Whiteboard eraser

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a whiteboard eraser, which comprises a frame part, which if formed of one sheet into a substantially rectangular piece with two ends and four sides, and a stack of erasing sheets arrangeable in connection with the frame part.

Background of the invention

For example, whiteboard erasers with several erasing sheets arranged as a stack around the frame part are used for erasing markings from a whiteboard. Thus, the uppermost erasing sheet of the stack is used for erasing the whiteboard. When the uppermost erasing sheet is dirty, it is removed, after which the clean erasing sheet under it is taken into use. This type of a whiteboard eraser is disclosed, for example, in patent publication US 6,367,115. Figure 1 shows a whiteboard eraser according to this publication. The frame part of the eraser is formed of a rectangular, solid piece made of a hard material, around which a cardboard sheet and a stack of erasing sheets have been placed. The stack of erasing sheets has been stapled to the hard frame part and the cardboard sheet has been wrapped so that from the stapling side the cardboard sheet is over the erasing sheets and, correspondingly, on the opposite side in relation to this stapling side, the cardboard sheet is placed between the frame part and the erasing sheet stack. Thus, the surface opposite to the stapling side, where the erasing sheet stack is uppermost, is used as the erasing surface. At one end of the erasing sheet stack a tab has been formed, by pulling which the uppermost, dirty erasing sheet can be removed. The removal takes place so that by pulling the tab, the erasing sheet tears around the staple and thus detaches from the whiteboard eraser. Thus, the frame part of this whiteboard eraser is a longitudinal, relatively hard and solid piece that is substantially rectangular in cross-section. The erasing sheets are formed in such a manner that they are longitudinal and wrap around the frame part in its longitudinal direction. This type of an eraser has many parts and working phases from the point of view of manufacture.

The publication Fl 115958 discloses a whiteboard eraser, where a stack of erasing sheets has been arranged in connection with a rectangularly shaped frame part. The wrapping direction of the erasing sheets differs from the wrapping direction disclosed in the above-mentioned patent US 6,367,115. Thus, the erasing sheets do not cover the ends, but e.g. the three longer sides. The uppermost erasing sheet can be removed after use.

The publication FM 16718 discloses a base eraser, which also comprises a rectangular frame part and a stack of erasing sheets. In the base eraser according to this publication the erasing sheet stack is attached to two side tabs of a cover part. The cover part can be placed over the frame part, in which case a hollow, box-like structure is formed. The publication discloses that it is possible to place, e.g. a container of the substance used for cleaning the base, in the internal volume available in the frame part. When the cleaning substance is needed, the cover part must be opened and the container taken out of the frame part.

Summary of the invention

It is an aim of the present invention to improve the prior art and to provide an improved whiteboard eraser. The invention is based on the idea that the frame part is manufactured of one piece by bending, in which case an internal volume is formed. An accessory is arranged to be placed in this internal volume. To put it more precisely, the whiteboard eraser according to the present invention is primarily characterized in that an accessory is arranged to be placed in the internal volume of the frame part and that an opening for the accessory is formed at one end of the frame part.

The whiteboard eraser according to the present invention shows remarkable advantages over solutions of prior art. The frame part of the whiteboard eraser according to the invention is easy to manufacture of a plate-like piece by cutting it into the necessary shape. The cutting can be performed, for example, by die cutting. The frame part cut according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention is steady when folded and does not open easily, even if no glue or other adhesive is used in the assembly of the frame part.

The internal volume of the frame part can be used as a space for storing, for example, a cleaning agent bottle. The opening in the frame part enables the placement of the cleaning agent bottle in connection with the frame part in such a manner that the neck part of the cleaning agent bottle remains preferably outside the frame part and the cleaning agent bottle can be opened, for example, in order to apply the cleaning agent. Thus, the frame part does not need to be opened in order to pick up the cleaning agent bottle, which facilitates the use of the whiteboard eraser.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention the opening is formed in an end piece that is separate from the frame part and that can be attached to an accessory, if necessary.

In another advantageous embodiment of the invention the opening is formed in the end piece that belongs to the frame part.

