Plastic Patents (Class 402/80P)
  • Patent number: 6095711
    Abstract: A stack of sheet material defining a packet assembly. Each sheet is provided with a single elongated slot spaced from one of its edges such that each sheet is captured by a single tubular element providing for the stack of sheet material to be in registry. A tubular element is provided with a slit extending throughout its longitudinal surface for capturing each sheet of the stack maintaining the sheets in registry within the stack and providing for rotation of each sheet about the tubular element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: Benjamin L. Garfinkle
  • Patent number: 6082769
    Abstract: A clip for securing cut sheets of image bearing medium to a notebook or picture book is provided that has an inverted U-shape. The clip is made of an elastic material that has a latch on either end to attach to a cavity in either a notebook, picture book, or similar device. The clip can be made symmetrically so that it can be operated while in a reversed orientation. By producing the clip as a detachable piece, repairs to a picture book become trivial because one can discard the broken clip and simply replace it without needing to discard the entire picture book. Furthermore, this type of paper binding means is ideal for children and the handicapped as the clips can be made of low enough rigidity to enable them to be simply operated, while reducing the odds of accidents resulting from sharp edges or metallic parts. Manufacturing efficiency is increased because the clips and the notebooks can be produced separately and sold disconnected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: SamSung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kwang-Sig Park
  • Patent number: 6076990
    Abstract: A binder for sheets of paper comprises a bendable cover and a binding system secured centrally of the cover. The binding system has a one piece plastic construction comprising a base portion with first and second bosses formed from and located to either side of the base portion. The first boss has a plurality of spaced apart recesses and the second boss has a plurality of spaced apart posts which lock into the recesses of the first boss when the binder is folded upon itself in a binding position. Also provided are first and second sets of ribs again formed from the base between the first and second bosses. The ribs are hollow and are open from beneath to ease the bending of the binding system when the binder is folded to the binding position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Inventor: Gerry Jahn
  • Patent number: 6027275
    Abstract: A seal is provided for notebooks and albums to prevent inadvertent opening of the rings and to prevent pilferage of paper, photo album insert sheets and the like. The seal is a continuous band or overlapped loop of plastic material which is heat-shrunk over the rings. In the most preferred embodiment, the material used for the seal in spot welded, such as by ultrasonic welding, to hold it in place during the heat-shrink operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Intercraft Company
    Inventor: Randall Dale Williams
  • Patent number: 6010270
    Abstract: A ring type binder for perforated sheets or the like in which two members are coaxially secured so that a slot is formed along each longitudinal edge of the members. Another partially open ring member is provided that is configured to be slidably received in the slots so that ring member may be moved from an opened to a closed position. A locking device is provided so that the binder may be selectively locked in the closed portion, thereby preventing the unwanted shifting of the members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignees: Michael N. Friedman, Marcia J. Friedman
    Inventor: Michael N. Friedman
  • Patent number: 5863335
    Abstract: A wall protector with a multiplicity of sheets of protective material bound together between a pair of interlocking members that are held together by pegs formed on one member and that are press fitted into openings in the other member. Openings in the members provide one means by which the wall protector can be held in place on a wall. The pegs pass through the multiplicity of sheets and when a sheet is soiled it can be torn off the pegs and the next sheet then protects the wall from soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Inventor: Willis Edwin Wilber, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5827003
    Abstract: A ring binder having an upper and a lower cover blank joined by a flexible rear blank. The binder has at least two aligning tongues extending from the lower cover blank to the upper cover blank for retaining perforated paper. Each aligning tongue is formed as a leaf spring and has a root section, a center section and a tip section, wherein the sides of the center section being narrower than the root. The binder has U-shaped brackets on the upper cover blank for receiving the aligning tongues. A tie section of U-shaped cross section is attached substantially perpendicular to the root section. The tie section has legs having flanges extending outwardly from the free end of the legs. The aligning tongues are configured to be integral with one of the flanges via a reduced cross section in the lower portion of the aligning tongues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Off Data GmbH
    Inventor: Winfried Konig
  • Patent number: 5772349
