is pivotal about a plurality of axes and more preferably about at least one of said axis in either direction for up to 360°.

In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided:

A device for holding an object comprising:

a) a mounting assembly for securing the device to a substrate; and

b) a clip assembly pivotally connected to the mounting assembly and having a first side and a second side, said sides when operatively positioned together enable the clip assembly to hold said object, the clip assembly being in pivotable relationship to said mounting assembly about a plurality of axes, to enable the first side or second side to face a user of the device by moving the clip assembly about one of said axes and to be adjustable to the line of sight of the user by moving the clip assembly about another of said axes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings in which like reference characters illustrate like parts are illustrative of embodiments of the invention and are not intended to narrow the scope of the invention as encompassed by the claims forming part of the application. [0017]
FIG. 1 is a top right perspective view of a clip assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; [0018]
FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the clip assembly in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1; [0019]
FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the clip assembly in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2; [0020]
FIG. 4 is a right side elevational view of a clip assembly in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. [0021] 1-3;
FIG. 5 is a left side elevation al view of a clip assembly in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. [0022] 1-4;
FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the clip assembly in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. [0023] 1-5;
FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a clip assembly in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. [0024] 1-6;
FIG. 8A is an exploded front view of a mounting for the clip assembly in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. [0025] 1-7;
FIG. 8B is an exploded front view of a mounting for a clip assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; [0026]
FIG. 9 is a partial side elevational view of a clip assembly in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. [0027] 1-8A;
FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of a clip assembly, partially disassembled, in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. [0028] 1-8A and 9;
FIG. 11A is a partial exploded view of a pivotal connection assembly for the clip assembly in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. [0029] 1-8A and 9-10;
FIG. 11B is a partial cross-sectional view of a pivotal connection assembly for the clip assembly in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. [0030] 1-8A and 9-1 1A;
FIG. 12 is a front right perspective view of a clip assembly in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. [0031] 1-8A and 9-11B mounted on a computer monitor in a first position with one of the sides of the clip assembly facing the user;
FIG. 13 is the front right perspective view of FIG. 12 showing the clip assembly in a second position with the other of the sides of the clip assembly facing the user; [0032]
FIG. 14 is a top right perspective view of a clip assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; [0033]
FIG. 15 is a partial top plan view of the clip assembly in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 14; [0034]
FIG. 16 is a sectional view, taken along line [0035] 16-16 in FIG. 15;
FIG. 17 is a partial top plan view of a clip assembly in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention; [0036]
FIG. 18 is a partial side view of an embodiment of a pivotal connection assembly for providing front and back movement to the clip assembly to provide line of sight adjustment; [0037]
FIG. 19 is a partial side view of another embodiment of the pivotal connection assembly shown in FIG. 18; and [0038]
FIG. 20 is a top view of another embodiment of the invention with the pivotal connection assembly enabling the device to be rotated to a position where it is adjacent the substrate.[0039]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An embodiment of a device for holding an object in accordance with the invention is shown in FIGS. [0040] 1-13. The device comprises a clip assembly 11 operatively attached to a mounting arm 12 which in turn has a surface for mounting to a substrate such as a computer monitor as shown in FIGS. 2 and 13 and as hereinafter described. It will be understood that the device may be mounted on a wide variety of substrates having a sufficient sized mounting surface.
The [0041] clip assembly 11 is mounted to a first end 16 of the mounting arm 12. A mounting base 14 is attached to a second opposed end 18 of the mounting arm 12. The mounting base 14 includes an outside mounting surface 20 for mounting to the surface of a substrate such as a computer monitor. The shape of the mounting base 14 and the mounting surface 20 may vary depending on the desired object of attachment. The mounting surface 20 will typically be sufficiently complimentary to the shape of the substrate that an acceptable secure attachment will be made. For example, the mounting surface may be oriented along a vertical or horizontal axis. The mounting base 14 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-13 has a flange 19 with the mounting surface 20 (e.g. a vertical surface) for attachment to a corresponding surface of a computer monitor, wall, door, or the like. While mounting to a computer monitor will be described herein the object to which the present device is attached is in no way critical to the present invention.
The mounting [0042] base 14 may be attached to the computer monitor or other surface using a suitable attachment device including, but not limited to, adhesives, or mechanical fixtures, such as screws, bolts and the like. For example, the mounting base 14 may carry adhesive foam tape on the mounting surface 20.
