Abstract:
A modular pilot kneeboard system with detachable and interchangeable side pockets and accessories is herein disclosed. Each side edge of a main base plate is equipped with a zipper edge that allows add-on pieces, each with a mating zipper edge, to be zippered onto the main base plate and folded over like a conventional binder. Such side pieces are envisioned to provide pockets, straps, compartments and the like to hold additional items such as flight calculators, GPS systems flashlights, pens, and virtually any item a pilot may need quick access to during a flight. These items can attach by the aforementioned zippers, hook-and-loop fasteners, snaps, elastic bands, clips and the like.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in a notarized Official Record of Invention on Jun. 29, 2007, that is on file at the offices of Montgomery Patent and Design, LLC, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a kneeboard system for pilots. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Airplane pilots frequently use a kneeboard comprising a flat board fastened to the upper leg or thigh area using a strap around the leg. This device allows a pilot to refer to charts, write on a pad, refer to documents and checklists, and perform other similar procedures in crowded cockpits where horizontal flat surfaces are at a premium. As would be expected, manufacturers have responded with all different types of kneeboards that cover IFR or VFR usage, comprise bifold or tri-fold versions, among others. However, every pilot&#39;s needs and wants are different, and as such, compromises are typically made when purchasing a specific kneeboard. Pilots often have to modify individual kneeboards to suit their needs, often with results that are not professional looking or aesthetically pleasing. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which pilot kneeboards can be individually customized to suit exact requirements without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the device described herein fulfills this need. 
     There have been attempts in the past to invent kneeboard devices. U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,201 issued to Blanchard discloses a swiveling automotive kneeboard has a base, a writing plate, a memo pad clip, and an elastic strap with hook-and-loop fastening material that appears to attach to a user&#39;s thigh or a steering wheel. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose a kneeboard for pilots that comprises a clipboard and a plurality of user selectable modules that may be zippered onto a main center module to customize the kneeboard to a user&#39;s preferences. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,615,817 issued to Shevers discloses a kneeboard with an extending ear to support a hand-held avionics instrument conveniently astride the working surface of the kneeboard. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose a kneeboard for pilots that possess a plurality of attachable modules to store items. 
     U.S. Pat. No. D 267,809 issued to Lowery et al. discloses a clipboard with two (2) clips. Unfortunately, this design patent does not appear to be similar in appearance to the disclosed device, nor does it appear to disclose a kneeboard for pilots that utilize an adjustable strap to attach to the upper thigh region of a pilot. 
     U.S. Pat. No. D 164,269 issued to Whittier discloses a clip board that appears to comprise a clip board that attaches by means of a strap around the leg of a pilot. Unfortunately, this design patent does not appear to be similar in appearance to the disclosed device, nor does it appear to disclose a kneeboard for pilots that permit the attachment of user selectable modules to customize the kneeboard for usage. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,232,685 issued to Wilstein discloses a pilot&#39;s kneeboard that appears to comprise a clipboard and a holder for a writing instrument that attaches around the thigh of a user. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose a kneeboard for pilots that comprise a clipboard and a plurality of user selectable modules that may be zipped onto a main center module to customize the kneeboard to a user&#39;s preferences. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,215,453 issued to Malcolm discloses a flight log and approach chart presentation apparatus that may be strapped to the thigh of a user. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose a kneeboard for pilots that comprises a customizable kneeboard with a plurality of attachable modules that may be conveniently folded and carried when not in use. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,420,673 issued to Monrad discloses a navigation device that attaches by means of a strap to the thigh of a user. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose a kneeboard for pilots that comprises a clipboard and a plurality of user selectable modules that may be zipped onto a main center module to customize the kneeboard to a user&#39;s preferences. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In light of the disadvantages as previously discussed in the prior art, it is apparent that there is a need for a kneeboard for pilots that is user customizable. 
