Miscellaneous Patents (Class 281/51)
  • Patent number: 6641170
    Abstract: This invention relates to children's sound books and in particular to books having a fabric covering with sound chips positioned therein and an overlapping cover which closes and locks due to hook and loop fasteners. This invention involves a folding cloth covered book that is appealing to children, pleasant to touch and stretches out into an elongated representation of the book subject matter. Sound chips and a controller are mounted between cloth layers and are coupled to a controller similarly mounted to emit sounds when a particular representation is contacted. The books are intended for children 6 months old and above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Winnie Yip
  • Patent number: 6623039
    Abstract: A multi-purpose card includes a combination of a plurality of coupons detachably cut into the redemption card, a bar code imprinted onto the redemption card, integrated circuit chips, and/or a scratch-off foil overlying an offer or information printed on the card. The multi-purpose card may be housed integrally in a promotional mailer in the form of a two-piece in one post card. The card is created and defined within the promotional mailer by score lines intermittently cut through a top layer, base layer and plastic film of the mailer in a manner to securely maintain the card in place until forcibly removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Inventors: Kenneth Thompson, Debra Tak Thompson
  • Patent number: 6612771
    Abstract: A loose-leaf binding device has a first binder, a second binder, a plurality of sheets of loose-leaf paper disposed between the first binder and the second binder, and a coiled ring fastening the first binder, each sheet of loose-leaf paper, and the second binder. The first binder has an oblong hole and a round hole. The second binder has an oblong slot to match the oblong hole of the first binder. A pleated flap is connected to the second binder. The pleated flap has a first crease and a second crease. The pleated flap is inserted in the oblong hole of the first binder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Ken-Jui Su
  • Patent number: 6607216
    Abstract: A binder, such as a three ring binder, is provided with a magnetizable panel on the front cover of the binder and with a stylus and a permanent magnet erasing device mounted onto the binder. The magnetizable panel may be inset into the cover of the binder, or it may constitute substantially the entire front cover of the binder, or it may be inserted into a transparent pocket on the front cover of the binder. The eraser may be of a broad area permanent magnet type which may be brought into engagement with the entire magnetizable panel; or a smaller linear permanently magnetized eraser may be employed. In one embodiment the magnetizable panel may be pivotally mounted on the front cover of the binder, so that it may be folded over to expose the back of the binder for accessible erasing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: John F. Stenger, Ed Podosek, Christine K. Hibberd, Terri McKelvaine, Arthur G. Castillo
  • Patent number: 6601874
    Abstract: A bookbinding repair kit containing instructions, diagrams and equipment to carry out repair to damaged or torn backing shoulder joints of any book, the equipment comprising a complete endpaper consisting of one evenly folded sheet of paper with a double-sided adhesive strip no less than 7 mm and no more than 10 mm in width but of a particular length, with a peel away backing paper attached to the endpaper adjacent one side of the endpaper fold, a double-sided self adhesive strip of mull cloth of a particular width and length, two thirds of each side of the mull cloth being covered with a peel away backing strip and the remaining third adhered to the adhesive side of a sconelined, one sided self-adhesive paper the same size as the endpaper, the endpaper side without the adhesive strip being glued to the plain side of the scorelined paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Inventor: Gennaro Raffaele Amitrano
  • Patent number: 6550812
    Abstract: A binder, such as a three ring binder, is provided with a magnetizable panel on the front cover of the binder and with a stylus and a permanent magnet erasing device mounted onto the binder. The magnetizable panel may be inset into the cover of the binder, or it may constitute substantially the entire front cover of the binder, or it may be inserted into a transparent pocket on the front cover of the binder. The eraser may be of a broad area permanent magnet type which may be brought into engagement with the entire magnetizable panel; or a smaller linear permanently magnetized eraser may be employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Arthur G. Castillo, Christine K. Hibberd, Terri L. McKelvaine, Edward Podosek
  • Patent number: 6547914
