Sheet Retainer With Releasable Keeper (e.g., Hold Down, Etc.) Patents (Class 402/60)
  • Patent number: 9676221
    Abstract: A loose-leaf binder comprises a back and a loose-leaf coil. The back comprises a lower sheet and an upper sheet. Each side of the back is formed with a track having a downward opening. At least one end of the back is formed with an open end portion. Each lateral side edge of the lower sheet is formed with a slightly upwardly projecting flange. The lower sheet is formed with at least one engaging slot corresponding to the open end portion of the flange. The loose-leaf coil to be selectively disposed below the back is formed with continuous C-shaped portions by bending a wire. Each end of each C-shaped portion is formed with a track section to slide in the track of the back. The track section can be selectively engaged and restricted within the engaging slot of the lower sheet of the back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Inventor: Sun L. Chang
  • Patent number: 9669648
    Abstract: A loose-leaf binder device comprises a back, two end plugs that can selectively close two ends of the back, and a loose-leaf coil for binding inner pages and selectively disposed below the back. The back is formed with an insert slot. A retaining hole communicating with the insert slot is formed on a portion of the back abutting upon an end edge. The end plug is integrally formed with a resilient member to be inserted into the insert slot. A top surface of the resilient member is formed with one post corresponding to the retaining hole of the back. A free end of the resilient member is formed with an upward compressing edge. Thus, the post on the resilient member can be actuated through a compressing edge according to the resilient member of the end plug so that the post is selectively engaged with or disengaged from the back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Inventor: Sun L. Chang
  • Patent number: 9610796
    Abstract: A loose-leaf folder device includes a pair of main components. First half retaining rings and second half retaining rings are arranged on the housing of the main components. Two main components can be combined with or separated from each other. When combined together, the first half retaining ring can be combined with the first half retaining ring of the other main component to form a closed retaining ring to retain loose-leaf paper. When separated from each other, the main component along with loose-leaf paper retained by it can be separated from the other main component to form two independent parts. The second half retaining ring on the housing can rotate and can form a closed retaining ring with the corresponding first half retaining ring to retain loose-leaf paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Inventor: Angel Hoi Ling Wong
  • Publication number: 20140050517
    Abstract: A disaster-safe document binder includes rigid frame components: a front cover panel, a back cover panel, a spine assembly, and an apron. The rigid frame components form a book-like structure sized to store documents. The spine assembly includes a plurality of mounting rods that extend across the width of the spine assembly and are removably and rotatably coupled to each support member of spine assembly. The mounting rods physically support documents hanging vertically downward from the linear mounting brackets. The spine assembly includes a locking bar or locking pin that slides within a channel of a support member of the spine assembly to release or close the mounting rods within the spine assembly. The disaster-safe document binder formed from a metal that will not rust, emit harmful gases, or stain or discolor documents contained therewithin. The disaster-safe document binder is sealed closed to control an internal micro-climate within the binder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: Enduro Binders, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Williams, Scott Williams, Michael Maune, Vincent Prejean
  • Patent number: 8573876
    Abstract: A ring binder mechanism for retaining loose-leaf pages securely holds closed ring members together to prevent inadvertent loss of pages retained by the mechanism. The mechanism comprises a housing supporting two hinge plates for pivoting motion to open and close paired ring members mounted on the plates. Free ends of the paired ring members have interlocking configurations that securely join together when the ring members close. The configurations prevent misalignment of the closed ring members in all directions transverse to longitudinal centerlines of the ring members. The mechanism also includes locking elements that interact with the hinge plates to block their pivoting motion when the ring members are closed. This holds the free ends of the closed paired ring members together so that the interlocking configurations of the ring members remain interengaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: World Wide Stationery Manufacturing Company, Limited
    Inventors: Hung Yu Cheng, Ho Ping Cheng, Chun Yuen To
  • Patent number: 8568052
    Abstract: A binder includes a back part disposed between ring parts, each of the ring parts being openable and closable. to constitute a binder. A penetration hole is formed at a portion of the ring parts intersecting with the back part, thereby allowing the binder to expand and contract to a certain degree in a longitudinal direction thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Max Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiichi Haramiishi, Masashi Shimamura
