Combined Patents (Class 402/4)
  • Patent number: 6705793
    Abstract: A binder for receiving and retaining loose leaf papers comprising a cover, a binding mechanism coupled to the cover, and a hole punch coupled to the cover. The hole punch is configured to punch a set of holes in a sheet of paper such that the binding mechanism can be received through the set of holes to receive and retain the paper in the binder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Corporation
    Inventor: Jon R. Wyant
  • Patent number: 6682247
    Abstract: The cover of a binder or album is provided with a coating which is receptive to inks which are water based, solvent based or gel based, and which is substantially water-fast after the ink has dried. A coated transparent or translucent sheet may be provided on the front cover of the binder to form a pocket so that visual material inserted in the pocket may be traced, and so that the cover may be personalized. The coating may include finely divided porous particulates and a binder which includes as a component a water soluble polymer. The coating may be applied to backpacks, zippered binders, and pencil pouches, and to the transparent sheet material overlying photographs mounted in a photo album. Personalized writing or designs may be written or drawn onto the coated products using ink pens of virtually any type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Avery Dennsion Corporation
    Inventors: Arthur G. Castillo, Norman Yamamoto, Chitto R. Sarkar, Christine Kay Landis, Frank Yen-Jer Shih, Zhisong Huang
  • Patent number: 6672621
    Abstract: A device that aids in the holding of a book or binder is fully adjustable to the hand size of the holder by parting and remating of hook and loop fastening strips attached to U-shaped clips, the U-shaped clips being placed at the top and bottom of the outside surface of the backbone or spine of a book or binder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: James W. Moss
  • Patent number: 6663331
    Abstract: A rectangular opening/closing bar is formed, which is inserted in the curl ring of the ring binder to bind papers. The tip end of the opening/closing bar 28A is provided with an instruction portion 28a to raise and open ring pieces in turn while inserting the opening/closing bar 28A. Further, the opening/closing bar may have swollen portions on both ends of the opening/closing bar 28A to enable the bar slide smoothly in the curl ring. And it may be provided with a guide plate 28D perpendicular to the side wall 28b of the opening/closing bar 28A of the swollen portions side. In order to enhance the workability of the opening/closing bar, it may be preferable to use an auxiliary device for positioning the ring binder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Carl Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Mori, Miki Horita, Yasuhiro Tokita
  • Patent number: 6626602
    Abstract: A hanging file system that makes use of an improved hanging binder. The filing system includes a number of complementary hanging file supports, implementations and accessories. In one aspect of the present invention, the hanging binder makes use of a common center post to support a telescopic section of the hanger members. In another aspect of the present invention, hanging binder supports are designed to complement usage of the hanging binder to provide filing of loose-leaf papers, such as a hanging file sleeve provides support for portable storage of hanging file, a hanging file carrying case provides easy handling of hanging files, and a foldable hanging file base may be folded during shipment or when the case is not in use. In another aspect of the present invention, a hanging binder supports a receptacle, such as an envelope or file pocket, that provides filing of lose papers and/or articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Idea Enhancement Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Man Sum Yuen
  • Publication number: 20030076536
    Abstract: A binder includes both physical content and digital content. The physical content is printed on sheets retained by the binder, and the digital content is stored on a memory associated with the binder. The digital memory may be interfaced with a computerized device, such as a personal computer or a portable electronic device. The digital memory may be a portable memory device such as a memory card or a dedicated device incorporated within the binder. The digital content represents the physical content as accurately as possible so that when viewed on a computerized device with a display, the physical content is accurately represented. The digital content may be modified by a user with a computerized device, with the modified pages being subsequently printed out so that the physical content is replicated with the modified digital content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Martin Daffner
  • 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: 6536980
    Abstract: A ring binder is disclosed as including a curved upper plate supporting a pair of pivotable hinged leaves to which a number of half-rings are attached, and two pivotable actuating levers for moving the pair of hinged leaves between a first position in which the half-rings are closed and a second position in which the half-rings are open, in which the actuating lever.includes an aperture, and a cushion engaged with each actuating lever, in which the cushion has a first body part and a second body part, in which part of the first body part extends through the aperture of the actuating lever to engage with the second body part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: World Wide Stationery Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun Yuen To
  • Patent number: 6527300
    Abstract: A device that aids in the holding of a book or binder is fully adjustable to the hand size of the holder by parting and remating of hook and loop fastening strips attached to U-shaped clips, the U-shaped clips being placed at the top and bottom of the outside surface of the backbone or spine of a book or binder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: James W. Moss