    Abstract: A self-adhesive label is provided for displaying useful information about an object to which the label is affixed. The label is formed with a face layer constructed out of heavy paper, such as cardstock, and having a first planar surface which is suitable to receive printed indicia thereon. An adhesive layer coats a second planar surface of the face layer and includes a pocket-forming window therein, which is in communication with a slot in the face layer, and adhesively affixes the face layer to the object. The pocket-forming window defines an item receiving pocket between the object and the face layer, wherein the item-receiving pocket is accessible through the slot, for example, to removably insert a card therein. A sheet of labels is also provided having two or more labels thereon, wherein each of the two or more labels are removable from the sheet for individual use thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: The Standard Register Company
    Inventors: David H. Schnitzer, Bryce C. Waggoner, Kenneth A. Marin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6547283
    Abstract: A system for mounting a component to a portfolio including a tongue located on the component, the tongue having a tail portion and a tip portion, and a portfolio having a tongue opening formed therein. The top can be inserted into the tongue opening and component rotated relative to the portfolio until the tongue is generally received through the tongue opening to couple the component to the portfolio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: The Mead Corporation
    Inventor: Marc L. Moor
  • Patent number: 6540260
    Abstract: A photograph album system (10) has a spine (14) with an internal lateral groove (30) at one end and a removable retainer (42) having a plurality of internal retaining fingers (44) within the groove. A plurality of pages (52) are defined by a plurality of signatures (54). Each signature is defined by a plurality of page sets (56). Each page set consists of an interior support sheet (58) with a central fold (60) and a pair of exterior cover sheets (64). The exterior cover sheets are folded around an individual outer edge of an interior support sheet with each having a central fold defining an outer bend (66). The exterior cover sheets are adhered to the interior support sheet so that two pages are formed with separate pockets (72) on each side of each page. Posts (36) couple the pages to the spine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Whang Kwee Tan
  • Publication number: 20030042730
    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: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: William Derraugh
  • Patent number: 6513836
    Abstract: A photo album includes front and rear covers, a volume of pages bound between the covers, each page for holding at least one photograph, and an audio recorder for recording an audio message and playing back a recorded message. The recorder includes an electronic control circuit mounted on a printed circuit board affixed to one of the covers, and includes a memory device for storing recorded messages. The recorder includes a microphone and a speaker connected to the control circuit, the microphone and speaker inputting and outputting a message respectively, and at least one electrical switch supported by each separate page. The switch is associated with at least one photograph held by the same page and is connected to the control circuit for triggering the audio recorder to record or play back a message associated with the at least one photograph.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Billion Team Limited
    Inventor: Yat Wah Li
  • Publication number: 20030011190
    Abstract: A lightweight molded notepad holder that straps to the users wrist. The holder uses commercially available self-stick notes that insert directly into the holder. The individual pages of the notepad may be prevented from flying up or curling by use of one or more retainers built into the corners of the holder. Once in the holder, the pages are instantly available for note taking or dispensing as self-stick notes. The wrist strap also accommodates a wristwatch in conjunction with the wrist notepad holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Robert T. Ryan
  • Patent number: 6494759
    Abstract: A book and pages having a mechanical means for causing a figure associated with the theme of the book to pop-up upon opening the front cover, last page or other page of the book.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Innovative, USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Polick
  • Patent number: 6484425
    Abstract: A fluid display cover assembly comprising a sealed container coupled to a cover such as a notebook cover. The container has a light-transmissive front, and encloses a fluid comprising a gas, a liquid, or a plurality of gases and/or liquids. There also can be solid objects within the container. The cover can include a cutaway section replaced by the container. Displays within the container, on the cover, or below the cover can be visible through the front of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Telephone Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Hirsch
