Improvements in Easel Copy-writing Portfolios.
Year: 1899

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Easel Copy-writing Portfolios.
1, JAMES ARTHUR RAMSEY, of Topeka, Kansas, U.S.A., Book-Agent and
Proof Reader, do hereby declare the nature of this invention, and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement:-
--
This invention relates to certain improvements in copy-books or writing
portfolios, the object being to provide in a neat and compact structure, a copy-
book, the cover of which is formed in three sections hinged together, the middle
section forming a bed on which the writing papers are supported when the
book is in use, one of the end sections being constructed to form an easel to
support the copy, and adapted to fold over onto the writing paper and the other
end section being provided with a blotter on one face and adapted to be folded
over to bring the blotter in contact with the writing paper to take up the
surplus ink thereon, or to fold over onto the casel section when the latter is
folded down on the writing paper, and thus serve as a cover to the easel section
to protect it against injury.
The invention will be fully described in the following specification and its
novel features clearly defined in the sub-joined claims.
In the drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view of the improved copy-book in
position for use, a part of the easel section of the cover being broken away
to shew the supporting leg. Fig. 2 is a plan view shewing the casel section
folded down on the writing paper and the blotting section in its open position.
Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the copy-book in its closed position.
Similar reference numerals represent similar parts in the several figures.
1 indicates the writing-paper, of which a suitable number of sheets will be
provided and attached to the cover in any suitable manner to permit the sheets
to be separately removed. As shewn in the drawings the paper is secured to
the cover by two cords 2, passing through openings in the papers and cover.
The openings in the paper are close to the top edge of the sheets, and those
in the cover are formed in the middle and easel sections close to their junction.

page_text: The ends of the respective cords are tied together, and the ends of the cords are
sufficiently loose not to interfere with the free opening or closing movement of
the easel section.
The cover consists of three sections, (indicated, respectively, by 3, 4, and 5)
the end sections 3 and 5 being hinged, respectively, to opposite edges of the
middle section 4 in any suitable manner. The section 3 is provided with a
piece of blotting paper 6, which may be secured to it in any suitable manner and
will preferably be of the same size as the sheets of writing paper, so that when
folded over onto the paper it will take up surplus ink from any part of the
paper.
The sections 3 and 4 may consist simply of tough heavy paper; but it will
be necessary to form the section 5 of cardboard or other suitable material of
sufficient stiffness to form an easel. A leg 7 is formed in this section by making
a cut, 8, of suitable shape, and bending out the part included in the cut, and
preferably a strip of textile material 9 will be secured to the leg and section 5
at their junction to reinforce the hinge-joint.
To the inner face of the section 5 an open rectangular frame 10 is secured by
any suitable means in such manner that a series of cards or sheets of paper 11
may be freely inserted between the opposite faces of the frame and the section 5.
These cards are intended to have, written, printed or otherwise formed thereon,
the matter to be copied, and this matter will be exposed to view in the opening
of the frame.
Preferably reinforcing strips of textile fabric will be secured to the sections
at all the folding joints, as indicated at 12, and a short ribbon 13, of suitable
material will also preferably be secured to the leg 7 and section 5 to prevent
the leg from spreading out too far.
When the copy-book is to be used, the section 3 will be folded back until it
lies flat upon the desk or other support, and the blotting paper will then be
exposed. The section 5 will be turned up until it passes somewhat beyond
the vertical and the leg 7 pulled out to support it, and the matter to be copied
will then be exposed to the user in a very advantageous manner and position.
It is obvious the blotter may be folded over onto the writing paper to take up
surplus ink when necessary. When folded up the easel section is between
sections 3 and 4, and the section 3 thus forms a cover for that side of the
section 5 from which the leg 7 projects and effectually protects it from accidental
injury, such as injury to the leg 7, which might easily occur if it were exposed,
for it will be liable to project somewhat beyond the face of the section 5 after
being used.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is:-
(1) As a new article of manufacture, a copy-book comprising a cover consisting
of three sections hinged together, sheets of writing paper secured to the cover
to be supported on the middle section of the cover, one of the end sections having
a leg hinged to support said section in an inclined position to form a copy
supporting casel, and the other end section having a blotter secured to it and
being foldable over onto the writing paper to remove surplus ink, or over onto
the easel section when the latter is folded on the writing paper, to form a cover
and protection for the easel-leg, substantially as described.
(2) As a new article of manufacture, a copy-book comprising a cover con-
sisting of three sections hinged together, sheets of writing paper secured to
the cover to be supported on the middle section of the cover, one of the end
sections having a hinged leg to support said sections in an inclined position to
form an easel, and having also an open frame secured to its face opposing the
writing paper and adapted to receive copy-cards and expose the copy in the
opening in the frame, and the other end section having a blotter secured to it

page_text: and being foldable over onto the writing-paper to remove surplus ink, or over
onto the easel section, when, the latter is folded on the writing-paper, to form a
cover and protection for the easel leg, substantially as described.
Dated this 30th day of October 1899.
P. R. J. WILLIS,
Agent for Applicant.