Description of the drawings

In the following, the invention will be described in more detail with reference to the appended drawings, in which

Fig. 1 shows a whiteboard eraser according to prior art,

Fig. 2 shows a whiteboard eraser according to an embodiment of the invention in a perspective view,

Figs. 3a and 3b show different parts of a whiteboard eraser according to an embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 4 shows an example of the sheets used in manufacturing the frame part of the whiteboard eraser according to an embodiment of the invention,

Figs 5a and 5b show different parts of a whiteboard eraser according to another embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 6 shows another example of the sheet used in manufacturing the frame part of the whiteboard eraser according to an embodiment of the invention, and

Fig. 7 illustrates the use of a base eraser according to an embodiment of the invention on a surface to be erased.

Detailed description of the invention

For clarity, some terms used in this description are defined with reference to figure 2, which shows a whiteboard eraser 1 according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention in an assembled form and with reference to figures 3a and 3b, which show different parts of the whiteboard eraser 1 according to figure 2. The whiteboard eraser 1 comprises a frame part 2 and a stack of erasing sheets 3 arranged in connection with it. The form of the frame part 2 in an assembled form is substantially a rectangular, box-like piece when viewed from at least one direction. When viewed from the ends, the cross-section is advantageously a polygon, such as a triangle, a square, a pentagon or a hexagon. If the form is, for example, a pentagon or a hexagon, all sides are not, however, of equal length. It can be seen in the example of figure 2 that the cross-sectional form, when viewed from the ends, is a hexagon, where the side that is against the paper sheet is the longest and the side that is opposite to it is slightly shorter. The length of the other sides is even shorter in this advantageous embodiment. Thus, this kind of a piece has eight surfaces, of which the opposite surfaces are mutually substantially uniform and of equal size. The two opposite surfaces are called end surfaces (ends of the piece), which in this embodiment are thus polygons and the other surfaces are called side surfaces (sides of the piece), which in this embodiment are rectangles (i.e. quadrangular planes). Side surfaces are such surfaces, whose longest side forms the longest side of the box-like piece. It is obvious, that in a special case at least two sides or even all the sides can also be squares. The frame part 2 of the whiteboard eraser 1 according to the invention is preferably designed in such a manner that the cross-section of the frame part 2 differs from a square in at least one direction. Thus, the rectangular form is in at least one direction longer than in one other direction. In figure 3 the end surfaces are marked with reference

number 2p1 , 2p2 and the side surfaces are marked with references 2s1 to 2s6, respectively.

Similarly it can be seen in the example of figure 6, that the cross section is substantially rectangular when viewed from the ends, wherein small narrowings are, however, formed in the shorter sides in this embodiment. Thus, the side next to the paper sheet is slightly shorter than the side opposite to this side. The other two sides are advantageously shorter than the above-mentioned rectangular, longer sides.

When assembled, the frame part 2 forms a substantially hollow box. Thus, the interior of the frame part can be used, for example, as storage space for pens and corresponding accessories 6 (figure 2). The interior of the frame part 2 can also be used for storing a container of the agent used for cleaning the whiteboard, such as a cleaning agent bottle or the like. Thus, the cleaning agent is relatively easily available, inter alia, when the cleaning of the whiteboard must be more effective. The cleaning agent bottle typically comprises a container part, a neck part and a shutter. The container part can be placed in the interior of the frame part 2. The neck part can be placed in the opening 2r. Thus, the shutter is advantageously outside the frame part 2. Figure 2 shows only the shutter of the accessories 6. It is possible to use the interior of the frame part 2 also as a storage space for an erasing sheet stack 3. An opening 2r is formed at one end of the frame part 2, through which opening, for example, the neck part of the cleaning agent bottle can be passed, in which case the mouth of the bottle is outside the frame part. The diameter of the opening 2r is advantageously the same or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the neck part of the cleaning agent bottle, in which case the opening keeps the cleaning agent bottle in its place. In this use position the container part of the cleaning agent bottle is within the internal volume of the whiteboard eraser. It is obvious that the opening 2r can also be dimensioned according to, for example, the outer diameter of a pen. Thus, the diameter of the opening 2r can be substantially the same as that of a particular part of the pen, if the pen is to be supported in such a manner that the marking part is outside the frame part. However, if the purpose is to use the internal volume of the frame part 2 mainly as storage space for pens, the diameter of the opening 2r can be slightly larger than the outer diameter of

the pen, which enables removing the pen from inside the frame part 2 and correspondingly placing the pen after use back inside the frame part 2 without having to open the frame part 2 in any way.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention this end part 2p2 comprising an opening is separate from the sheet used in manufacturing the frame part, as can be seen in figure 3a. The form of this end part 2p2 is selected such that it closes the internal volume and fits relatively tightly inside the end of the frame part. Thus, the accessory remains relatively reliably inside the frame part. The end part 2p2 can even be attached to the accessory 6, in which case the end part 2p2 settles in its place when placing the accessory 6 inside the frame part.