  • Publication number: 20120301211
    Abstract: A two-way moving structure of the paper folder contains a bottom plate, each including two grooves formed on two sides thereof respectively; two retaining members, each including an insertion and an abutting portion connecting with the insertion, the abutting portion including a receiving area formed on a bottom end thereof and an fastening rib fixed on an inner side of the receiving area; wherein the insertion of the retaining member is inserted into the groove of the bottom plate; two movable member, each including a side slab and at least one post extending outward from an inner side of the side slab, wherein the side slab includes a lock shaft, and the lock shaft of the movable member is placed in the receiving area of the retaining member and is abutted against by the fastening rib, and the two posts of the movable member are connected together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventor: Chun Yuan Chang
  • Patent number: 8192101
    Abstract: The present invention provides a folder binding device including a binding device main body part in which insertion holes are formed into which binding legs are inserted, operating parts which are attached to the binding device main body part in such a manner as to rotate on rotating projections at end portions thereof as fulcrums, and sliding parts adapted to slide on the binding device main body part, wherein the sliding parts are connected to the operating parts via hinge parts in such a manner as to be activated by rotary operations of the operating parts to slide on the binding device main body part, whereby both fastening and unfastening operations of binding legs are made simple and a stable fastening of the binding legs is enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Plus Stationery Corporation
    Inventors: Hideki Inoue, Mitsuru Wakabayashi
  • Patent number: 8083429
    Abstract: A modular locking binder system is disclosed having a channel is coupled to the binder spine. The channel has an open end and a constricted region. A channel block is located at the open end of said channel and is configured to block and unlock the channel opening. The modular locking binder system is configured to removably hold a document module within the channel. The document module includes a module spine having a widened portion configured to operatively engage and be restrained by the constricted region of the channel. By either obstructing or un-obstructing the channel with the channel block, it is possible to removeably secure the document module within the channel when the widened ends of the document module are operatively engaged and restrained by the constricted portions of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Esselte Corporation
    Inventor: Lauren Grassia
  • Patent number: 7806617
    Abstract: A document binding system for efficiently securing a plurality of documents together in a professional manner. The document binding system generally includes a first support including at least one post and a second support including at least one opening. The post extends outwardly from the first support and the opening extends through the second support. The post includes a plurality of teeth ending along an outer surface of the post and the opening includes a locking member extending within, wherein the locking member selectively engages at least one of the teeth to secure the first support to the second support, wherein a plurality of documents are preferably selectively secured between the first support and the second support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventor: James Ballidis
  • Publication number: 20100225101
    Abstract: In order to newly provide a folder that facilitates insertion of a document fastener into a narrow slit and that is improved in durability by making use of a property of a document fastener whose folded state can be kept due to resin, the document fastener is so arranged to comprise a plate material (a) made of resin having a body part (11) extending longitudinally and a pair of folded pieces (12) extending from the body part (11), wherein a thickness of both end portions (14) of the plate material (a) is formed to be thinner than a thickness of other portions of the plate material (a), a boundary(13) between the body part (11) and the folded piece (12) is made to be foldable, and the folded state on the boundary (13) can be kept by making use of the properties of the resin itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventors: Seiichi Koike, Yukinori Fujimoto
  • Publication number: 20100209176
    Abstract: A binder fitting 1 has a horizontal base plate 2; rod members 3 vertically fixed on the base plate 2; male screws 8 formed in portions of the peripheral surface of each rod member 3; a press member 4, which has guide holes where the rod members 3 are inserted to be slidable, respectively, and a press surface 10 that presses an object to be filed P, and which is vertically movable in parallel due to a guiding effect of the rod members 3 and the guide holes while angles formed with the press surface 10 and the rod members 3 are maintained at right angles, when pressing the object to be filed P; and operational nuts 5, which are screwed together with the screws 8 of the rod members 3, respectively, and which can press and drive the press member 4 toward the base plate 2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: Okamura Yugen Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshio Okamura
