A laminated composite noteboard using smoothly finished, glossy surface plastic material for the surface laminate(s), provides an efficient and convenient writing or marking surface for writing or marking implements such as erasable felt tip pens and the like. The noteboard may include a core of a variety of materials, such as fiberboard, chipboard, or hard or soft wood plywood, and may use a variety of surface laminate sheets to provide the required smooth finish. The edges may be finished in a variety of ways, from the rounding or relieving of corners to eliminate sharp corners and edges, to sealing and/or installing decorative trim to preclude moisture absorption and warpage. The opposite or non-writing side of the noteboard is also preferably sealed, but may be sealed by using a second glossy finish overlay to provide two opposite writing surfaces, if desired. The noteboard may be provided in a variety of sizes, shapes and thicknesses, for hand held or lap top use on up to wall mounted units for classroom use. A larger board may also provide utility as a projection screen.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates generally to erasable and reusable boards 
providing for the inscription of indicia thereon, and more specifically to 
a laminated board being smooth, glossy and highly polished on one or both 
surfaces and a central core of wood or other material therebetween. The 
noteboard may be used with writing or marking implements such as erasable 
marking pens, and may be provided in a variety of sizes from handheld to 
wall mounted, depending upon the specific need. Methods of construction of 
the board are also disclosed. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
Traditional classroom education has relied entirely upon the "blackboard" 
(either black or natural slate, or other materials and colors) and chalk 
as the medium for demonstrating concepts which can be portrayed 
graphically. While this technique is relatively messy due to the chalk 
dust and smaller pieces of broken chalk which result, the technology and 
materials are well known and no major advances have been provided in the 
field for decades. Typically, such boards are limited in the range of 
chalk colors they can accept, due to their relatively dark color and the 
difficulty in completely erasing chalk colors other than white. Due to the 
relatively dark colors of the traditional blackboard or chalkboard, they 
were unsuitable for use as projection screens and an additional projection 
screens were required for occasional use. This duplication of surfaces 
results in additional costs. 
Much the same graphics technology can be used on a smaller scale, downward 
to hand held units, but the same drawbacks also apply here. On the other 
hand, the use of paper is wasteful and the partial erasure of a figure on 
paper can be difficult, as well as weakening or destroying the paper after 
numerous and/or vigorous erasures. A response to these problems has been 
the palmtop or laptop computer, but such units which provide graphics 
capability are relatively slow and costly for casual use. 
The need arises for a noteboard which may be used in combination with an 
erasable marking pen(s) to provide the utility of a blackboard or 
chalkboard, thereby eliminating the mess of chalk dust and the difficulty 
of cleanup of multiple colors. The noteboard may be manufactured using a 
relatively inexpensive core material (chipboard, fiberboard, or plywood) 
and includes at least one plastic laminated surface overlay having a 
smooth, glossy finish capable of accepting markings from erasable marking 
pens and the like. Both sides of the noteboard may be laminated in a like 
manner, if desired, in order to provide a second usable surface in the 
event one surface becomes scratched or damaged. The noteboard must also 
provide for use in a variety of sizes, from wall mounted to hand held, and 
is preferably finished on the non-working side and edges in order to 
preclude moisture absorption and warpage. A decorative trim edge may also 
be installed thereabout, if desired. 
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
U.S. Pat. No. 2,717,187 issued to Erving B. Morgan et al. on Sep. 6, 1955 
discloses a Laminated Table Top With Edging. Multiple veneer overlays are 
disclosed, and the extension of the edge below the undersurface precludes 
the use of that surface. 
U.S. Pat. No. 2,813,766 issued to Emery D. Shumaker et al. on Nov. 19, 1957 
discloses a Table Top Construction in which a relatively heavy (1 to 11/8 
inch thick) plywood base is used, and a single sheet of plastic veneer 
overlay is applied to one surface thereof. The edges of the base are 
rounded by applying quarter round molding, and the plastic veneer is 
wrapped over the edge molding. Such construction is beyond the scope of 
the present invention, as the rounded surface is unsuitable for use as a 
noteboard. 
U.S. Pat. No. 3,172,800 issued to Robert E. Truesdell on Mar. 9, 1965 
discloses a Finishing Beading Or Molding applicable to panel edges and the 
like. No panel construction is disclosed. 