The erasing sheets 3 can be arranged in connection with the frame part 2 by means of, for example, a separate holding block. Thus, the erasing sheets are attached to this block with staples or the like.

In connection with the frame part 2 the erasing sheets 3 are wrapped in such a manner, that the wrapping direction is around the above-mentioned smaller cross-sectional area. Thus, the length of the erasing sheets is at least equal, in practice slightly larger, than the perimeter of this cross-sectional area, i.e. the perimeter of the end surfaces 2p1 , 2p2. Correspondingly, the width of the erasing sheets 3 is preferably substantially the same as the length of the frame part 2 in a direction perpendicular to this wrapping direction, i.e. substantially the same as the distance between the ends 2p1 , 2p2. In other words, the erasing sheets are placed around the frame part in such a manner that the erasing sheets do not overlap the ends 2p1 , 2p2, but at least three sides 2s1 to 2s4.

In the whiteboard eraser 1 according to figure 2 the erasing sheet stack is attached, for example, with staples 7 or other fasteners suitable for the purpose to the supporting plate 4 on its two edges.

Next, let us discuss a sheet 9 used in manufacturing the frame part 2 of the whiteboard eraser 1 according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention as shown in figure 4. This sheet 9 is advantageously of cardboard

or paperboard, in which case the frame part 2 is formed as relatively light and yet as a suitably rigid structure. It should be mentioned that the forms of the sheet 9 of figure 4 are non-restricting examples and other sheet forms can also be applied in connection with the present invention. Different folding points are marked in figure 4 with dashed lines, in which case by folding the sheet 9 at the folding points advantageously inwards so that the sides 2s1 and 2s4 are folded towards each other substantially parallel in such a manner that the side tabs 2s4.1 , 2s4.2 in connection with the second side 2s4 are over the outer sides 2s1.1., 2s3.1 in connection with the first side 2s2. After this, the ends of the side tabs 2s3.1 , 2s4.2 in connection with the second side 2s4 are folded inside the box. Thus, a pipelike piece with one open end is formed. Now the desired accessory, such as a cleaning agent bottle, can be placed in the internal volume of the box formed by the frame part and the second end 2p2, which comprises an opening, closes the box and presses the ends of the side tabs 2s4.1., 2s4.2 in such a manner that they cannot open. Thus, no adhesives, such as glue, or other fixing means, such as staples, are necessary in assembling the box. Figure 2 shows the cap 6 of this accessory.

The erasing sheet stack 3 is attached with, for example, staples, to the outer sides 2s1.1 , 2s3.1 in connection with the first side 2s2.

Let us further discuss a sheet 9 used in manufacturing the frame part 2 of the whiteboard eraser 1 according to another advantageous embodiment of the invention as shown in figures 5a and 5b, as well as figure 6. This sheet 9 is advantageously of cardboard or paperboard, in which case the frame part 2 is formed as relatively light and yet as a suitably rigid structure. It should be mentioned that the forms of the sheet 9 of figure 4 are non-restricting examples and other sheet forms can also be applied in connection with this other embodiment as well. Different folding points are marked in figure 4 with dashed lines, in which case by folding the sheet 9 at the folding points advantageously inwards, i.e. towards the part forming the second side 2s2, a substantially rectangular box can be formed of the sheet. When assembling the whiteboard eraser 1 the sheet is folded in such a manner that the sides 2s1 , 2s2, 2s3 of the frame part and the ends 2p1 , 2p2 are assembled and the cover part is still open at this stage. Also, the outer tab 2s1.1 , 2s3.1 of the

long sides 2s1 , 2s3 of the frame part and the supporting sheet 2u are folded inwards. The supporting sheet 2u together with the second side 2a2 forms a bottom part and keeps the tabs 2s1.1 , 2s3.1 folded inwards in their place. Now, the desired accessory, such as a cleaning agent bottle, can be placed in the internal volume of the box formed by the frame part, and the cover part 2s4 and the sides 2s4.1 , 2s4.2 in connection with it can be folded in their place. Thus, the sides 2s3.1 , 2s4.2 enter the internal volume of the box formed by the frame part. Figure 5 shows the cap 6 of this accessory.