  • Patent number: 6485060
    Abstract: A plastic folder, for holding sheets of paper, which includes a front cover and a back cover connected by a hinge. The hinge includes a first fold line adjacent to the front cover, and a second fold line adjacent to the back cover, and a third fold line intermediate the first and second fold lines, thereby dividing the hinge into a first portion adjacent to the front cover and a second portion adjacent to the back cover. A pair of weld areas are disposed in the hinge so as to connect the first hinge portion to the second hinge portion. The weld areas are spaced from one another so as to produce a holding force on the paper inserted into the plastic folder. The first and second fold lines, together with the welded areas, produce a plastic folder that more securely, and durably, holds paper therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Kokuyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaharu Nada, Katsuyuki Tono
  • Patent number: 6467808
    Abstract: A book support apparatus for supporting pages in a vertically positioned book. The book support apparatus includes a support body attached to a locating arm and optionally includes hinges and adhesive strips with peel off backings. A body addition may also be used with the support body to increase the thickness of the body for books needing increased support distances. The body addition may also include an adhesive strip with a peel off backing to allow for optional fixation to the body. A zigzag type of folding construction is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Inventor: Cathie Kirby
  • Publication number: 20020135177
    Abstract: The preferred method includes the steps of receiving a design, resizing the design to a predetermined size, separating the design into multiple images, which when properly tiled form the design, and printing the design on multiple sheets of paper. The article is preferably a binder having a pocket disposed about the binder's cover. The pocket has an interior length substantially equal to the predetermined size, which when the properly tiled sheets are inserted in the pocket the sheets form a single, continuous, unbroken design which is viewed through the pocket. The pocket is preferably a clear overlay but may include in various embodiments lenticular lenses, which provide the ability to insert a combined design interlaced, such that when viewed through the lenticular lenses at various angles results in the separate visualization of the two designs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventor: Stephen R. Welch
  • Patent number: 6419543
    Abstract: A three-dimensional surface treatment which can be applied to or supported by a substrate is provided for covering a book. The surface treatment comprises at least one three-dimensional member made from plastic having an outer surface, an inner surface and a border. The outer surface is sculpturally molded into a three-dimensional sculpture-in-the-round, having peaks, impressions, relieved areas and undercuts in all axes to increase the overall dimensionality and detail of the surface treatment. In the preferred embodiment, multiple three-dimensional members may be used, wherein each three-dimensional member serves as a separate layer that forms part of the overall three-dimensional appearance of the surface treatment. In addition, interactive devices may be embedded in the three-dimensional members in order to make the surface treatment interactive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Sandvik Innovations LLC
    Inventor: Roger I. Burrows
  • Patent number: 6390507
    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 page may which may have a perimeter, are provided, with the pages forming a spine portion, with the book bound such that a portion of the perimeter each page may extend beyond the binding portions to provide a soft perimeter for the book so that it is safe, particularly for children. 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: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventors: William Derraugh, Michael Morris
  • Patent number: 6382864
    Abstract: A folder for receiving papers or other loose articles comprising a side panel and a retaining tab made of a generally flexible material and mounted onto the side panel. The retaining tab has a pair of openings formed therein, the openings being shaped and located such that a writing instrument may be received therethrough such that the writing instrument is securely received in the retaining tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: The Mead Corporation
    Inventor: Marc L. Moor
  • Patent number: 6336665
    Abstract: A book constructed of foam provided with manipulatives for use with enjoyment of the book is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Innovative USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Shari Kaufman
  • Patent number: 6325419