    Abstract: A protective sleeve or jacket for displaying and storing a greeting card or other similarly folded flat object such as a program, announcement or invitation is disclosed. The sleeve is made from a single rectangular sheet of transparent synthetic polymeric film, such as polypropylene, incorporating five parallel transverse folds. Narrow binding flaps project from the back of the sleeve and provide a means for binding the sleeve as a page in an album. The greeting card is inserted through the open top or bottom of the sleeve and the card's center fold is aligned with the center fold of the sleeve. An album containing one or more of these sleeve pages is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Inventor: Matthew Alan Tubergen
  • Patent number: 5620271
    Abstract: A loose leaf page for selectively storing four compact discs (CDs) on each side of the page, or for storing two CDs and associated printed and graphic information on each side of the page. A flexible, plastic, two-sided, loose leaf page includes four CD storage pockets per side of the page, and includes a hole pattern that facilitates releasably mounting the page in a standard cover-size 1-inch, 1 1/2-inch or 3 inch three-ring binder notebook, certain embodiments also facilitating mounting of the page in a three-ring Chicago-posted binder. In order to prevent interference between two CDs that reside closest to the binder rings when a user manually leaves through binder pages, the page includes a six-hole pattern, or a three-hole/three-notch pattern, that is configured to ensure that a vertical pivot line, or binder edge, on the page being turned moves past the vertical leading edge of the three rings, and then moves backward under the three rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Case Logic, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Bergh, Terrence M. Drew
  • Patent number: 5597256
    Abstract: An insert for a loose-leaf binder is provided with a perforation near one inside corner at a proximal end of the insert to receive one ring of a loose-leaf binder. The insert is thus positioned with respect to the rings of the binder, and retained by the one ring. In one embodiment, the insert is provided with a slot formed along the inside edge of the insert to receive at least one other ring of the binder. A first web between the perforation and the slot has a length less than the distance between adjacent rings of the binder. A second web at a distal end of the insert is sized likewise to fit between adjacent tings of the binder. Upon insertion into a binder and securement by the tings thereof, the insert holds the tings in the perforation and the slot. The perforation can be positioned to receive any ting, while the slot receives one or several adjacent tings within the length of the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Inventors: Joseph D. Burton, Stephen P. Vuyk, Steven C. Hatch
  • Patent number: 5593242
    Abstract: A filing strip is of a bendable material. The filing strip has a central elongate anchor strip and a prong extending from each end of the strip. Each prong has a tip portion and an intermediate portion. Each tip portion is narrower than its adjacent intermediate portion. The invention extends to a filing accessory for use with the filing strip, The accessory includes a pair of elongate members. A socket defining element is arranged on an end of each member. Each socket has internal dimensions complementary to the tip portion of the prong and external dimensions which are substantially equal to external dimensions of the intermediate portion of the prong. The invention also extends to a filing accessory for use with a filing strip having a pair of opposed prongs. With this accessory a free end of each socket defining element is chamfered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Kemtek SA
    Inventor: Claudia B. Mathias
  • Patent number: 5480192
    Abstract: A coupon holder for efficiently organizing, storing, viewing and retrieving a variety of sizes of coupons. The holder includes a rectangular sheet of plastic including a tab, positioned along one edge, for attachment of the holder within a cover. Each sheet includes on its front and back face a first, second, third and fourth rectangular, transparent window, extending across substantially the entire width of the sheet. The windows are attached along their lower and lateral edges, with their upper edges unattached, thereby providing a pocket into which coupons may be placed. The first window is positioned within approximately the upper third of the front face of the sheet such that it covers less than the lower half of the upper third of the front face of the sheet. The second window is positioned within approximately the middle third of the front face of the sheet and the third and fourth window are positioned within approximately the lower third of the front face of the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Inventors: David G. Angerbauer, Rose H. Angerbauer
  • Patent number: 5393154
    Abstract: A pair of detachable hooks for engagement to posts of a binder. The hooks have longitudinal and cross slots for permitting detachable engagement of the hooks on the posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: Acco USA, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Hubbell
  • Patent number: 5358280
