Apparatus and method for clipboard

Abstract

The present invention is directed generally to apparatus and method for facilitating improved efficiency, convenience, and device organization and protection for data acquisition with improved efficiency and organization, for example, while on the run or in the field. For example, in various embodiments the invention may include one or more quick locking and quick opening means for storage compartment(s), for example, one or more spring actuated and locking drawers may be included in a clipboard with one or more storage compartment(s). The quick locking and quick opening means may be spring operated to as to push the storage compartment open when actuated and/or to lock the storage compartment into place when the storage compartment is closed. The clipboard and storage apparatus may also be designed to be lightweight, durable and versatile by including a rubber over molded base, a contoured base, and/or may have a smudge resistant clear coat finish.

1 . A portable writing board with storage unit, comprising:
 a storage box;   a spring actuated locking and unlocking mechanism that locks the storage box into a closed position when the storage box is pushed in from an open position to a position interacting with the spring actuated locking and unlocking mechanism and unlocks to open the storage box when the storage box is push in again with the door is in the closed position.   
     
     
         2 . The portable writing board with storage unit of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a storage housing that includes:
 a storage section housing the storage box; and 
 a contoured section that has a valley that provides at least a partially thinner cross section to one area of the storage housing. 
   
     
     
         3 . The portable writing board with storage unit of  claim 2 , further comprising:
 a clipboard housing attached to the storage housing.   
     
     
         4 . The portable writing board with storage unit of  claim 3 , further comprising;
 a spring loaded document holder.   
     
     
         5 . The portable writing board with storage unit of  claim 3 , further comprising;
 a document holder having a clear coat finish that reduces smudging.   
     
     
         6 . The portable writing board with storage unit of  claim 2 , wherein the storage section housing is rubber over molded that reduces scratching and sliding of the unit on a surface. 
     
     
         7 . A portable clipboard and storage device, comprising:
 a clipboard housing;   a storage housing;   a storage drawer attached to and movable in and out of the storage housing;   a spring actuated drawer locking and unlocking mechanism, wherein the storage drawer is locked inside the storage housing by the spring actuated drawer locking mechanism upon a first inward force of the storage drawer into the storage housing, and the storage drawer is unlocked and pops at least partially out of the storage housing by the spring actuated drawer locking mechanism upon a second inward force of the storage drawer.   
     
     
         8 . The portable clipboard and storage device of  claim 7 , wherein the clipboard housing includes a moveable lid and an internal storage area that may be accessed by the lid. 
     
     
         9 . The portable clipboard and storage device of  claim 8 , wherein the lid is spring loaded. 
     
     
         10 . The portable clipboard and storage device of  claim 9 , wherein the lid is hinged to one vertical side of the clipboard housing. 
     
     
         11 . The portable clipboard and storage device of  claim 7 , wherein the storage housing has a plurality of storage drawers attached to and movable in and out of the storage housing and a plurality of spring actuated drawer locking and unlocking mechanisms, wherein the storage drawers are locked inside the storage housing by the spring actuated drawer locking mechanisms upon a first inward force of the storage drawer into the storage housing, and the storage drawers are unlocked and pops at least partially out of the storage housing by the spring actuated drawer locking mechanism upon a second inward force of the storage drawer. 
     
     
         12 . The portable clipboard and storage device of  claim 11 , wherein the storage housing has a contoured bottom surface to improve gripping and resting the portable clipboard on various surfaces, and the storage housing is rubber over molded that reduces scratching and sliding of the unit on a surface. 
     
     
         13 . The portable clipboard and storage device of  claim 7 , wherein the clipboard housing and the storage housing are two separate housings that are removably attached to one another. 
     
     
         14 . A clipboard, comprising:
 a housing including at least two separate storage sections, a first section having a lid and a second section including a retractable storage box;   a spring actuated locking and/or unlocking mechanism that locks and/or unlocks the retractable storage box by depressing an outer wall of the retractable storage box.   
     
     
         15 . The clipboard of  claim 14 , further comprising:
 a hooking mechanism attached to the retractable storage box that works in conjunction with the spring actuated locking and/or unlocking mechanism to lock and/or unlock the retractable storage box.   
     
     
         16 . The clipboard of  claim 15 , further comprising:
 a slide rail included in the second section along which the retractable storage box will move.   
     
     
         17 . The clipboard of  claim 16 , further comprising:
 a retaining tab attached to the retractable storage box that works in conjunction with the slide rail to retain the retractable storage box within the housing.   
     
     
         18 . The clipboard of  claim 14 , wherein the housing has a third section that has a lower surface formed in a folded body shape having that improves gripping of the clipboard and helps the clipboard rest more securely on various surfaces. 
     
     
         19 . The clipboard of  claim 18 , wherein the folded body shape has at least one valley and two ridges on either side of the valley. 
     
     
         20 . The clipboard of  claim 18 , wherein the housing is comprised of two separate housing, an upper housing and a lower housing that are attached to one another, the upper housing includes the first section having a lid and the lower housing includes the second section having the retractable storage box and the third section having a lower surface formed in a folded body shape.