    Abstract: A substantially stocking-shaped photograph album and method therefor, comprising a base portion, at least one substantially stocking-shaped leaf coupled to the base portion, and at least one sleeve coupled to the substantially stocking-shaped leaf, wherein the sleeve is dimensioned to receive a photograph in order to provide a way to store and display photographs in a festive photo album. Preferably, an audio device can be activated to play a melody while viewing the pictures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Inventor: Angeline M. Benneman
  • Publication number: 20010038203
    Abstract: A book has two covers and a set of book pages contained between the covers. The covers close to form a shape which has an external appearance resembling the head of a creature. The two covers are joined to one another along a minor portion of the periphery of the covers and are connected along the remaining portion of the said periphery by a releasable fastener such that the pages of the book can be accessed by releasing the fastener and hinging open the two covers about the minor portion of the periphery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Applicant: Top That Publishing plc
    Inventors: Barrie John Henderson, Simon Peter Couchman
  • Patent number: 6305893
    Abstract: An album comprising a plurality of leaves each having a projection on one side and a matingly shaped recess on the opposed side, wherein the leaves are stacked on a base in which the projection of one leaf is aligned and registered with the recess of an adjacent leaf, the leaves are pressed with a platen in which adhesive paste is applied on the binding sides of the leaves and is removed after the adhesive paste is cured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: Ho Chou Lee
  • Patent number: 6305714
    Abstract: A folder having framed windows featuring a first panel, a second panel and a spine panel disposed between the covers. A pocket panel secured to the holder providing framed windows in substantial alignment with the front cover and the spine such that a sheet containing content information is insertable within the pocket and displayable over the front cover, spine or a combination thereof. A mounting sheet is insertable within the pocket for securing a sheet containing content identification. The mounting sheet has a plurality of fasteners adaptable for securing and displaying sheets for insertion into the pocket in multiple orientations. In the first orientation, the plurality of fasteners secures the sheet such that it extends over the front cover and is viewable only within the framed window of the front cover. In the second orientation, the fasteners secure the sheet such that it extends over both the front cover and the spine and is viewable within both framed windows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Acco Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Rossetto, James Joseph Steger, Patricia Forrest
  • Patent number: 6293591
    Abstract: A folder which can be converted into an adjustable book-rest, characterized in that it is constituted by an articulated assembly which comprises a prism-like box which has an overturning cover (B,E,H,M) and a prop (C,F,I,O) which is connected between said cover and the bottom (A,D,G,L) of the box, at least one of said cover and of said bottom being provided with raised portions, to give a desired inclination to said cover with respect to the bottom, said cover supporting a document and retaining it at an edge thereof with a support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: Fabrizio Pecci
  • Patent number: 6286752
    Abstract: A folder for papers (S), comprising a cover (1) and a base (2) operatively joined together by a back (3), wherein the back (3) is adjustable in width (y) to accommodate a height of a stack of papers, wherein the back (3) extends on a base side into a tongue (4} said tongue being insertable and movable in a pocket (5), said tongue constituting an insertable tongue said pocket_being joined to the base (2), and movement of the insertable tongue (4) in the pocket (5) being limited by a stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Mappei-Organisationsmittel GmbH
    Inventor: Hans Heyer
  • Patent number: 6279956
    Abstract: A savings book for encouraging the saving of money by your children having a plurality of pages having slots to hold coins on both sides of the pages is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: Shari Kaufman
  • Patent number: 6273660
    Abstract: A flexible magnetic insert for a magazine or a periodical is provided which may be bound directly into the magazine or periodical and which provides a plurality of individual magnetized advertisements or coupons that can be removed and placed upon a metal surface such as a refrigerator or file cabinet. The magnetized sheet includes advertising, informational or decorative indicia on both its top and bottom sides. The sheet is perforated so that the individualized advertisements or coupons can be easily separated. The present invention provides an improved means for distributing magnetized advertisements and coupons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Bassitt Enterprises