     An object of the kneeboard for pilots comprises an attachment means at an upper thigh area of a user by means of an adjustable strap and provides a necessary horizontal writing surface that is typically not available in a cockpit. 
     Another object of the kneeboard for pilots, comprises specific modules that can be chosen by a user based upon personal preference, type of aircraft being flown, route or environment being flown in, among other factors. 
     A further object of the kneeboard for pilots is to provide modules that provide storage for additional items such as flight calculators, GPS systems flashlights, pens, or other items a pilot may require quick access to during a flight. 
     Still another object of the kneeboard for pilots allows the pilot quick access to the user-customizable kneeboard at all times regardless of seating position or stance. 
     Still a further object of the kneeboard for pilots is an adjustable nature so that the kneeboard will work for any size pilot as well as over any type of clothing that may be worn. 
     Yet a further object of the kneeboard for pilots comprising a construction of durable textile such as nylon or leather that is formed over and attached to a durable substrate surface such as plastic or heavy cardboard, thereby providing durability thereof the kneeboard for pilots in the event of exposure to inclement weather conditions. 
     Yet another object of the knee board for pilots comprises attachable modules of varied functionality that may be provided with a series of elastic straps that could be used to hold handheld instrumentation, identification clips, keys, or writing instruments or possess a series of pockets for holding items such as clips, small electronic devices such as portable music players, radios, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or a calculator. 
     Still another object of the kneeboard for pilots is that it may be adapted by a user to accommodate both left and right hand dominant users. 
     Still a further object of the kneeboard for pilots prohibits, due to the captive nature of the adjustable strap, the possibility of the kneeboard opening or contained items becoming dislodged when not in use. 
     An aspect of the kneeboard for pilots comprises a main center module, a left attachable module, a top attachable module, and a right attachable module. The main center module is located in the center and comprises an adjustable strap with a quick release buckle system. The main center module comprises a clipboard and a receiving zipper segment which mates with a locking zipper mechanism to form a three-sectioned folding assembly for compact storage and transportation. 
     A further aspect of the kneeboard for pilots comprises a left attachable module and a right attachable module which depend down from the kneeboard when the main center module rests atop the upper thigh area. 
     Still a further aspect of the kneeboard for pilots comprises side margin areas on each side of the clipboard and a slot for the purposes of holding a writing instrument. The lower section of the side margin area is covered with a mating surface of a hook-and-loop fastening system, thereby holding additional items such as a portable clock, additional storage modules, or a ring binding system to hold checklists. 
     A method of installing and utilizing the kneeboard for pilots may be accomplished by performing the following steps: selecting the desired modules; attaching the desired modules to the main center section using the receiving zipper segment and the locking zipper mechanism; loading desired personal items kneeboard for pilots thus preparing it for usage; deploying the knee board for pilots by placing the kneeboard upon the upper thigh area in the desired area; unfastening the quick release buckle system; wrapping the adjustable strap around the upper thigh area; securing the adjustable strap using the quick release buckle system; unfolding the attachable modules so that access may be had to the clipboard contained in the main center section; utilizing the kneeboard as needed; stowing the kneeboard by reversing the above steps and storing until need for further usage; and benefiting from the added convenience of being able to locate needed items and the reduced frustration of utilizing the kneeboard for pilots. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a pictorial representation of the user-customizable kneeboard for pilots  10  in a utilized state by a pilot  15 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2   a  is an exploded view of the user-customizable kneeboard for pilots  10 ; 
         FIG. 2   b  is a top view of the user-customizable kneeboard for pilots  10  with a ring binding system  100  attached; and, 
         FIG. 3  is an isometric view of the user-customizable kneeboard for pilots  10  in its folded or stowed state. 
     