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6474897
    Abstract: A ring binder includes a substantially rigid curved upper plate supporting a pair of hinged leaves. A plurality of ring members are secured to the hinged leaves for engaging corresponding holes in sheets of material retained by the ring binder. An actuating lever is located at each end of the curved upper plate for actuating the hinged leaves to open and close the ring members. Each actuating lever includes a tab having a cushion member formed thereon, for example by molding. The tab has an aperture therein, and cushion material enters the aperture during molding to secure the cushion member onto the tab. The cushion member is engaged by the fingers of a user to pivot the actuating lever in order to move the ring members between the open position and the closed position. The cushion member is a soft pad of material such as plastic. The cushion member provides improved tactile characteristics to the actuating lever, making the actuating lever comfortable to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: World Wide Stationery Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun Yuen To
  • Publication number: 20020064414
    Abstract: A binder for receiving and retaining loose leaf papers comprising a cover, a binding mechanism coupled to the cover, and a hole punch coupled to the cover. The hole punch is configured to punch a set of holes in a sheet of paper such that the binding mechanism can be received through the set of holes to receive and retain the paper in the binder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2000
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Applicant: wyant
    Inventor: Jon R. Wyant
  • Patent number: 6390712
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: Daniel L. Urness
  • 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: 6382863
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Laco Stationery Manufacturing Company, Limited
    Inventors: Chun On To, Keung Chan
  • Patent number: 6368005
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: H.C. Miller Company
    Inventors: William J. Streff, Kenneth R. Green
  • Patent number: 6364360
    Abstract: A book constructed of foam is improved wherein a bendable, shape retaining material is used to enhance the user's enjoyment of the disclosed foam book.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventor: Shari Kaufman
  • Patent number: 6364560
    Abstract: An EVA book comprises a number of leaves and at least one pivot member. Each leaf has an edge and at least one hole adjacent to the edge. A slit extends from the edge into the hole. The pivot member includes a central member and two outer members respectively provided on two sides of the central member, thereby defining two outwardly facing recesses. Each leaf and the pivot member are deformable to allow forcible insertion of the pivot member into the hole until the central member is received in the slit, thereby allowing relative pivotal movement between the pivot member and the leaves. In addition, each leaf and the pivot member are also deformable to allow forcible removal of the pivot member from the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventor: Jieh-Liang Lin
  • Publication number: 20020025216
    Abstract: A folder (1) is provided which may be used to aid in document management and in the giving of formal presentations. The folder (1) is provided with an integral stand mechanism (25) for supporting the folder in an upright position, with the stand mechanism being moveable between a retracted position and a deployed position. The folder may also include other novel features, including a timepiece (23) and detachable wallets (11, 19) or papers that permit a user to configure the presentation folder in their preferred arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Applicant: Sofos Partnership Limited
    Inventor: Dave Masson
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20010055513
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Inventors: Leslie Paine, Hugh Webb
  • Patent number: 6309130
    Abstract: An organizer system for attaching a document to a binder, the document having at least one edge. The system includes a strip including an elongated layer of material having a first major surface and an opposite second major surface, the first major surface having an inner edge portion and an outer edge portion, said outer edge portion defining a document attachment feature, said inner portion including a coating of adhesive. The system further includes a positioning tool having a strip positioning portion including strip alignment features and a document receiving portion having document alignment features corresponding to the at least one edge of the document. The strip positioning portion receives the inner edge portion of the strip and the outer edge portion of the strip overlaps the document edge alignment feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Steven Philip Johnson, Bruce Shields Mason
  • 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: 6287038
    Abstract: There is disclosed a ring binder (100) including a ring binder mechanism (106) secured to a cover, wherein the ring binder mechanism (106) includes a pair of pivoting plates to which half-rings (112) are mounted, and the pivoting plates are movable between a first configuration in which the half-rings (112) are open, and a second configuration in which the half-rings (112) are closed, and the ring binder (100) includes a holder (114, 202) for releasably engaging with a compact disk (210).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Leco Stationery Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventor: Keung Chan
  • Patent number: 6264243
    Abstract: A combination of a brochure-like printed product and a holder formed as a stand element which stands independently on an underlay and on which the printed product with the back may be so attached that it is held in the upright position by the stand element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Inseljournale GmbH & Co., KGi.G.