U.S. Pat. No. 3,223,056 issued to William N. Wilson on Dec. 14, 1965 
discloses a Table Construction using a molded resin compound to form an 
edge thereon. The table is disclosed to include a multitude of laminate 
layers in the core. The Truesdell disclosure is beyond the scope of the 
present invention. 
U.S. Pat. No. 3,298,894 issued to Stanley R. Barnette on Jan. 17, 1967 
discloses a Plastic Article With Enveloped Core. The disclosure relates to 
the manufacturing technique used in making such an enveloped core. The 
core is completely encapsulated on all sides and edges, unlike the present 
noteboard. 
U.S. Pat. No. 3,352,080 issued to Svend B. Rondum on Nov. 14, 1967 
discloses a Laminated Countertop And Method Of Producing The Same. The 
core has only a single veneer layup on the upper surface and may include 
multiple sections, unlike the present noteboard. 
U.S. Pat. No. 3,422,589 issued to George C. Harrison on Jan. 21, 1969 
discloses a Construction Of Lapped Panels Having Flexible Edge Portions. 
The invention includes a relatively rigid panel having a flexible plastic 
overlay on one side and extending from one edge thereof. The panels are 
used as siding or shingles, with the flexible extension being folded under 
during construction to provide a sealed joint beneath each overlapping 
panel. 
U.S. Pat. No. 3,720,027 issued to Poul S. Christensen on Mar. 13, 1973 
discloses a Floor Structure particularly adapted to use in ice rinks and 
the like. Each panel core is completely encapsulated in plastic, unlike 
the present noteboard, and rests on a resilient padding secured to one 
side. Moreover, each panel includes mating locking means along the edges 
providing for joining to other like panels. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,333,288 issued to Donald W. Coombs on Jun. 8, 1982 
discloses Beveled Edge Trim for tables and the like. The structure and 
method of manufacture thereof is applicable only to the panel edge; no 
disclosure is made of the remaining structure. It is noted, however, that 
the panel is shown to be covered on only a single side with an overlay 
sheet. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,420,920 issued to Michael J. Hewitt on Dec. 20, 1983 
discloses Cored Plastics Profiles And Manufacture Of Frames For Windows 
And The Like Therefrom. The core is completely sealed and encapsulated 
within an extruded plastic coating, unlike the present noteboard. Also, 
means are provided for attachment or cooperation with adjacent structures 
or like articles, unlike the present invention. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,478,415 issued to Dale A. Shaffer et al. on Oct. 23, 1984 
discloses an Encapsulated Basketball Backboard. Only one embodiment 
discloses complete encapsulation, and that embodiment discloses 
overlapping edges for the overlay, unlike the present noteboard. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,503,780 issued to Arthur A. Apissomian on Mar. 12, 1985 
discloses a Table With Resilient Edge. The disclosure is primarily 
directed to a method of stretching the resilient edge around the perimeter 
of the panel. No disclosure is made of the use of laminate overlays on the 
panel, and thus the disclosure is beyond the scope of the present 
noteboard. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,570,410 issued to Wilhelm Tuneke et al. on Feb. 18, 1986 
discloses a Composite Plate And Method Of Making Same comprising cutting 
off the finished edge and wedging it upward to form a slightly raised 
panel edge. The non-symmetrical nature of the resulting edge is unlike the 
present invention. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,610,119 issued to Leigh R. Bench, Sr. on Sep. 9, 1986 
discloses a Laminated Door To Withstand Vandalism And Method Of 
Manufacture Thereof. The door is laminated with a sheet of polycarbonate 
material on each side. However, the core material remains unsealed along 
the edges, thus permitting water absorption and subsequent damage, unlike 
the present noteboard. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,689,102 issued to John Prawdzik et al. on Aug. 25, 1987 
discloses a Method For The Production Of Abrasion-Resistant Decorative 
Laminates. The disclosure is primarily directed to the bonding of a 
release sheet to the core substrate, and the provision of an abrasion 
resistant decorative laminate thereon. No relationship is seen to the 
present invention. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,748,780 issued to Knud Vinther on Jun. 7, 1988 discloses 
Composite Panels And Methods Of Making Composite Panels. The disclosure is 
limited to the formation and installation of the edge trim of a panel, 
rather than to the panel itself, and each embodiment requires a plurality 
of specially shaped edge trim pieces and other components. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,942,084 issued to Kendall W. Prince on Jul. 17, 1990 
discloses Reconstituted Wood Veneer Covered Structural Elements. The 
elements are directed toward use as venetian blind slats or the like, and 
consequently the substrate is relatively thin (slightly over 1/8 inch 
thick). The decorative overlay on either side is formed of a reconstituted 
wood veneer, unlike the present noteboard. The Prince construction would 
be too flexible and insufficiently durable for use as a noteboard, nor 
would the reconstituted wood surface be suitable. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,954,382 issued to R. Scott Riefler on Sep. 4, 1990 
discloses an Interleaf Layer In Fiber Reinforced Resin Laminate 
Composites. The panel formed thereby includes a thermoplastic core, or a 
honeycomb ply with thermoplastic cores on each side, unlike the present 
invention. No provision is made for a smooth, glossy surface finish or for 
edge trim. 
