Abstract: A document folder has a cover formed of relatively flexible sheet material with a back and front panels, and a spine hingedly connecting the panels so that they may be disposed in an overlying position and provide an enclosure for documents therebetween. The panels are movable relative to each other about the spine, and disposed therebetween is a relatively rigid stiffener dimensioned cooperatively with the back panel to rigidify the folder when stored vertically. A document holder is engaged with the stiffener for securing a multiplicity of documents between the stiffener and the front panel. The cover may be integrally formed or assembled from separate panels, one of which provides the spine. At least a portion of the cover is formed from a material which may be imprinted in a computer printer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a binder comprising a cover made up of two lateral parts; at least one pair of rails; said rails extending parallel to the sides of the lateral parts and at the inside thereof; and a metal ring mechanism located upon said cover, which mechanism is provided at each side with at least one built in projection (herein: “a removable and/or replaceable metal ring mechanism”); said built in projections to be inserted into corresponding rails. Moreover, the invention relates to a removable and/or replaceable metal ring mechanism, which mechanism is provided at each side with at least one built in projection.

Abstract: A notebook that is convertible into a keepsake compendium after all of the note-taking pages have been filled. The notebook has a front and rear cover bound to a sheaf of individual pages. Each page is pre-printed on a top portion with text or graphic images having a common theme. The bottom portion of each page provides space for note-taking. The top and bottom portions are defined by a perforated line of demarcation which enables the bottom portion of the page to be separated and removed from the notebook after the note-taking portion has been filled. The front and rear covers bear corresponding lines of perforation. Upon removing the bottom portions of the pages and covers, the notebook is converted into a compendium having an inherent keepsake value of its own separate from the notebook.

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.

Abstract: A covered binder assembly in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present inventions includes a front cover, a rear cover, and a spine connecting the front and rear covers. The front cover has a window assembly including a transparent sheet mounted thereto. The front cover may be transparent to allow the user to see through front cover into the interior of the binder. The trasparent sheet spans substantially over the front cover to form a front cover pocket between the cover and the transparent sheet. An opening is extended along a comer between the front cover and the spine to provide access to the front cover pocket. A closure arrangement is provided to facilitate the closing of the opening. A second thin transparent sheet forms a spine pocket between the spine and the second transparent sheet. The opening along the corner between the front cover and the spine also provides access to the spine pocket.

Abstract: A shallow box binder cover is provided for a binder containing a plurality of pages. The cover has a stiff, opaque core through which a plurality of display openings are defined. These display openings are surrounded by the structure of the cover core. A separate transparent plastic blister or box is located in each of the display openings. Each transparent box has a raised interior bubble surrounded by a base having mounting flanges projecting laterally from opposite sides of the periphery of the base. These mounting flanges are held against the inside surface of the front cover core so that the raised interior bubbles project into the display openings and into close proximity to the outer surface of the cover core. A front cover liner is disposed across the bases of the boxes to define separate, hollow enclosed cavities within the interior portions of each of the bubbles. Selected three-dimensional objects are placed within the bubbles before the front cover liner is disposed across the bases of the boxes.

Abstract: A filing device (1), which has a reference cover-forming member (2) having a cover (21), a spine (22), and a back cover (23) integrated in one body, and a movable cover-forming member capable (3) of relative movement with respect to and along the inner surface of the reference cover-forming member (2), and in which the reference cover-forming member (2), in the area where the aforementioned spine (22) is formed, is provided with a cover motion-enabling insertion engagement section (25) extending in the longitudinal direction of the spine-forming section, and, along with that, is provided with a guiding section (26) controlling the motion of the movable cover-forming member (3).

Abstract: A personalize event/theme photograph album having a personalized cover. The cover has a main photograph from a plurality of photographs of the event which has been electronically reproduced to have the appearance of an oil-on-canvas painting. The cover binds the plurality of photographs in the album. The event may be a wedding, anniversary, vacation, etc.

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.

Abstract: A report cover (10) is disclosed which can be used with a report (12) bound by a flexible comb binding (14). An insert (20) is bound with the report (12) in the flexible comb binding (14). The insert (20) is then fit within a pocket (38) in the back cover (28) of the cover (26). The spine or side cover (30) and front cover (32) of the cover (26) then encloses the report (12) and spiral binding (14) to provide an attractive final report appearance. The report cover can be used with a report that is bound with a spiral, wire loop or three ring binding also.