    Inventors: Mehmet Sami Ozgen, Chris Bohlin
  • Patent number: 6267412
    Abstract: A thin window pocket insertion and removal device comprising an elongated body (12) having a first end (11) and a second end (13), a frictional element (19) adhered to one side of the elongated body (12), and a lip portion (18) protruding from the second end (13) of the elongated body (12). In some preferred embodiments, the device (10) further includes a handle portion (14) and a stop portion (30) protruding from the handle (14). The elongated body (12) is made of a flexible but sufficiently rigid material so as to resist warping and breakage during use or when not in use. Further, in some embodiments, the elongated body (12) includes one or more apertures (16), (17) all of which act to facilitate storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Inventor: James E. Henderson
  • Patent number: 6261021
    Abstract: A binder insert with a folder portion and a clip. The folder portion defines at least one ring aperture configured and dimensioned to receive and mount to rings of a binder. The folder portion also has a first sheet defining a clip-mounting aperture and a second sheet facing the first sheet. The clip includes first and second clip portions resiliently biased toward each other. The clip is mounted to the first sheet through the clip-mounting aperture, and the first and second clip portions are disposed in a clamping position on the exterior of the first and second sheets and compressively engaged against the sheets to bias them against each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Acco Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephan Peter James Pfanner, Michael Albertini, Sumir Kapur, Paul Rossetto, Christopher Conley, Cira Conley, Scott Ternovits, Denise Steiner, Scott Harold Wilson, Fred Edward Cecala
  • Patent number: 6257621
    Abstract: A kit and assembly are provided for organizing, viewing and locating photographs, for example, on pages of a photo album or scrap book. The kit or assembly may include a camera, a recorder, a digital organizer, a pen or pens, a mounting device, scissor and/or a stamp pad or the like. In addition, the kit or assembly may incorporate a magnifying sheet to assist in viewing the content of the pages of the photo album or scrap book.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Eversharp Pen Company
    Inventor: Paul A. Smith
  • Patent number: 6247730
    Abstract: A book has two covers and a set of book pages contained between the covers. The covers close to form a shape which has an external appearance resembling the head of a creature, with two eyes and a mouth. The two covers are joined to one another along a minor portion of the circumference, and are connected along the remaining portion of the said circumference by a releasable fastener such as a zip such that the fastener (the zip) forms the mouth. The pages of the book can be accessed by releasing the fastener and hinging open the two covers about the minor portion of the circumference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Top That Publishing plc
    Inventors: Barrie John Henderson, Simon Peter Couchman
  • Patent number: 6234534
    Abstract: A book-toy combination, comprising a front cover, a back cover, and a plurality of pages therebetween, the front cover, back cover and plurality of pages being bound along one side thereof; an elongated member coupled to at least one of the front cover, the back cover, and at least one of the plurality of pages, the elongated member extending away from a periphery of the front cover, the back cover, and the at least one of the plurality of pages; and at least one element sliding along the elongated member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Reader's Digest Children's Publishing, Inc.
    Inventor: Candy Warren
  • Patent number: 6224107
    Abstract: The invention includes a pocketbook adapted to be customized by a consumer. The pocketbook has a plurality of pages and a pocket adapted to hold the pages. The pages are removably held in the pocket. The pages typically have a subject so that the consumer may select pages according to the subject. The pages and the pocket may include a common theme. One embodiment of the invention includes a pocketbook assembly adapted to allow a consumer to assemble a customized pocketbook. The assembly typically includes a page display; a plurality of pages removably supported by the page display; and a plurality of pockets. Generally, each pocket is adapted to hold at least one of the pages. And the pockets are generally available near, or on, the page display. In another embodiment the invention includes a pocketbook kit adapted to allow a consumer to assemble a pocketbook. The kit generally includes a plurality of pages, the pages having a subject; and a pocket for removably holding the pages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: Reba Hall Smith
  • Patent number: 6224955