    Abstract: A group of cards containing printed information on one or more selected topics and interconnected to form a deck of such cards. The deck may include a title card bearing indicia denoting a particular topic of information on other cards in the deck, and also may include one or more cards containing general information on the topic, as well as subject cards containing information on one or more specific items relating to the topic. The subject cards include indicia, preferably along a marginal portion of the card, denoting the particular subject for which that card, or the facing surface of the card, contains information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Inventor: Thomas C. Scales
  • Patent number: 5333962
    Abstract: A hybrid binder-folder utilizing a foldable ring system for holding pages, which affords the advantage of easy page manipulation of ring binders with the advantage of flat folding of folders. The binder-folder has two side members which are mutually foldable along the centerline therebetween. Two, three or more foldable rings of flat, thin cross-section and of substantially semicircular shape are connected with the side members adjacent with and transverse to the centerline. When the two side members are mutually folded closed, the foldable rings fold along three folds: adjacent each connection with the two side members and at the ring apex. As a result of this foldability feature, the foldable rings are able to flatly fold, thereby permitting the binder-folder to be substantially flat when closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignees: Noble T. Johnson, Peter D. Keefe
    Inventor: Noble T. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5290118
    Abstract: A recording disc filing device for storing optical recording discs such as compact discs. The filing device includes a recording disc filing sheet having a plurality of recording disc storing sections for receiving recording discs, respectively. The recording disc storing sections are arranged in a predetermined pattern. The filing device further includes a leaflet filing sheet having leaflet storing sections for receiving leaflets carrying information on recorded contents in the recording discs stored in the recording disc storing sections. The leaflet storing sections correspond in number to the recording disc storing sections. The recording disc filing sheet and the leaflet filing sheet are arranged so that the leaflet storing sections in the leaflet filing sheet are located at positions corresponding to the recording disc storing sections in the recording disc filing sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Slidex Corporation
    Inventor: Jiro Ozeki
  • Patent number: 5284361
    Abstract: A modular book which is uniquely adapted for a particular professor's course is formed by preassembling a plurality of different potential individually wrapped modules or chapters relating to a subject. Only selected ones of these modules are combined together and packaged along with a plastic spine protectors, front and back covers, and posts. The spine protector and posts are selected from a plurality of different spine protectors and posts so that they correspond in width to the combined thickness of the individual modules. These can all be boxed in a rectangular-shaped box that is easily stacked in a book store. Thus, a professor who is only interested in teaching a course relating to three topics can have a course book prepared which only includes those three modules. Another professor who wants five different topics to be taught in his course can have a course book uniquely prepared with only those five modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Inventors: Thomas K. Walker, Dean Sherman, Clifford Koehler
  • Patent number: 5281040
    Abstract: A ring binder mechanism comprises a fixed part (10) for mounting on a folder, and a movable part (13) connected to the fixed part by a four-bar-chain linkage (15) allowing translational movement of the movable part relatively to the fixed part between an open position and a closed position. The movable part (13) is also connected to the fixed part (10) by a pair of resiliently deformable links (17) which provide a spring-loaded over-center device. Two pairs of paper-holding elements (18, 21) are provided, the elements of each pair being separated in the open position of the movable part (13) but being brought into engagement with one another in the closed position, so as to prevent removal of sheets of paper threaded thereon. The fixed part (10), the movable part (13), the paper-holding elements (18, 21), the four-bar-chain (15), and the over-center device (17) are integrally formed with one another as parts of a single plastics moulding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Inventors: Richard K. Hodkin, Nigel Eagers
  • Patent number: 5253943
    Abstract: A clipboard for holding worksheets is disclosed, which is a plastic rectangular board bent into a largely inverted U-shaped cross-section having a vertical front board, an also vertical backside board that is larger in length than the front board, and a horizontal top roof member between the front and backside boards. A book of worksheets is clamped between the front and backside boards below the roof member. A hook for hanging the clipboard is centrally fixed in the roof member and having means t orient the clamped worksheets in two alternative different vertical planes perpendicular to each other. A pair of bosses centrally mounted in the backside board and each having at a front end thereof a downwardly inclined end face for engagement with a pair of apertures formed in the front board through a pair of holes in an upper margin of each worksheet clamped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: Yazaki Industrial Chemical Co Ltd.