  • Publication number: 20090304436
    Abstract: A recyclable ring binder apparatus comprises a ring metal incorporating a set of binder rings that are formed of a pair of ring halves. The ring metal can be firmly fastened to a spine section of a binder hardcover by utilizing a post and a small arched snap clamp with a tap. The tap of the snap clamp can be pressed around a neck of the post utilizing a quick release clipping mechanism. The snap clamp can be accessed with an index finger and slid away from the post to remove the ring metal from the hardcover. The ring metal, the hardcover, the snap clamp and the post can be quickly separated into their perspective categories due to the clipping mechanism. Hence, it retains conformance of all components of the ring binder apparatus for recycling without increasing development and production cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Brian R. Brennan, Patrick H. Brennan
  • Patent number: 7413364
    Abstract: A releasable fastener for an album to permit insertion and removal of pages between the covers. The fastener has a pair of strap anchors each attached to one of the two covers and a strap passing between the anchors via aligned apertures in the covers and album pages. Each strap anchor is in the form of a channel in which the strap is a snap fit so that the strap is releasably locked into the channel and is restrained from longitudinal displacement by inter-engaging formations on the base of the channel and the opposing surface of the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventor: Stephen Grant
  • Patent number: 7341390
    Abstract: A loose-leaf binder has a back, a binder made of a flexible material and attached to the back and two end plugs mounted respectively in ends of the back. The back has two tracks, two side slots and a middle slot. The binder has multiple open rings having two ends. Each plug has two side tines and a middle tine. A notebook with the loose-leaf papers can be easily attached to or detached from the loose-leaf binder by attaching or detaching the open rings of the binder to punched holes in the notebook simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Inventor: Sun L Chang
  • Patent number: 7318684
    Abstract: This invention concerns a file mechanism for punched documents, comprising a base plate, two mutually spaced filing pins which stand up substantially vertically from the base plate, and a two-limbed transfer arch which is spaced from the filing pins and which is mounted limitedly pivotable between an open and a closed position about a horizontal axis approximately parallel to the base plate and comprises transfer limbs which with their free ends in the closed position contact in pairs the free ends of the filing pins, wherein the transfer limbs are actuable by way of an operating lever which is pivotably mounted to a mounting element projecting from the base plate, characterized in that there is provided at least one reinforcing element which connects the mounting element to the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Inventors: Günter Karl Schneider, Herbert Damhofer
  • Patent number: 7300222
    Abstract: A rotatable locking mechanism used with ring systems that open similarly to the rings of a binder. A ring system has rings each having two ring halves and hinged leaves connected to each other and attached to each ring half respectively. The locking mechanism on the ring system presses against the leaves to prevent the ring halves from opening. A lock for the rings can comprise an Allen screw or a similar rotatable device located at the cover over the hinged leaves of a binder or a flip chart holder. Ideally, the device has a lip or similar raised area so it is not removable from an aperture in the cover of a binder or a lockable flip chart holder. Locking the rings provides security so users cannot take pages out of a binder or a flip chart holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventors: Timothy S. Fanning, Timothy J. Engling
  • Patent number: 7207740
    Abstract: A paper fastener has a base piece with a pair of prongs which may be passed through a pair of keyed slots in a top piece and latched to the top piece to hold stacked papers together. Two latching covers hingedly extend from ends of the top piece. The prongs are folded inwardly against the top piece and the latching covers are folded over the prongs, and the prongs and the latching covers are engaged on a top surface of the top piece. Second teeth on downward facing sides of the folded latching covers engage first teeth on upward facing surfaces of the folded prongs, thereby preventing the prongs from sliding back through the keyed slots. The base piece and the top piece are disconnected by first releasing the latching covers, and then releasing the prongs, so that the top piece can be easily removed to add more pages to a stack of papers or to disassemble the stack of papers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: R. Sherman Baggett
  • Patent number: 7198422
    Abstract: A ring binder having flexible straps for lacing through holes in loose-leaf items having being bound, each strap having a clasp for clasping the strap to form it into rings of different size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: World Wide Stationery Manufacturing Company, Limited
    Inventors: Weng Io Ng, Hung Yu Cheng
  • Patent number: 7097378
