Miscellaneous Patents (Class 281/51)
  • Patent number: 11468782
    Abstract: An article of manufacture includes a body, a write on-surface provided on the body, a cover movable to selectively cover and uncover the write-on surface, a strap attached to the body, and a writing implement holder disposed on a surface of one of the strap, the body and the cover, the writing implement holder operable to releaseably secure a writing implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Inventor: Kimberlee Ann Horn
  • Patent number: 9894494
    Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for configuring a wireless sound reinforcement system detects a controller and two or more wireless adapters using an electronic device. The controller has a plurality of input channels and output channels. Each wireless adapter is associated with an entertainment device. Channel information about each input channel and output channel is obtained from the controller. Device information is obtained from each entertainment device via the wireless adapter. A network address is assigned to each input channel, output channel and wireless adapter. Each entertainment device is mapped to at least one of the input channels and/or output channels. The device information and channel mappings for the entertainment devices are provided to the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Inventor: Zach Bair
  • Patent number: 9390638
    Abstract: The Article with Translucent Ornamentation comprises: a Sheet having a Front surface and Rear surface. Voids, referred to as cavities, in the sheet provide for passage of light, from lighting system, through the cavities, to the front surface. The Voids control the intensity of the light impinging on the front surface and thereby create light patterns on the front surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventor: Joseph Broadbent
  • Patent number: 8814214
    Abstract: A book protection apparatus and method are provided, that include a pair of substantially right angled sheets configured in a parallel fashion, the sheets being joined by a joining mechanism having a tension setting mechanism configured between the pair of sheets, to enable forcibly coupling the binding device to a coupled corner of a book.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventors: Orly Holland, Yair Moshe Holland
  • Patent number: 8801044
    Abstract: A method for producing a continuous web of printed material for use in creating mailpieces. The continuous web has a width and a length, the length comprised of a series of attached sheets. The series of attached sheets are comprising envelope sheets and rectangular content pages. The content pages are rectangular in shape and may be oriented relative to the envelope sheets in a number of different configurations. In some configurations, two sets of content pages and/or envelope sheets can be printed across the width of the web. Sheets for forming business return envelopes may be printed in series with the content pages and envelope sheets. BREs may include individualized return addresses. A control code may be printed on one or more of the sheets for a given mailpiece, providing information for controlling assembly of the mailpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Denis J. Stemmle, Clare E. Woodman, John W. Sussmeier, Michael J. Cummings
  • Patent number: 8702128
    Abstract: A bound system including a plurality of pages and a cover and/or divider including a bound outer edge and a plurality of free outer edges. The cover and/or divider may be bound to the plurality of pages along the bound edge. The cover and/or divider may include one or more discreet tabs extending generally outwardly relative to one of the edges. Each tab may be integrally formed from a single piece of material with the rest of the cover and/or divider. Each tab further may have an opening formed therethrough and is configured to receive at least part of a binding device therethrough to thereby couple the cover and/or divider to the binding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: ACCO Brands Corporation
    Inventors: Michael D. Rowe, Edward P. Busam
  • Patent number: 8505978
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention would provide shape-customized, value-bearing item labels, such as, for example, shape-customized, postage-indicia-bearing labels and would further provide systems and methods for creating and providing shape-customized, value-bearing item labels, such as, for example, shape-customized, image-customized, postage-indicia-bearing labels. Various embodiments of the present invention would provide shape-customized labels adapted for receiving value-bearing item indicia, such as, for example, postage indicia and would provide systems and methods for creating and providing shape-customized labels, such as, for example, shape-customized, image-customized labels, adapted for receiving value-bearing item indicia, such as, for example, postage indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Stamps.com Inc.