    Inventor: Kay-Michael Zetschick
  • Patent number: 6261020
    Abstract: A binder for receiving and retaining loose leaf papers including a cover, a binding mechanism coupled to the cover, and a hole punch mechanism coupled to the cover. The hole punch mechanism includes a base and a handle movable relative to the base. The handle includes a set of protrusions and the base includes a set of openings aligned with the protrusions such that each protrusion can be received in a corresponding opening to punch a hole in a sheet of paper. The base includes a top portion and a bottom portion forming a cavity therebetween for receiving the punched holes. The top portion is removable to provide access to the cavity, and the holes are formed in the top portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: The Mead Corporation
    Inventor: Jon R. Wyant
  • 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: 6247729
    Abstract: A book having a storage tube attached thereto for storage of manipulatives for use with enjoyment of the book is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Innovative USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Shari Kaufman
  • Patent number: 6227746
    Abstract: A hanging data binder is provided for a stack of paper. The stack of paper is contained between two end pieces that secure the flexible posts passing through the stack. The end pieces include retractable hooks that serve to secure the flexible posts and provide hooks for the hanging data binder. The retractable hooks are slid outwardly to release the flexible posts and inwardly to store the hooks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Acco Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Long, Jeffrey S. Lippeth
  • Patent number: 6217075
    Abstract: A collapsible clipboard includes a bottom case, a cap board and an upper board formed respectively integral of plastic, and all of them are pivotally connected with each other, enabling the upper board and the cap board respectively liftable from the bottom case easily and quickly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Ching Tsung Tsai
  • 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: 6200056
    Abstract: An apparatus for attaching an electronic device to one or more of the retaining elements of a loose-leaf support assembly. The attachment apparatus includes a securing element and an attachment element. The securing element mutually engages a corresponding feature of the electronic device, such as a slotted recess proximate, adjacent, or in a peripheral edge of the electronic device. The attachment element includes apertures to facilitate the loose attachment of the attachment apparatus to the retaining elements of a loose-leaf support assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Franklin Covey Co.
    Inventors: Cherell Jordin, Gary E. Hogge, Jeffery O. Brown
  • 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: 6183157
    Abstract: An apparatus for attaching an electronic device to a loose-leaf support assembly. The attachment apparatus includes a housing, a receptacle defined in the housing, a capture element adjacent the receptacle, and an attachment member. The capture element includes a retaining lip at one edge of the receptacle and a resilient engagement clip adjacent another edge of the receptacle. The capture element retains an electronic device within the receptacle. The attachment apparatus may also include one or more retaining slots along peripheral edges thereof to secure an attachment member to the housing. The attachment apparatus may also include one or more access slots formed therethrough so as to facilitate communication of an electronic device secured to the attachment apparatus with external electronic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Franklin Covey Co.
    Inventors: Jeffery O. Brown, Gary E. Hogge
  • Patent number: 6179509
    Abstract: The present invention provides a book for vertically displaying safety information on selected pages. The book is particularly well-suited for use in laboratory, hospital and industrial environments where emergency situations can prevent access to remote reference manuals. The book has front and back covers with a releasable mounting means for mounting the book in a vertical position on a planar surface. The book also has a plurality of adjacent informational pages releasably adhered together, and a binder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Perkins & Will, S.E.
    Inventor: Bevan D. Suits
  • Patent number: 6132127
    Abstract: A combination book and storage assembly which includes a book having a substantially flat portion thereon and a storage apparatus securely attached to the book. The storage apparatus includes a rigid plate securely connected to the flat portion of the book and a storage assembly connected to the rigid plate. The storage assembly has two opposed surfaces for receiving at least one selected item positioned therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventor: Mark A. Bedol
  • Patent number: 6123479
    Abstract: A hanging multiple page protector includes a plurality of page protectors, a hanging base, and a retainer member. The hanging base includes an elongated plate with a plurality of peg projections extending from a front thereof. A magnet strip is preferably attached to a back of the handing base. Preferably, at least two attachment lugs extend from one of the lengthwise edges of the hanging base. Each attachment lug has at least one opening disposed therethrough. Each page protector is fabricated from a clear plastic material. The page protector has at least two openings disposed in a top thereof which are positioned to allow insertion of the plurality of peg projections. The bottom of each page preferably has a tab retainer. The tab retainer has an opening for insertion of a tab element. The retainer member has a peripheral edge disposed on a back thereof that is sized to loosely receive the hanging base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: John E. Dumke
  • Patent number: 6113297
    Abstract: A ring binder storage device that includes a generally rectangular supporting member. The support member is sized for positioning within a ring binder. The support member has a top surface and a bottom surface. The support member has a pair of elongated peripheral side edges with a pair of short peripheral edges therebetween. A plurality of openings being cut through the support member. Also, a housing member is interconnected to the top surface of the support member and adjacent one of the pair of elongated side edges. The housing member is capable of having a writing utensil positioned within. The ring binder has a plurality of rings may be in an open position for passing through at least two of the openings of the support member for holding thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Inventor: Peter Thomas Kovacik