Abstract: A novel file folder, box and panel designed with pre-perforated holes, grooves and slots where the file folder at least comprises two pieces of panel, on which a plurality of holes, grooves, slots, and border indentations are pre-perforated. The file folder panel has at least a flap on its periphery. The pre-perforated holes, grooves and slots are fit for installing a variety of file clips. The pre-perforated holes and slots also permit fixing and winding the elastic trap. The flap, after being erected up in place, allows the file clip and elastic trap to band together. The invention provides a separate design of file folder panels and file clips to form varying combinations, functions and economical benefits as the end-user desires.

Abstract: A binder including a binding mechanism having at least one ring member for securing a plurality of pages within the binder; at least one spine member pivotally connected to the binding mechanism; and at least one cover pivotally connected to the at least one spine member. A pin may be provided to secure the at least one ring member to the binding mechanism. The binder may also include a sleeve mounted on the cover for maintaining the at least one cover and the at least one spine member in a fixed position in a single plane. Where two spine members and two covers are used, the two spine members and two covers are advantageously in close parallel relation when in a fully opened position and hide the binding mechanism when fully closed.

Abstract: A title page and insertion tool for binders including a title page having a generally rectangular configuration. The title page is dimensioned for being received within a clear pocket on a spine of a binder. A pulley is provided having a generally rectangular configuration. The pulley has a front surface, a rear surface, opposed short upper and lower ends and opposed long side edges. The front and rear surfaces of the upper and lower ends of the pulley each have an adhesive layer disposed thereon. Each adhesive layer has a protective covering removably disposed thereover.

Abstract: A binder for receiving loose leaf papers including an upper panel and a binding mechanism coupled to the upper panel. The binder further includes a lower panel coupled to the upper panel such that a pocket is formed between the lower panel and the upper panel. In another embodiment, the invention is a binder for receiving loose leaf papers including an outer cover, a panel, and a binding mechanism coupled to the panel. The panel is coupled to the outer cover such that a pocket is formed between the panel and cover, wherein the cover foldable about the binding mechanism to lie on top of the pocket.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assisting students and the like in organizing, and keeping organized, papers and materials for schoolwork and the like. Users will be able to place papers which will be needed at a future time, in a specific labeled, location for easy retrieval at a later time. The system motivates the initiation of work on a particular task, in a timely manner, because lost papers or materials are no longer an obstacle to beginning the task. This system and method comprises a short term, portable, sorting and filing system, a long term filing system and a linking device which encourages the user to consider specifically what to keep and what to discard. The system makes it obvious how and where to place items selected to keep. The system provides an organized group of places immediately available for things which need to be stored, short term and long term, for easy future retrieval. The system provides tools and training for time management.

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. The stack holder preferably includes first and second covers and one of the covers is configured to permit viewing of the tab and a label indicia even when the covers are in the closed position.

Abstract: A folder includes a spine having a base and first and second spine hinge portions. The spine defines a longitudinal axis and has an exterior surface that is curved around the longitudinal axis. The folder also includes a first cover having a first cover hinge portion pivotably attached to the first spine hinge portion. The first cover has a first curved portion with an exterior surface that is curved around the longitudinal axis. The folder further includes a second cover having a second cover hinge portion pivotably attached to the second spine hinge portion. The second cover has a second curved portion with an exterior surface that is curved around the longitudinal axis. The spine and the first and second curved portions together define a generally rounded contour around the longitudinal axis when the folder is in a closed position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a binding element for binding a stack of documents comprised of loose sheets, having a spine piece and two side pieces, the side pieces being arranged essentially perpendicular to the spine piece. The binding element is made of a shape memory material or has at least part of the binding element made of a shape memory material.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a filing device which includes simplified binding elements for removably binding a plurality of folder bags of a synthetic resin, and allows for easy attachment of the binding elements to a file cover thereof. The filing device comprises: a file cover including a front cover portion, a back cover portion, and aspine provided between the front and back cover portions; and a binding member fixed onto an inner side of the spine of the file cover and including an elongated base plate, a plurality of binding elements provided parallel to each other at predetermined intervals along the length of the base plate on an inner side of the base plate as projecting perpendicularly to the base plate, and hooks extending outwardly from longitudinally opposite ends of the base plate and bent into a U-shape so as to be hooked onto longitudinally opposite ends of the spine of the file cover.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a apparatus which includes a left front panel and a left back panel which together form a first pocket and a right front panel and a right back panel which together form a second pocket. The apparatus also includes a left closing flap which is connected to the left back panel, a middle closing flap which is connected to the right back panel, a right closing flap which is connected to the middle closing flap. An item or items, such as a keepsake, can be inserted into the first and/or second pocket. The keepsake may be a greeting card and a portion or panel of the greeting card may be inserted into the first pocket while another portion or panel may be inserted into the second pocket. The first and second pockets are preferably virtually completely or completely sealed so that no the inserted keepsake can not be damaged. The left closing flap, the middle closing flap, and the right closing flap may each have a set of a plurality of holes.