    Abstract: An accessory for a writing board, a file or the like, characterized in that it at least consists of a holder (4) which can be provided to a file or the like (3) whereby this holder (4) works in conjunction with or can work in conjunction with a binding mechanism (5) of the type comprising elements over which documents (8) that are provided with openings (9) can be threaded on the one hand, and whereby this holder (4) can be manually attached to a file or the like (3) on the other hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Unibind (Cyprus) Limited
    Inventor: Guido Peleman
  • Patent number: 7077595
    Abstract: The present invention provides an unitary spine binder which comprises an elongated dorsal hinge bearing pairs of opposing and complementary male and female ring elements having known male fastener and female fastener, respectively. Each pair of ring elements also comprise a concave distal end on one element, and a complementary convex distal end on the other element. When the distal ends of the ring elements are moved towards each other, the male and female fasteners reversibly engage with each other so that each pair of ring elements, in cooperation with the dorsal hinge, forms substantially a ring to secure sheet paper by occupying a pre-punched hole in the paper. At the same time, the concave and convex distal ends also engage, so that the sidewalls of the concave distal end engages the convex distal end to protect the fasteners against disengagement by torsional and lateral forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: General Binding Corporation
    Inventor: Colin Knight
  • Patent number: 7073968
    Abstract: Ring binder mechanism with special pronged fasteners secured thereto for fastening it to a binder, the special fastener per se, and a method of making the fasteners involving sheet metal stamping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: World Wide Stationary Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun Yuen To, Weng Io Ng
  • Patent number: 7018125
    Abstract: A notebook device includes an intermediate connection member integrally coupled between a top and a bottom cover sheet members with folding lines. The intermediate connection member includes one or more bars and one or more straps coupled between the top and the bottom cover sheet members. The straps include a length greater than that of the bars, to form one or more curved or convex binder members between the top and the bottom cover sheet members. One or more sheet members may be attached to the intermediate connection member and retained between the top and the bottom cover sheet members with the binder member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Ken Jui Su
  • Patent number: 7001096
    Abstract: An apparatus for binding a stack of paper with at least one hole defined therein. The apparatus includes a male element having at least one post with a plurality of teeth. The post is configured to receive the stack of paper by threading the post through the hole. A female element with at least one aperture defined therein is placed substantially over the male element. The female aperture is structured to releasably engage at least one of the plurality of post teeth with sufficient grip to bind the stack of paper together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventor: Jere L. With
  • Patent number: 6899504
    Abstract: A binder 10 includes a base 15 formed with through passages 14 that allow binding legs 13 to pass through respectively, movable members 16 which are mounted on this base 15 and located at positions corresponding to the through passages 14 respectively, and an operating section 17 which connects these movable members 16 to each other and operates the movable members 16. Each movable member 16 is provided so as to open/close the respective through passage 14so that, in the state that the through passage 14 is closed, a binding force is given to the binding leg 13. The movable members 16 are synchronously movable between a position where the respective through passage 14 are closed and a position where the same is opened synchronously when the operating section 17 is operated in a predetermined manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Kokuyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takio Kiyomi
  • Patent number: 6739783
    Abstract: A binder comprises an operating member supported on a base, a pressing member movable toward and away from the base by the movement of the operating member, and locking means for locking the operating member when the pressing member is set in a binding position. The operating member has a first operating spot and a second operating spot, and the operating member is locked to hold the pressing member at the binding position when the first operating spot is pressed toward the surface of the base, and unlocked to move the pressing member away from the base when the second operating spot is operated similarly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Kokuyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayoshi Higashino, Seiichi Koike, Kenichi Izumi
  • Patent number: 6736563
    Abstract: An apparatus for binding a stack of paper with at least one hole defined therein. The apparatus includes a male element having at least one post with a plurality of teeth. The post is configured to receive the stack of paper by threading the post through the hole. A female element with at least one aperture defined therein is placed substantially over the male element. The female aperture is structured to releasably engage at least one of the plurality of post teeth with sufficient grip to bind the stack of paper together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: Jere L. With