    Inventor: J P Leon
  • Patent number: 8353536
    Abstract: A flip-book for educating a user is which employs two book components; a first book component and a second book component is described in this invention. An initial portion of the first book component includes a first cover and an initial portion of the second book component includes a second cover. The cover is positioned on the opposite side of the flip-book. The first component and the second component share a book spine. At least one page of ancient religious text is associated with the first book component. At least one page of modern day text is associated with the second book component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Inventor: Kathleen Lemp Andres
  • Patent number: 8042836
    Abstract: A reversibly bound book is provided. A first cover strip is wrapped around the first edge of a first cover board, passes over the first side of the first cover board and along the first side of the second cover board. One end of a second cover strip is wrapped around the second edge of the second cover board, strip passes along the second side of the second cover board and over the second side of the first cover board. The cover boards are only attached to each other via the cover strips and can be rotated and turned inside-out. One book can have two different appearances simply by rotating the cover boards with respect to each other. At least one floating spine is bound to one cover board, serving as a spine in one configuration and a closure in the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Candlepants, Inc.
    Inventor: Ellen Barrett Dudley
  • Patent number: 7819432
    Abstract: A bound system including a plurality of pages and a cover/divider including a bound outer edge and a plurality of free outer edges. The cover/divider is bound to the plurality of pages along the bound edge. The cover/divider includes one or more discrete tabs extending generally outwardly relative to one of the free edges. Each tab is integrally formed from a single piece of material with the rest of the cover/divider. Each tab further has an opening formed therethrough and is configured to receive at least part of a binding device therethrough to thereby couple the cover/divider to the binding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Corporation
    Inventors: Michael D. Rowe, Edward P. Busam
  • Patent number: 7762589
    Abstract: A document storage device is configured to receive a spine label. The document storage device includes a spine, a spine cover cooperating with the spine to define a pocket, and a sleeve member operable to at least partially surround the spine label to define a removable spine insert that is inserted into the pocket. The sleeve member remains in the pocket with the spine label and is removable from the pocket to remove the spine label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: ACCO Brands USA LLC
    Inventors: Jack B. Hough, Sue Y. Kim, Stephen P. Corr, Timothy P. Grady, Marilyn J. Morgan, Philip E. Hague, Jason C. Campbell
  • Patent number: 7717468
    Abstract: A clipboard including a board having first and second surfaces, a clip integral with the first surface, and a plurality of recesses formed in the second surface, the recesses are adapted to receive one or more models.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Innovative Premiums Inc.
    Inventor: Judah Isaacs
  • Publication number: 20100109314
    Abstract: A book is disclosed with light sources embedded in the pages, thereby providing substantially uniform illumination that eliminates any need for external lighting. Visual interest is increased by providing switchability between a plurality of illumination modes, such as Flicker, Flash, On, and Off, each mode causing all of the light sources in at least one page to behave in a substantially identical manner. The light sources can be LED lights embedded in a regular array within translucent sheets that improve the illumination uniformity. An illumination control, on/off switch, and/or power source such as exchangeable or rechargeable batteries can be included in the spine of the book, or in a separate housing in wired communication with the book. Illumination modes can be switched by moving a magnetic and/or conductive portion of a wand near sensors in the pages. Indicia can be printed directly on the translucent sheets, and/or on overlay sheets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Janice Stravinskas, Joseph V. Stravinskas, Russ Weinzimmer
  • Patent number: 7699352
    Abstract: A method for producing a continuous web of printed material for use in creating mailpieces. The continuous web has a width and a length, the length comprised of a series of attached sheets. The series of attached sheets are comprising envelope sheets and rectangular content pages. The content pages are rectangular in shape and may be oriented relative to the envelope sheets in a number of different configurations. In some configurations, two sets of content pages and/or envelope sheets can be printed across the width of the web. Sheets for forming business return envelopes may be printed in series with the content pages and envelope sheets. BREs may include individualized return addresses. A control code may be printed on one or more of the sheets for a given mailpiece, providing information for controlling assembly of the mailpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Denis J. Stemmle, Clare E. Woodman, John W. Sussmeier, Michael J. Cummings