Abstract: A cover for a binding which comprises at least one looped formation to enable it to hold together a plurality of sheets of paper and which is held on or adjacent to the inside of a spine of the cover when the latter is in use. The cover has at least one tab on or adjacent to the spine of the cover, the tab having an aperture into which such a looped formation can be inserted when the cover is in use.

Abstract: A foldable paper sheet is formed having a sheet body portion, a sheet lower side flap extending out from a lower side edge of the sheet body portion, a pocket panel extending out from a bottom edge of the sheet body portion, and a pocket side flap extending out from a side edge of the pocket panel. The pocket side flap is folded in towards the pocket panel, the pocket panel is folded up and the pocket side flap is glued to the back face of the sheet body portion. The sheet lower side flap is folded and glued to the pocket panel. The pocket panel is thereby secured along both side edges to the sheet body portion, has an open top and thus defines a pocket on the back of the sheet body portion. The pocket panel can have a finger notch at the center of its top edge. A tab is cut out of the edge portion of the sheet body portion to form a tabbed divider sheet. The tab advantageously can be formed at any location along the edge portion including at a lower location directly adjacent to the pocket.

Abstract: A thin flexible cover is fitted over the item-retaining housing in a conventional ring binder. The cover may be adhered, snap-fitted, or permanently attached, e.g., by riveting, to the underlying housing portion. A visible surface of the cover is provided with information relating to items to be retained in the ring binder by symbols, letters, numerals or the like in different colors, textures or even in Braille to meet the needs of a sight-impaired user. The item-related information thus provided is accessible to the user when the ring binder is in its open stste and contains retained items on one or both sides of the central housing. By suitable choice of thickness and stiffness of the cover material, the cover can be used to enhance the item-retaining function of the ring binder. The cover, in all of its embodiments, also serves to protect retained items from damage due to scratching, denting, or rusting/corrosion of metal elements of the item-retaining housing over time.

Abstract: A shallow box binder cover is provided for a binder containing a plurality of pages. The cover has a stiff, opaque core through which a plurality of display openings are defined. These display openings are surrounded by the structure of the cover core. A separate transparent plastic blister or box is located in each of the display openings. Each transparent box has a raised interior bubble surrounded by a base having mounting flanges projecting laterally from opposite sides of the periphery of the base. These mounting flanges are held against the inside surface of the front cover core so that the raised interior bubbles project into the display openings and into close proximity to the outer surface of the cover core. A front cover liner is disposed across the bases of the boxes to define separate, hollow enclosed cavities within the interior portions of each of the bubbles. Selected three-dimensional objects are placed within the bubbles before the front cover liner is disposed across the bases of the boxes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a photo album leaf from a media having a front and back side. The apparatus includes a processing path along which the media moves through the apparatus; a digital printer disposed along the processing path for printing images on the front side of the media, the images being composed so as to define a segment having a fold line about which the segment is folded so as to form the leaf; a processing section disposed after the printer along the processing path for processing the media on which the images have been written; a removal mechanism for removing the protective release layer from the segment; a folding mechanism for folding the segment so as to form an album leaf.

Abstract: The invention includes novel unibody binder constructions and the process of making same. The binder is composed of two plastic sheets comprising such material as polyvinyl chloride, polyolefin, polypropylene, polyvinyl acetate or other similar plastics. An uncompromised single piece of board or similar rigid material, such as chipboard, microflute board, corrugated board, fiberboard, etc., or a synthetic substrate, is then coated with a glue such as a resin glue, a U.V. adhesive, etc., on both sides and sandwiched between the plastic sheets. This sandwich is then formed into the unibody construction by welding the entire outer perimeter. At the time of welding, the air between the plastic sheets and the board is pressed or vacuumed out. To create the hinges on the binder, the unibody construction is then hydraulically creased to the extent necessary by using three moving blades to provide living hinges.