  • Patent number: 6719475
    Abstract: A file paper adhesive fastening assembly has an engaging element for engaging an upper edge section of a support panel, and has a plurality of relatively small superposed flexible fastening pieces held together in a flap-like manner along their upper edges, and each fastening piece has an adhesive element at approximately the midsection of its undersurface for engaging and supporting the top edge section of a paper sheet to be mounted on the support panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: George A. Arkwright
  • Publication number: 20040052572
    Abstract: A post binder comprising: a post unit having upstanding posts positioned to receive the usual openings in loose-leaf pages and each having a series of paired sets of external groves in close succession up along the post; and a page retainer with keyhole openings which pass the posts when the retainer is slid down onto the post unit and which lock into post when the retainer is then shifted horizontally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Richard J. Peters
  • Patent number: 6666609
    Abstract: An updatable and lockable flip chart holder that can clip into the rail strip or channel of a shelf or fasten to a display at a retail store. The flip chart holder allows manufacturers or promoters of products that are sold at retail to create consumer, educational, or promotional flip charts that can easily and economically be updated by opening rings. The lockable flip chart has a panel, and attached to the panel is a ring system with each ring having two ring halves and hinged leaves connected to each other and attached to each ring half respectively. A locking mechanism on the ring system presses against the leaves to prevent the ring halves from opening. Locking the rings also provides security so consumers cannot take the pages out of the flip chart holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventor: Timothy S. Fanning
  • Patent number: 6666608
    Abstract: A loose-leaf file folder includes two covers, a spine made integrally with the covers, and a plurality of paper-holding sets, each set being formed of a shaft, a paper-holding stem, and a crossbar. The shaft and the stem are integrally made with one of the two covers such that the shaft and the stem are uprightly projected from a margin of the one of the two covers. The shaft and the stem are provided in a top end with a retaining hole. The crossbar is provided at two longitudinal ends with a retaining arm and is detachably joined with the shaft and the stem such that the two retaining arms of the crossbar are retained respectively and removably in the retaining holes of the shaft and the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventor: Chin-Liang Chen
  • Patent number: 6659676
    Abstract: A part recycle device of a document file includes two spaced first through holes formed in a clamping member, two spaced second through holes formed in a side wall of an outer plate, two screw members, a press plate, and two nuts. Each of the two screw members extends through one of the two spaced first through holes and one of the two spaced second through holes. The press plate has a first end face formed with two spaced third through holes, and a second end face provided with two spaced protruding rings each formed with a polygonal recess aligning with one of the two spaced third through holes. Each of the two nuts is received in the polygonal recess of one of the two spaced protruding rings of the press plate, and may be engaged with one of the two screw members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Zhi-Yuan Zheng
  • Publication number: 20030133742
    Abstract: A part recycle device of a document file includes two spaced first through holes formed in a clamping member, two spaced second through holes formed in a side wall of an outer plate, two screw members, a press plate, and two nuts. Each of the two screw members extends through one of the two spaced first through holes and one of the two spaced second through holes. The press plate has a first end face formed with two spaced third through holes, and a second end face provided with two spaced protruding rings each formed with a polygonal recess aligning with one of the two spaced third through holes. Each of the two nuts is received in the polygonal recess of one of the two spaced protruding rings of the press plate, and may be engaged with one of the two screw members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventor: Zhi-Yuan Zheng
  • Patent number: 6536981
    Abstract: A adjustable binder apparatus for holding papers or other sheet materials together in a manner that does not concentrate pressure on small areas of the paper. The adjustable binder apparatus includes a main member defining a gap for receiving a portion of sheet materials. A pressure assembly is mounted in the gap of the main member, and is slidably movable in the gap for abutting against a portion of sheet materials when the sheet materials are inserted into the gap. The pressure assembly is releasably securable to the central portion of the main member such that spacing between the pressure assembly and one of the side portions of the main member is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Ganiyu Ishola
  • Publication number: 20030053849