    Inventor: Muneharu Miyashita
  • Patent number: 5224788
    Abstract: A Direct Access Modular Binder containing one or more posts. Each post is comprised of two or more interconnected independent locking modules. These locking modules can easily be inserted or removed to change the length of the post to efficiently accommodate varying amounts of paper. The modules additionally function to permit direct access for insertion/removal of pages or modules anywhere along the post. The modules in the post may contain a telescoping feature. The module(s) containing a telescoping feature are optimally positioned at the end(s) of the post and fixedly attached to the post holding strips. The strips, which hold the posts' ends, may be hingedly attached to the front and back covers. The telescoping feature permits the binder to be automatically compacted (when not in use), for efficient storage, and temporarily expanded (when in use), to provide space for the user to insert/remove paper or modules. The modules which make up the post are easily locked and unlocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Inventor: Anna B. Freed
  • Patent number: 5213429
    Abstract: A hybrid binder-folder utilizing a foldable ring system for holding pages, which affords the advantage of easy page manipulation of ring binders with the advantage of flat folding of folders. The binder-folder has two side members which are mutually foldable along the centerline therebetween. Two, three or more foldable rings of flat, thin cross-section and of substantially semicircular shape are connected with the side members adjacent with and transverse to the centerline. When the two side members are mutually folded closed, the foldable rings fold along three folds: adjacent each connection with the two side members and at the ring apex. As a result of this foldability feature, the foldable rings are able to flatly fold, thereby permitting the binder-folder to be substantially flat when closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Inventor: Noble T. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5180246
    Abstract: A binder useful for containing articles that have holes located near the edge of the article. The binder has a plurality of spaced apart oppositely located ribs attached to either side of a hinge that pass through the holes when the binder is in a closed position to securely contain the articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Inventor: Greg A. Hightower
  • Patent number: 5163768
    Abstract: A combined binder and suspended file assembly has an elongated spine defining an elongated triangular channel with two substantially planar elongated members integrally formed in a hinged relationship to the edges of the channel. The binder and file assembly further includes pins and mating securing recesses wherein the pins are integrally formed on one of the elongated planar members, and the recesses are formed in the opposite planar member, such that the pins are inserted through holes in the sheets of paper to bind the paper. The binder and file assembly is suspended from a two rail suspension filing system by two retractable hooks, each of the hooks slidably engaged to one of the ends of the spine member and further wherein the hooks and spine member include interfitting recesses and ridges so as to enable the hooks to lock in a retracted position and in an extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas E. Salisbury, Robert C. Amrich, Vytautas K. Beleckis
  • Patent number: 5154528
    Abstract: The disclosed apparatus is a page holder to hold the sheets or pages in any book, album, loose leaf binder or other device that holds sheets or pages. The apparatus may be used in a book, album or binder whether it is manufactured by a heat seal, case made or other process. The apparatus is manufactured from a material that has a position memory. The material may be low density plastic but could be high density depending on the application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Inventors: Gary M. Cananzey, Joseph Wilcox
  • Patent number: 5143466
    Abstract: A notebook page with repositionable labels on both sides thereof. Each side of the page is covered with a web of pressure-sensitive label stock which is kiss die cut to form removable, repositionable labels within permanent matrices. The matrices define zones which facilitate repositioning of the removed labels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Assignee: Strategic Financial Communications Corp.