Abstract: A planning system which provides individuals the ability to combine the time saving advantages of mobil phones and personal planning systems. The planning system (Airtimer) incorporates a mobil phone to compliment the planning and execution of goals, tasks and activities in a convenient manner. The Airtimer includes a phone mounting system to provide simple, convenient access to a mobil phone at all times. The Airtimer also includes a metal ring binder for daily planner sheets, a loose paper pocket, a checkbook pocket, credit/business card pockets and pen/pencil holders. The Airtimer, when closed, may be secured by a zipper while allowing plug-in access to the mobil phone for recharging purposes, and is composed of an outer sheet for durability and a thinner inner sheet which provides the basic form of the planner. Both the inner and outer sheets are covered with material such as leather, cloth, vinyl, etc.

Abstract: A ring binder-type notebook for holding both loose leaf pages and at least one compact disk. The notebook includes a cover and a ring binder mechanism having a plurality of ring members for holding the loose leaf pages. A compact disk holder releasably holds the compact disk. The holder may be secured to the cover or secured to a loose leaf page. A metallic fastener having at least one securing member secures the holder, or alternatively an adhesive secures the holder. The holder has a mounting portion configured for releasably attaching engagement with the compact disk. The mounting portion is made of a plastic material.

Abstract: A binder for receiving loose leaf papers including an upper panel and a binding mechanism coupled to the upper panel. The binder further includes a lower panel coupled to the upper panel such that a pocket is formed between the lower panel and the upper panel. In another embodiment, the invention is a binder for receiving loose leaf papers including an outer cover, a panel, and a binding mechanism coupled to the panel. The panel is coupled to the outer cover such that a pocket is formed between the panel and cover, wherein the cover foldable about the binding mechanism to lie on top of the pocket.

Abstract: A planning system which provides individuals the ability to combine the time saving advantages of mobil phones and personal planning systems. The planning system (Airtimer) incorporates a mobil phone to compliment the planning and execution of goals, tasks and activities in a convenient manner. The Airtimer includes a phone mounting system to provide simple, convenient access to a mobil phone at all times. The Airtimer also includes a metal ring binder for daily planner sheets, a loose paper pocket, a checkbook pocket, credit/business card pockets and pen/pencil holders. The Airtimer, when closed, may be secured by a zipper while allowing plug-in access to the mobil phone for recharging purposes, and is composed of an outer sheet for durability and a thinner inner sheet which provides the basic form of the planner. Both the inner and outer sheets are covered with material such as leather, cloth, vinyl, etc.

Abstract: A binder apparatus for holding materials and media in a binder, having a plurality of binders in opposing relation. The binders are positioned approximately parallel to and near opposing sides of a notebook constructed according to the invention and provide for a space-saving arrangement when mounted in shelves, and a stable configuration when stacked vertically in a pile.

Abstract: A document carrying device has a rigid case formed of upper and lower case halves. The lower and upper case halves are joined together by a hinge wall and lower and upper living hinges. The lower and upper case halves and the hinge wall are complementary to form a substantially closed enclosure when aligned with each other. A ring binder chassis is fixed inside the case to an inner surface of the hinge wall.

Abstract: A binder for releasably retaining loose-leaves. The binder has a front cover that lies flatly beneath its back cover when the binder is open 360 degrees. The rings of the binder can rotate around an edge of the flatly-folded cover to enable loose-leaves to lie flat above and below the cover. The binder also has a skeleton with a minimal cross-section spine which may be partially or completely embedded in a cover and rotates in relation to parallel front and back covers when the binder is open 360 degrees. The front cover, middle cover and back cover are connected in a way so that they do not interfere with the rotation of the rings. Mechanisms to open and close the rings of the skeleton to allow addition or removal of loose-leafs, and ring shapes to optimize or stabilize the capacity of the binder during operation are also disclosed.

Abstract: A file folder. The file folder includes at least two parts. A first part (2) is provided with binder rings (4) and a second part (3) that defines a receiving chamber of fixed dimensions that can contain bundles of loose documents or periodicals and the like.