    Abstract: Ring binder mechanism with special pronged fasteners secured thereto for fastening it to a binder, the special fastener per se, and a method of making the fasteners involving sheet metal stamping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: World Wide Stationery Manufacturing Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun Yuen To, Weng Io Ng
  • Publication number: 20030031502
    Abstract: For binding a stack of perforated sheets, an elongated binding element having separable stacking pins disposed on the binding elements to separate and fix the positions of the binding elements. The stacking pins are preferably in the form of nesting pins disposed at opposite ends of an elongated spine of the binding element to maintain the binding element in a stable position relative to surrounding binding elements. Nested or stacked binding elements may be so utilized in automatic binding processes such that the stacking pins may be severed from the binding element either before, during, or after the binding process itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Wayne H. Rothschild
  • Publication number: 20030026643
    Abstract: A ring binder mechanism adapted to be secured to a base member, and having a substantially rigid upper member having a substantially straight lateral edge along substantially its entire length and wherein the upper member supports a pair of pivotable lower members to which a plurality of pairs of respective half-ring members are secured and wherein the pivotable members are pivotably movable between a first position in which the pairs of half-ring members are closed and a second position in which the pairs of half-ring members are open and wherein at least one of the half-ring members of each pair has a lower portion disposed outwardly of and closely adjacent the lateral edge of the upper member when the pairs of half-ring members are in the first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Chun Yuen To
  • Patent number: 6514000
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Univenture, Inc.
    Inventors: Ross O. Youngs, George W. Manzke, Roger J. Gerdeman, James L. Weatherford
  • Patent number: 6461070
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Inventor: David R. Rew
  • Patent number: 6447196
    Abstract: A fastening sheet assembly for attaching flat sheets to a backing panel has a releasable contact adhesive on its under-surface, and an integral disengaging member which is used to lift the low tack contact adhesive clear of the surface to which it is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventor: George A. Arkwright
  • Publication number: 20020098030
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a ring binder assembly that includes a cover, a ring mechanism and a means to removably secure the cover to the ring mechanism. The removable securing means includes a pair of removable rivets. The removable rivets may in a first embodiment include a pair of resilient tail members that can be pinched together in order to pass through openings in the cover and the ring mechanism. The resilient tail members tend to have a diameter larger then the openings such that when the resilient tail members pass through the openings, the resilient tail members return to their larger diameter configuration. This permits a consumer or user with the ability to disassemble the components of the ring binder assembly and interchange these components with new components similarly configured. The user may then customize and personalize the ring binder assembly to their own specifications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventor: Stephen R. Welch
  • Patent number: 6386784
    Abstract: A hardcover binder that can be interchanged with a variety of binding mechanisms. A binding mechanism is removably mounted in the binder hardcover allowing for removal of the binding mechanism for recycling or replacement of the binding mechanism or binder hardcover. The hardcover has a pair of interior pockets that are offset from and open towards the hardcover's spine. The invention comes with a pair of inserts that can be perforated and integrated with binding mechanisms such as plastic comb or spiral. In the case of a 3-ring binding mechanism, the inserts can be affixed to the binding mechanism or the binding mechanism can be mounted on a single section of insert material resulting in two insert flaps that function the same as the inserts. The inserts (or flaps) are removably inserted and fit snugly into the interior pockets to anchor the binding mechanism against the spine and between the hardcover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Paul Edward Ruble
  • Patent number: 6361235
    Abstract: A device for binding together a stack of document sheets and optionally for depositing such a bound stack in a file with a filing mechanism, comprising a base plate to be disposed below the document stack, a cover plate to be disposed on the document stack, at least one flexible binding tongue strip which is fixable and/or fixed to the base plate and whose two binding tongues, for the purpose of binding together the document sheets, are threaded through paired perforations in the document stack and the cover plate and are bent back at the ends on to the cover plate above the document stack, as well as at least one cover rail mountable on the cover plate, including the binding tongue ends, with undercuts on the longitudinal edges for encompassing the longitudinal edges of the cover plate, whereby the cover rail is divided into two in its longitudinal direction, so that the two parts are mountable from opposite end faces on the cover plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Inventor: Gert Riedrich