    Inventors: Judith A. Moncrieff Baldwin, Suzanne Wozniak
  • Patent number: 5127755
    Abstract: A binder with a security lock feature having front and back cover panels connected by a spine, and a page-holding mechanism attached to the spine on the inside of the binder for releasably holding pages in the binder. The page-holding mechanism includes a post assembly having a plurality of posts extending generally transversely of the spine at locations spaced longitudinally of the spine for holding pages in the binder. Each post is made up of a pair of interengageable post elements separable to permit pages to be inserted into and removed from the binder. The post assembly is movable between a first position in which the post elements of each post are interengaged and inseparable, and a second position in which the post elements are separable. A latching member is movable between a latching position for latching the post assembly in the first position and a release position for enabling the post assembly to be moved to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignee: Olivetti Office USA Inc.
    Inventor: William E. Bee
  • Patent number: 5116081
    Abstract: An adaptor for a ring separator is attached to a conventional ring separator mechanism and provides a means for attaching removable covers to form a binder. The adaptor has a plurality of slots on each side requiring a cover, with at least one slot on each side having an upwardly extending projection which is matable with a hole in a removable cover. The removable cover also has a notched edge with extending portions being receivable slots in the adaptor. When pressed into the slots, the projection engages the hole to hold the cover in place. Utilizing such an adaptor provides a simple efficient means of providing removable covers for a ring binder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Inventor: John C. Mann, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5102167
    Abstract: A binding system, employing a first plastic elongated strip with spaced integral studs and a second plastic elongated strip having similarly spaced apertures and recesses, is provided which resists impact forces caused by dropping a bound book. A first fixed spacing of studs is provided along a mid-span portion of the first strip and a second fixed smaller spacing of studs provided at both end portions of the first strip which reinforces the end portions against stud breakage or extrusion caused by impact forces. In the preferred embodiment, the three end studs at each end of the strip are spaced at a second fixed spacing distance stud center-to-center of only one-half the first fixed spacing at the long mid-span portion of the strip. In another embodiment, a generally second fixed spacing of one-third the mid-span spacing with the at least two of the end portion studs being staggered from the center longitudinal axis of the strip is shown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignee: Taurus Tetraconcepts, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles T. Groswith, III
  • Patent number: 5069567
    Abstract: A structur for containing incorporation documents and a corporate seal embosser the structure including a top element of a selected width defining the top and an angled display wall for carrying a sample of a corporate seal to identify the contents of the structure, a fixed side wall dependent from the top structure and of a substantially selected width, a fixed side dependent from both the top and the angled display wall rectangular but for an angled edge shaped to meet the display wall a bottom hinged to the fixed side and of substantially the selected width, a lid hinged to the bottom for movement with the bottom into position in engagement with the fixed side wall and the top element, the lid being of a similar shape to that of the fixed side, a collapsable side wall hinged to the fixed side and of substantially the selected width for movement to meet the lid and the top element when the structure is closed, wall closure means coupled to the collapsable side wall and to the top element to releasably retai
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Assignee: Sterling Marking Products Inc.
    Inventors: Cameron L. Fink, Anthony J. Gentile
  • Patent number: 5037228
    Abstract: A single piece file clasp, molded from a resin material, includes a main body portion and two prong portions extending from opposite ends of the main body portion. A series of equally spaced holes are molded in one of the prong portions and at least one post is molded in the other prong portion. The post is molded with a knob at its end which is dimensioned to provide a snap-fit engagement with any one of the holes to secure the prong portions together at varying amounts of overlap between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Assignee: Casual Directions, Inc.