The [0043] flange 19 has an inner surface 22 opposed to the mounting surface 20 which faces in a direction opposite from the mounting surface 20 (i.e. toward the clip assembly 11). The mounting base 14 also includes a web 24 that extends from the inner surface 22 of the flange 19, toward a first pivotal connection assembly 26 that enables the mounting arm to pivotally engage the mounting base 14 when the same is affixed to the computer monitor.
The first [0044] pivotal connection assembly 26 enables the device to be rotated toward and away from the user as shown by a comparison of FIG. 13 wherein the clip assembly is in a position to support a document in full view of the user to a position shown in FIG. 20 where the clip assembly is stored flush against the substrate. Preferably, rotation may be made about the axis of rotation in either direction up to 360°. The first pivotal connection assembly 26 comprises a hinge-like connection between the flange 19 and the second end 18 of the mounting arm 12. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting arm 12 comprises a plate 28 defining the upper end of the mounting arm 12. There is also provided as best shown in FIG. 2, a plate 30 extending downwardly from the plate 28 operatively connecting the mounting arm 12 to the clip assembly in pivotal relationship via pivotal connecting assembly 36 as hereinafter described in connection with FIGS. 11A and 11B.
The first [0045] pivotal connection assembly 26 for providing pivotal movement between the mounting base 12 and the mounting arm 14 is best seen in FIGS. 8A and 8B. In certain embodiments, the first pivotal connection assembly 26 comprises a hinge-like connection between the mounting base 14 and the mounting arm 12 which includes a first connector part 27 at an upper end of the web 24. The mounting arm 12 has a second complementary connector part 31. As hereinafter described, the first and second connector parts 27 and 31 are engaged to each other to form a shaft for seating a post which provides for the desirable pivotal movement. In particular, the first connector part 27 comprises an upper end which has a shaft 29 having an open lower end 35. The second connector part 31 is located at a lower end of the mounting arm 12 and comprises a recess 38 having an open upper end 37 thereby forming a cavity for seating a post 33. The post 33 is insertable into the shaft 29 through the open end 35 and is insertable into the recess 38 through the open upper end 37, thereby completing a pivotal connection between the mounting arm 12 and the mounting base 14. The post 33 may have a surface profiling or texture (e.g. raised ridges) for frictionally engaging the inner surfaces of the shaft 29 and recess 38 to provide a secure seating therein.
As shown in FIG. 8B, another embodiment of the first [0046] pivotal connection assembly 26 employs a tube 39 extending from the plate 30 of the mounting arm 12 which has sufficient space to rotatably engage the post 33. Other variations of the first pivotal connection assembly 26 would be apparent to these skilled in the art. For example, the mounting arm and mounting base may be connected via a ball and socket joint. In addition, the mounting arm 12 and mounting base 14 may be integral with each other with one clip assembly 11 attached to the one-piece mounting that is in turn mountable on a surface, such as the side of a computer monitor.
When the mounting [0047] base 14 and mounting arm 12 are operatively connected to one another, the mounting arm 12 is movable with respect to the mounting base 14 to allow the clip assembly to be moved toward and away form the user. The web 24 is shaped to allow the second connector part 31 to rest on the first connector part 27. The plate 30 is also shaped so as to avoid interfering with the first connector part 27.
The [0048] clip assembly 11 is adapted to hold an object such as a document and may be movable to expose opposed sides one of which may house a mirror for rearward viewing. In particular, the clip assembly 11 as shown in FIG. 1 comprises a first side 38 having a top end 40 and a bottom end 42. The first side 38 has a front surface 44 and a rear surface 46 as shown best in FIGS. 4 and 5. A first hinge part 48, as best seen in FIGS. 7 and 10, extends rearwardly from the rear surface 46 of the first side 38, near the top end 40 thereof. A second hinge part 58 also extends rearwardly from the rear surface 46 of the first side 38, near the tope end 40 thereof and in spaced apart relationship with first hinge part 48. The first hinge part 48 and second hinge part 58 are laterally spaced form one another as they extend from the rear surface 46 of the front side 38 of the clip assembly 11. The clip assembly 11 also has a second side 52 with a top end 54 and a bottom end 56. The first side 38 and the second side 52 are positioned with respect to each other to enable the clip assembly 11 to retain an object such as a document between the respective sides.
Referring again to FIGS. 7 and 10 a [0049] third hinge part 59 extends forwardly from the front surface 60 of the second side 52 and a fourth hinge part 62 extends forwardly from the front surface 60 as well. Both the third hinge part 59 and fourth hinge part 62 are located adjacent the top end 54 of the second side 52 of the clip assembly 11.
The [0050] first hinge part 48 and second hinge part 58 form a part of a hinge assembly that is operatively engaged to the third hinge part 59 and fourth hinge part 62. As best seen in FIG. 10, the first hinge part 48 and second hinge part 58 include a first lug 65 and a second lug 67, respectively. The lugs 65 and 67 extend outwardly away form the space between the first hinge part 48 and second hinge part 58. The third hinge part 59 has a first recess 61 and the fourth hinge part 62 has a second recess 63. The first and second hinged parts are spaced apart on the first side 38 and the third and fourth hinged parts are spaced apart on the second side 52 so that the first and second hinged parts are received in the space between the third and fourth hinged parts, 48 and 58, respectively. The lugs 65 and 67 extend outwardly away form the space between the first hinge part 48 and second hinge part 58. At least one of the hinge parts is somewhat flexible so that the lugs 65 and 67 are received in the recesses 61 and 63 and the first and second hinge parts snap into a position flush with the third and fourth hinge parts upon assembly of the first side 38 with the second side 52 via the hinge parts.