The erasing sheet stack 3, which is stapled to the supporting sheet 4, can now be placed over the cover part 2s4 in such a manner that the edge parts 4.1 , 4.2 of the supporting sheet are passed between the sides 2s4.1 , 2s1.1 ; 2s4.2, 2s1.2, in which case the supporting sheet 4 and the erasing sheets in it remain well in their place without glue or other adhesives.

The whiteboard eraser 1 according to the invention is used, for example, in such a manner that the whiteboard eraser 1 is grabbed from the first 5a and the third 5c erasing surface. Thus, e.g. the thumb 10 (figure 7) is over, for example, the first erasing surface 5a and one or more fingers 11 over the third erasing surface 5c. In this use position the erasing surface used for the actual erasing is the second erasing surface 5c, i.e. the surface opposite to the cover part 2a of the frame part 2. If the first 5a or the third erasing surface 5b is desired to be used for erasing, the frame part is grabbed from the side of the cover part 2a and the side of the second erasing surface 5b. All this use positions have, inter alia, the advantage over whiteboard erasers of prior art that the natural direction of the erasing movement is substantially in the same direction as the wrapping direction of the erasing sheets 3 around the frame part 2. In erasers according to prior art the most natural direction of movement is a direction that is substantially perpendicular to this direction, i.e. the movement is directed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the free sides of the erasing sheets, which causes fraying at these sides and other sheets than the uppermost one become dirty on these sides.

When the uppermost erasing sheet is desired to be removed, it can be advantageously performed in such a manner that the uppermost erasing sheet is ripped at the perforation, or if no perforation has been formed, the

uppermost erasing sheet can be ripped as in solutions of prior art by ripping the erasing sheet around the staples 7. When the uppermost erasing sheet 3 is removed, the next erasing sheet in the stack is the uppermost. Because in the whiteboard eraser according to the invention mainly the uppermost erasing sheet becomes dirty, the new erasing sheet is always relatively clean, which increases the lifetime of the erasing sheet stack 3 of the whiteboard eraser 1 according to the invention.

The wrapping direction of erasing sheets used in the whiteboard eraser according to the invention results, inter alia, in that the friction force F (figure

7) between the erasing sheet 3 and the surface being erased 8 created by the erasing movement has an effect in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the kind of support lines of the erasing sheets 3, when in the solutions of prior art the force effect is primarily parallel to the support lines. Support lines in this connection refer to folds (angles) between the sides.

Thus, if the erasing surface being used is the second surface 2b, the fold 2t1 between the first 2s1 and the second side 2s2, as well as the fold 2t2 between the second 2s2 and the third side 2s3 operate as support lines. In practice, this support line is not an extremely narrow line, but a narrow, longitudinal surface.

The sheet 9 used in manufacturing the whiteboard eraser 1 is manufactured by die cutting from cardboard or paperboard sheet. Thus, both the frame part 2 and, if necessary, also the second end part 2p2 can be manufactured in one die cutting phase.

It is obvious that the above-presented design of the whiteboard eraser 1 according to the invention may differ from that presented above. For example, the cross-section can in one direction, preferably in the ends, be square instead of rectangular. However, it is advantageous that the form of at least the second 2s2 and the fourth side 2s4 is substantially rectangular, which facilitates the use of the whiteboard eraser 1 and provides a firmer grip on the whiteboard eraser 1. Thus, the cover part 2a and the bottom part opposite to this are rectangular in cross-section, and the other cross-sections can be rectangular or square.

If necessary, a magnet can be attached to the frame part 2, e.g. with double- sided tape either in the hollow internal volume of the frame part or on the outer surface, e.g. in the cover part 2a, or a tape of a magnetic material can be used. By means of this magnet the whiteboard eraser 1 can be easily attached to a suitable base, e.g. a whiteboard, if it contains metal or the like, which the magnet attaches to.

The whiteboard eraser according to the invention is also environmentally friendly, because it can be manufactured of materials that can be incinerated or recycled to a paper or paperboard collection.

It is obvious that the present invention is not limited solely to the above- presented embodiments but it can be modified within the scope of the appended claims.