    Abstract: The devices of the present invention comprise sturdy foldable, performed protective corners of sturdy construction, preferably acid-free, non-yellowing polymeric film, and preferably having a preformed corner pocket for a convenient, snug fit on a corner, and include a self-sticking adhesive for permanent adhesion to a corner, and methods for making the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: Torry L. Gorski
  • Patent number: 6217077
    Abstract: The invention is of a kit or system useful for guiding and facilitating the taking, tabulation and processing of measurements as pertain to scoring game animal according to established scoring rules. The kit or system includes a flexible cable which is used to record absolute lengths or distances needed for a proper scoring. The cable lacks cumulative length indicia or unit indications, but rather includes equally spaced incremental indicia which are used (by multiplying the number of indicia as rest between measurement endpoints) as part of the ultimate determination of length according to standard measurement units. A reusable score card is also provided which includes spaces for recording measurements and indicia for indicating the proper measurements to be taken as well as the sequence thereof and prescribed calculations to be made therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Michael E. Priebe
  • Patent number: 6213669
    Abstract: The present invention provides an inflatable binder which has multiple air pockets which can be inflated by one or more air inlets. The binder is secured closed with a zipper or other enclosure. The material of the binder is a plastic sheet material or the like which provides for a water resistant binder. The inflated binder also provides cushioning to protect contents of the binder if dropped. In one embodiment, the front cover of the binder may have a central flat area surrounded by inflatable areas defining a frame, such that visual materials may be displayed from an inner pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventor: Norman C. Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6210248
    Abstract: A game such as a book useable with candy or other game pieces. The book includes internal passageways configured to allow a game piece to travel freely therein. One aspect of the invention includes a book with multiple pages including internal passageways in one or more pages, and wherein an outlet form one page substantially aligns with an inlet from an adjacent page such that the game piece moves between pages. Under another aspect of the invention, the page includes an actuator such as a lever or a wheel to move the game piece between portions of the passageway. In yet another aspect of the invention, the book includes an integral game piece dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Indigo Corporation
    Inventor: Christine McAdam
  • Patent number: 6206427
    Abstract: A book which comprises: first and second rigid covers, a plurality of rigid pages, and binding means attached to an edge of each rigid cover and each rigid page, wherein at least some of said rigid pages are of a different size to others of such rigid pages so that when said book is closed, said plurality of pages is sandwiched between said first and second covers to form a three-dimensional sculpture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Seven Towns Limited
    Inventor: Thomas Kremer
  • Patent number: 6206426
    Abstract: A security hardware device used to hold multi-leafed materials, for example, telephone books, which device has an inner box within an outer sleeve, wherein the inner box has a first end with a toothed grip and a second end with a means for receiving a screw; and the outer sleeve has a first open end for receiving the inner box and second closed end, and wherein the second closed end is provided with a toothed grip and further provided with a hole for passing a screw through the outer sleeve and into the means for receiving a screw so that, as the screw is turned into engagement, the inner box is drawn into the outer sleeve, and a means for attaching the device to a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventor: Robert N. Azzato
  • Patent number: 6203230
    Abstract: A notebook includes a first cover comprised of a first metallic material and having a plurality of first edges. A second cover is comprised of a second metallic material, with the second cover having a plurality of second edges and interfacing the first cover. A binding binds together one of the first edges to one of the second edges. A first lip element extends substantially perpendicular from a first plane of the first cover, with the first lip element comprised of a third metallic material and interfacing a paper edge of a paper at a substantially perpendicular angle. A second lip element extends substantially perpendicular from a second plane of the second cover, with the second lip element comprised of a fourth metallic material and interfacing the paper edge at a substantially perpendicular angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Avalanche Publishing, Inc.