    Inventor: James H. Karlin
  • Patent number: 5018895
    Abstract: A film stacker clip arrangement (10) for a stack (100) of sheets of film (101) or flats having aligned apertures (102) wherein the arrangement (10) includes a plurality of clip units (11) having a male member (15) and a female member (12) connected by a flexible strap element (21) so as to captively engage the stack (100) of film along at least one edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Inventor: Joseph A. Meier, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5018896
    Abstract: Provided is a snap ring assembly (100) for use in holding papers together such as in a two or three-ring looseleaf notebook or binder. Assembly (100) is preferably a one-piece molded construction including an elongate base portion (30) extending between sidewalls including respective proximate sections (32, 32') extending transversly therefrom and distal sections (34, 34') that are separated by respective hinge sections (38, 38') and respective free-ends that are configured to matingly engage to cause ring sections (38, 38') to snap together to provide a closed connection when distal sections (34, 34') are pivoted for a predetermined distance toward each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Inventor: Robert R. Vanni
  • Patent number: 5002416
    Abstract: A spacing element for a paper binding device for maintaining the covers of the device in a substantially parallel relation to provide for easy storage thereof. The spacing element comprises a base portion adapted to be affixed to the inside surface of one of the binder covers and a spacing portion extending substantially transversely from the base portion and adapted to engage the inside surface of the opposite cover when the covers are closed. The spacing portion preferably includes a plurality of notches for adjusting its length to accommodate binding devices of different size. The spacing element is further preferably provided with adhesive arranged on the underside of the base portion for affixing the spacing element to an inside surface of the binder cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1991
    Inventor: Russell D. Serzen
  • Patent number: 4973184
    Abstract: A writing pad organizer which comprises a back flap and a front flap which are connected together through a spine. The front flap is capable of being interlocked with the back flap to hold such in a closed position. The front flap is capable of being hingedly moved relative to the back flap to expose an interior compartment located within the inner surface of both the front flap and the back flap. The interior surface of the back flap is to include a plurality of file folders with the interior surface of the front flap including a plurality of separate note pads. The sheets of the note pads are to be removed and adhered to the file folders at designated areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Inventor: Roger J. La Salle
  • Patent number: 4973085
    Abstract: A binding system, employing a first plastic elongated strip with spaced integral studs and a second plastic elongated strip having similarly spaced apertures and recesses, is provided which resists impact forces caused by dropping a bound book. A first fixed spacing of studs is provided along a mid-span portion of the first strip and a second fixed smaller spacing of studs provided at both end portions of the first strip which reinforces the end portions against stud breakage or extrusion caused by impact forces. In the preferred embodiment, the three end studs at each end of the strip are spaced at a second fixed spacing distance stud center-to-center of only one-half the first fixed spacing at the long mid-span portion of the strip. In another embodiment, a generally second fixed spacing of one-third the mid-span spacing with the at least two of the end portion studs being staggered from the center longitudinal axis of the strip is shown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Assignee: Taurus Tetraconcepts, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles T. Groswith, III
  • Patent number: 4964746
    Abstract: An elastic clip with positioning means for positioning of perforations, including a bottom block with an U-shaped frame bar movably mounted thereon, which U-shaped frame bar is having two positioning rods for positioning of paper documents through two punched holes made on the paper documents. The bottom block is having a bridge frame integrally extended from the rear portion to project upward and to bend forward by means of a folding line, with the front end of the bridge frame formed into a tongue plate for clamping of paper documents and with an arch frame integrally made thereon at the top to reinforce the clamping effect of the tongue plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1990
    Inventor: Li-Hsii Huang
  • Patent number: 4941804
