Abstract: The invention provides a binder or portfolio for carrying looseleaf paper, books, school supplies, etc. wherein said binder includes an expandable gusset attached to the front and back covers of the binder. The covers of the binder are foldably attached to a central spine and the gusset is split into two sections running along the periphery of the inner sides of the covers. The gusset is provided with a means for releasable attachment such that when the front cover of the binder is folded over the back cover of the binder, the two sections of the gusset may be attached to one another, thereby securing the contents of the binder inside. Preferably, the gusset is made from an elastic material such as neoprene and the releasable means of attachment is a zipper-type closure. This construction of the gusset from an expandable material allows oversized objects such as larger textbooks to be placed in the binder without damaging the structural integrity of the gusset and the binder when the binder is fastened shut.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a fabric covered book cover having front and back leafboards and a spine wherein both leafboards are covered with a fabric material. One characteristic feature of the book cover is that the spine includes a plurality of longitudinal parallel seams which permit the spin to curl slightly and to fit comfortably in the cupped palm of the hand.

Abstract: A binder is provided having a cover featuring a three-dimensional design produced by depressing plastic cover sheets into an opening in an underlying cover panel. The cover sheets are heat sealed together around the perimeter of the cover panel and in the regional of the depression. A plurality of such openings may be provided, all so shaped and positioned as to avoid substantially impairing the structural integrity of the cover.

Abstract: A binder pouch is provided for use in conjunction with a binder or portfolio. The binder pouch includes a deformable storage unit having a top with separable first and second panels and a zipper, and a sidewall. The binder pouch also includes a strap fabricated at least in part from an elastomeric material. Preferably, the first and second panels are of a first color or design, the sidewall is of a second color or design and the strap is of yet a third color or design. The storage unit has a bottom surface preferably comprised of a portion of the strap. The sidewall is fixedly secured to the strap about the entire periphery of the sidewall. The storage unit is of a generally rectangular shape and is formed by a plurality of flaps on the top and sidewall which are secured to one another by stitches. The periphery of the top is less than the periphery of the sidewall, at the point where the sidewall is fixedly secured to the strap.

Abstract: A binder having recesses at both sides of the spine to enable easy grasping for removal from a shelf. The spine recesses also facilitate carrying of the binder. Carrying of the binder is additionally facilitated by a hand-hold recess opposite the spine recesses.

Abstract: A perforated interior binder pocket is provided for use in conjunction with binders having hingedly connected covers. The perforated interior binder pocket is located on at least one cover of the binder. The pocket has first and second walls which are molded together on three sides. The first wall includes a plurality of apertures arranged in a geometric pattern, with the pattern being separated from the plastic cover which forms the inner surface of the binder cover by a border portion. A vertical opening is provided adjacent the border with this opening extending from the top to the bottom of the binder cover.