    Inventor: Yoon S. Whang
  • Patent number: 6189932
    Abstract: A book constructed of foam provided with manipulatives for use with enjoyment of the book is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Innovative USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Shari Kaufman
  • Patent number: 6170877
    Abstract: A page holder adapted to hold opposing pages of a book in an open position while reading. The page holder includes first and second wings meeting at a junction point and disposed at an angle of about 150° with respect to each other. A thumb opening is spaced back from the leading surface of the first and second wings and offset slightly from the junction point toward the first wing. In use, the reader's thumb is inserted into the thumb opening and the junction point is placed between two adjoining pages of an open book near the bottom of the pages. One wing extends over and holds down the page on the right while the other wing holds down the page on the left. One embodiment of the invention is formed of clear plastic material using injection molding, while another embodiment is made of metal wire using wireform manufacturing techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Jack H. Zurn
  • Patent number: 6155469
    Abstract: A notepad and writing instrument holder, particularly adapted for mounting on a surface within the interior of an automobile, for example, includes one piece construction comprising a molded plastic structure with first and second members which are hinged together along a living hinge portion. One of the members nests within the other such that opposed side panels of each member cooperate to retain the two members in a fixed position relative to each other to provide a writing surface for a notepad which is adjustable to suit the writer's needs and position relative to the notepad holder. Ratchet teeth formed on one member cooperate with detent members formed on the other member. The notepad holder may be injection molded in a generally flat planar configuration and the two members are formed by folding circular sector shaped side panels of each member with respect to center panels of each member into their working positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Jason G. Johnson
    Inventors: Jason G. Johnson, John W. Goodin
  • Patent number: 6149201
    Abstract: The present invention is a toy for amusement. The toy is comprised of a cardboard-like panel with one or more spherical toy balls, commonly known as "floating eyeballs," Jet Balls.TM. or Glide Balls.TM., affixed to the panel which bears graphic depictions including human, insect, animal, or creature-like facial features on both its front and back surfaces. The panel can be hingedly connected to a book or other card-like device such that when the panel is turned over or opened, a new panel bearing different features appears. The panel and spherical toy ball(s) together make an entertaining three-dimensional representation that can be controlled by the user to create a visual effect in which the spherical toy ball(s) move about in a manner similar to human-like eye movement. Another embodiment shows a daytime calendar having the spherical toy balls protruding through the top page of the calendar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: According Publishing LTD
    Inventors: Jeffrey Charles Cole, Kenneth H. Fleck
  • Patent number: 6142530
    Abstract: A book is provided, especially for children, having a cover and a content including several pages, on which pictures and/or text are found. In order to ensure that children approach a book of this type with great enthusiasm, this book is individualized, in that the owner of the book appears in the book him-/herself. Since mentioning by name in the continuous text would lead to undesirable empty spaces, or even to unwanted line, paragraph and page breaks, however, areas are provided in the pictures, which are already present in the book, for applying a photographic representation of the owner of the book.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Inventor: Karin Emmerich
  • Patent number: 6139210
    Abstract: A holder assembly has a holder having at least a plurality of pockets. The pockets each have a transparent wall. A plurality of printed sheets are disposed in the pockets. Each sheet faces a respective wall. One or more inserts are disposed in the pockets between respective printed sheets and walls. The inserts each have an ink receptive layer and a support layer. The layers are transparent to visible light. The ink receptive layer can have a deposit of invisible ink that is an encodement of information that, preferably, relates to the respective printed sheet. Two or more holders assemblies can be bound together to provide an album.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: David J. Nelson, Robert C. Bryant
  • Patent number: 6109657
    Abstract: A system for the packaging of a photo album of the type having a spine with an exterior closed edge and an interior open edge and with elements for holding pages includes a plurality of pages. The pages have interior edges adapted to be coupled with respect to the spine and parallel free exterior edges as well as free upper and lower edges parallel with respect to each other. Front and rear covers each have an interior edge coupled with respect to the spine and a parallel exterior edge as well as free upper and lower edges parallel with respect to each other and encompassing the pages. A generally rigid packaging support has a central component in a generally rectilinear configuration positioned between the exterior edges of the covers in proximity to the exterior edges of the pages. A spacer has a first vertical edge formed integrally with the central component of the support and a free second vertical edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Inventor: Whang Kwee Tan
  • Patent number: 6095565
    Abstract: A bookmark and pocket assembly for books, where a pocket allows a bookmark to be releasbly secured to the book by slidably inserting it into the pocket. The assembly is generally rectangular in shape and has the bookmark detachably joined on one side to the pocket by a bookmark tear line, and a binding panel detachably joined on another side by a binding tear line. The bookmark has an area defined for an advertisement or aesthetic design and the pocket has a front panel foldably joined to a rear panel. The front panel has an adhesive pattern so that when the rear panel is folded on to the front panel, a recess is formed in generally the same shape and size of the bookmark. The rear panel has a rear adhesive pattern on a back surface for attachment to a book surface and a backing sheet covering the adhesive over its extremities. The binding panel serves and an interface for binding the assembly as an insert to a spine of the book, where the book will then be shipped for resale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: Robert Kramer