    Abstract: A binder apparatus for use in binding together sheets of paper, each correspondingly pre-apertured with multiple openings along a margin includes a three panel one piece cover with a front and rear cover connected by a smaller cover spine portion with parallel scores defining respectively pivotal connections between each of the covers and the spine portions. A plastic ring-type binder includes a spine having an inner concave surface and an outer convex surface and parallel side portions, one side portion having multiple closely spaced flexible rings extending therefrom each with a single free end portion. One or more elongated adhesive bead member extends along the plastic spine convex surface and positioned adjacent the scores and the spine end portions thereof, bonding the spine to the cover set at the cover spine portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Inventor: John B. Sarpy, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4930926
    Abstract: A binder for attaching separate leaves together in a non-permanent fashion. The binder comprises a scarfing section, a clamping section, and tenons. Each binder is attachable to additional binders such that the number of leaves held together by the device is adjustable, and is virtually unlimited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Inventor: Roan Kuang-Wen
  • Patent number: 4844674
    Abstract: For convenient packaging of plastic bookbinding strips, cassettes are provided. The end edges of each strip are received in channels formed in opposed side rails. The rails engage adjacent either end the depending legs of transverse spacer bars. The spacer bars have plural sockets to engage projections on the upper ends of the legs so that the spacing between side rails may be varied to accommodate strips of different lengths--e.g., 81/2 inches, 11 inches, etc. Different length legs may be used to accommodate different length studs formed on the strips. By eliminating the legs entirely, flat female binding strips may be packaged in the cassette. A detent is provided in the ends of the rails preventing removal of strips until the detent is bent out of position. The cassette is especially useful in equipment which mechanically assembles punched sheets and strips preparatory to binding a book in a binding machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Assignee: Velo Bind, Inc.
    Inventors: Barney A. Tipps, Frank A. Todaro
  • Patent number: 4784507
    Abstract: A filing device produced as a continuous one-piece body from a sheet or foil by a punching - stamping process has sequencing tongues supported as bending-elastic compression members moving easily with the folding movements of the file covers in insert strips and which are provided with locking members for easily detachable locking in their fastening position. This avoids bending of the sequencing tongues when closing the file covers and the sheets of the fastened sheet layers can be easily turned over and back along the sequencing tongues without the latter accidentally sliding out of the insert strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1988
    Assignee: Merz und Vetter GmbH
    Inventor: Hans Vetter
  • Patent number: 4722626
    Abstract: Binding strips are used to bind punched paper. A first strip has studs fitting through the holes in the paper and in a second strip. In one form of the invention the studs are flexible and are bent over to snap into grooves in the second strip so that the studs may be unbent to add or remove paper. In another, more permanent, form the studs may be cut off and riveted to the second strip. One of the strips or an intermediate strip has lateral ears formed with hooks which fit over the conventional parallel bars of suspension-type file drawers. One of the strips may be formed with file tabs to indicate the subject matter of the bound paper. Such file tab may be notched to facilitate removal of a pressure-sensitive label affixed to the tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1988
    Assignee: VeloBind, Inc
    Inventor: William H. Abildgaard
  • Patent number: 4685700
    Abstract: A first plastic strip has longitudinally spaced studs each of which can be bent over at a 90.degree. angle. A second strip has holes through which the studs fit and grooves which receive and secure the bent over studs. Several stud shapes and bent stud retaining grooves are described. Paper punched to receive the studs is clamped between the two strips. The studs are then bent over into grooves in the second strip and held in bent position. The paper is thus securely bound. A channel may be slipped over the outside of the second strip to conceal the bent studs and further secure them in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1987
    Assignee: Velo Bind, Inc.
    Inventor: William H. Abildgaard
  • Patent number: 4674906
    Abstract: A first plastic strip has longitudinally spaced studs each of which can be bent over at a 90.degree. angle. A second strip has holes through which the studs fit and grooves which receive and secure the bent over studs. Paper punched to receive the studs is clamped between the two strips. The studs are then bent over into grooves in the second strip and held in bent position. The grooves have overhanging lips which detachably retain the studs in place. The paper in thus securely bound. To prevent cracking the studs, the abruptness of the 90.degree. bend may be relieved by forming an annular depression around the base of each stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1987
    Assignee: Velo Bind, Inc.