U.S. Pat. No. 5,089,348 issued to Lauren G. Louderback on Feb. 18, 1992 
discloses a Precured Laminate Overlay for use in constructing concrete 
forms. The disclosed laminates are all asymmetrical in those embodiments 
having more than two layers, and no edge finishing is disclosed. While 
Louderback discloses relatively smooth and finished surfaces, it will be 
seen that the surfaces disclosed do not approach the glossy finish 
required with the present invention. 
Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 5,187,000 issued to Suezone Chow et al. on Feb. 16, 
1993 discloses a Cellulosic Construction Panel formed of a substrate 
having a polyolefin layer on one surface and veneer or kraft paper on the 
opposite surface. The purpose of the layer is to provide a smoother 
finished surface, but again the surface finish would not be comparable to 
the glossy finish required for the present noteboard, as in the case of 
Louderback above. Also, no edging is disclosed by Chow et al. 
None of the above noted patents, taken either singly or in combination, are 
seen to disclose the specific arrangement of concepts disclosed by the 
present invention. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
By the present invention, an improved laminated composite noteboard is 
disclosed. 
Accordingly, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide an 
improved noteboard which includes at least one smooth, glossy and highly 
polished surface providing for the marking thereon with an erasable 
marking pen or the like. 
Another of the objects of the present invention is to provide an improved 
noteboard which contains a central core material of chipboard, fiberboard, 
plywood, or other similar material to provide the required strength, 
durability, and economy. 
Yet another of the objects of the present invention is to provide an 
improved noteboard which includes complete sealing of the central core 
material by means of a varnished or otherwise sealed kraft paper backing 
on one side of the central core, a polished overlay on the opposite side, 
and a varnished or otherwise sealed edge thereabout. 
Still another of the objects of the present invention is to provide an 
improved noteboard which provides for two opposite writing surfaces by 
installing a smoothly polished and glossy overlay on each surface. 
A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved 
noteboard which includes rounded or relieved edges and corners in order to 
reduce the likelihood of injury thereon. 
An additional object of the present invention is to provide an improved 
noteboard which may be provided in a variety of sizes and thicknesses, for 
use from handheld or laptop functions to wall mounted classroom functions. 
A final object of the present invention is to provide an improved noteboard 
for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully 
effective in accomplishing its intended purpose. 
With these and other objects in view which will more readily appear as the 
nature of the invention is better understood, the invention consists in 
the novel combination and arrangement of parts hereinafter more fully 
described, illustrated and claimed with reference being made to the 
attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
Referring now particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, the present 
invention will be seen to relate to a laminated composite noteboard 10 
providing for the inscription of indicia and graphics thereon by means of 
a marker 12 (preferably comprising an erasable colored marking pen). 
Noteboard 10 comprises a central core or substrate 14, preferably formed 
of a processed wood product such as fiberboard, chipboard, or particle 
board, or the plywood laminates 14a shown in FIG. 3. The central core 14 
or 14a will be seen to have a first surface 16 and an opposite second 
surface 18, to which a first and/or second overlay 20 and/or 22 may be 
adhesively secured. 
The first overlay 20 includes an outwardly facing working surface 24, 
having a highly smooth and glossy finish. The high gloss finish of the 
working surface 24 of the first overlay 20 provides for the erasable 
marking thereon by an erasable marking pen 12 or the like. The smoothness 
of the surface 24 precludes colored marker residue being captured or 
trapped within pores and fine discontinuities in the surface, thereby 
providing for complete erasure of any markings thereon when desired. 
Overlay 20 is preferably formed of a relatively hard, phenolic plastic 
(e.g., melamine), but may be formed of other suitable materials as desired 
or required. 