Abstract: Herein is discussed a binder with pockets formed on both the inside and outside of the cover. The pockets may be formed by wrapping a single sheet of material around the bottom, or other, edge of the binder cover. The binder pockets may also be decorative by forming the binder of a transparent or translucent material and by forming the pockets of a translucent or opaque material so they are visible through the cover, and/or through the opposing pocket.

Abstract: A three ring binder includes a spine, front cover and back cover, each of which includes a substantially solid base plate and an outer plastic shell. The spine and front cover each includes a rectangular picture frame, the outer edges of which are aligned with and welded to the bottom and side edges of the spine and cover. A clear plastic membrane is secured to the frame's interior covering the opening in the picture frame. The frame top edges are spaced inwardly and free of the shell to form insert pockets. Display inserts are slidably mounted within the insert pockets defined by the frames. The spine insert includes an upper folded edge, and includes an outer pin head. Pulling upwardly on the pin head withdraws the insert. Mount-mats of a semi-solid paper are provided in the pockets to receive thin, flexible paper for insertion into the frame pockets. The inserted mat holds the display material with the insert pocket. The frame may be of thin flexible opaque plastic sheet material less than 0.

Abstract: A covered binder assembly in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present inventions includes a front cover, a rear cover, and a spine connecting the front and rear covers. The front cover has a window assembly including a transparent sheet mounted thereto. The front cover may be transparent to allow the user to see through front cover into the interior of the binder. The transparent sheet spans substantially over the front cover to form a front cover pocket between the cover and the transparent sheet. An opening is extended along a corner between the front cover and the spine to provide access to the front cover pocket. A closure arrangement is provided to facilitate the closing of the opening. A second thin transparent sheet forms a spine pocket between the spine and the second transparent sheet. The opening along the corner between the front cover and the spine also provides access to the spine pocket.

Abstract: A folder that has a spine that is hinged to two covers. The preferred covers have a convex portion that extends around a binding mechanism over most of the distance of that the binding mechanism protrudes inwardly from the spine support portion that extends outwardly with respect to a portion of the cover pivotably attached to the spine. A concave portion is located adjacent the convex portion towards the free end of the binder. The preferred folder portion of the binder has projections that are deformed through openings in the binding mechanism to secure the binding mechanism to the folder. A preferred cover has an arcuate cross-section extending parallel to the hinges.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an educational planner for providing a cooperative system of planning books and folders that promote socially beneficial aims while providing assistance and organization of course materials.

Abstract: A ring binder and method of making the same. According to a preferred embodiment, the ring binder comprises a front cover stiffening member, a spine stiffening member and a rear cover stiffening member, all of which are appropriately positioned between a matching pair of woven sheets. The woven sheets are made of a synthetic fiber or thread that is ultrasonically weldable. Examples of materials that may be suitable for use as the synthetic fiber or thread include polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, orlon, rayon and combinations thereof. The woven sheets are ultrasonically welded together around their respective peripheries and on opposite sides of the spine stiffening member to define, together with the three stiffening members, a front cover, a spine and a rear cover. The binder further includes a paper-retaining ring mechanism, which is secured to the spine or to one of the front and rear covers.

Abstract: A storage book for holding a plurality of discs, other substantially-flat objects, or combinations of discs and objects, such as CDs, DVDs, computer diskettes, photographs, or the like, and having front and back covers interconnected by a spine member and movable between a closed position, in which the covers are generally stacked in parallel disposition to one another, and an open position, in which the covers are generally co-planar, and having a spacer attached to one of the covers, and further having at least two adjacent disc holders each pivotally mounted at a fixed location on the spacer such that the disc holders are movable between a folded position, in which the disc holders fully overlap in stacked relation when the covers are in closed or opened position, and an unfolded position, in which the disc holders partially overlap in staggered relation to one another when the covers are in open position.

Abstract: A two-up process for manufacturing one-piece binder covers including the steps of cutting a panel having opposed pairs of parallel sides; perforating the panel between two of its parallel sides to form a separating line to provide two rectangles connected together by the separation line; forming a recess at each end of the separation line so that each of the two rectangles has rounded corners upon separation of the two rectangles; dividing the blank by at least one pair of fold lines perpendicular to the perforated separation line and separating the blank into two binder covers each having four rounded corners.