    Inventor: William H. Abildgaard
  • Patent number: 4624480
    Abstract: A binder for holding magazines, catalogs and directories in a protective cover, consisting of a simple, one-piece plastic molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1986
    Inventors: Gregory A. Marthaler, Robert H. Marthaler
  • Patent number: 4614450
    Abstract: A portable index card holder is designed for carrying in notebooks or simply carrying by itself. The holder comprises a flexible member approximately the size of a notebook page having secured to its front surface a plurality of transparent sheets in an overlapping array between the top and bottom of the supporting member. These transparent sheets each includes small strip overlays defining front and rear pockets for receiving and supporting the lower marginal edge of an index card in such a manner that any one card can easily be inspected by simply lifting up the sheets above the same. The transparent feature permits reading both the front and rear sides of an index card without having to remove the same from the transparent sheet and holding member. Further, several such members can readily be inserted in a notebook such as a 3-ring binder for organizing many different cards in conjunction with other items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1986
    Inventor: Rhoda Neiman
  • Patent number: 4607970
    Abstract: A one piece binder for perforated sheets, including a base portion and at least a ring. The ring comprised two members which, when locked, present a smooth and continuous surface and, when unlocked, are spring-biased apart. The locking means on one ring member terminates in resilient guide and latching portions which are received in an apertured portion of the other member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1986
    Assignees: Ted Scudder, Paul Heusinkveld
    Inventor: Paul Heusinkveld
  • Patent number: 4582442
    Abstract: An elongated hollow rectangular spine or backplate formed of plastic material for supporting and securing ring hardware in a loose-leaf binder has spaced, parallel, front and back walls joined at the edges and a centrally disposed strengthening rib extending between the front and back walls longitudinally for the length of the backplate. The ring hardware is secured to the backplate by inserting plastic rivets through apertures in the ring hardware aligned with counterbored holes in the backplate rib and sonically welding the rivet therein. The rivets and counterbored holes of the backplate rib facilitate the welding operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1986
    Assignee: Van der Jagt 1980 Family Trust
    Inventor: David C. Rager
  • Patent number: 4573821
    Abstract: A ring binder-based filing system including enhanced prime storage areas for storing content or information records such as an index, table of contents, glossary, or the like. The two prime storage areas in a ring binder, the Home location inside the front cover and the End location inside the rear cover, are fully exploited by providing means for displaying and protecting the underlying information records while facilitating easy replacement or updating of information records, and by providing a means for rapid access to these prime locations. Two transparent windows are provided at each prime location, one hinged to the respective cover and retained by a magnetic latch system, and the other secured to the binder rings. A Homing Tab extends from an edge of the windows secured to the binder rings and facilitates return from any internal storage location back to either one of the prime locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1986
    Inventor: Charles T. Gilreath
  • Patent number: 4536016
    Abstract: A security token, such as a bank note or identity card, comprises a sheet-like substrate made up from film of transparent bi-axially oriented polymer coated with layers of opaque and heat activated adhesive material. The opaque layer is applied in such a way as to leave a transparent area for inspection of a security device, for example, a diffraction grating, incorporated in the polymer film. The substrate may bear printed or other identifying indicia and is protected with an intimately bonded layer of transparent polymeric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1985
    Inventors: David H. Solomon, John B. Ross, Mario Girolamo, Robert A. Brett
  • Patent number: 4531764
    Abstract: A loose-leaf binder spacer apparatus is used to space the covers of an unfilled loose-leaf binder. It has a base portion for attaching to a page for inserting into a loose-leaf binder or to the inside cover of the loose-leaf binder and a spacing portion hinged to the base and positioned to space the binder covers. The spacer is adjustable between different spacing positions with an adjustable attachment. This allows the spacing portion to be attached to the base in different positions thereby varying an inverted V-portion height for different spacing positions. The attachment can be by means of hook and loop material, ball and socket, or other rapid fastening members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1985
    Inventor: Kwei K. Chang