  • Patent number: 7658415
    Abstract: A scrapbook, in which multiple fragrances associated with memorable events can be stored for extended periods of time, includes scented pages enclosed in perforated see-through protector sleeves, diffusion barrier sheets bound between adjacent pages having dissimilar fragrances, a diffusion barrier sheet bound between a front cover of the scrapbook and the first scented page, and a diffusion barrier sheet bound between a back cover of the scrapbook and the last scented page. The protector sleeves, which control the release of fragrance from paper sheets to which a fragrance has been applied, are fabricated from polymeric films, such as polypropylene, which have excellent resistance to oils and gases. Barrier sheets may be metalized for enhancement of diffusion barrier qualities. Fragrances may be applied to scrapbook paper by spraying, rolling, painting, stamping, printing or immersion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Robin S. Hironaka
  • Patent number: 7654575
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include personalized books as well as methods and kits for providing personalized books. One method includes: providing an adult with a list of interview information to be obtained from a child; providing the adult with a list of particular drawings to be obtained from the child; obtaining the interview information from the child in the form of a number of personal comments provided by the child; obtaining a number of drawings from the list of particular drawings, the number of drawings independently created by the child at the direction of the adult; and creating a personalized book by combining the obtained number of drawings created by the child and the obtained number of personal comments in a particular arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: I See Me! Inc.
    Inventor: Maia B. Haag
  • Patent number: 7628426
    Abstract: A bound system including a plurality of pages and a cover/divider including a bound outer edge and a plurality of free outer edges. The cover/divider is bound to the plurality of pages along the bound edge. The cover/divider includes one or more discrete tabs extending generally outwardly relative to one of the free edges. Each tab is integrally formed from a single piece of material with the rest of the cover/divider. Each tab further has an opening formed therethrough and is configured to receive at least part of a binding device therethrough to thereby couple the cover/divider to the binding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Rowe, Edward Busam
  • Publication number: 20090026749
    Abstract: A book having a movable mechanical device having a plurality of positions. A light sensor is positioned in optical communication with at least one position of the mechanical device, such that a movement of the mechanical device is able to change a light level reaching the light sensor. An event generator is electronically coupled to the light sensor. The event generator is able to receive from the light sensor a signal corresponding to the changed light level, and generate an event responsive to the signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Roger Burrows
  • Patent number: 7463144
    Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring and gathering data relating to publication usage by participants in publication readership studies. Some methods and systems employ portable monitors carried by participants of the studies along with publications fitted with various devices, such as piezoelectric transducers, RFID tags and others devices and circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Arbitron, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack C. Crystal, James M. Jensen, Alan R. Neuhauser, Jack K. Zhang, Daniel W. Pugh
  • Patent number: 7441977
    Abstract: A portfolio including a panel and a removable and reversible article carrying board. The panel and board have a fastening arrangement, preferably a hook and loop fastener, for releasable engagement therebetween. The board preferably has at least one fastening arrangement located on each side. At least one fastening arrangement preferably extends outwardly beyond the board or panel to engage a fastening arrangement located on an away facing board or panel side. In a preferred embodiment, each board side has a fastener strip disposed along side edges and the panel has a pair of spaced apart outwardly extending fastener strips that each engages a fastener strip on the away facing board side and that also each engages a fastener strip on the toward facing board side. The board can include an expandable elastic pocket of bonded and preferably heat sealed construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Inventor: Adam Merzon
  • Patent number: 7443292
    Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring and gathering data relating to publication usage by participants in publication readership studies. Some methods and systems employ portable monitors carried by participants of the studies along with publications fitted with various devices, such as piezoelectric transducers, RFID tags and others devices and circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Arbitron, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Jensen, Jack C. Crystal, Alan R. Neuhauser, Jack K. Zhang, Daniel W. Pugh