  • 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: 6102600
    Abstract: A ringed notebook or ringed binder and having spaced grasping arms. The glue stick assembly includes a cylindrical housing assembly with an outer diameter in a range of between 0.38 and 0.58 inches. The cylindrical housing assembly is securable by spaced grasping arms of the storage apparatus. A glue stick is positioned within the cylindrical housing assembly. The glue stick assembly enhances the modular characteristics of the storage apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Mark A. Bedol
  • Patent number: 6086106
    Abstract: A double vision binder includes a front cover, a rear cover and a binding portion; a large transparent pocket is formed on the front cover of the binder by a layer of transparent sheet material bonded to the front cover on three sides; and additional smaller transparent pockets are bonded to the first transparent layer, so that a large sheet of background visual material may be inserted in the large pocket, with an overlay of additional visual material in the small pockets. the first layer may extend over the entire outer surface of the binder to provide additional pockets on the rear cover and on the binding portion of the assembly. A plurality of the small pockets may be formed from a single transparent sheet, with pockets separated by bonding lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Laurel S. Joe, Bruce Allen Carter, Norman Yamamoto, Cloyd Dixon Rauch, III
  • Patent number: 6082771
    Abstract: An attachment for a folder includes a handle and a boot attachable to a folder. The boot has a boot recess in which a handle body of the handle is received when the handle is in a retracted position, in which the boot surrounds the handle body. A support member of the handle is attached to the handle body and is movably associated with the boot below the boot surface. Thus, the handle body is retractably extendable from the retracted position to an extended position in which the handle body is spaced from the boot back for enabling grasping of the handle body by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Acco Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Long, Jeffery S. Lippeth
  • Patent number: 6079748
    Abstract: A book having a storage tube attached thereto for storage of manipulatives for use with enjoyment of the book is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Innovative USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Shari Kaufman
  • Patent number: 6070909
    Abstract: A book constructed of foam provided with manipulatives for use with enjoyment of the book is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Innovative USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Shari Kaufman
  • 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: 6007895
    Abstract: An article comprising a folded sheet, that is able to be unfolded, the folded sheet comprising a plurality of segments defined by folds lines, with at least one stiff portion provided at one of said exposed segments of the folded sheet, wherein at least part of the stiff portion comprises a transparent material and the folded sheet is folded with two sets of concertina folds, and one of said concertina folds being transverse of the other of said concertina folds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Inventor: George Wallace McDonald
  • Patent number: 6004060
    Abstract: An organizer assembly for removable attachment to a host ringed notebook or ringed binder having a plurality of rings. The ringed notebook or ringed binder is of the type having a front cover and rear cover with looseleaf pages positionable therebetween, the looseleaf pages having smaller perimeters than the covers. The organizer assembly includes an organizer insert assembly attachable to the rings of the ringed binder or ringed notebook. The insert assembly assembly includes a relatively thin plate member having a side edge. The insert assembly further has a terminal section thereon which depends from the side edge and extends beyond the perimeter of the looseleaf pages. The terminal section has an increased thickness so as to fill a portion of a void between the front and rear covers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: Mark A. Bedol
  • Patent number: 5993099
    Abstract: A combination notebook/file folder includes a first side panel having upper and lower edges, a second side panel having upper and lower edges, channels in the upper edges of the first and second side panels. The combination also includes a binding edge which connects together the lower edges of the first and second side panels, a plurality of binding rings in the binding edge for holding a plurality of sheets of paper therein, and left and right hangers selectively retractably and extensively mounted in the channels at the upper edges of each of the first and second side panels. Each hanger includes a main body, a hook at an outer end of the main body and a post extending from each main body and engaged within a respective elongated slot for limiting sliding movement of the hangers in the channels. Each main body is elongated and includes a cut away portion at an inner end opposite the hook to form a reduced width portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Rollabind Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell Greenberg, Jacobo Feldman
  • Patent number: 5984560
    Abstract: An apparatus for storing selected items within the covers of a ringed notebook or ringed binder. The notebook or binder is of a type that typically stores paper or accessories that do not extend to the full width of the covers thereby leaving presently unused volumes between the covers beyond the perimeter of the paper or other accessories. The present invention includes a thin main plate member and a storage device. The thin main plate member has a plurality of spaced openings therethrough. These spaced openings are arranged and sized so as to accommodate the rings of a ringed notebook or ringed binder. The storage device stores at least one selected item. This storage device means extends from the main plate member into a presently unused volume between the covers. Thus, the normally unused volume can be utilized to store the selected item. The storage device includes a plurality of spaced arms for grasping the at least one selected item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Mark A. Bedol
    Inventors: Mark A. Bedol, Doug Noyes