The manner in which the [0051] clip assembly 11 is in position to hold an object is best seen in FIG. 9, wherein a resilient member 49 is mounted between the rear surface 46 and the forward surface 60 so that the top end 40 and top end 54 are resiliently held apart while the first side 38 and second side 52 are hingedly connected to one another. The resilient member 49 resiliently holds the bottom end 42 and bottom end 56 of the respective sides 38 and 52 together, via the pivoting action of the hinge parts, preferably at a location above the hinge parts. The hinge parts 48, 58, 59, and 62 are spaced apart from the top ends 40 and 54 so that when the top ends are pressed towards one another, the first side 38 and second side 52 pivot with respect to one another about the hinged parts. The forces applied to the top ends are illustrated by arrows 50 in FIG. 9. When the first side 38 and second side 52 pivot with respect to one another, the bottom end 42 and bottom end 56 move away from one another so that the clip is opened and ready to receive a document, note or other information. When the top ends 40 and 54 are not depressed, the bottom ends 42 and 56 are spring biased into one another and engaged so that the clip assembly 11 can hold an object such as a document. Other means of constructing the clip assembly to releasably engage an object would be apparent to those skilled in the art.
The [0052] clip assembly 11 is mounted on the mounting arm 12 at a second pivotal connection 36 as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B by a tube 68 attached to either the first side 38 or the second side 52 of the clip assembly 11. For example, in the embodiment shown, the tube 68 comprises two parts attached to the inside surface 60 of the second side 52. The two parts of the tube 68 are disposed at the top end 54 of the second side, so that each part of the tube is spaced from another part of the tube, forming a slot 51. The tube 68 is arranged so as to receive the pin 34 to support the clip assembly 11, while allowing the clip assembly 11 to rotate and/or to engage in other movements to modify the position of the clip assembly 11 so as to alter the line of sight between the clip assembly 11 and the user as explained hereinafter.
The [0053] pin 34, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, may have a step 35 protruding outwardly from the surface thereof. The tube 68 is mounted on the second side 52 to define a bore 69 for receiving the pin 34. The bore 69 also defines a slot 51 for receiving the step 35. The parts of the tube 68 are mounted on the second side 52 so that the pin 34 is received in the bore 69 and the step 35 is received in the slot 51. However, other methods of attaching the clip assembly 11 to the mounting so that the clip assembly 11 is movable with respect to the mounting may be used.
As previously indicated, the clip assembly is movable about the second [0054] pivotal connection 36 to enable, for example, the clip assembly to be rotated so that one of the sides 38, 52 can be positioned in front of the user (e.g. side 38 as shown in FIG. 12). Further rotation can result in the other of the sides (e.g. side 52) being placed in front of the user (see FIG. 13). In a preferred form of the invention, the clip assembly 11 is rotatable about the second pivotal connection in either direction for up to 360°.
In another embodiment of the invention, the position of the clip assembly may be adjusted to provide a desirable line of sight with the user. In this regard, the clip assembly may be provided with the ability to move relative to the mounting arm along at least one axis different from the axis of movement involved in changing the side of the clip assembly facing the user. [0055]
Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, there are shown two embodiments of the invention whereby the clip assembly may be moved toward or away from the user to adjust the line of sight. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 18, the [0056] second pivot connection 36 and particularly the pin 34 is movably seated within a socket 90 in a manner sufficient to provide a desirable degree of forward and/or backward movement of the pin 34 and thereby the clip assembly 11. A standard ball and socket arrangement can be used for this purpose.
In the embodiment of FIG. 19, forward and/or backward movement can be achieved by providing the [0057] pin 34 with a mid region 91 which can flex so that the pin 34 is reversibly bendable, much like a drinking straw which has a similar type of bendable region.
In the embodiments of FIGS. 18 and 19, the line of sight between the user and the [0058] clip assembly 11 can readily be adjusted through the flexible movement provided by the socket 90 and/or the mid region 71 to make it easier for the user, for example, to view the object (e.g. document) held by the clip assembly 11 and/or the mirror which may be provided on one side thereof.
Various materials may be used to form the clip assembly including wood, metals, alloys thereof and plastics. Preferably, the clip assembly is formed from a resilient plastic material. Certain parts may be relatively rigid or relatively flexible. For example, the parts described herein that desirably flex in order to accomplish assembly are preferably made from resilient plastic. Such plastics are well known in the art. The parts may be formed by injection molding, or otherwise molding plastic or resin material. Certain of the parts may be molded together or adhered to one another, such as the [0059] pin 34 and the plate 30. Although some connections may be formed differently using different materials, a person of ordinary skill in the art is well versed in forming such connections.