  • Patent number: 7396049
    Abstract: A flexible sheet which includes a substrate having at least one visually discernable surface and at least one electroluminescent lamp assembly positioned proximate to the surface and controlled by a suitable power source as well as means for isolating at least one electroluminescent lamp assembly from deleterious interaction with environment external to the flexible sheet. The flexible sheet can be employed in various applications including bound books, functional cards, locational orientation devices as well as in mechanisms for selectively indicating ingress or egress from architectural structures and other safety indicators. At least one component of the flexible sheet with the electroluminescent lamp assembly can be produced by drop ejection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Veronica A. Nelson, David M Kwasny, Marjan S. Amesbury, Don King
  • Patent number: 7281877
    Abstract: This invention provides a padfolio, portfolio or other foldable business accessory that is organized with three hinged leaves (including two main leaves and one overriding leaf that folds over the main leaves when closed together) that may be unfolded and laid flat to expose various internal elements within an overall interior. The elements are organized so that a notepad is provided in a center leaf, while one of the opposing side leaves include a raised clock base having a well or recess for securing a clock having a folding stand that can be raised into an angled, standing position from a flat position. One main leaf also includes a support base that removably supports a personal digital assistant (PDA), that is normally secured flat against the leaf, but that can be hinged upwardly into at least one adjustable angled position whereby the PDA is tilted for easier viewing whilst working in another area of the padfolio, such as the notepad. In this manner, it is more accessible and easier to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: The Gem Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua B. Lederer, Mark T. Salander, Quincy L. Reese
  • Patent number: 7118134
    Abstract: A dual sided integral composite image product and method of make same. The image product includes a first support substrate having a separate image layer thereon and a second support substrate having separate image layer thereon. The second support substrate being secured to the first support substrate so as to form the dual sided integral composite image product. A fold line is provided on said image product about which the integral composite image product may be folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Joseph A. Manico, Dale F. McIntyre, John K. McBride
  • Patent number: 7090252
    Abstract: A dual sided integral composite image product and method of make same. The image product includes a first support substrate having a separate image layer thereon and a second support substrate having separate image layer thereon. The second support substrate being secured to the first support substrate so as to form the dual sided integral composite image product. A fold line is provided on said image product about which the integral composite image product may be folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Joseph A. Manico, Dale F. McIntyre, John K. McBride
  • Patent number: 7077596
    Abstract: A two-way pocket assembly for use with a notebook (100). The pocket assembly is constructed over a window (208) formed in a subsurface material of the notebook (100). The pocket assembly includes exterior and interior pockets (104), each covering at least a portion of the window (208). The exterior and interior pockets (104) provide access to the pocket assembly from either the exterior (102) or interior (204) of the notebook (100). The pocket may be configured to receive and hold a personal electronic assistant, a cellular telephone (302), or another personal electronic device. The interior pocket includes a window material that allows visual access to the interior (204) of the pocket assembly through the material of the interior pocket (104). The pocket may be constructed so that a personal electronic assistant held inside the pocket assembly is usable through the window without removing the device from the pocket assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald M. Bianco, Douglas M. Jack
  • Patent number: 7055861
    Abstract: Described is a bookmark having a bookmark body, on which a bookmark clip is disposed. The bookmark clip can clam the cover or inner pages of a book to prevent the bookmark body from falling off from the book. The bookmark body is bendable and includes a protection surface of mounting the bookmark clip, a bendable surface and folding sheet capable of being inserted into content pages of a book. The bookmark can be repeatedly used for many times while having the features of being simple in structure, easy to manufacture, and flexible and convenient to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Inventor: Chun-yang Lee
  • Patent number: 7045199
    Abstract: A photo album is provided having an ink-receptive coating on a surface of the photo album. A user may write text or draw pictures on the surface with an ink pen, such as with a gel-based ink pen. The ink-receptive coating protects the ink from smudging or smearing after the ink has dried. Consequently, the text and/or picture is durable. The writable or drawable surface may be the front or back exterior surface, and/or an interior surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Norman Yamamoto, Xing-Ya Li, Kenneth Lin, Zhisong Huang