  • Publication number: 20010028822
    Abstract: A notebook including a plurality of sheets, each sheet having a width, an inner edge and a tear guide line that extends generally parallel to and spaced apart from an inner edge of the sheet. The notebook further includes at least one divider pocket having a pocket having a width substantially equal to the width of the sheets. Each sheet can be torn along its tear guide line to produce a torn sheet having a width significantly less than the width of the at least one pocket such that a number of torn sheets can be received in the at least one pocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: Marc L. Moor
  • Patent number: 6270280
    Abstract: The invention relates to a unitary spine binder for securing a stack of sheets, which comprises a dorsal part (3, 4, 5) from which spaced fingers (1, 11) extend to form loops. The individual fingers are arranged in two sections (1, 11) lying opposite one another on this dorsal part (3, 4), the dorsal part (3, 4, 5) forming a hinge between the finger sections (1, 11). The end (12) of at least one of the first finger elements (1) remote from its dorsal part is equipped with a push button (7); the end (22) of the second finger element (11) remote from its dorsal part and lying opposite the first finger element is equipped with an opening (10) essentially complementary to the push button (7), and which is adapted to receive the push button (7). In this way, a simple spine binder is created which does not require the use of additional binding devices. Sheets can be removed from the spine binder or newly inserted into it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Ibico Trading GmbH
    Inventor: Manfred Baumann
  • Patent number: 6217246
    Abstract: A two-piece paper fastener includes a prong base with two prongs extending from two ends of a top surface of the prong base. Each of two sides of the prong base has a first flange folded toward a bottom surface so as to define a rounded side. A compressor with two holes through which the two prongs extend and two retainers are slidably mounted to the compressor. Each of two sides of the compressor has a second flange folded toward a bottom surface of the compressor so as to define a rounded side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Chung Cheng Yu
  • Patent number: 6200057
    Abstract: A storage device for retaining one or more sheet items for access by a user. The storage device has a storage device cover including front and rear panels, and contains one or more first binding members which receive 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 generally parallel with the rear panel to a second position generally parallel with the front panel. Alternatively, the storage device includes a single panel that carries the first and second binding members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Univenture, Inc.
    Inventors: Ross O. Youngs, James L. Weatherford, Roger J. Gerdeman
  • Patent number: 6179332
    Abstract: A copy safe binder is disclosed. The binder includes a cover member including a coupling flap and a cover panel linked by a first fold line. The binder further includes a coupling member associated with the coupling flap for attaching loose sheets thereto. The cover panel is provided with a security strip secured to the cover panel adjacent to the fold line for preventing access to the coupling member for the removal of loose sheets from the binder without destroying a fully assembled binder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: James D. Funkhouser
  • Patent number: 6174100
    Abstract: A binding assembly includes first and second sheet retaining members which are releasably attached to a base member by first and second latching mechanisms. The sheet retaining members include a pair of side members which support a pair of pins and tubes onto which sheets of paper or other materials are placed. Each of the side members includes an engaging rod which is receivable in a channel provided in the base member to retain the sheet retaining members to the base member. Each of the latching mechanisms are independently pivotable about an axis perpendicular to the pins and tubes from a retaining position where the sheet retaining members are constrained to the base member, to a releasing position where the sheet retaining members may be detached from the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Leco Stationery Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun Ming Song
  • Patent number: 6168337
    Abstract: The pliable, readily flattenable loop binder for retaining loose-leaf sheets has a mounting strip with an elongated spine, an adhesive on the back of the spine, and a removable liner over the adhesive. Paired transversely aligned loop-forming elements project outward from opposing longitudinal edges of the spine. Off one edge are pliable and readily bendable straps. Off the other edge are strap receivers. The strap of a pair is threaded through a punched hole of punched paper and drawn over the spine and then threaded through its receiver so that the back surface of the strap faces the back surface of the receiver. Each loop formed by a pair of loop-forming elements is teardrop in contour and is flattenable toward the front surface of the spine with a single folded bend in said strap. Locking structures on straps engage the receivers to resist shifting of straps in their receivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Inventor: F. Kendall Adams