The clip assembly includes a first information-carrying device on a first side thereof the term “information-carrying” means any information including written information (e.g. a written document) and/or visual (e.g. a mirror), that can be provided as part of the information carrying device. In a preferred embodiment, the [0060] clip assembly 11 includes a slot 70 which may be employed to hold a slip of paper or a card. The slot 70 is best seen in FIGS. 4 and 5 and may be constructed in a routine manner such as by the employment of a first tab 72 attached to the rear surface 46 at the bottom end 42 of the first side 38. The first tab 72 extends rearwardly and cooperates with a spaced apart second tab 74 attached to the rear surface 46 of the first side 38, just beneath the first hinge part 48 and second hinge part 58 to define a display area for receiving a slip of paper or a card, such as a business card.
The [0061] first side 38 has a centrally positioned opening 77. As shown in FIG. 1, the opening 77 is centrally located in a portion of the first side 38 so as not to interfere with the first hinge part 48 and second hinge part 58. Thus, a business card or slip of paper inserted in the slot 70 is visible through the opening 77 in the first side. Alternatively, it will be understood that the front face 44 of the first side 38 may be provided with a see through protective sheet (e.g. a transparent plastic sheet) over the opening to prevent damage to the card or note placed through the opening 77.
In other preferred embodiments, the [0062] slot 70 comprises a small clip (not shown) mounted on the rear surface 46 of the first side 38. The small clip may comprise a thin, resilient member having a first end folded over and in engagement with a second end thereof. A surface of the small clip may be adhered or otherwise mounted to the rear surface 46. The first end and second end resiliently engage one another so that when a slip of paper or card is inserted therebetween, the clip holds the slip of paper or card to the rear surface 46 of the first side 38. Any means for holding information on the clip may be used, as would be known by those of ordinary skill in the art.
The clip assembly includes a second information-carrying device on a second side thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the [0063] rear surface 75 of the second side 52 carries something of interest for the user. For example, the rear surface 75 may include another slot for holding a slip of paper or card on the rear surface as described above in connection with the first information-carrying device. In a preferred embodiment, as best seen in FIG. 3, the rear surface 64 carries a mirror 76. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-13, the mirror 76 is mounted near the bottom end 56 of the second side 52 so that the top end 54 is free to be contacted by the user to operate the clip assembly 11 to hold and release an object.
The [0064] clip assembly 11 preferably includes a region that is free to carry a logo or other information and which is in plain view of the user. One or more such surfaces may be provided on the first side 38 or second side 52 of the clip assembly. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a region designated by the numeral 79 is located on the first side 38 and may carry a label printed with a logo for a product or other advertising or promotional information. In other embodiments, the information may be printed directly on surface 79.
In another embodiment, the [0065] second side 52 comprises first and second portions (not shown) adhered to one another which together form a space for receiving a mirror. In a further embodiment, the second side 52 comprises a single portion and the mirror 76 operatively engaged to the surface 75 such as through the use of an adhesive.
A further embodiment of the invention is shown in connection with FIGS. [0066] 14-16. The clip assembly 111 comprises a first side 138 and a second side 152 hingedly mounted and spring-biased in a closed position with respect to one another, substantially as described above in connection with the embodiments of FIGS. 1-13. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14-16, the first side 138 has a curvilinear shape so that the top end 140 of the first side 138 is biased outwardly from the substantially planar top end 154 of the second side 152. Although FIGS. 14-16 show parts having a particular shape, the parts may have various shapes apart from the shapes specifically shown.
In operation, the [0067] bottom end 142 of the first side 138 of the clip assembly 111 engages the bottom end 156 of the second side 152. The first side 138 comprises a slot 170. The slot 170 is formed between the front surface 144 of first side 138 and an insert 139 mounted thereon. The first side 138 has a plurality of cavities formed therein for receiving corresponding tabs 145 (three are shown) formed on the insert 139. However, in other embodiments, a fewer or greater number of tabs may be used. In addition, the insert 139 may be held onto the first side 138 by other means, so as to form a slot for holding notes, memos, and other information. In addition, the slot may be formed by other means, such as a clip attached to the front side 138.
The [0068] insert 139 also has a hole 141, preferably centrally located in the insert 139. When the insert 139 is mounted on the first side 138 via the tabs 145, the slip of paper or card may be grasped between the inert 139 and the first side 138. Preferably, the hole 141 is shaped so as to reveal the slip of paper or card engaged by the slot 170, while preventing the slip of paper or card from falling out of the slot.
In the embodiment specifically shown in FIG. 14, the [0069] insert 139 has corner portions 143 so that the hole 141 is shaped in the form of a business card, except for the corner portions 143 which engage the corners of the business card. The hole 141 is shown substantially rectangular in shape and has four corner portions. In other embodiments, the hole 141 may have various shapes and may or may not have corner portions.
The [0070] insert 139 may be comprised of a transparent material, such as a transparent plastic. In certain embodiments, a transparent insert 139 is used, without a hole, and the material of the insert 139 is transparent enough to allow the note or card in the slot 170 to be viewed. The second side 152 has as rear surface for mounting something of interest to the user, such as a mirror 176. In other embodiments, a mirror may be mounted on the front side and a clip or other means of displaying information may be mounted on the rear side.