Abstract: A booklet having a base, a plurality of pages having at least one mounting portion and a plurality of display portions. The mounting portions are hinged with respect to the display portions. The mounting portions have page engaging members, and the base has base engaging members. The base engaging members are configured to engage the page engaging members to attach the mounting portions to the base and to provide for the mounting portions to move with respect to the base to allow the display portions to move to a greater extent than the display portions would move without such movement of the mounting portions, to allow the display portions to lie more flat against one another when the pages are turned. The base engaging members may include pins mounted on the base, and the page engaging members include holes formed through the mounting portions, the pins extending through the holes. The holes may be elongated.

Abstract: A file including a spine (2), from the longitudinal sides (3, 4) of which extend two lateral faces (5, 6) whereof the distal ends are shaped to form convergent wings (7, 8), and a closing means (9a, 9b) so as to ensure the stability of said file in a vertical position because of the fact that its body closes back on itself, wherein a plurality of reinforcing ribs (10A, 10B et 14) are provided in sunken or protuberant form on at least one of its lateral faces (5, 6) so as to increase the rigidity of the whole.

Abstract: A check writing system for providing a compact convenient system for carrying checks. The check writing system includes a main cover member which includes a front surface and a back surface and is used substantially to provide rigidity for the check writing system to facilitate writing checks, a plurality of check blanks each of which is detachably coupled to the main cover member, and a front cover member which is coupled to the main cover member and used to provide protection for the plurality of check blanks from creasing, stray marks, and wear due to rubbing.

Abstract: A binder, with a first panel and at least one fastener. The fastener has a base attached to the panel and a binding member positionable in a closed position defining a closed loop, and in an open position in which the loop is open for mounting and dismounting sheets thereto. A lock is disposed in close proximity with the base and in releasable locking association with the binding member in the closed position. A lever is operatively connected with the lock such that depressing the lever in an unlocking direction causes the lock to release the binding member from the closed position.

Abstract: The present invention provides organizers for retaining moistened blotting membranes used in biotechnology applications. In a preferred aspect of the invention, the organizer includes a ring binder and a plurality of resealable fluid-tight blot containers that are mountable in the ring binder. In additional aspects of the invention, the organizer further includes bottles to serve as buffer containers, as well as structure for retaining the buffer containers. Invention organizers provide for the storage and user-defined organization of multiple blots in an space-saving format, and further provides for the blots to be maintained in a moistened state, thereby prolonging the life of blotting membranes.

Abstract: Leaf retaining means for loosely retaining a multiplicity of leaves of material, such as sheets of paper. The leaf retaining means comprise a base portion, which is provided with at least one formation to enable it to be secured to a folder cover, and loop means, the latter has at least two points on its surface which two points are closest to an imaginary plane which does not pass through that position and which is perpendicular to the loop means, and which two points are spaced apart. The loop means are such as to enable a leaf of material, such as a sheet of paper, with a generally T-shaped aperture in it that is open at an edge of the leaf, to be releasably held by the loop means by pushing the aperture onto the loop means.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sheet holder comprising a spine having at least first, second, third, and fourth panels attached in series by first, second, and third hinges, respectively. The panels and hinges are configured and associated such that the spine has a folded position in which the first and second panels are opposed to each other and define a stack space therebetween dimensioned to receive a stack. In this folded position, the third panel is folded over the second panel, and the fourth panel is folded over the first panel. The panels are associated such that a binding fastener is positionable through the first panel, the stack in the stack space, and the second panel. The fastener portions of the binding fastener are disposed between the second and third panels and between the first and fourth panels such that the third and fourth panels cover the fastener portions. A spine closure fastener associated with the first and fourth covers in the folded position to cover the fastener from view.

Abstract: A storage device for retaining one or more sheet items for access by a user. In one embodiment, the storage device includes a storage device cover having at least front and rear panels. One or more first binding members are associated with the storage device cover and extend through apertures formed in the sheet items to register the sheet items relative to the cover. One or more second binding members are hingedly connected to the storage device cover and preferably operate independently of the front and rear panels of the cover to engage the first binding members. Retained sheet items are able to be moved from a first position lying generally parallel with the rear panel to a second position distant therefrom. In an alternative embodiment, the storage device includes a single panel that carries the first and second binding members.