    
    
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 10 
                 user-customizable kneeboard for pilots 
               
               
                 15 
                 pilot 
               
               
                 20 
                 upper thigh area 
               
               
                 25 
                 adjustable strap 
               
               
                 30 
                 main center module 
               
               
                 35 
                 left attachable module 
               
               
                 40 
                 top attachable module 
               
               
                 45 
                 right attachable module 
               
               
                 50 
                 cockpit 
               
               
                 55 
                 quick release buckle system 
               
               
                 60 
                 clipboard 
               
               
                 65 
                 receiving zipper segment 
               
               
                 70 
                 locking zipper mechanism 
               
               
                 75 
                 elastic straps 
               
               
                 80 
                 pockets 
               
               
                 85 
                 side margin area 
               
               
                 90 
                 slot 
               
               
                 95 
                 hook-and-loop fastening system 
               
               
                 100 
                 ring binding system 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 3 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a pictorial representation of the user customizable kneeboard for pilots  10  in a utilized state by a pilot  15 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. The user-customizable kneeboard for pilots  10  is attached at the upper thigh area  20  by use of an adjustable strap  25 . Further disclosure on the construction of the adjustable strap  25  will be provided herein below. The user-customizable kneeboard for pilots  10  is shown used on the left leg of the pilot  15  for illustrative purposes and can be used on either leg with equal effectiveness. The user-customizable kneeboard for pilots  10  comprises a main center module  30 , a left attachable module  35 , a top attachable module  40 , and a right attachable module  45  (not fully visible in this FIG.). Said modules are selected and utilized by the pilot  15  by personal preference, type of aircraft being flown, route or environment being flown in and other factors. Said modules are envisioned to provide storage ability to hold additional items such as flight calculators, GPS systems flashlights, pens, and virtually any item a pilot may need quick access to during a flight. Such features allow the pilot  15  quick access to the user-customizable kneeboard for pilots  10  at all times regardless of seating position or stance. The user-customizable kneeboard for pilots  10  provides a necessary horizontal writing surface that is typically not available in a cockpit  50 . 
     Referring next to  FIG. 2   a , an exploded view of the user-customizable kneeboard for pilots  10  is depicted. The main center module  30  is located in the center and is provided with the adjustable strap  25 . The adjustable strap  25  is attachable by a quick release buckle system  55  that allows the user customizable kneeboard for pilots  10  to be quickly secured in position as shown in  FIG. 1 , and then quickly removed as needed. The adjustable nature of the adjustable strap  25  ensures that it will work for any size pilot  15  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) as well as over any type of clothing that may be worn. 
     The main center module  30  provides for a clipboard  60  of standard design in a central location. The main center module  30  is envisioned to be constructed of durable textile such as nylon or leather that is formed over and attached to a durable substrate surface such as plastic or heavy cardboard. Said covering provides a durable nature to the user-customizable kneeboard for pilots  10  should it be exposed to inclement weather conditions. The sides and top of the main center module  30  are provided with a receiving zipper segment  65 , whose functionality may or may not be realized by the pilot  15  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) depending on the customization level that is utilized. The receiving zipper segment  65  mates with a locking zipper mechanism  70  on each of the left attachable module  35 , the top attachable module  40  and the right attachable module  45 . In such a manner, the aforementioned components form a three-sectioned folding assembly for compact storage and transportation. During use, the left attachable module  35  hangs down the left side of the upper thigh area  20  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ), the right attachable module  45  hangs down the right side of the upper thigh area  20  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) while the top attachable module  40  rests atop the upper thigh area  20  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) above the main center module  30 . It is envisioned that the main center module  30 , the left attachable module  35 , and the top attachable module  40  would be made of the same material and construction as the main center module  30  to further reinforce the customizable, but functionally related nature of the user customizable kneeboard for pilots  10 . The exact functionality and nature of the left attachable module  35 , the top attachable module  40 , and the right attachable module  45  are envisioned to vary widely and are not intended as a limiting factor of the present invention. For purposes of illustration, the left attachable module  35  could be provided with a series of elastic straps  75  that could be used to hold handheld instrumentation, identification clips, keys, writing instruments, and the like. The right attachable module  45  could be provided with a series of pockets  80  for holding items such as clips, small electronic devices such as portable music players, radios, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a calculator or the like. The top attachable module  40  could be used for holding other items such as