  • Patent number: 7029034
    Abstract: A calendar is provided for behavior modification as well as a method for using the same. The calendar has calendar sheets and informational sheets. The calendar has objectives sections, data collection sections, analysis sections, non-date pages and/or detachable pages for use by an individual. The calendar may be customized and/or pre-designed for an individual or by the individual. In use, the behavior information may be recorded on the calendar sheet. Information associated with daily, weekly, and/or monthly behavior may be recorded. The information may include weekly and/or monthly averages and/or summations, delta calculations, and/or minimum/maximum data. The calendar may be adapted to measure or track indicators, such as, for example, developmental progress, caloric intake, amount and type of exercise, amount of fat, sodium or sugar, amount of cigarettes smoked, blood pressure measurements, weight gain or the like. A bottom space may also be provided to record monthly goals and/or objectives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Inventor: Patricia M. Newell
  • Patent number: 6969091
    Abstract: A book that is capable of displaying one or more coins related to its theme, including a front cover and a back cover. At least one book cover defines one or more apertures that are capable of receiving coins. The book theme is displayed on at least one of the book covers. The book may optionally include one or more caps that may be inserted into and removed from the coin-receivable apertures. These caps will preferably display images that are related to the theme of the book. The invention provides a coin specific display that stores and displays one or more coins in an appealing manner, and that also conveys or provides additional information about the theme displayed on the coin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Anderson Press Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard Hilicki, Harold Anderson
  • Patent number: 6969092
    Abstract: A file folder blank can be folded to form a file folder. The file folder blank is designed for single side printing. The file folder blank can be folded to reveal printed indicia to two directions of a single panel. The printed indicia can be printed by a standard desktop type of printer. The printed indicia can include graphics, location indicator, content indicators, pictures, graphs or the like. In addition, top taps or side tabs are integrally formed with the file folder blank that can be printed with identifying indicia. In some applications, the identifying indicia comprises a repeating set of color bars that can be individualized during printing of the folder blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Smead Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Steve C. MacWilliams, John A. Calkins
  • Patent number: 6932400
    Abstract: A desktop bible carrying case 10 is provided with an enclosure 12 having a cavity 24 formed therein. A rectangular shaped support ridge 26 is coupled in the cavity 24 to inside portions of the enclosure 12. A flexible lid 28 is provided which is pivotably coupled to a back portion of the enclosure 12. Additionally, a planar shaped desktop member 50 is pivotably coupled to the enclosure adjacent to and between the lid 28 and the support ridge 26. An elevating member 52 is pivotably coupled to an outermost end of the desktop member 50. As a result a desktop bible carrying case 10 is provided to carry a bible 60 and a pad 62 in the open area 24 until they are removed therefrom and positioned on the desktop member 50 for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Inventor: Gwendolyn Gipson
  • Patent number: 6923590
    Abstract: A binding structure for binding together sheets of paper having multiple openings along a margin thereof is provided. The structure comprises a male connector panel having multiple openings along its edge and a female connector panel fastened to the back panel of a one-piece report cover by means of adhesive, extending adjacent and parallel to the second hinge and distanced to allow enough room for the tab-shape on the male connector panel to be inserted to the center opening of the female connector panel without interfering with the adhesion of the female connector panel to the back panel of the cover. An elongated binding element is provided extending adjacent and parallel to the margin of the sheets of paper and the male connector panel edge. The male connector panel is disposed on a bottom side of the elongated binding element. A one-piece report cover is provided having a front panel, a center spine panel, a back panel, a first hinge and a second hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventors: Thomas V. Ward, Jr., Jeanne M. Ward
  • Patent number: 6910718