The second surface 18 of the central core 14 or 14a includes a protective 
overlay thereon, which overlay may be in the form of a second overlay 22 
having a glossy and smooth outwardly facing working surface as in the 
manner of the first overlay 20 discussed above, or alternatively may take 
the form of a relatively thin phenolic or paper backing sheet 26 varnished 
or adhesively secured to the second surface 28 of the central core, as 
shown in FIG. 3. It will be understood that the assembly shown in FIG. 3, 
in which only a single smooth, glossy working surface is provided, may 
also be used in combination with the fiberboard, particle board or 
chipboard core 14 of FIG. 1, and the double sided working surface board 
shown in FIG. 2 may be applied to the plywood core 14a of FIG. 3, if 
desired. 
Each of the cores 14 and 14a, and the overlay sheets 20, 22, 26, will be 
seen to have common, congruent peripheries when assembled. While the 
general shape of the board 10 shown in the drawing figures is rectangular, 
it will be seen that the present invention is adaptable to various shapes 
and is not limited to a rectangular noteboard 10. However, it is important 
that any edges or corners (e.g., corners 30) be relieved, radiused or 
otherwise shaped to remove any sharp edges and thus reduce the likelihood 
of injury thereon to a person using the noteboard 10. This operation can 
be performed after the core 14 or 14a and the first and second overlay 
sheets 20, 22 and/or 26, are adhesively secured together. The method of 
manufacture of the present noteboard 10 is discussed further below. In 
addition to or in lieu of the above peripheral shaping, a protective 
peripheral band 32 may be secured around the periphery of the assembled 
board 10, serving both to protect the users thereof and also the noteboard 
10 periphery from damage. 
FIG. 3 discloses the steps involved in the manufacture of the present 
noteboard 10. The first step 34 includes the laminating of the first and 
second overlay sheets 20, 22, and/or 26 to the central core 14 or 14a, as 
applicable. An adhesive gluing or bonding process may be used for this 
lamination step. Preferably, at least the first overlay sheet 20 is 
secured with its smooth, glossy working surface 24 facing outward, in 
order to provide the smooth writing or drawing surface required with the 
present notebook 10. However, the reverse or attachment surfaces of the 
overlays 20, 22 and/or 26 (and the surfaces 16 and 28 of the core 14 
and/or 14a) may be provided with a roughened finish in order to provide a 
better adhesive surface for lamination. 
Once the overlays 20, 22 and/or 26 have been adhesively secured to the core 
14 and/or 14a, the various overlays and core are firmly pressed together 
during the adhesive curing process, as indicated at the step labeled 36 in 
FIG. 4. This may be accomplished by means of pinch rollers, a hydraulic or 
other type of press, or by weight applied to the noteboard(s) 10 during 
the curing process, as desired or required. 
Finally, after the various sheets and core(s) have been secured together, 
the edges of the noteboard 10 may be finished by a routing or other 
machining process to form a smoothly rounded or other suitable edge. 
Alternatively, or in addition to, the above operation, a protective 
peripheral band 32 may be applied to the periphery of the assembled 
noteboard 10, if desired. This step of finishing the edge or periphery of 
the notebook 10 is shown as the third step (labeled as 38) in FIG. 4. 
Accordingly, the above noteboard 10 will be seen to provide a suitable 
surface for use with erasable marking pens (e.g., marker 12) of various 
colors, thus providing for more eye catching and memorable indicia and 
graphic displays thereon. The ease of erasure and cleanup of the present 
noteboard, due to its glossy and smooth working surface(s) 24, provide a 
notable improvement over the old chalkboard technology. By providing two 
opposite polished working surfaces, the life of the present noteboard may 
be doubled when the first surface becomes abraded and is no longer easy to 
erase. While it is anticipated that most of the working surfaces 24 will 
be provided in white, it will be seen that they may be provided in a 
variety of colors (preferably relatively light or pastel colors), in order 
to complement the interior decor of a room in which they may be installed, 
particularly in the case of a relatively large noteboard 10. The light 
color and smooth surface finish provided, also serve well as a screen for 
projector use, this obviating the need for a separate projector screen for 
classroom or other use. The present notebook 10 may also be provided in a 
multitude of sizes, from relatively large, wall mounted units, to 
relatively small handheld or laptop units. While the thicknesses of the 
materials used may vary depending upon the size of the noteboard 10, the 
construction and manufacturing techniques disclosed herein are compatible 
with any of the noteboards 10 of the present invention. 
It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the 
sole embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments 
within the scope of the following claims.