The clip assembly [0071] 111 is connected to a second end 118 (see FIG. 15) of a mounting arm 112. A first end 116 of the mounting arm 112 is connected to a mounting base 114, as shown in FIG. 14. The mounting base 114 and mounting arm 112 are operatively connected by a first pivotal connection 125 and the mounting arm 112 and second side 152 of the clip assembly 111 form a second pivotal connection 136. The mounting base 114 has a pair of fingers extending from a surface 120 thereof. The first pair of fingers 115 has free ends 117 that are spaced apart from one another so as to receive the first end 116 of the mounting arm 112. The first end 116 of the mounting arm 112 has an aperture 113 formed therein so that the first end 116 of the mounting arm 112 may be inserted between the free ends 117 of the first fingers 115 which are received in the aperture 113 as the mounting arm 112 and the mounting base 114 rotate with respect to one another. The first fingers 115 are spaced apart from one another so that the first end 116 of the mounting arm 112 snaps into place between the first fingers 115 and can rotate about the mounting base 114. At an opposite end 118 of the mounting arm, the mounting arm 112 has a second pair of fingers 121 for forming a pivotal 136 connection with the second side 152 of the clip 111 (see FIG. 15). The second side 152 has an aperture 123 formed therein so that an end of the second side 152 may be inserted between the free ends of the second fingers 121.
Referring to FIG. 16, the clip assembly [0072] 111 is preferably spring-loaded in the closed position by a resilient member 127 that engages the first side 138 at the top end 140 and the second side 152 at the top end 154. The resilient member 127 resiliently holds the top end 140 and top end 154 away form each other while allowing the top end 140 and top end 154 to be brought together when pressure is applied to the top end 140 and top end 154. Hinge members 148 and 158 on first side 138 are attached to hinge members 159 and 162 on second side 152. Through pivoting action around the hinge members 138, 148, 158 and 162, the lower end 142 and lower end 156 are moved away from each other.
The [0073] resilient member 127 may comprise a spring made of curled wire, a leaf spring, a resilient piece of metal or the like or a spongy material disposed between the first side 138 and second side 152, near the top ends, a living hinge, a plastic spring, flat or preformed, or preferably attached to the first side 138, the second side, or both. For example, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the resilient member 127 may have a hole at each of ends 131 a and 131 b. The first side may have a knob 133 a and the second side may have a corresponding knob 133 b. When the resilient member 127 is mounted on the clip assembly 111, knob 133 a and knob 133 b are received in a respective hole to hold the resilient member 127 in place. The resilient member could be glued, attached by molding an end of resilient member into the plastic, or using various methods known in the art.
In a further embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 17, the clip assembly has a mounting base, a mounting [0074] arm 212 and a pair of sides 238 and 252, as discussed above for holding an object. The clip assembly 211 has a first side 238 hingedly attached to a second side 252 and spring loaded in a closed position and a slot in the first side 238, as discussed above in connection with FIGS. 14-16. The second side 252 of the clip assembly 211 carries a pair of fingers 215 that have free ends 217 that extend rearwardly from the second side 252, adjacent a top end 254 of the second side 252. The mounting arm 212 has a second end 218 having an aperture 213 formed therein for receiving the free ends 217 of the pair of fingers 215 and hingedly mounting the clip assembly 211 to the mounting arm 212. The second side 252 has a rear surface 275 for carrying something of interest to the user. For example, the rear surface 275 in the embodiment of FIG. 17 carries a mirror 276. The clip assembly 211 is otherwise substantially as described in connection with FIGS. 14-16.
Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. For example, one or more photo-frames or photo-carrying structures may be used. In another example, a LCD or digital display may be included. A number of structures may be utilized as a slot in the first side of the clip assembly, as known in the art. In addition, the clip assembly may be spring-mounted in a closed position utilizing a leaf spring, a spring wire, or other resilient member. In addition, the mounting base, mounting arm and clip assembly may be pivotally connected to one another utilizing various structures known in the art. These pivotal connections may be arranged to facilitate movement through a 360° rotation, a 180° rotation or other angle. The clip may carry a slot on the first side of the clip and another slot on the second side. In other embodiments, a mirror is mounted on both the first side and second side. In some embodiments with two mirrors, each mirror has different degrees of magnification or different degrees of wide-angle viewing. In other embodiments, one or more flat or concave or convex mirrors are included. In other embodiments, a slot is located on a rearward facing side and a mirror is located on a forward-facing side. Other information may be carried directly on a surface of the clip device, such as the logo of a product or company. For example, such information may be carried on the mounting base or mounting arm. Furthermore, the clip assembly may be disposed so that the openable ends of the clip assembly are located on the side, rather than lower end of the clip assembly. [0075]
It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as encompassed by the claims forming part of the application. [0076]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A device for holding an object, comprising:

a) a mounting assembly for securing the device to a substrate; and

b) a clip assembly pivotally connected to the mounting assembly and having a first side and a second side which when operatively positioned together enable the clip assembly to hold said object, a first information-carrying device on the first side, and a second information-carrying device on the second side, the clip assembly being movable about at least one axis to enable the first side and the second side to face a user of the device.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the clip assembly is movable about a plurality of axes.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the clip assembly is movable about at least one axis in either direction up to 360°.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the mounting assembly comprises a mounting arm having a first end, the clip assembly being pivotally connected to the mounting arm at the first end.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second information-carrying devices comprises a mirror.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the first information-carrying device comprises a slot for carrying an information containing vehicle.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the first side has an opening therein and the slot comprises a pair of tabs disposed with respect to the opening so as to display information contained on the information containing vehicle held in the slot.

8. The device of claim 6, wherein the first side has an opening therein and a see through protective sheet over the at least a portion of the opening to protect the information containing vehicle held in the slot.

9. The device of claim 4, wherein the mounting arm comprises a second end and the mounting assembly includes a mounting base hingedly connected to the second end of the mounting arm.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the mounting base has a mounting surface for attaching to a surface of a computer monitor.

11. The device of claim 9 further comprising a pivotal connection assembly pivotally connecting the mounting arm to the clip assembly.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first side and the second side has a curvilinear shape.

13. A device for holding an object comprising:

a) a mounting assembly for securing the device to a substrate; and

b) a clip assembly pivotally connected to the mounting assembly and having a first side and a second side, said sides when operatively positioned together enable the clip assembly to hold said object, the clip assembly being pivotable in relationship to said mounting assembly about a plurality of axes, to enable the first side or second side to face a user of the device by moving the clip assembly about one of said axes and to be adjustable to the line of sight of the user by moving the clip assembly about another of said axes.

14. The device of claim 13 wherein the clip assembly is movable about said another axis from a first position in which the clip is aligned with a vertical axis of the clip assembly to a second position in which the clip assembly is moved toward the user at an angle with respect to said vertical axis.

15. The device of claim 13 wherein the clip assembly is movable about one of said axes from a first position wherein the clip assembly and object held therein may be readily viewed by the user to a second position wherein the clip assembly is adjacent to the substrate.