clocks, a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) receiver or the like. Such examples are provided to illustrate the functionality of the user-customizable kneeboard for pilots  10  and not as a limiting factor. The location of the functionality can be modified on the user-customizable kneeboard for pilots  10  to suit both left and right handed users. Located atop a side margin area  85  on each side of the clipboard  60  is a slot  90  for the purposes of holding a writing instrument such as a pen or pencil which can be easily reached when needed. The lower section of the side margin area  85  is covered with a mating surface of a hook-and-loop fastening system  95 , commonly known as VELCRO®. The hook-and-loop fastening system  95  would be used to hold additional items such as a portable clock, additional storage modules, or the like. Such a securing method ensures that needed items remain close at hand and do not get lost in the cockpit  50  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) during turbulence or disturbances. 
     The overall dimensions of the main center module  30  are ten (10) inches in length with eight (8) inches in width. Approximate dimensions of the left attachable module  35  and the right attachable module  45  would be approximately ten (10) inches in height and no more than six (6) inches in width to allow for closing of the user customizable kneeboard for pilots  10 . The dimensions of the top attachable module  40  are envisioned to be approximately six (6) inches wide and no more than eight (8) inches tall so as to fit comfortably on the entire length of the upper thigh area  20  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ). To close the user-customizable kneeboard for pilots  10 , the user would first fold the top attachable module  40  downward such that it rests upon the main center module  30 . Next, either the left attachable module  35  or the right attachable module  45  would be folded in such that it rests upon the top attachable module  40 . Finally, the opposite side module would be folded over on top of the previously folded left attachable module  35  or right attachable module  45 . In such a manner the total size of the user-customizable kneeboard for pilots  10  is now only ten (10) inches tall by approximately eight (8) inches wide. The pilot  15  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) can then disconnect the quick release buckle system  55  and wrap it around the user-customizable kneeboard for pilots  10  such as to secure it in its folded or stowed state as will be shown herein below. 
     Referring next to  FIG. 2   b , a top view of the user-customizable kneeboard for pilots  10  with a ring binding system  100  attached is depicted. The side margin area  85  and the hook-and-loop fastening system  95  can be used to hold a ring binding system  100  also provided with the opposing mating surface of the hook and loop fastening system  95  to hold checklists. This will allow the checklist to sit atop the clipboard  60  for use, or the associated pages can be flipped over to one side or another to gain access to the clipboard  60 . 
     Referring finally to  FIG. 3 , an isometric view of the user-customizable kneeboard for pilots  10  in its folded or stowed state is shown. This figure clearly shows the appearance of the user-customizable kneeboard for pilots  10  when not in use. The captive nature of the adjustable strap  25  practically eliminates the possibility of the user-customizable kneeboard for pilots  10  becoming opened or contained items falling out of the user-customizable kneeboard for pilots  10  when not in use. The left attachable module  35  and the right attachable module  45  are shown located above the main center module  30  in a folded state in much the same manner as a conventional binder with multiple panels. The quick release buckle system  55  on the end of the adjustable strap  25  is located along a top surface of the user-customizable kneeboard for pilots  10  such that it can be easily released and utilized when needed. The ring binding system  100  and the clipboard  60  is also visible inside the user-customizable kneeboard for pilots  10  as well. 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the device  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     It is envisioned that the pilot  15  would select the desired modules that may possibly be used from a catalog, or from a store to suit their particular needs. Additional modules could also be purchased for specific needs such as specific types of aircraft, specific flight patterns and the like. Other possibilities such as a central supply center where a pilot  15  could choose a specific module needed, and return unneeded ones as well are also envisioned. After an appropriate number and type of modules are chosen, the pilot  15  would attach them to the main center module  30  using the receiving zipper segment  65  and the locking zipper mechanism  70 . At this point in time, the appropriate personal items would be loaded into the user-customizable kneeboard for pilots  10  thus preparing it for use. 
     During an actual flight, the pilot  15  would be seated in the cockpit  50  to prepare for flight in the expected manner. To deploy the user-customizable kneeboard for pilots  10 , the pilot  15  would place it upon the upper thigh area  20  in the desired area and unfasten the quick release buckle system  55  from atop the user-customizable kneeboard for pilots  10 . Next, the adjustable strap  25  would be wrapped around the upper thigh area  20  and secured on the underside using the same quick release buckle system  55 . At this point in time; the left attachable module  35  or the right attachable module  45  would be unfolded to the side, the remaining left attachable module  35  or right attachable module  45  unfolded to the opposite side, and the top attachable module  40  would be unfolded to the top. The pilot  15  would utilize the user-customizable kneeboard for pilots  10  in much the same manner as a conventional kneeboard but with the added benefit of all needed items and only the needed items being exactly where needed. Such a feature provides not only reduced aggravation, searching and fumbling, but a safer and more efficient flight. 
     When completed with use, the user-customizable kneeboard for pilots  10  is refolded using the opposite sequence as described above and secured with the adjustable strap  25  until needed again. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.