    Abstract: A writing pad attachment for a cellular phone or other handheld electronic device, having a housing, an adjustable writing surface, a marking pad and a writing implement. The housing is releasably attached to the back of a cellular phone. The adjustable writing surface is located inside of the housing and is slidably adjusted to a locked position outside of the housing to provide a sturdy writing surface. Alternatively, the adjustable writing surface may be released from the housing and placed in a more convenient location. The adjustable writing surface is either a tray or a flat slate. The housing may be detached from the back of the cellular phone to provide a more convenient writing surface for the user. The writing pad attachment also provides a locking mechanism for securing the adjustable writing surface in a desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Inventors: Nick Chareas, Kathryn Chareas
  • Patent number: 6905140
    Abstract: A combination book and storage device comprising a container with at least one cover which contains locking mechanism which is simple to operate and manufacture and a book which is mounted so that when the cover of the storage device is locked the book is still accessible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Innovative USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Polick
  • Patent number: 6837521
    Abstract: A book with improved binding includes a front cover page having at least one binding hole extending therethrough, a rear cover page having at least one binding hole extending therethrough and at least one center page having at least one binding hole extending therethrough which is positioned between the front and rear cover pages. Each of the front, rear and center pages are constructed of foam material and the invention includes at least one binding cord which extends through each of the binding holes of the front cover page, rear cover page and center pages for binding the pages to one another in book format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventor: Christian Nol Guy Legrand
  • Patent number: 6793251
    Abstract: A binder has a front cover and a back cover. A first page assembly for mounting in the binder includes a first magnet. A second page assembly for mounting in the binder in an overlying relationship with the first page assembly includes a second magnet for releasably attaching the second page assembly to the first page assembly in the binder. Each one of the page assemblies may include a magnet portion, a hinge portion, and a display portion, which may be all formed as one piece. The binder has a base member, made of a magnetic material, to which the magnets are attracted to mount the page assemblies in the binder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: Daniel H. Stark
  • Patent number: 6779814
    Abstract: A combination book and storage device comprising a container with at least one cover which contains locking mechanism which is simple to operate and manufacture and a book which is mounted so that when the cover of the storage device is locked the book is still accessible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Innovative USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Polick
  • Patent number: 6752428
    Abstract: An indexing system with a label display configured for connection to a stack holder for placement adjacent a stack of sheets held in the stack holder. The display has a label portion disposed in a viewing position beyond the stack and is configured for displaying label indicia thereon for identifying a section of the stack. A divider is configured for dividing the section of the stack from other sections and for mounting in the stack holder within the stack. A tab connected to the divider and positionable extending beyond the stack and over the label portion is configured to permit viewing of the indicia therethrough with the divider held in the stack holder. An indexing system package and a system for displaying indexing system packages is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: ACCO Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark C. Sapienza, John E. Peters, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6742810
    Abstract: A document or manuscript cover and/or holder has an extension above the document inserted into the cover so that, if it is in a file without other documents on top, it can be read like a book without removing it from the file. Even if there are other documents filed on top of the document in the cover, the documents on top need only be rolled back because space provided between the file clips that hold the documents in the file, on the one hand, and the document to be read, on the other hand, permits the documents on top to be rolled back so that the document in the cover can be read without removing it from the file and without the other documents being in the way. This is particularly important when the document within the cover is printed on both sides of the page because it can still be read like a book.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventor: Robert O. Vaughan
  • Patent number: 6742811
    Abstract: An editorial and stationery article, such as a diary, exercise-book, book, magazine, newspaper, file-holder, etc., having particular ergonomic features, characterized in that it has a structure that can be opened as a book, with sheets or pages of quadrilateral shape, with the back or spine side oblique to the upper and lower sides, so that in the open position at least the lower sides converge towards the opening central axis, with convergence according to the obliquity angle of the spine side with respect to said upper and lower sides, so as to have a substantially user-enveloping configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Zamaz S.r.l.
    Inventor: Marco Mazza
  • Patent number: 6739626
    Abstract: A spiral coil is used when stacking a plurality of sheets each having a plurality of holes punched at a constant pitch, and binding the sheets by inserting the spiral coil therethrough. The spiral coil has a different pitch from that between the holes of the sheets. The spiral coil may be densely wound or have a different pitch from that of the sheets. A bookbinding device is prepared for inserting the spiral coil through the holes in the sheets. The bookbinding device has the same pitch as that between the holes, and has an engaging portion at an end thereof for engagement with the spiral coil. The bookbinding device is inserted through the holes such that the spiral coil follows it and is plastically deformed, thereby binding the sheet. The spiral coil after the plastic deformation is held at a pitch after the deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Carl Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Mori, Fumio Shimizu
  • Patent number: 6729653
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a book or magazine for reading includes a bottom member and a top member. The top member is elevated at one end above the bottom member and is adapted to pivot about an axis from a first closed position for reading into a second open position for turning the pages. At least a portion of the top member is transparent to permit viewing of printed matter through the top member, which is adapted to press upon the book or magazine when it is disposed in the first position. A lip is attached to the bottom member and is used to further retain the book or magazine in position. A marking device is optionally detachably-attached to a top portion of the apparatus. A stand is described upon which the apparatus may be placed for hands-free use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventor: Edwin Clarence Greer
  • Publication number: 20040075270
    Abstract: An annotation apparatus for written material has an elongated support. At least one annotation device is secured to the support. The annotation device can include writing implements, place markers, and removable notes. The elongated support can be weighted. A method for annotating at least one sheet of written material is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Lee Passarella
  • Patent number: 6712396
    Abstract: A soft book comprised of foam pages bound by a book binding portion and a plurality of page binding portions is presented. A front cover page, a rear cover page, and at least one page, each having a perimeter, are provided, with the pages forming a spine portion, with the book bound such that at least a portion of the perimeter each page is approximately flush with the binding portions. The pages of the book may include impressions or cutouts that may be made in various shapes. Cutouts may provide a puzzle-type game for children. Various binding materials may be used, preferably chosen to provide sufficient support for the flexible foam pages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: William Derraugh
  • Patent number: 6702330
    Abstract: The present invention relates to bindings for books, wherein the spine is hidden behind an extension of the cover. Specifically, a piping element is inserted into a recess formed by a doubled-over center section of a cover of the book. Because of the structure of the piping element, the book is capable of laying flat when opened, while hiding the spine and concurrently protecting both the spine and other objects from damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: Robert John Roca
  • Patent number: 6698797
    Abstract: A pocket size booklet for keeping statical records of a particular person from birth and for keeping records of an adult person. Non-tearing waterproof pages made from a synthetic material are used, and the data is printed, or data is written, on the pages with an indelible ink. The pages include a water mark on each page. Pages may include medical history, physical conditions, surgeries, medications, and vaccination records of a person or child. Pages may be provide on which to place the footprints and fingerprints of a new born child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Medical Documents, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott E. Lackey, James R. Jinright, Kenneth R. Burton, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040012191
    Abstract: A binder has a front cover and a back cover. A first page assembly for mounting in the binder includes a first magnet. A second page assembly for mounting in the binder in an overlying relationship with the first page assembly includes a second magnet for releasably attaching the second page assembly to the first page assembly in the binder. Each one of the page assemblies may include a magnet portion, a hinge portion, and a display portion, which may be all formed as one piece. The binder has a base member, made of a magnetic material, to which the magnets are attracted to mount the page assemblies in the binder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventor: Daniel H. Stark
  • Patent number: 6672622
    Abstract: A protective notepad cover that encloses a notepad to protect it from splashed water and other elements in one position and allows access to the notepad for writing in another position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Jack Barron
  • Patent number: 6666610
    Abstract: A folder for receiving papers including a first side panel including a recess formed in an edge thereof, and a first lower panel facing the side panel. The first side panel and the first lower panel are joined to form a pocket therebetween, and the recess is located adjacent an open end of the pocket to enable the pocket to expand without tearing the first side panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Corporation
    Inventors: Marc L. Moor, Thomas DeBlasis